Dr. Joe Dispenza meditations—and the science behind them—are at the center of this episode. Host McKenna shares how this work changed the trajectory of her diagnosis, then sits down with Hemal H. Patel, Ph.D. to explore what researchers are actually measuring in the body before and after these intensive experiences. His is a Professor of Anesthesiology at UC San Diego School of Medicine and Research Career Scientist at the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System.

Together, they talk through the real-world research process: large participant data sets, microbiome sampling, blood-based experiments, and why the mind-body conversation doesn’t have to be “either/or” (alternative vs Western medicine). This is a thoughtful, curiosity-driven episode for anyone navigating cancer who wants a grounded look at what’s being studied—and what questions still don’t have clear answers yet.

Bonus:

Dr. Hemal Patel is featured in the documentary “Source: It’s Within You” (available on Apple TV).

Like, comment, and subscribe — it helps this project reach more people who may really need it right now.

Follow us on Instagram @wiwikpod

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or treatment decisions.

Cancer costs can lead to financial toxicity—and that can change care. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew: A Cancer Podcast, McKenna talks with Dr. Mateo Banegas about why cancer is so financially overwhelming and what patients and families can do early to reduce the burden.

Dr. Banegas discusses how “financial toxicity” became a recognized part of oncology, and why it matters just as much as physical side effects. You’ll also hear real examples of how costs can lead people to stretch medications, skip care, or choose a different treatment path simply because of affordability.

Fertility specialist Sandy Chuan, MD explains how cancer treatment can affect fertility and what preservation options exist for women and men, including timelines, egg vs embryo freezing, sperm banking, and the real IVF “attrition” math. Educational only, not medical advice.

Radiation can be one of the scariest words you hear after a cancer diagnosis. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, host and cancer survivor McKenna Avery shares what it felt like to finish 33 rounds of proton radiation, including the emotional “last day” moment, and the three things she wishes she knew sooner: that proton therapy can be an option, the power of visualization during treatment, and why consistent moisturizing matters.

Dr. Dan sits down with radiation oncologist Dr. James Urbanic (UC San Diego) for a grounded, patient-first explanation of radiation therapy and the real-world decision-making behind it. They break down the goals of treatment (symptom relief, life prolongation, post-surgery “cleanup,” and curative intent), why some cancers are treated with radiation to preserve function (including larynx/voice box, cervix, and anal cancers), and how the field has advanced with better imaging, tighter accuracy, and faster planning.

You’ll also hear a clear, non-hype comparison of proton therapy vs conventional X-ray (photon) radiation, including the Bragg peak, why “best” depends on the situation, and how technique differs from modality (3D conformal, IMRT/IMPT, SBRT, SRS). Dr. Urbanic walks through what planning day looks like (CT imaging, immobilization devices, contrast considerations, and behind-the-scenes safety checks), what side effects can look like across body areas (including skin reactions and why proton skin reactions may be more pronounced), how clinicians think about re-irradiation, and where immunotherapy may or may not fit alongside radiation. The conversation also touches on cost, insurance authorization realities, access gaps, and what patients should listen for when deciding if a care team feels trustworthy and thorough. This conversation is for patients, survivors, caregivers, and clinicians seeking clarity, not marketing. Educational only, not medical advice.

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 - Cold Open: Progress, Immunity, and Hope

00:00:29 - Welcome + McKenna’s Proton Radiation Story

00:01:06 - Three Things McKenna Wishes She Knew About Proton Therapy

00:02:03 - Meet Dr. James Urbanic

00:02:51 - From Ships to Cancer Care: Dr. Urbanic’s Path

00:05:31 - Radiation Therapy Basics Explained

00:07:22 - The Goals of Radiation Treatment

00:09:00 - When Radiation Replaces Surgery

00:10:48 - How Radiation Therapy Has Evolved

00:13:30 - When Patients Want to “Go Natural”

00:18:25 - Radiation Myths, Safety, and Trust

00:21:46 - What Is Proton Therapy?

00:26:41 - Who Proton Therapy Helps Most

00:32:39 - Cost, Coverage, and Insurance for Proton Therapy

00:40:27 - Proton Therapy Hype vs Reality

00:42:39 - SBRT, SRS, and Modern Radiation Techniques

00:50:30 - Immunotherapy and Radiation Used Together

01:01:54 - What Happens on Radiation Planning Day

01:06:15 - AI and Machine Learning in Radiation Planning

01:11:52 - What Treatment Looks Like Behind the Scenes

01:21:03 - Radiation Side Effects: Short-Term and Long-Term

01:24:25 - Re-Irradiation: When and Why It’s Considered

01:31:28 - Diet, Exercise, and Mind-Body Support During Treatment

01:38:46 - The Future of Radiation: New Particles, New Questions

01:43:23 - Access, Geography, and Proton Center Availability

01:48:18 - Questions Every Patient Should Ask

01:50:40 - Resilience, Meaning, and Joy in the Work

Disclaimer:

This episode is for general educational purposes and reflects personal experiences and professional perspectives. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for individualized diagnosis or treatment planning. Always consult your oncology team for guidance specific to your situation. If you think you may be experiencing an urgent medical issue, seek immediate care.

After a cancer diagnosis, fear of death can get loud fast. In this episode, McKenna Avery sits down with certified death doula Selena Jong to talk about what happens when mortality moves from a distant idea to a daily thought, and how honest conversation can make the weight feel more carryable.

Together, they explore hospice and the dying process, the role of a death doula (emotional, spiritual, and practical support), and end-of-life autonomy including Medical Aid in Dying in California. They also talk through real-world planning that can protect families from chaos, plus options for how to care for the body after death, including eco-friendly choices like water cremation, body composting, and natural burial.

This conversation is for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, loved ones, and clinicians who want clearer language, grounded perspective, and more humane ways to talk about dying, grief, legacy, and the relationships that matter most.

Learn more about Selena's work

• on instagram @movingthroughdeath
• www.movingthrough.org and www.thedeathnetwork.com

If this episode helped you feel a little less alone, please like, subscribe, and leave a comment with what resonated most. Share it with a friend, caregiver, or survivor who might need this conversation right now. And for more community and updates, follow us on Instagram @WIWIKPOD.