Smarter Cancer Care
By Dr. Robert Rodvien
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Podcast Description
Smarter Cancer Care is a cancer information podcast, focused on the issues facing cancer patients, their families, and friends when faced with a diagnosis. In casual conversation with host Joanne Greene, Dr. Robert Rodvien, hematologist and oncologist associated with California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, provides easy to comprehend answers and compassionate insight into the journey that lies ahead. Awareness and knowledge can empower you and help you to make informed choices about your care. Smarter Cancer Care podcast is an essential tool for cancer patients and those who care about them.
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1 |
CleanReducing Coumadin Risk Through Genetic Testing | Dr. Robert Rodvien identifies some reasons why people need different doses of Coumadin. This podcast emphasizes that certain genes control how Coumadin is broken down by the body and how Vitamin K is recycled. These two genes can vary from person to person and therefore they can make us all differently sensitive to Coumadin, a difference that may explain why some people have bleeding issues with Coumadin within the first month of receiving the drug. Still, there are other variables –perhaps other genes --- that affect how sensitive any individual is to Coumadin. Scientists call these families of genes CYP2C9 and VCOR. They can be analyzed in the blood or saliva. The genes are not related to each other but, because Coumadin and Vitamin K offset the action of each other, the two proteins produced by the genes can interact to alter the effectiveness of the Coumadin. Taking more Vitamin K in your diet or multivitamins is neither necessary not good; it’s better to take less Coumadin. Taking these tests of the genes to see if this information allows physicians to decrease the bleeding problems with Coumadin is being tested at this time. | 4/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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2 |
CleanVitamin K and Coumadin | Foods contain Vitamin K and it is this vitamin that can affect Coumadin’s ability to prevent clots or promote bleeding. Vitamin K is not one substance nor is it available to people from one source. Vitamin K exists in your diet, it is made by bacteria in your intestine and it is stored in the liver. The best method to ensure that Coumadin is used safely and effectively is to eat foods like spinach that are rich in Vitamin K with some regularity. Avoid Vitamin K containing pills, even over-the-counter ones. Should you need antibiotics, be sure to remind the prescribing physician that you’re on Coumadin; otherwise antibiotics can kill the vitamin producing bacteria in your bowel. If you have liver disease, storage of Vitamin K may be diminished. If you have doubts about whether or not Vitamin K sources have changed for you, you can always get a blood test ---an INR--- to test the effect of the Coumadin. | 4/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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3 |
CleanHow Coumadin interacts with other medicines | For any given person, any medicine can cause you to be more or less sensitive to Coumadin. Some of the drugs to remember are pain relievers (especially aspirin), antibiotics, and medicines to keep stents open (like Plavix). If you need one of these drugs, talk with your physician. If your physician prescribes a medicine, remind him or her you are taking Coumadin. If you intermittently take Chinese herbs, make sure you get frequent blood tests. (You probably should get blood tests every 4 weeks or more frequently, even if the INR is stable and no medicines have been started or stopped.) If there are concerns that the Coumadin effect may be changed, get an INR. Although the effect of most medicines is to increase your risk to bleed from Coumadin, some medicines can decrease the effect of Coumadin to slow clotting. That effect can also be estimated by doing the same blood test ---the INR. | 4/6/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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4 |
CleanHow Aspirin and Plavix Interact with Coumadin | Coumadin’s main risk is that it can cause or exaggerate bleeding. The reasons are many, but one of the main reasons is the addition of drugs, like aspirin and Plavix, that interact with Coumadin directly, modify other defenses the body has to prevent bleeding or both. Coumadin, taken with either drug or both drugs, should never be taken without the advice of your physician. The pathways to help us stop bleeding after injury are so important to the maintenance of life that multiple interacting pathways exist to prevent blood loss. Coumadin affects one set of pathways that cause proteins that are soluble in the blood to become insoluble. Aspirin and Plavix affect a different pathway involving cells called platelets so that cannot be as effective in promoting the transformation of these proteins into a solid mass. Tests exist to look at some aspects of these pathways but the interactions are not able to be tested. The common way to handle this issue is for everyone to be aware that you are on Coumadin and or both of the other drugs so that the INR is not prolonged as much by Coumadin and so that the physicians can watch you more carefully. | 4/3/09 | Free | View In iTunes |
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5 |
CleanWhat is Cancer? | 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. | 9/16/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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6 |
CleanEntering the World of Cancer | 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. | 9/9/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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7 |
CleanEmotional Impact of Diagnosis | 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. | 9/2/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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8 |
CleanNegotiating the System | 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. | 8/26/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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9 |
CleanClotting and Anti-Coagulation Clinics | 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. | 6/5/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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10 |
CleanIntroduction to Coumadin | 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. | 6/5/08 | Free | View In iTunes |
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11 |
CleanGenetic Testing | 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. | 9/18/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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12 |
CleanIt's the Patient's Decision | 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. | 8/29/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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13 |
CleanManaging Your Time | 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 SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. | 8/28/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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14 |
CleanAny Port in a Storm | 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. | 8/21/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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15 |
CleanCoverage Denied | 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. | 8/14/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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16 |
CleanHow You Can Help | 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. | 7/31/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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17 |
CleanCoping with Fatigue | 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. | 7/17/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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18 |
CleanManaging Pain | 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. | 7/10/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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19 |
CleanLung Cancer Basics | 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. | 7/3/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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20 |
CleanHow Cancer Drugs are Developed | 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. | 6/12/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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21 |
CleanClinical Trials | 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. | 6/5/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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22 |
CleanConsequences of Some Cancer Therapies | 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. | 5/29/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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23 |
CleanLegitimate Treatment Options | 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. | 5/20/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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24 |
CleanOncology History and Medical Insurance 101 | 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. | 5/9/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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25 |
CleanPaying for Cancer | 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. | 5/1/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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26 |
CleanGetting Accurate Information | 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. | 4/24/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
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27 |
CleanChoosing a Cancer Team | 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. | 4/5/07 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 27 Episodes |
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