At 31, Colin was healthy and active — until a sudden cough and trouble breathing led to a diagnosis that would change everything: a rare form of cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Having faced a grueling regimen of cancer treatment, Colin opens up about the harsh realities of side effects. Brain fog, nausea, weakness, smell sensitivity —side effects impacted every aspect of life. WashU Medicine medical oncologist Armin Ghobadi, MD, who has personally invested in researching and developing new treatments for blood cancers, joins the conversation. He offers expert insight into the challenges of intensive cancer treatments and how patients need to speak up about their symptoms so their team can navigate it with them. Together, they aim to bring hope, reassurance and practical advice to anyone feeling overwhelmed or worn down on their own path through cancer treatment.

“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.

For more information on topics discussed in this episode, go to:

https://siteman.wustl.edu/patients/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/leukemia/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/cancer-types/leukemia/treatments/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/survivorship/

https://siteman.wustl.edu/treatment/specialized-programs/stem-cell-transplant-and-cellular-therapies-center/

Episode 18: Mind over Cancer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upUUDxVcRfs&list=PLAvCzAIAfHmEnRXa3ov9K1gdC8_tLJrRE&index=32

Bonus Episode: Differentiating Leukemia and Lymphoma

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KV5dkOGo1s&list=PLAvCzAIAfHmEnRXa3ov9K1gdC8_tLJrRE&index=47