Ruth Kavanagh's guest appearances

Ruth Kavanagh

INTERLUDE

Making Headway

Jessica Hensley

Jen Rozenbaum

Kelly Thomas

David Wu

Matt Campbell

Samantha Harris

Tamara Smith

Meggie Smith

Jess Movold

Abby Bales

Emily Parks

Emily Garnett

Rachel Hawkins

Kikkan Randall

Kimberly Tronic

OwlTail

Have you ever tried to tell your story while in the middle of it? Seeing the light and lessons can be challenging in hindsight let alone while living it. Ruth Kavanagh who is currently fighting, surviving, and thriving with brain cancer shares her message of hope, courage, and strength in the midst of metastasis. She is a true warrior advocating for others even while she is in the throes of her own treatment. Our souls were touched and tissues were wet during this recording. Be prepared for tears, laughs, goosebumps, and inspiration. We caution you that this is an emotionally powerful episode, please be in a safe space while listening.  In this episode:Traumatic vs. Acquired Brain InjuryTraumatic- from an outside injury or force, i.e. car crash, hitting head, concussionAcquired- an internal factor, i.e. lack of oxygen, aneurysm, stroke, infection, brain tumorRuth Kavanaugh’s storyThriver, survivor, fighter! Listen to your body, it will tell you if something is wrongAnaplastic Ependymoma: one of the rarest forms of brain tumor, only about 2% of brain tumors are this type. It is cancerous and extremely aggressive.  Because it is so rare there is little research or treatment options.Ruth set her mind that she will get through thisIf you go online, make sure it is a reputable site (see below for suggestions)Radiation therapyCaused extreme fatigueLife after treatment: too tired to do anything and left to your own thoughts.  Can be a very dark time. Taking care of your emotional and mental healthRemove the stigma.  There is zero harm in seeing a counselor.  Only good will come from it.  You’ve got nothing to lose!Important to “date around” and find a counselor/psychiatrist who is the right fitThe cancer chaos“Scan-xiety” is a real thing.  Cancer survivors, you are not alone when you feel anxious about upcoming scansRecurrence More discussions in tumor boards, consultations, surgeries, and therapiesStereotactic radiotherapyAvastin- side effects bleeding and prevention of wound healingInfectionLoss during hard timesRevisional surgeriesMetastasis, only 25 cases known in the world that spread the way Ruthie’s hasMore chemoLessons for healthcare professionals: listen to your patient, don’t make pre-judgements, be very cognizant of where the patient is now rather than basing all judgement on your past experience with the patient, sitting with a patient lowers the power divide (standing over a patient is very intimidating and strengthens a patriarchal model of care), respect the person as a person (not just a condition)Self-advocacy is advocacy for those who don’t have a voice.  By standing up, telling your story, and advocating for better care; you can serve to stand up for those who can’t do it for themselves and help others. “I'm tired, but there is hope!”Strength, courage, and hope through extended trauma“There’s always hope.  It doesn’t necessarily mean that there is going to be a magical cure.  Look for it in the little things.” Hope can be finally being able to eat real food, getting out of bed, hoping for peace and being surrounded by loved onesFind your tribe--find someone who has been through your experienceTo get connected with others and reputable resources: National Brain Tumor Society, American Brain Tumor Association, First Descents- free camps for young adults with brain tumors  or MSEpic Experience: cancer camp for adultsAmerican Cancer Society:https://www.cancer.org/Connect with the social worker in the hospital or cancer center to get more resourcesLinks to any resources mentionedBrain Injury Association of America: https://www.biausa.org/ National Brain Tumor Society: https://braintumor.org/ National Institute of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/ American Brain Tumor Association: https://www.abta.org/ First Descents: https://firstdescents.org/Epic Experience: https://www.epicexperience.org/American Cancer Society:https://www.cancer.org/To find Ruthie: www.braincancerbabe.comTwitter: @braincancerbabeInstagram: @braincancer_babeHELP US SPREAD THE WORD! If you dug this episode head on over to Apple Podcasts and kindly leave us a rating, a review and subscribe!Ways to subscribe to the Making Headway Podcast:Click here to subscribe via Apple PodcastsClick here to subscribe via SpotifyClick here to subscribe via RSSYou can also subscribe via Stitcher Visit the Making Headway Podcast website to learn more about Eryn and Mariah and our journey to podcasting.Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Have you ever tried to tell your story while in the middle of it? Seeing the light and lessons can be challenging in hindsight let alone while living it. Ruth Kavanagh who is currently fighting, surviving, and thriving with brain cancer shares her message of hope, courage, and strength in the midst of metastasis. She is a true warrior advocating for others even while she is in the throes of her own treatment. Our souls were touched and tissues were wet during this recording. Be prepared for tears, laughs, goosebumps, and inspiration. We caution you that this is an emotionally powerful episode, please be in a safe space while listening.  In this episode:<ul><li>Traumatic vs. Acquired Brain Injury</li><li>Traumatic- from an outside injury or force, i.e. car crash, hitting head, concussion</li><li>Acquired- an internal factor, i.e. lack of oxygen, aneurysm, stroke, infection, brain tumor</li><li>Ruth Kavanaugh’s story</li><li>Thriver, survivor, fighter! </li><li>Listen to your body, it will tell you if something is wrong</li><li>Anaplastic Ependymoma: one of the rarest forms of brain tumor, only about 2% of brain tumors are this type. It is cancerous and extremely aggressive.  Because it is so rare there is little research or treatment options.</li><li>Ruth set her mind that she will get through this</li><li>If you go online, make sure it is a reputable site (see below for suggestions)</li><li>Radiation therapy</li><li>Caused extreme fatigue</li><li>Life after treatment: too tired to do anything and left to your own thoughts.  Can be a very dark time. </li><li>Taking care of your emotional and mental health</li><li>Remove the stigma.  There is zero harm in seeing a counselor.  Only good will come from it.  You’ve got nothing to lose!</li><li>Important to “date around” and find a counselor/psychiatrist who is the right fit</li><li>The cancer chaos</li><li>“Scan-xiety” is a real thing.  Cancer survivors, you are not alone when you feel anxious about upcoming scans</li><li>Recurrence </li><li>More discussions in tumor boards, consultations, surgeries, and therapies</li><li>Stereotactic radiotherapy</li><li>Avastin- side effects bleeding and prevention of wound healing</li><li>Infection</li><li>Loss during hard times</li><li>Revisional surgeries</li><li>Metastasis, only 25 cases known in the world that spread the way Ruthie’s has</li><li>More chemo</li><li>Lessons for healthcare professionals: listen to your patient, don’t make pre-judgements, be very cognizant of where the patient is now rather than basing all judgement on your past experience with the patient, sitting with a patient lowers the power divide (standing over a patient is very intimidating and strengthens a patriarchal model of care), respect the person as a person (not just a condition)</li><li>Self-advocacy is advocacy for those who don’t have a voice.  By standing up, telling your story, and advocating for better care; you can serve to stand up for those who can’t do it for themselves and help others. </li><li>“I'm tired, but there is hope!”</li><li>Strength, courage, and hope through extended trauma</li><li>“There’s always hope.  It doesn’t necessarily mean that there is going to be a magical cure.  Look for it in the little things.” Hope can be finally being able to eat real food, getting out of bed, hoping for peace and being surrounded by loved ones</li><li>Find your tribe--find someone who has been through your experience</li><li>To get connected with others and reputable resources: </li><li>National Brain Tumor Society, </li><li>American Brain Tumor Association, </li><li>First Descents- free camps for young adults with brain tumors  or MS</li><li>Epic Experience: cancer camp for adults</li><li>American Cancer Society:<a href="https://www.cancer.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cancer.org/</a></li><li>Connect with the social worker in the hospital or cancer center to get more resources</li></ul>Links to any resources mentioned<ul><li>Brain Injury Association of America: <a href="https://www.biausa.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.biausa.org/</a> </li><li>National Brain Tumor Society: <a href="https://braintumor.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://braintumor.org/</a> </li><li>National Institute of Health (NIH): <a href="https://www.nih.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nih.gov/</a> </li><li>American Brain Tumor Association: <a href="https://www.abta.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.abta.org/</a> </li><li>First Descents: <a href="https://firstdescents.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://firstdescents.org/</a></li><li>Epic Experience: <a href="https://www.epicexperience.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.epicexperience.org/</a></li><li>American Cancer Society:<a href="https://www.cancer.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cancer.org/</a></li><li>To find Ruthie: <a href="http://www.braincancerbabe.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">www.braincancerbabe.com</a></li><li>Twitter: @braincancerbabe</li><li>Instagram: @braincancer_babe</li></ul>HELP US SPREAD THE WORD! If you dug this episode head on over to Apple Podcasts and kindly<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-headway/id1534964037" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"> leave us a rating, a review and subscribe!</a>Ways to subscribe to the Making Headway Podcast:<ul><li><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/making-headway/id1534964037" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts</a></li><li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4Ishnxgh8xbJfV8BtbCtZw" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to subscribe via Spotify</a></li><li><a href="https://making-headway.captivate.fm/listen" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Click here to subscribe via RSS</a></li><li><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/making-headway" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">You can also subscribe via Stitcher</a></li></ul> <a href="https://www.makingheadwaypodcast.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Visit the Making Headway Podcast website</a> to learn more about Eryn and Mariah and our journey to podcasting.Follow us on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/makingheadwaypodcast/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"> Instagram</a>, <a href="twitter.com/makingheadwaypo" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, or<a href="https://www.facebook.com/makingheadwaypodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"> Facebook</a>.

Survivor Story: Thriver, Survivor, Fighter! Life with Brain Cancer with Ruth Kavanagh

“Can anyone be an advocate? YES. Tell YOUR story. Your story is POWER.” -Ruth Kavanagh https://interludecancerstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/episode-23-ruth-kavanaugh-final-8_1_19-11.49-pm.m4a Subscribe and Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Play | Stitcher Ruth Kavanagh is a 39 year old female who was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer (Grade III anaplastic ependymoma) at the age of 34. She was having vague symptoms and was being planned for a brain MRI to rule out early onset multiple sclerosis. However, she then suffered a seizure while getting a manicure, woke up in an emergency room on April 6, 2014 and was told she had a brain lesion that had to be removed. Her life changed forever on that day. Ruth is now a two time brain cancer survivor/thriver! She has had conquered brain cancer twice, had five brain cancer surgeries, multiple courses of radiation, and innumerable hospitalizations but she is now cancer-free. Since her diagnosis, she has focused on raising awareness and fundraising and advocating on behalf of the brain cancer community.  She is involved in several charities and works tirelessly as much as she can to defeat this disease. Despite all of this, Ruth is one of the most optimistic people I have had the privilege of speaking with. On today’s episode, she shares her story as well as her thoughts on the language of cancer, becoming a cancer advocate, connecting with others when newly diagnosed, the importance of caring for the caregiver, and at the very end of the episode, her thoughts on what hope really is. Her words are beautiful and to say she is inspiring does not even begin to do it justice. Go listen. You will not be disappointed. (Phototograph and permission to post provided by Ruth Kavanagh) What We Discussed on Todays’ Episode/Helpful Links: Glioblastoma Awareness Day  CancerCare Imerman Angels First Descents National Brain Tumor Society Cycle For Survival American Brain Tumor Association We Can Kick It Brain Tumor Facts (Source: National Brain Tumor Society):  An estimated 700,000 Americans are living with a brain tumor Nearly 87,000 people will receive a primary brain tumor diagnosis in 2019 The average survival rate for all malignant brain tumor patients is only 35% An estimated 16,830 people will die from malignant brain tumors (brain cancer) in 2019 Despite the amount of brain tumors, and their devastating prognosis, there have only been four FDA approved drugs – and one device – to treat brain tumors in the past 30 years. Out of 78 investigational brain tumor drugs that entered the clinical trial evaluation process, 75 FAILED. The amount of cancer cases each year that metastasize to the brain ranges anywhere from 56,000 to 500,000 cases We need MORE. More research. More drugs. More treatments. More survival.  Follow Dr. Teplinsky: Twitter |  Instagram | Facebook Follow Ruth: Instagram Related Episodes: Episode 20: Brianna Wagner (Low Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer at 37) Episode 19: Lauren Chiarello (Hodgkin Lymphoma at 23) Episode 3: Ingrid Kolstoe (Low Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer at 41) Support Interlude: Women’s Cancer Stories with Dr. Teplinsky. If you’re enjoying the show, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts (iTunes). If you liked this episode, please share with your friends and family! If you have any feedback or are interested in being a guest on the show, please e-mail me at interludecancerstories@gmail.com

“Can anyone be an advocate? YES. Tell YOUR story. Your story is POWER.” -Ruth Kavanagh <a href="https://interludecancerstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/episode-23-ruth-kavanaugh-final-8_1_19-11.49-pm.m4a" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://interludecancerstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/episode-23-ruth-kavanaugh-final-8_1_19-11.49-pm.m4a</a> Subscribe and Listen on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interlude/id1451816690?mt=2" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Apple Podcasts | </a><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4M7i6rIvBSmbS5klDJJAxW?si=llvlka_qRjmE-J85kKq8Ww" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spotify | </a><a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/Isqlmxfkxfley545axt3534bmdq" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Google Play | </a><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/eleonora-teplinsky/interlude-womens-cancer-stories-with-dr-teplinsky" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Stitcher</a> Ruth Kavanagh is a 39 year old female who was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer (Grade III anaplastic ependymoma) at the age of 34. She was having vague symptoms and was being planned for a brain MRI to rule out early onset multiple sclerosis. However, she then suffered a seizure while getting a manicure, woke up in an emergency room on April 6, 2014 and was told she had a brain lesion that had to be removed. Her life changed forever on that day. Ruth is now a two time brain cancer survivor/thriver! She has had conquered brain cancer twice, had five brain cancer surgeries, multiple courses of radiation, and innumerable hospitalizations but she is now cancer-free. Since her diagnosis, she has focused on raising awareness and fundraising and advocating on behalf of the brain cancer community.  She is involved in several charities and works tirelessly as much as she can to defeat this disease. Despite all of this, Ruth is one of the most optimistic people I have had the privilege of speaking with. On today’s episode, she shares her story as well as her thoughts on the language of cancer, becoming a cancer advocate, connecting with others when newly diagnosed, the importance of caring for the caregiver, and at the very end of the episode, her thoughts on what hope really is. Her words are beautiful and to say she is inspiring does not even begin to do it justice. Go listen. You will not be disappointed. (Phototograph and permission to post provided by Ruth Kavanagh) What We Discussed on Todays’ Episode/Helpful Links: <a href="https://braintumor.org/take-action/gbm-awareness-day/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Glioblastoma Awareness Day </a> <a href="https://www.cancercare.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">CancerCare</a> <a href="https://imermanangels.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Imerman Angels</a> <a href="https://firstdescents.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">First Descents</a> <a href="https://events.braintumor.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">National Brain Tumor Society</a> <a href="https://www.cycleforsurvival.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Cycle For Survival</a> <a href="https://www.abta.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">American Brain Tumor Association</a> <a href="https://wecankickit.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">We Can Kick It</a> Brain Tumor Facts (Source: National Brain Tumor Society): <ul> <li>An estimated 700,000 Americans are living with a brain tumor</li> <li>Nearly 87,000 people will receive a primary brain tumor diagnosis in 2019</li> <li>The average survival rate for all malignant brain tumor patients is only 35%</li> <li>An estimated 16,830 people will die from malignant brain tumors (brain cancer) in 2019</li> <li>Despite the amount of brain tumors, and their devastating prognosis, there have only been four FDA approved drugs – and one device – to treat brain tumors in the past 30 years. Out of 78 investigational brain tumor drugs that entered the clinical trial evaluation process, 75 FAILED.</li> <li>The amount of cancer cases each year that metastasize to the brain ranges anywhere from 56,000 to 500,000 cases</li> <li>We need MORE. More research. More drugs. More treatments. More survival.</li> </ul> Follow Dr. Teplinsky: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/drteplinsky" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter | </a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/drteplinsky/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram | </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/drteplinsky/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> Follow Ruth: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rak0202/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> Related Episodes: <a href="http://interludecancerstories.com/2019/07/05/episode-20-brianna-wagner-low-grade-serous-ovarian-cancer-at-37/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 20: Brianna Wagner (Low Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer at 37)</a> <a href="http://interludecancerstories.com/2019/06/21/episode-19-lauren-chiarello-hodgkin-lymphoma-at-23/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 19: Lauren Chiarello (Hodgkin Lymphoma at 23)</a> <a href="http://interludecancerstories.com/2019/02/22/episode-3-ingrid-kolstoe/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Episode 3: Ingrid Kolstoe (Low Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer at 41)</a> Support Interlude: Women’s Cancer Stories with Dr. Teplinsky. If you’re enjoying the show, please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts (iTunes). If you liked this episode, please share with your friends and family! If you have any feedback or are interested in being a guest on the show, please e-mail me at interludecancerstories@gmail.com

Episode 23: Ruth Kavanagh (Brain Cancer at 34)