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THE C WORD

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Meet Lee, your everyday, early 40's, Aussie bloke. He loves footy, love's keeping fit, and has spent most of the last 12 years coaching AFL football teams.  

He has a wife, two young boys, and a zest for life. And just 6 weeks ago, he was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer. 

In a time when one should be paralysed with uncertainty, Lee has chosen to take on this challenge like he does everything else, quite literally, head on. 

This podcast is a snapshot of his journey, from day one. His aim is to use his own coaching skills to tackle the unknowns, share what he learns, offer new perspectives and focus on helping people, as well as himself, to deal with life’s challenges, no matter what’s thrown your way. 

So far, Lee has two rules - don't cry in front of him and, please, don't mention The C Word. 

 

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Episodes

Lesson 5 - The power of love

In this episode, I will discuss one of the important lessons I learnt from my brother throughout his cancer journey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 30, 202413 minSeason 3Ep. 10

Lesson 4 - service is a lifes duty

In this episode, I will discuss one of the important lessons I learnt from my brother throughout his cancer journey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 29, 20249 minSeason 3Ep. 9

Lesson 2 - speak your truth

In this episode, I will discuss one of the important lessons I learnt from my brother throughout his cancer journey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 27, 202411 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Lesson 1 - how you show up matters

In this episode, I will discuss one of the important lessons I learnt from my brother throughout his cancer journey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 26, 202414 minSeason 3Ep. 6

A celebration of life + service

On the 30th April 2024 at 10:16am, Lee took his final breath and departed this world. His battle with brain cancer is over, but his legacy will live on. In this episode, I’ve invited our sister Rachel to sit alongside me as we share this difficult news and capture the life of our brother. We reflect on his final days leading up to his passing, discuss what we learnt and experienced, and take time to reflect on his memorial and the legacy that he leaves behind. Should you wish to view the full me...

May 23, 202458 minSeason 3Ep. 5

Dealing with decline

In this week’s episode, we catch up with Lee’s wife, Laura, to hear the latest on Lee’s condition. We dive into the details of his decline over the last 4 weeks and what it has meant for him and for the family. We talk to the challenges of being a partner and carer, the role of palliative care in the home, anticipatory grief, what she has learnt about herself in the process and why it’s so important to just take things day by day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Apr 12, 202459 minSeason 3Ep. 4

All in the Mind

In this week’s episode, we have a special guest joining us, Founder of All in the Mind Foundation, Kylie Hannam. All in the Mind was founded 1 year after the loss of Kylie’s Husband, Craig, who passed away on the 26th February 2020, after battling one of the most aggressive forms of Brain Cancer - Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) - for 7 years and 9 months. Kylie’s vision is to make mental health support part of standard care for all brain cancer patients and improve the outcomes for survival, and ...

Apr 04, 202450 minSeason 3Ep. 3

The physical impacts of treatment

In this week’s episode, we catch up with Lee after 2 months of ups and downs! We talk about their recent trip to Sydney, the physical effects of cancer treatment, how he landed back in hospital after the last good news, feedback on his MRI, and alternative healing modalities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 26, 202428 minSeason 3Ep. 2

Dreams 2 Live 4

In this week’s episode, we catch up with Lee after the chaos of Christmas. We discuss the impacts of his treatment, his family trip to the Gold Coast with thanks to dreams2live4.org, and how an old friend’s reaction brought about a big realisation on the impacts of brain cancer, not just for Lee, but for the youngest of our community, and how we need to do more to support those affected. To support Annie and her team on their mission, please visit - https://dreams2live4.org.au/get-involved/ ( ht...

Jan 19, 202432 minSeason 3Ep. 1

The hardest conversations lead to the best outcomes

In this week’s episode, we cover everything in Lee’s second round of radiotherapy - how he is coping, why they extended his treatment, and how his hair line is going. We discuss the impact of the Camp Quality program for schools and dive into one of Lee’s biggest challenges at home - trying to explain to his boys what’s really going on with dad’s brain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nov 29, 202333 minSeason 2Ep. 11

For the power of love and lasagna

In this week’s episode, we catch up with Lee after his most recent and unexpected hospital visits. After what has been an emotionally charged few weeks for everyone, we unpack the most recent complications in his recovery, what time looks like from here, the updated reality of optimism, how humour helps in the darkest of times and how lasagna is the language of love. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 17, 202338 minSeason 2Ep. 10

More difficult news

In this week’s episode, we grapple with some more difficult news after getting the latest MRI results. We talk about what happens when you come to the end of the road for treatment, where your mind goes in the days that follow bad news, and what you need for yourself and from your loved ones. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 17, 202327 minSeason 2Ep. 9

Clinical and Emotional Trials

In this weeks episode, we deep dive into the difference between clinical trials versus traditional treatments, talk through the importance of nausea tablets (and why you always take them), and Lee bravely opens up about the new and difficult effects he has been experiencing from the impact of the tumour on his brain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 24, 202334 minSeason 2Ep. 8

When life gives you (more) lemons

In this episode we talk about clinical trials and life's curve ball. We hear from Lee about his new treatment plan starting on monday and how he has managed to navigate another family members latest brain cancer challenge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 16, 202325 minSeason 2Ep. 7

Why mental health matters

In this weeks episode, we talk about MRI's and mental health.We catch up about life since our last big obstacle, the outcome from our latest MRI and immunotherapy treatments and the importance of finding a safe place to manage your mental health. if you're going through something similar to Lee and Laura contact www.allinthemindfoundation.com.au or @allthemind_braincancer on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Apr 27, 202337 minSeason 2Ep. 6

How we broke our number 1 rule

In this weeks episode, we finally catch up after a long break to talk about the sobering reminder of how finite time is. We chat about he challenges Lee has faced throughout the last 2 months, how we broke our rule of 'no crying' what it took to remain festive over the 'season to be jolly', and unpacked what optimism looks like 20 months on, and after some heart wrenching news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jan 27, 202348 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Post op conversation

In this weeks episode, we talk all things ‘post-op’ after Lee’s brain surgery - which was a complete success! We dig deep into how it went, uncover a few tips on how he managed to remain calm during the storm, and share some rather hopeful and exciting news. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 02, 202242 minSeason 2Ep. 4

A Pre-Op Conversation

In this weeks episode, we catch up with Lee and Laura to hear about Lee’s upcoming brain surgery. We discuss the the last 2 months, some of the challenges Lee has experienced recently that lead him here, and dive into the details of what’s to come next week. We also talk about the stark reality of the risks involved and how ugly crying in the bathroom is actually all part of the process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jun 22, 202250 minSeason 2Ep. 3

Covid19, an F45 fundraiser and a difficult conversation.

In this weeks episode, we catch up on the results of the latest scan and talk to the importance of good communication in treatment. We talk about Lee’s surprise party and his near death ‘blind fold’ experience, the effects of the other ‘C’ word - aka the spicy cough that has hit all of the household, and the sobering reality of what you are actually signing up for in a will. We also hear about an upcoming fundraiser by F45 Port Adelaide for the Mark Hughes Foundation and how you can support! See...

Apr 14, 202243 minSeason 2Ep. 2

New Year, New Challenges

In this weeks episode, we catch up with Lee for the first time since the new year. We get the latest on his results, his new tests and why there’s some more uncertainties around the corner. We catch up on all things work + family - including his recent chat with @willy.beating.cancer, how the generosity of strangers has offered him the precious value of time and the difficulty of explaining to little Max about ‘the naughty thing in daddies brain See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio...

Feb 23, 202242 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Wrapping up the year that was

In this weeks episode, we talk further on Lee’s MRI results and some challenging news of what might come in the next 6 weeks. We also take some time to reflect on the year that was - what Lee has learnt about himself, who inspired him on his journey and share some gratitude for those around him. Here's the guy that Lee is catching up with soon for coffee @willy.beating.cancer See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Dec 14, 202148 minSeason 1Ep. 14

Doing your bit.

In this week’s episode, we catch up on all things from treatment progress to parenting styles. We hear about Lee and Laura’s anniversary fail, Lee’s new coaching role, and break down key strategies of what he does to trust in his gut instincts. We also talk about his latest burpee challenge and how we can all support a friend’s father who is going through his own health challenge right now. Burpees challenge https://www.facebook.com/donate/414688210030096/?fundraiser_source=external_url Scott Ly...

Nov 21, 202135 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Izla’s Purple Crusade

In this weeks episode, we have a special guest joining us - Kym Meers. Kym’s daughter, Izla, was diagnosed at an early age with a rare form of Epilepsy called West Syndrome. You may recall Lee speaking about Kym and Jared when he first started his treatment, and how he drew on her strength and wisdom to help him through his own challenges. Today we hear Kym’s story, understand more about Izla’s lifelong battle and her Purple Crusade (foundation link below), and dive deeper into how Kym and her f...

Oct 24, 202137 minSeason 1Ep. 12

After the move

In this weeks episode, we check in after a few weeks off to see how Lee and the family are going after their big move to Adelaide. We get the low down on moving hospitals interstate, the status of his current treatment plan and what’s to come next. We also hear about how his patience has been tested, discuss the one aspect of Adelaide that has not changed, and dive into 3 things he has learnt about himself in the process! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Oct 04, 202139 minSeason 1Ep. 11

A reflection on human connection

In this weeks episode, we get an update on the MRI outcome from last week and hear of some hopeful news from the doctor. We also talk about the anniversary of the passing of Maria, Lee’s step Mum, and delve into a discussion about the power of human connection - what do we prioritise in our everyday, what impact are social tools having on relationships and how do we stay true to what really matters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Aug 29, 202147 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Check ins and Check ups

In this weeks episode, we discuss Lee’s first check up and MRI, post his first round of treatment finishing last month. We talk in detail about the results, his reaction and his next round of treatment to come. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 22, 202141 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Change & Reflection

In this weeks episode, we look at how treatment has shifted Lee’s view on his own diet, behaviour, and even daily habits, and what he has learnt about himself (and even others) in the process. We take some time to reflect on all the changes that have taken place to date, plus an exciting one in the very near future! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aug 15, 202141 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Movement is life

In today’s episode, we have a special guest, Jessica Watzek, joining us to talk about all things movement and exercise when undergoing cancer treatments. Jess is an exercise physiologist and has been training Lee throughout his first six weeks of treatment. We explore her incredible knowledge and experience, discuss the positive impacts of exercise on our bodies (and minds) while undergoing cancer treatment, and what the research is telling us in this space. We also speak to Lee about finishing ...

Aug 01, 202146 minSeason 1Ep. 7

The joy of music

In this weeks episode, we have some fun and dive into the unexpected joy that music has brought Lee throughout his treatment. From love ballads to rock metal, we dissect his daily musical playlists, courtesy of the wonderful staff at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, and talk about the positive impact of music during therapy and in life! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jul 18, 202139 minSeason 1Ep. 6
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