In this episode, Dr. JYP talks with Mary Lucy Mattei, a nurse practitioner specializing in gynecologic oncology, all about chemotherapy basics: "Chemo 101." They explain what chemotherapy is, why it's used, and what patients can expect during treatment. Mary Lucy shares practical advice on what to wear and what to bring on the first infusion day. She covers common side effects such as fatigue, nausea, constipation, hair loss, and nerve problems, and provides guidance on how to manage them.They discuss the emotional impact of losing hair and explore options such as wigs, scarves, and even eyebrow tattooing. Mary Lucy also talks about ways to prevent and treat neuropathy and stresses the importance of staying hydrated and keeping a normal routine as much as possible. Both encourage patients to ask questions and reach out for support.

3 Key Takeaways


1. Chemo education and patient support are essential

Mary Lucy Mattei, a nurse practitioner in gynecologic oncology at theUSA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute, emphasizes the importance of thorough chemotherapy education tailored to each patient's needs. She provides a compassionate environment where patients and their families can ask questions, clarify details about their diagnosis and treatment plan, and get practical advice. This approach helps demystify the treatment process, reduce anxiety, and prepare patients both mentally and physically for what's ahead.

2. Manage side effects through proactive care

The episode highlights common chemotherapy side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, constipation, hair loss, and neuropathy. Mary Lucy and Dr. JYP discuss strategies for minimizing side effects, including using pre-medication to reduce or prevent nausea or allergic reactions, over-the-counter remedies for constipation, and employing supportive measures such as ice packs to help prevent neuropathy. They remind patients to report concerning symptoms so that care teams can intervene right away.

3. Emotional support and lifestyle continuity matter

Beyond the medical aspects, the episode addresses the emotional challenges of chemotherapy, including how to prepare for what many patients fear most: hair loss. Resources such as wig fittings, support volunteers, and even tattoo artists for brow or nipple restoration are shared as ways to help cancer patients maintain their sense of self. Importantly, they encourage patients to continue living their lives, maintaining their work, daily routines, and social engagement as much as possible to foster a sense of normalcy and emotional resilience during treatment. As Mary Lucy says, “This is a bump in the road.”

Show Overview


00:00 Comforting Patient Consultations

04:32 Patient Chemotherapy Start Guide

08:02 Chemotherapy and Pre-Medication Overview

10:36 Chemo Effects: Fatigue and More

15:30 Patient Communication and Treatment Scheduling

18:45 Wig Resources for Cancer Patients

22:03 Planning for Chemo Cycles

25:17 Cold Capping in Chemotherapy

26:59 Preventing Neuropathy

In this episode of The Cancering Show, host Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce talks with Dr. Rebecca Perkins, a nationally recognized expert in cervical cancer prevention, about the latest updates in HPV testing and cervical cancer screening. They emphasize that HPV (human papillomavirus) is linked to virtually all cervical cancers (and several other cancers in men and women), and that testing for high-risk HPV is better at catching problems early compared with the traditional Pap test. The episode highlights new self-collection kits, in which patients can collect their own sample, usually at a doctor’s office, to make screening easier without a pelvic exam. However, if the test result is positive, the patient will need to follow up with a doctor for further tests. Home testing kits are also being introduced, but they’re not widely available yet. The main takeaway is that knowing your HPV status is crucial for preventing cervical cancer, and self-collection options will make screening more accessible for many people in the future. Listeners are encouraged to talk to their doctor about the best screening option for them and to always follow up after a positive test. Resources such as the American Cancer Society’s “Screening Tests for Cervical Cancer” and cervicalrisk.com are recommended for more information.

3 Key Takeaways


1. HPV testing is more effective than the Pap test alone.
The conversation emphasizes that HPV causes the vast majority of cervical cancers (99.7%), making HPV testing a critical component of early detection. Dr. Perkins explains that HPV testing can detect about 90% of pre-cancers and cancers, compared to roughly 70% with Pap tests. Because of its higher sensitivity, HPV testing can be done less frequently while still providing strong protection.


2. Self-collection for HPV testing expands access to screening.
Self-collection kits for HPV testing, which allow patients to collect their own samples in a clinic setting without a pelvic exam, are becoming more available.This approach encourages cervical cancer screening for individuals who may avoid or delay pelvic exams and helps integrate screening into primary care, family medicine, and even mobile clinics. While at-home kits are still not widely available, in-clinic self-collection is currently a promising step toward improving screening rates.


3. Follow-up after a positive HPV test is essential.
If a patient tests positive for high-risk HPV, especially types 16 or 18, it is important to follow up with additional testing or procedures, such as colposcopy, to check for pre-cancerous changes.The episode stresses that no one who tests positive for high-risk HPV should wait longer than one year for further evaluation, underlining the importance of timely follow-up to prevent cervical cancer.


Show Overview


02:17 Meet Rebecca Perkins, MD, MSc

03:11 HPV test vs. Pap test

04:55 Know your status

05:19 What to know if your HPV test is positive

08:39 HPV self-collection

10:48 Who should see a doctor for an exam?

14:00 Types of self-collection

18:50 HPV vaccine has reduced cervical cancer rates

20:28 Importance of follow-up after positive test results

21:15 When will home self-collection be available?

24:12 Where to find out more

In this episode of The Cancering Show, Dr. JYP welcomes certified oncology yoga instructor Michelle Ryan-Day to discuss the transformative impact of yoga for cancer patients and survivors. Michelle shares her journey into oncology yoga, emphasizing its evidence-based benefits, including reducing recurrence risk, managing treatment side effects such as fatigue and neuropathy, and supporting emotional health. The conversation highlights the accessibility of chair-based yoga tailored for all fitness levels, the power of the breath, and the importance of self-compassion in healing. Listeners also get a bonus: a 60-second guided breath exercise to try out yoga’s self-care benefits.

Check out yoga4cancer.com for more yoga info!

3 Key Listener Takeaways



1. Yoga is accessible and beneficial for cancer patients and survivors

Michelle Ryan-Day emphasizes that yoga — especially oncology-specific, chair-based yoga — is accessible for everyone, regardless of physical limitations or where they are in their cancer journey. Oncology yoga classes are designed to be safe and effective, taking into account common cancer treatment side effects such as fatigue, lymphedema, neuropathy, and low bone density. The focus is not on advanced poses, but on gentle movement, community, and adapting practices to individual needs so that anyone can participate and experience the benefits.

2. Evidence supports yoga's role in recovery and survivorship

Dr. JYP notes that yoga is a well-studied intervention, supported by hundreds of studies and recommended by reputable organizations such as the American Cancer Society. Practicing yoga regularly can help treat symptoms including fatigue, emotional distress, and physical limitations. It may also reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and enhance long-term health and survivorship, making it a valuable, low-cost addition to cancer care.

3. Mindfulness and breathwork play a vital role in healing

They discuss the transformative power of awareness, especially through breathwork and mindfulness. Learning to control and be mindful of one's breath can regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote feelings of well-being and self-compassion. Michelle walks listeners through a simple breathing exercise, demonstrating how breath can be an immediate tool for physical and emotional balance. This focus on mindfulness promotes not only physical recovery but also the emotional healing and self-acceptance crucial to cancer survivorship.

Show Overview


02:05 Meet Michelle Ryan-Day

03:28 “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”

05:30 A different kind of yoga

09:30 Who can benefit from oncology yoga?

13:30 Special considerations for cancer patients and survivors

15:08 Learn to love yourself and your body

19:50 60-second breath exercise for listeners

23:00 What cancer patients say about oncology yoga