Smarter Cancer Care

Clotting and Anti-Coagulation Clinics

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:04:09 -0700

For patients who have experienced blood clots, there's much to know about lifestyle changes and proper medication. In this episode of Smarter Medical Care, hematologist/oncologist Dr. Robert Rodvien, founder of the Coumadin Clinic at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, discusses deep vein thrombosis and the relative merits of anti-coagulation clinics.

Introduction to Coumadin

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:59:52 -0700

An increasing number of patients are being proscribed Coumadin, yet far too many are unclear about what the drug does, how it works, and why it's critically important that dosing be properly monitored. In this episode of Smarter Medical Care, hematologist/oncologist Dr. Robert Rodvien, founder of the Coumadin Clinic at the California Pacfic Medical Center in San Francisco, explains the basics about Coumadin (or Warfarin) and what to anticipate when taking this medication.

Genetic Testing

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 15:07:08 -0700

Some day, we may be able to conduct genetic testing for most cancers. As of now, there are limited tests available for some cancers and, even then, there's no definitive course of action dictated by the results. In this episode of Smarter Cancer Care, Dr. Rodvien discusses genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer, the pros and cons, genetic counseling, and how women with a significant incidence of these cancers in their families might proceed.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

It's the Patient's Decision

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 13:37:58 -0700

There are many instances, from diagnosis through late stage cancer, when a patient has to choose a course of treatment. While doctors often make recommendations, it is the patient who gets to decide. This can be challenging for family members who, in some cases, won't understand or support a patient's choice. In this episode of Smarter Cancer Care, Dr. Rodvien discusses the role of the doctor and those closest to the cancer patient when it comes to making treatment decisions.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Managing Your Time

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:01:41 -0700

The number of necessary medical appointments can be daunting for a cancer patient - and then there's the time spent waiting to be seen and waiting for results. Learning to manage your time and understanding how best to spend your time can be a huge help in adjusting to life with cancer. In this episode of Smarter Cancer Care, learn about adjusting your expectations as well as those of others in your work and personal life. Taking opportunities to rest is key to your well being. Carefully consider the risk/benefit ratios of traveling while in treatment.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

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Any Port in a Storm

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:33:00 -0700

Cancer patients often feel that their turning their veins over to others. Blood must be drawn on a regular basis and, when necessary, drugs, fluid, and blood must be given intravenously. One good option for many patients is to have a permanent catheter implanted to provide safe and convenient access to a large vein. This can help avoid discomfort and protect your veins. Hear th pros and cons of implanted ports on this episode of Smarter Cancer Care.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Coverage Denied

Tue, 14 Aug 2007 16:53:23 -0700

Cancer patients and oncologists experience frustration when coverage for a particular therapy is denied by medical insurance companies. In this episode of Smarter Cancer Care, learn about steps that you can take in such instances, when to appeal such decisions, and how your doctor can help you navigate these waters.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Mood Swings

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:20:31 -0700

Cancer patients often go through many stages of emotional reaction, particularly right after diagnosis, after poor test results, and when it's become clear that treatment options are dwindling. In this episode of Smarter Cancer Care, Dr. Robert Rodvien provides perspective on how to help a cancer patient through these ups and downs, with specific suggestions on what a friend or family member might do. Emotional withdrawal is a normal reaction, yet there's a point where professional help might be warranted.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

How You Can Help

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:39:32 -0700

The key, according to Dr. Robert Rodvien, is to listen to your friend or family member who has cancer. Often, that's the greatest gift you can offer. As well, you may be able to help with household chores, rides, or speaking to others. In this episode of Smarter Cancer Care, you'll learn ways to help and when to step back and provide the patient with privacy.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Resisting Bedrest

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 13:34:46 -0700

When we feel ill, our tendency is to climb into bed. While that's fine for brief periods, Dr. Robert Rodvien cautions that there are dangers to staying in bed for days on end. The risks include muscle weakness, increased depression, and blood clots, among others. In this episode of Smarter Cancer Care, we explore strategies for helping cancer patients to get out of bed and engage with others.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Coping with Fatigue

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:18:59 -0700

Cancer can be exhausting. So can chemotherapy...and radiation...and depression. Anemia often causes fatigue in cancer patients and for that, there's immediate help. In this episode of Smarter Cancer Care, Dr. Robert Rodvien provides strategies for coping with fatigue and urges cancer patients to consider altering their expectations of how much they can accomplish before having to rest.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Managing Pain

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:24:43 -0700

Cancer patients understandably feel concern when new pain arises, yet their pain may not be the cancer itself. It might be coming from their treatment; it may be exacerbated by depression.In this episode of Smarter Cancer Care, Dr. Robert Rodvien speaks about managing the pain associated with cancer.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Lung Cancer Basics

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 18:20:18 -0700

There are approximately 175,000 new cases of lung cancer diagnosed in the U.S. each year, with an 85% chance of mortality. In this episode of Smarter Cancer Care, Dr. Robert Rodvien explains the difference between cancer in the lung and cancer of the lung and talks about preventing this deadly disease beyond not smoking tobacco.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Cancer is a Family Disease

Tue, 26 Jun 2007 15:22:31 -0700

In this episode, Joanne Greene and Dr. Robert Rodvien explain how cancer impacted their family when Joanne's sister, Rayna, Dr. Rodvien's wife, became ill with ovarian cancer. They explore what it meant to help Rayna cope with her illness, taking her to appointments and assisting her in a variety of ways, and what many families experience in responding to a patient's desires and reactions to cancer.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Ovarian Cancer Detection

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 13:45:22 -0700

Everyone wants to prevent the spread of ovarian cancer, but there's no simple test for early detection despite what you may read on the Internet. Recent recommendations from the American Cancer Society regarding early symptoms of ovarian cancer are themselves controversial. In this episode of Smarter Cancer Care, Dr. Robert Rodvien explores why and explains the complex issues involved.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

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How Cancer Drugs are Developed

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 15:11:59 -0700

There are tight regulations on how drugs are developed in the United States and this happens in phased clinical trials. From preclinical trials in the laboratory, through animal models, and Phases III and IV, involving cancer patients, everything is heavily monitored. Criteria for acceptance into a clinical trial is strict and, even when results are fairly consistently positive, FDA approval takes time. Learn about the pros and cons of participation in clinical drug trials in this episode.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com.

SmarterPodcasts.com. Delivering Sound Advice.

Clinical Trials

Tue, 05 Jun 2007 07:00:00 -0700

Every cancer drug must go through a clinical trial and there are many reasons for cancer patients to participate. Your doctor may recommend applying for a trial, but that doesn't mean you'll be accepted. Clinical drug trials can provide hope, a proactive plan of action, and, ideally, some relief and perhaps even a shot at a cure. As Dr. Rodvien explains in this episode, participants are closely monitored and can opt out at any time, for any reason.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Consequences of Some Cancer Therapies

Tue, 29 May 2007 07:00:00 -0700

When embarking on a cancer treatment plan, it helps to be able to anticipate both the physical and emotional reactions that might ensue. Dr. Rodvien explores some of consequences that one might experience as a result of cancer therapy and how these factors should be considered when choosing a pathway.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Legitimate Treatment Options

Sun, 20 May 2007 11:46:49 -0700

In some cases, the evidence points to one particular cancer treatment plan. In others, a patient will have more than one legitimate option. In this episode, Dr. Rodvien explores the concepts of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, and what factors are relevant when choosing a course of action.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Oncology History and Medical Insurance 101

Wed, 09 May 2007 16:31:36 -0700

When Dr. Rodvien graduated from medical school, hematologists treated cancer patients. In this episode he traces the evolution of oncology and the various sub-specialties that have arisen. Also, we continue our exploration of medical insurance for cancer patients and discuss 'compassionate care programs' in which pharmaceutical companies help patients to cover the high costs of medicines.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Paying for Cancer

Tue, 01 May 2007 14:53:16 -0700

Ideally, cancer patients should be able to focus on the quality and nature of their medical care, rather than its cost. Yet, paying for cancer care can be daunting. In this episode of Smarter Cancer Care, Dr. Rodvien discusses how much insurance is enough, HMO vs. PPO, why some physicians won't treat medicare patients, how high out of pocket costs can run, and whether cost should be a factor when choosing medical care.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Getting Accurate Information

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 17:36:00 -0700

There's a temptation to listen to well-meaning friends and/or to devour whatever information is available on Internet when searching for information about a newly diagnosed cancer. The problem is that you may end up with disinformation. In this episode of Smarter Cancer Care, oncologist/hematologist Dr. Robert Rodvien provides sound advice on where to turn for accurate information about your cancer.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Negotiating the System

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 16:51:29 -0700

Your best consultant for helping you navigate your way through the cancer world is your primary care physician. In this episode of Smarter Cancer Care, Dr. Robert Rodvien explores how to move through the system in the most efficient and effective way possible. It helps to understand that time delays are often necessary and that things will tend to take longer than you would like. A kind and patient attitude can go a long
way toward minimizing anxiety and stress.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Emotional Impact of Diagnosis

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 14:47:42 -0700

Shock, confusion and fear are some of the emotions that cancer patients often experience upon receiving a diagnosis. Close friends and family members often share these feelings and are uncertain of how to respond. In this episode of “Smarter Cancer Care”, clinical oncologist Dr. Robert Rodvien offers sound advice on how to help cancer patients with their initial psychological responses. Caring friends and relatives should always remember that the needs of the patient come first and that they don’t have to respond to everything that’s said.

Choosing a Cancer Team

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 14:59:12 -0700

What’s the difference between a a clinical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and an oncologist who specializes in a particular form of cancer?
Is the mass the same as a tumor? In this episode of the “Smarter Cancer Care” podcast, Dr. Robert Rodvien answers these questions and others to help cancer patients, their family members, and close friends have a command of the basic terminology of cancer. With compassion, Dr. Rodvien offers practical suggestions for selecting the best medical practitioners and touches on a number of subjects to be explored in depth in future episodes: the impact of medical insurance, managing the information flow, second opinions, and getting the most from your medical appointments.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

Entering the World of Cancer

Wed, 28 Mar 2007 17:30:34 -0700

You've just been diagnosed with cancer. What happens next? How do you deal with normal life while being completely pre-occupied? What do you do when you get home after being diagnosed? How quickly should you proceed, both medically and psychologically? It's scary and a completely different reality, and this episode addresses what happens next.

The Smarter Cancer Care podcast can help your friends and family learn what you're going through, so please let them know we're here.

If you have any questions, please write to us at CancerCare@SmarterPodcasts.com

SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

What is Cancer?

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 18:51:59 -0700

If it hasn't already, cancer will touch you or a loved one. In the opening conversation between medical oncologist Dr. Robert Rodvien and host Joanne Greene, we learn what cancer is and what that means to the quality of our lives.