In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff is joined by Chris Tanti, CEO of the Leukaemia Foundation, for a discussion on supporting people living with blood cancer. Unlike many episodes that focus on patient stories, this conversation offers a unique perspective from the organisational and leadership side of blood cancer support in Australia. Chris reflects on his personal and professional journey, shaping his approach to leadership through his background in social...
Jun 17, 2025•39 min•Season 5Ep. 8
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Maryanne Skarparis sits down with Associate Professor Dr James Morton to provide an in-depth look at blood and bone marrow transplantation in the treatment of leukaemia and related blood cancers. Dr Morton shares what led him to specialise in transplant medicine, reflecting on early experiences that sparked his interest in how donor immune systems can contribute to curing blood cancers like leukaemia. He explains, the key considerations i...
May 28, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 7
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff speaks with Cathy Koning about her experience living with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Cathy, now 72, was diagnosed 14 years ago and shares insights into her diagnosis, treatment journey, and the ongoing impact of life after stem cell transplant. Cathy reflects on the early symptoms that led to her diagnosis, such as unexplained bruising and extreme tiredness. She describes the challenges around being heard by her healthc...
May 07, 2025•54 min•Season 5Ep. 6
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff engages in a heartfelt conversation with Lauren Smith about her experiences surrounding blood cancer. Unlike the usual patient stories shared on the podcast, Lauren recounts her journey accompanying her late husband, Jakeb Smith, through his battle with stage four non-Hodgkin's lymphoma when both were just 21 years old. Kate and Lauren delve into the challenges faced by young couples dealing with such life-altering circumst...
Apr 23, 2025•55 min•Season 5Ep. 5
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff sits down with Ash Bell, who shares her journey with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) at the age of 11 and the challenges she faced throughout her treatment and recovery. Ash recounts her active lifestyle before her diagnosis and the symptoms that led to her eventual hospitalisation, including severe back pain caused by crushed vertebrae. She discusses the difficulty of navigating treatment as a young person, including t...
Apr 09, 2025•52 min•Season 5Ep. 4
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Maryanne Skarparis welcomes Angela Daly, a Senior Social Worker at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, and they discuss the challenges faced by patients diagnosed with blood cancer. Giving insights into her role in helping patients and their families navigate the complex healthcare system. Angela shares the top priorities she addresses when meeting newly diagnosed blood cancer patients, emphasising the importance of understanding pati...
Mar 26, 2025•40 min•Season 5Ep. 3
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Maryanne Skarparis invites Alex Wilson to share his journey navigating the healthcare system following a diagnosis of blood cancer. Alex candidly discusses his experiences, offering insights into the practical challenges and emotional responses at the time of his diagnosis, especially as a young adult. They delve into the importance of understanding the healthcare process and how familiarising oneself with basic medical terms, navigating ...
Mar 12, 2025•58 min•Season 5Ep. 2
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff speaks with Eve Cossette about her experience with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Diagnosed during the height of COVID-19 while living far from her family in Canada, Eve's journey offers insights into both the physical and emotional challenges of facing blood cancer. Eve shares the unexpected nature of her diagnosis, which occurred at a time when she felt healthy and was renovating her new home in Melbo...
Feb 24, 2025•46 min•Season 5Ep. 1
In this special episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, hosts Kate Arkadieff and Maryanne Skarparis wrap up the season and reflect on an incredible year filled with impactful stories. They discuss the various conversations they've had throughout the year. Kate and Maryanne share their appreciation for the healthcare professionals who have provided insights and support to the community. Emphasising the powerful and touching moments that have stood out in their discussions. Addressing the imp...
Dec 15, 2024•6 min•Season 4Ep. 15
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff speaks with Bhaskar Majumdar and his daughter, Urvi Majumdar, about their experience with blood cancer and the profound impact it had on their lives. Discussing the complexities of Bhaskar’s journey, beginning with his initial diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and the subsequent need for an allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell (HPC) transplant. Bhaskar shares his initial reaction to the diagnosis, the sudden and...
Nov 14, 2024•55 min•Season 4Ep. 14
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Maryanne Skarparis is joined by Michael Burridge, who candidly shares his experience living with blood cancer. Michael, a resident of Emerald, Queensland, recounts his life before diagnosis, working in the mining industry and living on a farm. He delves into the four years leading up to his diagnosis when he was misdiagnosed with various conditions such as Ross River fever. Michael then describes the severe pain that led him to the ICU, w...
Oct 03, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 13
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff is joined by Siobhan Hoy to discuss her experiences living with blood cancer and the aftermath of her treatment. Siobhan's journey with leukaemia, starts from her initial diagnosis at 14 to her experience with a relapse at 18. She opens up about the physical and emotional hurdles she encountered, the impact on her family, and the logistical difficulties of receiving treatment far from home. Sharing candid insights into how ...
Sep 12, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 4Ep. 12
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Maryanne Skarparis is joined by Rosie Proctor to recount her journey with acute myeloid leukaemia. Diagnosed in 1993 at the age of 32, Rosie shares the initial symptoms she experienced, including pain in her hip and a high fever, leading to her diagnosis. Rosie elaborates on the challenges and emotions she encountered following her diagnosis, particularly during her bone marrow transplant, where she received her sibling's marrow. Despite ...
Aug 25, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 11
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Maryanne Skarparis is joined by Dr Ralph McConaghy to discuss the important topic of having early conversations about serious illness and end-of-life decisions. Dr McConaghy, who is the Medical Director of the Palliative Care Service at Wesley Hospital in Brisbane, emphasises the necessity of open communication with loved ones about potential outcomes and the end-of-life process. He believes that such discussions do not alter the outcome ...
Aug 20, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 10
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Maryanne Skarparis is joined by Sage Wilder to discuss his personal journey with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Diagnosed in 2016, Sage details his experiences from the initial symptoms, including extreme fatigue and night sweats, through to his intense chemotherapy treatment and eventual bone marrow transplant. Sage discusses the physical and emotional challenges he faced during his treatment, such as commuting long distances to th...
Jul 30, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 9
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff is joined by Eleanor Davis to explore the vital topic of estate planning, particularly in the context of those affected by blood cancer. Eleanor Davis, a Senior Associate and Practice Manager with David Davis & Associates, shares her professional insights on the importance of appointing Financial and Personal Attorneys as well as a Medical Treatment Decision Maker. Appointing people you trust to the role of a Financial ...
Jul 18, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 8
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Maryanne Skarparis is joined by guest Joshua Gourlay, who shares his personal journey of living with blood cancer. Joshua candidly reflects on his experience of processing the diagnosis and the subsequent impact on his life, asserting the mindset that "life is too short" to waste. This led him to make a significant and impulsive decision to relocate to Canberra, which ultimately brought him unexpected happiness and a fresh start. He provi...
Jun 25, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 7
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, Maryanne Skarparis is joined by guest Vince O'Donnell to talk about his experiences living with hereditary amyloidosis. Vince shares that he was diagnosed at 59 and has surpassed his prognosis by about seven years, thanks to advancements in treatment options. They discuss the impact of genetic testing in identifying hereditary conditions, the symptoms and diagnosis process, as well as treatment options over the years. Vince highlights the fina...
Jun 11, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Kate Arkadieff is joined by Nerys Welch, who shares her deeply personal experience as the caregiver and widow of her husband, Richard, who battled T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Kate sets the tone by acknowledging the sensitive nature of grief and loss, encouraging listeners to approach the episode with compassion towards themselves and to step away if the content becomes too overwhelming. This precaution sets a respectful and unde...
May 08, 2024•58 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, Kate Arkadieff invites Theresa Webb to share her deeply personal journey with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and her daughter's battle with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Kate begins the conversation by acknowledging the tough reality faced by patients and their families. Theresa opens up about the complexities of managing her own health alongside her role as a mother and business owner after being diagnosed with blood cancer. The discussion sheds lig...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr•Season 4Ep. 4
In this enlightening episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Maryanne Skarparis welcomes Perry Judd, a remarkable blood cancer survivor with a tale of resilience and triumph. Throughout the episode, Perry provides an in-depth look at his personal ordeal with blood cancer, recalling a harrowing infection that led to a transformative health journey. His narrative details a demanding transplant, aggressive chemotherapy, and the formidable side effects that followed, offering listeners an ...
Apr 03, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this episode of Talking Blood Cancer, host Kate Arkadieff welcomes Tahli Batkilin, who bravely shares her personal battle and subsequent victory over blood cancer. Tahli takes us through the moment she first received her lymphoma diagnosis amidst the chaos of lockdown and running her home baking business. The confusion of initial misdiagnoses escalating to the eventual life-changing news is recounted with raw honesty. Tahli's determination and resilience shine through as she explains how she ...
Mar 20, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 2
In this inaugural episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, our distinguished host Kate Arkadieff welcomes Peter Geary, a resolute myeloma patient and advocate, to share his profound journey since being diagnosed with asymptomatic myeloma in 2018. The episode begins with Peter recounting the moment of diagnosis and the subsequent "watch and wait" approach that marked the early days of his experience with blood cancer. Peter's story provides a candid exploration of the evolution of his disease...
Mar 06, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 1
In this special Christmas wrap-up episode of Talking Blood Cancer, hosts Kate and Maryanne reflect on the stories and conversations shared in Season 3 of the podcast. We touch on various topics including feelings of happiness, managing fatigue, coping with infections, and pondering the essence of time. The festive season is a significant time, one that it can be both a time of celebration and reflection. We offer you wishes of love, health, and happiness for the upcoming year. This is a time to ...
Dec 20, 2023•7 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this episode of the Talking Blood Cancer podcast, host Vanessa is joined by guest Glenys Davidson to share her journey with acute myeloid leukaemia candidly. Vanessa reflects on the observation of people navigating through treatment at the facility where she is based, setting the stage for a real, raw conversation about the impact of blood cancer on patients and their support networks. Glenys highlights the importance of a positive attitude and familial backing during challenging times, under...
Dec 14, 2023•41 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Harry shares in conversation how he valued working and how it was essential to his recovery to remain committed to challenging his mind. He also shares the importance of good relationships and how he relied on these in his recovery.
Sep 19, 2023•57 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Lisa Smith is the CEO of the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR). ABMDR is the only organisation in Australia responsible for arranging bone marrow/blood stem cell donations for patients needing a transplant. ABMDR also administers government funding of public cord blood banks in Australia. Lisa shares in this podcast the purpose of ABMDR and her passion for this area. LIVE NOW: Strength to Give: Swab your cheek. Send it back. Save a life. If you're 18-35, head to Strengthtogive.org.au...
Aug 08, 2023•33 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Carmel Woodrow has been in nursing for over 40 years, with 30 of those years spent in haematology. Now working as a Clinical Nurse Consultant, Carmel focuses mainly on myeloma and amyloidosis patients. The Leukaemia Foundation offers a range of services. Click below to read more. Accommodation services Support services...
Apr 20, 2023•21 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Jennifer Marx shares insight into being diagnosed with myeloma at almost 27 years old - a condition far more prevalent in older people. Jennifer shares how she navigated the healthcare system, managed treatment and relationships, and her experience having two autologous transplants. The Leukaemia Foundation offer a range of services. Click below to read more. Accommodation services Support services...
Apr 05, 2023•48 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In May 2020, Fiona was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Also known as MDS, it is a type of blood cancer that affects the production of normal blood cells in the bone marrow. Fiona shares what it was like to be diagnosed with a rare blood disease as a mother of five, wife and nurse, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fiona has since participated in the World's Greatest Shave and raised over $8,000. Listen to her story. The Leukaemia Foundation offer a range of services. Click below to...
Mar 22, 2023•57 min•Season 3Ep. 1
