Podcast
Cancer Covered
Hosted by Green Bay Oncology · EN
The practice of cancer medicine is complex and demanding. And like anything that takes practice, we’ll spend our whole lives trying to get it right. In each episode, the white coats come off as the dedicated men and women who take on cancer every day unpack the complexities of their work and share stories of how it’s done—and why they keep at it.
25episodes
Episodes
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CAR T-cell Therapy: From “Dead Man Walking” to Living Proof
3w ago00:55:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode hematologist-oncologists Dr. Kamal Abbi and Dr. Brad Heraly invite Alan Frey to the studio to discuss how CAR T-cell therapy is changing the future of blood cancer treatment. Alan shares his deeply personal journey battling chronic lymphocytic leukemia, including the moment he realized traditional therapies were no longer working and how CAR T therapy ultimately gave him another chance at life. “Without CAR T, I wouldn’t be here. It gave me another chance.”— Alan Frey On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn:• What CAR T-cell therapy is and how it uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer• How CAR T differs from traditional chemotherapy and radiation treatments• Why CAR T therapy is becoming an important option for blood cancer patients• What patients can expect during the CAR T treatment and recovery process• How side effects like cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity are monitored and managed• Why movement, hydration and nutrition play a major role during recovery• How perseverance and mindset can help patients through intensive treatment• Why physicians believe CAR T therapies may continue moving earlier into treatment plans in the future We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/
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What to Expect During Breast Cancer Surgery & Recovery: Your Care Team Every Step of the Way
May 300:25:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Cancer Covered, breast surgical oncologist Dr. Judy Tjoe and nurse practitioner Mikayla Petzke continue their conversation about what patients can expect after surgery and how team-based care helps patients feel supported every step of the way. They explain how preparation before surgery improves recovery afterward, how simple tools like support garments and heart-shaped pillows make a real difference and why ongoing follow-up care remains essential long after treatment ends. “All patients that come through our doors are always going to be taken care of. We don’t believe in abandonment. I promise that I will be with you every step of the way.”— Mikayla Petzke, NP On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: What patients can expect in the first hours and days after breast cancer surgery How surgical teams help manage postoperative discomfort at home Why axillary support pillows can significantly reduce underarm pain after lymph node procedures How emotional support continues after surgery, even when treatment milestones are complete What the advanced practice provider role looks like before, during and after surgery How team-based care improves communication, efficiency and patient confidence Why survivorship care continues long after surgery is finished How ongoing access to your surgical team helps patients feel supported through recovery and beyond We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/
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What to Expect After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Your Surgical Team & First Decisions
Apr 1900:19:07Tap to summarizeAdvanced practice providers play an essential role in helping patients move from diagnosis to treatment with clarity and support. In this episode of Cancer Covered, breast surgical oncologist Dr. Judy Tjoe and nurse practitioner Mikayla Petzke of Green Bay Oncology explain how they work together to guide patients through the early stages of a breast cancer diagnosis and surgical decision-making, helping patients understand their options, process complex information and feel supported from the first phone call through survivorship care. “Our goal is to minimize the amount of time that the patient feels alone to navigate this new cancer diagnosis.”— Dr. Judy Tjoe On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: How a breast surgical oncologist and nurse practitioner partner to support patients from diagnosis through surgery and follow-up care Why early outreach after diagnosis helps patients feel more confident and prepared for their first consultation How informed shared decision making helps patients choose between surgical options that are medically equivalent What role support people play during consultations and why they’re included from the very beginning How advanced practice providers can help patients process information and questions after the surgeon leaves the room Mikayla and Dr. Tjoe bring up the illustrations that Dr. Tjoe does with patients to help explain their cancer diagnosis and what it means for their treatment options. Here are some real examples of what those illustrations look like: If you liked learning about how Dr. Tjoe and Mikayla work together in caring for breast cancer patients, you may also like: Patient story: “A 15 Out of 10”: Judy’s Breast Cancer Journey with Dr. Judy Tjoe Podcast: Dr. Judy Tjoe on Breast Cancer Treatment Innovations and Patient Care We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/
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Is Chemo Worse than Cancer?
Apr 600:25:19Tap to summarizeChemotherapy is one of the most recognized and most feared cancer treatments. In this episode of Cancer Covered, Dr. Edgard Badine, Dr. Kamal Abbi, and Dr. Matthew Ryan of Green Bay Oncology unpack one of the most common concerns patients share after a diagnosis: is chemotherapy worse than the cancer itself? Together, they explain how modern chemotherapy has changed, why supportive care has dramatically improved the patient experience, and how treatment decisions today are highly personalized to balance effectiveness with quality of life. “With appropriate use of treatment and supportive care, the quality of life is actually better on treatment than just letting an advanced cancer grow unchecked.”— Dr. Matthew Ryan On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: Why fears about chemotherapy are often shaped by outdated experiences from decades ago How modern anti-nausea medications, dosing strategies, and supportive care have transformed treatment The difference between chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies and why patients sometimes group them together How oncologists personalize treatment plans based on cancer type, genetics, and patient priorities Why saying no to chemotherapy can sometimes be the right medical decision and how doctors help patients weigh that choice thoughtfully We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/
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Is Cancer a Death Sentence?
Mar 2200:24:36Tap to summarizeDr. Edgard Badine, Dr. Kamal Abbi and Dr. Matthew Ryan of Green Bay Oncology unpack one of the most common fears patients face after a cancer diagnosis: Is this a death sentence? The physicians discuss why that perception still lingers and how advances in screening, treatment and supportive care have changed what a cancer diagnosis often means today. They also explain how oncologists guide patients through the uncertainty of early visits and why reframing the conversation from fear of death to understanding the plan can help restore a sense of control. “Maybe it ends in death. But that applies to many diseases. The real question becomes: what’s the plan, and what are we hoping for?”— Dr. Edgard Badine On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: Why the “death sentence” myth persists: How experiences from the 1970s and 1980s—and portrayals in media—continue to shape public perception of cancer today. How cancer outcomes have improved: From early detection and better imaging to targeted therapies and immunotherapy, physicians discuss the advances that have significantly lowered cancer mortality. Why statistics can be misleading: Doctors explain how survival numbers are averages, why they often lag behind current treatments, and how patients should interpret them. What better questions patients can ask: Instead of focusing only on mortality, asking about treatment options, quality of life, and the plan moving forward. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/
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From Patient to Professor: Dr. Brian Merkel and the Transplant Ripple Effect
Mar 800:20:52Tap to summarizeDr. Fred Appelbaum, Executive Vice President of Fred Hutch Cancer Center, joins Green Bay Oncology physicians Dr. Brian Burnette, Dr. Kamal Abbi, and Dr. Evan Wenig, along with Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, to reflect on one of the earliest eras of bone marrow transplantation through the eyes of both patient and physician. Dr. Merkel recounts his leukemia diagnosis at age 18, the reality of informed consent, and the life-or-death decisions that shaped not only his survival, but his future as a scientist and educator. Together, the group explores how transplantation has evolved—from isolation wards and experimental protocols to outpatient care, clearer communication, and a deeper understanding of the human experience of treatment. “I was prepared to die. I really was. But I was determined to live and to do what was necessary for my part to make that happen.”— Dr. Brian Merkel On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: What “informed consent” really means: Why understanding risk intellectually is different from living through it—and why family conferences can be one of the hardest parts of the transplant process. How communication reduces fear: The physicians discuss how explaining why treatments are given—using stories, analogies, and repetition—can significantly lower patient anxiety. The role of trust and self-advocacy: From choosing a transplant center to speaking up when something doesn’t feel right, patient confidence and agency matter. How transplantation shaped modern cancer care: Early transplant research laid the groundwork for today’s cellular therapies, including CAR-T, and continues to influence the future of oncology. This episode is the final of a three-part series. Listen to the rest of the conversation here: Part 1: A History of Stem Cell Transplantation Part 2: The Leukemia Patient Experience
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The Leukemia Patient Experience
Feb 2300:18:47Tap to summarizeDr. Fred Appelbaum, Executive Vice President of Fred Hutch Cancer Center, joins Green Bay Oncology physicians Dr. Brian Burnette, Dr. Kamal Abbi, and Dr. Evan Wenig, along with Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. Together, they discuss how the patient experience of leukemia treatment has changed—and where it’s headed. From the psychological toll of isolation to the groundbreaking role of artificial intelligence in drug design, this conversation explores how clear communication, family support, and scientific persistence are giving new hope to patients and their families. “Transplantation is a family affair. It is not something that patients go and do by themselves. It involves everyone, and it is getting safer and safer.”— Dr. Fred Appelbaum On this episode of Cancer Covered, you will learn: Why patients can feel isolated: Many patients, especially young adults, experience emotional isolation during treatment. The doctors discuss why this happens and how families can help close that gap. The importance of self-advocacy: Patients are encouraged to ask questions, speak up, and act as their own advocates so they feel informed and comfortable at every stage of care. How doctors communicate complex information: Physicians often rely on analogies and repeated explanations—what they call “continuous education”—to help patients absorb difficult information during stressful moments. What’s next in cellular therapy: Transplant research laid the foundation for CAR-T cell therapy. Today, artificial intelligence is being used to design new drugs that may one day cure autoimmune diseases—and even HIV. This episode is the second of a three-part series. Listen to the rest of the conversation here: Part 1: A History of Stem Cell Transplantation Part 3: From Patient to Professor: Dr. Brian Merkel and the Transplant Ripple Effect
Transcribe →A History of Stem Cell Transplantation
Feb 800:38:41Tap to summarizeDr. Fred Appelbaum, Executive Vice President of Fred Hutch Cancer Center, joins Green Bay Oncology physicians Dr. Brian Burnette, Dr. Kamal Abbi, and Dr. Evan Wenig, along with Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, to reflect on the bold and uncertain early days of stem cell transplantation and how that work reshaped the treatment of leukemia. From experimental procedures in the 1970s to today’s highly refined transplant and cellular therapies, this conversation traces how risk, collaboration, and perseverance laid the foundation for modern cancer care. “Whoever saves a life, saves the world. And when you sit with a patient, you have to remember that you could just as easily be on the other side of the table.” ~ Dr. Fred Appelbaum On this episode of Cancer Covered, you will learn: How stem cell transplantation began: What leukemia treatment looked like in the early 1980s, why early transplant attempts were considered radical, and how researchers pushed forward despite skepticism and failure. From last resort to standard of care: How advances in supportive care, donor matching, and clinical trials transformed transplantation from an experimental gamble into a life-saving option for many patients. The human ripple effect of innovation: How Dr. Brian Merkel’s own experience as a teenage transplant patient led him to a career in science and teaching, and how survivorship continues to shape future generations of physicians and researchers. Collaboration that changed medicine: Why breakthroughs in transplantation required not just oncologists, but infectious disease specialists, researchers, patients, and families working together over decades. Ethics, empathy, and trust: How physicians navigate risk, hope, and informed consent when treatments are complex, demanding, and deeply personal. This episode is the first of a three-part series. Listen to the rest of the conversation here: Part 2: The Leukemia Patient Experience Part 3: From Patient to Professor: Dr. Brian Merkel and the Transplant Ripple Effect We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | Pandora | Spotify | iHeart | TuneIn | Podcast Index Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/
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A Partner in Care: Meet Dr Harsha Poola
Jan 2600:09:24Tap to summarizeMedical oncologist and hematologist Dr. Harsha Poola discusses his journey from a small town in southern India to joining Green Bay Oncology. He shares how witnessing his parents’ dedication to their patients and his own family’s experience with a cancer diagnosis shaped his holistic, patient-centered approach to medicine. “I strongly believe that the paternalistic approach to medicine is no longer valid. The days of a doctor telling you what to do and what not to do are not entirely appropriate anymore. I strongly believe in being a partner to my patients.” ~ Dr. Harsha Poola On this episode of “Cancer Covered,” you will learn: A legacy of care: How growing up as the son of two physicians in India inspired a lifelong commitment to medicine and the importance of being an “extended part” of a patient’s family. The “cheerleader” philosophy: Why Poola views himself as a partner and advocate rather than just a prescriber, emphasizing a collaborative process that factors in a patient’s values, goals and existing medical conditions. The impact of immunotherapy: An exploration of how modern advancements are changing outcomes for patients, while acknowledging the complexity of managing side effects and autoimmune considerations. Beyond the white coat: A look at Poola’s life outside the clinic, from his childhood admiration for Michael Jordan to his “off the beaten path” family adventures hiking Machu Picchu and exploring the Bolivian salt flats. We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/
Transcribe →Survivorship and Living with Cancer
Jan 1200:39:47Tap to summarizeMedical oncologists Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Kamal Abbi discuss how to bridge the gap between finishing treatment and finding a new normal. They dive into the overlooked complexities of survivorship, exploring how the end of clinical care often marks the beginning of a different, more personal battle with anxiety, physical recovery, and the shifting identity of life after a diagnosis. “We can sometimes get people to that spot where they don’t actually look at cancer as having been a bad thing for them. They may actually live longer and live better after cancer because they’ve made better health choices and better lifestyle choices moving forward with their life.” – Dr. Brian Burnette On this episode of Cancer Covered, you’ll learn: The survivorship cliff: An honest look at the transition from active treatment to surveillance, why it can be an anxiety-provoking state for patients and how the care team works to ensure no one feels abandoned. Reframing the fear of recurrence: Dr. Burnette and Dr. Abbi discuss how they manage the “waiting for the other shoe to drop” mentality by providing realistic contexts for recurrence and treating cancer as a manageable chronic disease. Addressing the unmet needs: A candid discussion on the physical recovery process, including often-taboo topics like sexual health, intimacy, and the importance of clinical trials like GEM-S and FoRtitude in enhancing long-term quality of life. The power of perspective: How a diagnosis often leads to a refocusing of priorities, where patients may find themselves living more intentionally and happily than before their diagnosis. Helpful links Clinical trials exploring ways to improve cancer survivorship: Geriatric Evaluation and Management With Survivorship Health Education for Older Survivors of Cancer, GEM-S Trial (GEM-S) A Targeted Electronic Health Approach to Reduce Fear of Recurrence in Breast Cancer Survivors (FoRtitude) (FoRtitude) E-Mindfulness Approaches for Living After Breast Cancer (HEAL-ABC) LIVESTRONG at the YMCA We’ve Got Cancer…Covered. Thanks for tuning into this week’s Cancer Covered with Green Bay Oncology episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. Apple Podcasts | GooglePlay |Deezer | Spotify | iHeart Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media to help us reach more oncology professionals, cancer patients, and their families. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more exclusive content and information, visit our website. Join Our Free Monthly Support GroupNo one should carry the burden of cancer alone. A cancer diagnosis can make you and your loved ones feel isolated and alone – just when you need support the most.Our social workers at Green Bay Oncology know that meaningful connection brings strength and healing. Sharing the experience in a safe space with others on a similar path is often powerful and therapeutic.That’s why we offer a free monthly virtual and in-person cancer support group facilitated for you and your loved ones. Wherever you are on your cancer journey – you are always welcome. To join us, visit: https://gboncology.com/events/
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