Our Cancer Journey Podcast

About This Episode:In the early fall of 2022, after many scans and multiple opinions from healthcare providers, Bruce's latest cancer diagnosis was confirmed, but with ambiguity that would not be resolved in the near future. When a definitive medical plan of action that included regularly scheduled rotating exams and scans was finally laid out by his doctors, Bruce announced his own definitive plan of action. He was leaving the country.Just a few days after his final defining diagnosis and assessment, Bruce boarded a plane for Asia. He stepped away from the podcast for a period of time to reflect and assess where he wanted to be in what he wanted his life to look like.Bruce followed his heart and the call of adventure to the country of Thailand where he spent over a month touring this magical country, and now is spending time in Thailand's Northern regions, considered the spiritual center of Thai culture.There will be many more stories your intrepid show Host will share in the future, as well as new episodes of the Our Cancer Journey Podcast. In the meantime, Bruce would like to thank everybody for holding space for him, the loving and supportive comments he's received in the last many months, and the understanding and acceptance from his listeners, readers, and loved ones that know one thing above all when it comes to their friend. For Bruce, There is No Time Like the Present to respond to the Call to Adventure.HEAR the Episodes about Bruce's Cancer Diagnosis and his Person Reflections#022 – Learning About New Cancer Diagnosis – Recorded Live – Bruce Watkins#021 - Cancer Returns - The Strength of Vulnerability - Bruce Watkins ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast!The improbably positive and upbeat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics, and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we want to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!! CLICK HERE to HEAR the Season 2 Trailer!Episode Host: Bruce WatkinsA Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all. After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back. https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/https://www.brucewatkins.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/About the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, and their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life. The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/ Follow Our Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcastSubscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/

About This Episode:Cancer Patient Advocate Joe Bullock returns for the second installment of his interview with the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins. This episode picks up from where Part-1 of our interview with Joe left off ( #009 – From Caregiver, to Surviving Cancer, to Patient Support Advocate Part 1 – Joe Bullock ).In this episode, Joe and Bruce discuss the challenges of being a caregiver for an estranged parent, how Joe overcame those barriers to provide meaningful support to his father, and how Joe found forgiveness and strength in his heart. When cancer arrived in Joe's life, he use those lessons from being a caregiver to help ensure his relationship with his spouse and his children was as healthy as possible. Joe also shares the challenges he faced as a typical man in dealing with the uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis.Surprisingly, this episode is exceptionally positive, so much so that host Bruce Watkins and Joe laugh almost continuously through the show at the absurdity an irony of many of the situations cancer patients face. The end of the episode introduces Joe's motivation to get involved with helping others. In an upcoming episode, Joe will return to discuss how he became involved with the Man Up to Cancer patient advocacy support group, and his passion for helping pediatric cancer patients and their families.Hear Episode #009 - PART-1 of the OCJ Podcast interview with Joe Bullock:https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2021/06/08/009-from-caregiver-to-surviving-cancer-to-patient-support-advocate-part-1-joe-bullock/References and Resources mentioned in this Episode:Man Up To Cancer - The Howling Place Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/manuptocancer/Man Up To Cancer Podcast with Trevor Maxwell: https://manuptocancer.captivate.fm/Colontown: https://colontown.org/We Have Cancer Podcast with Lee Silverstein: https://wehavecancershow.com/ Episode Host: Bruce WatkinsA Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all. After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back. https://www.brucewatkins.comAbout the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, and their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life. The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/Follow Our Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcastSubscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/

About This Episode:After being diagnosed with a Stage-3 Head and Neck cancer and surviving the initial surgeries, the radiation regimen, and the grueling months of recovery that followed, after months of testing and retesting, Bruce finally received a NED assessment from his medical team.  Bruce remained cancer free for more than 5 years, until just days ago.Late on a summer’s day as midnight was fast approaching, for some inexplicable reason Bruce felt compelled to check his health care portal. He had just days before received an extensive MRI of his middle pelvis area, the scan that was meant to investigate a nagging hip injury, but also would provide clear images of his prostate gland. Although prostate cancer had been present in Bruce's family history, Bruce had repeatedly tested negative and showed no typical signs of emerging prostate cancer.Be sure to listen to Episode #021 too, where Bruce tells the very personal story of the unrelated series of events that led him to finally reach out to ask for a sign and a “Push” to help him to become a stronger and more vulnerable person. Hours after making this request, standing alone in a remote area near a forest, Bruce read the unexpected news that cancer had arrive in his life again. Bruce grabbed a handheld recorder and captured a live recording of his reactions and revelations to the news in a raw and unguarded way never heard on this program before. It's unbridled, unpolished, and totally uninhibited. CLICK HERE to LISTEN to: #021 – Cancer Returns – The Strength of Vulnerability – Bruce WatkinsANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast!The improbably positive and up-beat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we had to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!! CLICK HERE to LISTEN to: #014 Season 2 Trailer for the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce WatkinsEpisode Host: Bruce WatkinsA Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all. After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back. https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/https://www.brucewatkins.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/About the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, and their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life. The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/ Follow Our Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcastSubscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/

About This Episode:Over a recent several-week period, Our Cancer Journey Podcast Host Bruce Watkins underwent a handful of routine exams and a few additional tests for some small nominal health issues. The surprising results from one of those tests reported that cancer had returned to Bruce’s life. The episode that immediately follows this podcast ( Episode #022 ), contains a live recording of the moments immediately after Bruce learned of one of two potential new cancer diagnoses. In this recording, Bruce discusses his reactions and revelations to the news in a raw and unguarded way never heard on this program before.This episode, #021, tells of the time leading up to this new cancer diagnosis. This story, however, is not about cancer. In this episode, Bruce shares how he, like many of us, lived a life that was guarded and not open in ways that affected many aspects of his life. He held back information about himself and his personal story, and he resisted asking for help and support from others. At the encouragement of many supporters, and at the urging of his own heart, Bruce finally found the courage to reach for the strength of vulnerability.In this highly-personal episode, Bruce shares how he finally broke down and asked for help, and the story of the “Push” he received that helped him to risk the change. A thunderstorm rolls in during the recording as if to add emphasis to the story, and to reinforce that a Push can happen for us all. LISTEN to the Follow-Up Episode of this Podcast:#022 – Learning About New Cancer Diagnosis – Recorded Live – Bruce WatkinsANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast!The improbably positive and upbeat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we want to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!! CLICK HERE to HEAR the Season 2 Trailer!HEAR the episode with Sirin Steele where she talks about when to and not to share your personal cancer story, and her Ovarian Cancer awareness advocacy: CLICK HERE!Episode Host: Bruce WatkinsA Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all. After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back. https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/https://www.brucewatkins.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/About the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, and their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life. The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/ Follow Our Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcastSubscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/

Data Scientist and Researcher Prof. Levi Waldron returns for Part-2 of his conversation with Host Bruce Watkins. Dr. Levi briefly touches on his experience being diagnosed with HPV+ oral oropharyngeal cancer and his current NED status, before covering the various contributors to the medical research process and describing the new way of viewing who is a “researcher.” Bruce explores with Prof. Levi how he, as a data scientist, approached his cancer diagnosis, and how he coped with the typical emotions all patients face when hearing the news. Prof. Waldron also provides examples of how he prioritized what information to rely upon when making his decisions on the proper treatment approach for him. Dr. Levi’s cat also makes a quick cameo in the episode.  Hear PART-1 of the OCJ Podcast interview with Prof. Levi Waldron:CLICK HERE to Listen to #019 – Biostatistics & Informatics – Part 1https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2022/07/31/019-biostatistics-informatics-part-1-prof-levi-waldron/ANNOUNCING SEASON 2 of the OCJ Podcast!The improbably positive and upbeat podcast that explores ways to help YOU feel better, live happier, expand your self-empowerment, and enhance your life experience, IS BACK for its 2nd Season! We are so excited about the engaging guests, insightful topics, and fun banter in our upcoming line-up that we had to share just a few of the memorable moments with you in advance!! HEAR the Season 2 Trailer for the Our Cancer Journey Podcast Trailer by clicking here:https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/2022/03/30/014-season-2-trailer-for-the-our-cancer-journey-podcast-with-bruce-watkins/Have fun listening to the clips from the Trailer, this sonic ride, and don’t miss a new show by Following the Our Cancer Journey Podcast on your podcast apps, by following the show’s Official Facebook Page, or by visiting the Official Our Cancer Journey Podcast Website! Episode Guest:Professor Waldron received a BSc in physics from the University of British Columbia, an MSc in physics from the University of Waterloo, and a Ph.D. in wood science from the University of Toronto. He developed his interest in biostatistics and public health during post-docs at the Ontario Cancer Institute, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the Harvard School of Public Health, before joining the faculty at CUNY. Prof. Waldron works on a variety of projects including some funded by the NIV, and he serves on the steering committee of the Microbiome Virtual International Forum, a multi-day event that brings together scientists from a variety of disciplines and specialties from around the globe to share information and learn about the Human Biome. Dr. Levi has also been very active in cancer support community, and shared his personal story throughout his cancer journey as an example to others I would follow.Episode Host: Bruce WatkinsA Father, Cancer survivor, producer, podcaster, writer & content creator, speaker, voice-over artist, facilitator/moderator, avid traveler, cultural explorer, humanitarian, giving-back & minimalist evangelist, music enthusiast, former Corporate people leader, and curious soul who transformed into an unapologetically optimistic and unpretentious advocate of Life-Optimization for all. After surviving Cancer and other life-changing experiences in 2017, Bruce gave away most of his possessions, left his home behind and began traveling, writing, volunteering, and giving-back. https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/about-our-cancer-journey-bruce-watkins/https://www.brucewatkins.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brucewatkins/About the Podcast: If you are just discovering the Our Cancer Journey Podcast with Bruce Watkins, …….This Podcast is a place for those impacted with illness, and their caregivers, their loved ones, and everyone wishing to prevent illness and enhance their life. The Our Cancer Journey Podcast Official Webpage:https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/ Follow Our Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/ourcancerjourneypodcastSubscribe for Free to the OCJ Newsletter:https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/contact/View our Content Advisory Note Here: https://www.ourcancerjourney.com/content-advisory-note/