The State of Health Care Podcast
Welcome to the State of Health Care Podcast! In this podcast, we interview health care professionals from different backgrounds, experiences, and expertise, in an effort to discover what's really going on in our health care system. Additionally, we also speak with patients, or those who have been dealing with short-term or chronic illness, injury, or health challenges. This podcast was started to shed light on the health care system, while simultaneously, highlighting resources and options available for you to make empowered decisions about your health care. We delve into traditional western medicine to alternative therapies to everything in between! Thanks for listening!
The State of Health Care Podcast
Cervical Cancer - A Patient Experience
Today we are chatting with Dusty, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer, stage 2B, in 2016. In this episode, we hear about Dusty's journey and the critical importance of advocating and trusting yourself when things don't feel right. Dusty had to change doctors a few times before her diagnosis was confirmed, which started with fairly severe symptoms that prompted her to reach out for help.
Join us to hear one of the most informative episodes of the entire show! We talk about how "common is not the same as normal" when Dusty was chatting with doctors about what was happening and how some brushed off her concerns.
We discuss how Covid and vaccinations have been shown to impact periods and menstrual cycles, which could potentially hide some symptoms of cervical cancer. We also discuss the chemo journey for cervical cancer and the importance of regular PAP and HPV testing -- which don't necessarily catch everything but is currently the best way to monitor for potential issues. We also dive into what "peer to peer" means when your insurance might deny paying for services, and how you can go back to your doctor for assistance.
The most important take-away point that Dusty makes in this episode is when something feels off, trust yourself to speak up about it. Don't be afraid to find a provider that believes in what you are saying and will have your back.
Join us and share with family and friends who might benefit from hearing Dusty's story.
Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is not a substitute for any form of professional physical health care or medical care. Listening does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship with Tracy Karas, DPT. The information provided is for inspirational and educational purposes only.