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The Cancering ShowAuthor: Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce
A podcast about cancering. Seeing cancer as a part of life that touches every person and community is todays reality and the spark for this podcast. Cancer is just something that we ALL have to recognize, acknowledge, cope with, live with, struggle with, rage upon, crush and even thrive with. This show is more than knowing and fighting or beating cancer. It's more than just relaying science, hope and technology. It's a platform for knowledge, stories, coping advice, life tips, inspiration, humor, jokes and even smiles. Together our purpose is to demystify cancer. Take away as much fear out of the diagnosis, treatment and process as we can. Defeat its grip on our lives. This is The Cancering Show. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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From Doctor To Patient with Dr. Thomas Butler
Episode 68
Wednesday, 14 May, 2025
In this episode, Dr. JYP welcomes back Dr. Thomas Butler, a seasoned oncologist who specializes in supportive oncology. Dr. Butler shares his journey from humble beginnings and a fascination with science to a career in cancer care, emphasizing the importance of addressing both the physical and emotional needs of patients. He discusses the distinction between palliative and supportive care, advocating for an approach that supports patients throughout their cancer journey — not just at the end of life. Dr. Butler also offers personal insights from his own cancer diagnosis, reflecting on what he has learned regarding trust, honesty, spirituality, and quality of life. Listeners will hear practical advice for navigating cancer care and the value of a compassionate, team-based approach. 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Supportive care in oncology is essential and distinct from palliative care Dr. Butler emphasizes the importance of supportive care, which focuses on alleviating the complications and side effects of cancer and its treatments. Unlike palliative care, which is often associated with end-of-life scenarios, supportive care is meant for patients at any stage of their cancer journey. Its goal is to address not just physical symptoms like pain and fatigue, but also emotional needs, ensuring patients don't have to suffer unnecessarily while undergoing treatment. 2. The value of listening and building trust between doctor and patient A recurring theme throughout the conversation is the critical role trust and honest communication play in cancer care. Dr. Butler encourages patients to be open about their symptoms and concerns, highlighting that withholding information for fear of losing treatment options can hinder proper care. The relationship between oncologists and patients should be built on mutual respect and understanding, with doctors aiming to know the person and not just the disease. 3. Personal experience deepens provider empathy and influences care Dr. Butler shares his journey from being an oncologist to becoming a cancer patient, which has profoundly impacted his outlook and practice. Experiencing cancer firsthand gave him a new perspective on the reality of side effects, the emotional burden of a diagnosis, and the importance of quality of life. This dual perspective has made him even more empathetic toward his patients and has reinforced his commitment to providing compassionate, holistic care where comfort and patient wishes are the top priorities.
