Life on Pause

Oct 29 2024 58 ep. 33 mins 2
Life on Pause Podcast artwork

Life On Pause is a podcast for and by young adults living with cancer. Each month, young adult cancer patients from Penn State Health share honestly about their cancer diagnosis, treatment and life afterwards. As cancer causes the group to reflect on issues both large and small, surprisingly relatable stories and themes emerge. From relationships to body functions, nothing is off the table.

  Society & Culture  Health & Fitness
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Survivorship Clinics: Facing the Long-Term Side Effects of Cancer

Oct 29 2024 4 mins  
Surviving cancer is only the beginning of the journey. In this episode of Life on Pause, Nathan Smelser, Corene Parrish, and Sammy Szurkowski dive into the emotional and practical challenges of navigating life after cancer. From the overwhelming amount of medical information shared during survivorship clinics to the long-term side effects that surface years later, they reflect on t

The Real and Raw Side of Friendships During Cancer

Oct 22 2024 9 mins  
Navigating a cancer diagnosis as a teenager is challenging, but the support of friends can make a world of difference. In this episode of Life on Pause, we hear personal stories from Corene Parrish, Nathan Smelsar, and Sammy Szurkowski, who share how their friend groups responded during their cancer journeys. From high school drama to unwavering support, they reflect on the powerfu

Real Stories of Young Cancer Survivors: Balancing School and Treatment

Oct 15 2024 53 mins  
Returning to school after a cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming challenge, filled with unique hurdles and unexpected moments. In this episode of Life On Pause, young adult cancer survivors Sammy, Nathan, and Corene share their personal stories of navigating the educational landscape during and after their treatments. From missed school days to balancing social lives, these surv

Exploring Family Planning After Cancer: Joe Apgar’s Adoption Journey

Aug 30 2024 38 mins  
In this compelling episode of "Life on Pause," host Jill Robertson sits down with Joe Apgar, a cancer survivor and CEO of Pelotonia, to explore the deeply personal journey of family planning after a cancer diagnosis. Joe shares his and his wife’s decision to pursue adoption following his battle with testicular cancer and the challenges they faced along the way. From discussing th

Infertility After Cancer: Reflections on Parenthood and Life

Aug 29 2024 8 mins  
In this poignant episode of Life on Pause, hosts Corene Parrish and Jill Robertson dive into the complex and emotional journey of navigating infertility, especially in the wake of a cancer diagnosis. Corene shares her personal experiences as both a cancer survivor and someone facing infertility, reflecting on how these challenges have shaped her perspectives on parenthood and life.

Dealing with Infertility & Cancer: A Survivor’s Perspective

Aug 28 2024 7 mins  
In this heartfelt episode of Life on Pause, Corene Parrish shares her personal journey of managing life after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 16. Join Corene and Jill Robertson as they discuss the emotional challenges of dealing with cancer, infertility, and the struggle to maintain control in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Corene offers deep ins

Exploring Fertility Preservation During Cancer Treatment: Expert Insights from Penn State Health

Aug 27 2024 21 mins  
In this episode of "Life on Pause," host Jill Robertson sits down with Dr. Stephanie Estes, a fertility specialist at Penn State Health, to explore the complex intersection of cancer treatment and fertility preservation. Building on the recent webinar "Cancer and Blood Disorders: When Disease Treatment Pushes Fertility and Family Planning Decisions to the Forefront in Adolescents a

Rising Above: Stories of Resilience from Young Cancer Survivors

Jul 02 2024 12 mins  
In this inspiring episode of Life On Pause, join host Emma G as she celebrates the resilience and triumphs of young cancer survivors at the Four Diamond Graduation Party. Hear from Tucker Haas, a four-time cancer survivor turned motivational speaker; Juval Green, a high school student and aspiring college athlete; and Carmen Guzman, a recent Penn State graduate and childhood cancer

Lessons Learned

Apr 17 2023 39 mins  
People experience many impactful lessons throughout young adulthood. Although a cancer diagnosis can change a young adult's life trajectory, it also provides learning opportunities and influential experiences. These lessons learned throughout a young adult's cancer experience can contribute to shaping their life journey and forming the person they become. Life on Pause is a po

Forced Realities and Choices

Mar 20 2023 55 mins  
Experiencing a serious health event, like a cancer diagnosis, can change a person's priorities, decisions, and overall life path. Young adults with cancer experience different obstacles as they undergo uncontrollable life changes due to their diagnosis and treatment. So how can young adults continue to move forward with cancer influencing their decisions and life trajectory?Life on