Podcast Category: Pediatric Oncology

Ep 33: A Novel Life: Writing New Chapters After a Childhood Cancer Diagnosis

This is Cancer: Ep: 33 – A Novel Life: Writing New Chapters After a Childhood Cancer Diagnosis

Featuring David Wilson, MD; Debra Spoljaric, RN, MSNP; and Jenna, a cancer survivor

It’s hard not to compare Jenna’s life story to a novel. At age 15, she and her world were upended by lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. As words like biopsy, chemo and radiation therapy became daily realities, her high school sweetheart, Colton, remained steadfast at her side, and her mother, Theresa, meticulously advocated for her care. Even after a relapse, Jenna was inspired by her oncology team at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital to stay the course. Motivated by her care providers, Jenna later pursued a career of her own in nursing, married Colton and, after giving birth to a daughter and a son, became a nurse in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – again inspired by the care providers in her life. This episode features Jenna alongside her mother, Theresa, her WashU Medicine pediatric oncologist, David Wilson, MD, and nurse practitioner Debra Spoljaric, RN, MSNP, who leads Siteman Cancer Center’s Lifelong Outcomes Clinic for survivors of childhood cancer. Jenna shares examples of courage, resilience and love — and the promise of a storybook ending.

About This Episode

It’s hard not to compare Jenna’s life story to a novel. At age 15, she and her world were upended by lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. As words like biopsy, chemo and radiation therapy became daily realities, her high school sweetheart, Colton, remained steadfast at her side, and her mother, Theresa, meticulously advocated for her care. Even after a relapse, Jenna was inspired by her  oncology team at Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital to stay the course.

Motivated by her care providers, Jenna later pursued a career of her own in nursing, married Colton and, after giving birth to a daughter and a son, became a nurse in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – again inspired by the care providers in her life. This episode features Jenna alongside her mother, Theresa, her WashU Medicine pediatric oncologist, David Wilson, MD, and nurse practitioner Debra Spoljaric, RN, MSNP, who leads Siteman Cancer Center’s Lifelong Outcomes Clinic for survivors of childhood cancer. Jenna shares examples of courage, resilience and love — and the promise of a storybook ending.

“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Wash U Medicine, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.

Ep 22: Sidelined by Sarcoma: A Teen Athlete’s Resolve to Get Back on the Field

This is Cancer – Episode 22: Sidelined by Sarcoma: A Teen Athlete’s Resolve to Get Back on the Field

Featuring Dr. Amy Armstrong; Thomas, a cancer survivor; and Amelia, a mother

In January of his senior year of high school, Thomas was stretching and noticed a painless bump on his right hamstring. The three-sport athlete thought nothing of it. But by spring, the lump had grown to the size of a baseball. Thomas was immediately directed to Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where Washington University pediatric oncologist Dr. Amy Armstrong confirmed the mass was a sarcoma. Listen as Thomas; his mom, Amelia; and Dr. Armstrong describe the long, intense treatment plan that delayed his plans for college football and the mental grit and community it took to return to the sport he loved. Thomas also shares advice for other young athletes in similar situations.

About This Episode

In January of his senior year of high school, Thomas was stretching and noticed a painless bump on his right hamstring. The three-sport athlete thought nothing of it. But by spring, the lump had grown to the size of a baseball. Thomas was immediately directed to Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where Washington University pediatric oncologist Dr. Amy Armstrong confirmed the mass was a sarcoma. Listen as Thomas; his mom, Amelia; and Dr. Armstrong describe the long, intense treatment plan that delayed his plans for college football and the mental grit and community it took to return to the sport he loved. Thomas also shares advice for other young athletes in similar situations.

“This is Cancer” is brought to you by Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, and produced at Spot Content Studio in St. Louis, MO.