Marrow Masters Podcast

The information in these podcasts should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with your health care provider regarding your medical decisions and treatment. The listed resources are not intended to be endorsements.

SEASON 7 : EPISODE 0

Season 7 Trailer : GVHD and the Long Haul

Welcome to Marrow Masters Season 7, sponsored by Pharmacyclics and Jansen, and Kadmon, a Sanofi company. This season we focus on long haulers – those who are dealing with chronic graft vs host disease. We cover different treatment options, plus we’ll cover some topics that aren’t always easy to bring up. And we’ll cover the importance of taking care of not just your physical health, but your mental health as well.

SEASON 7 : EPISODE 1

Dr. Areej El-Jawahri on Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease Issues Regarding Sexual Health and Intimacy

Dr. Areej El-Jawahri talks about the changing dynamic with couples when they become patient and caregiver, and how important it is to have open, honest communication regarding sexual health. Dr. El-Jawahri also discusses fertility concerns for younger couples.

SEASON 7 : EPISODE 2

Juliane Belisle, MSW, LCSW-s, on the Psychosocial Needs of Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease Long Haulers

To outsiders, chronic Graft vs. Host Disease long haulers may appear fine. Survivors have made it through transplant and the immediate aftermath. But the unpredictability of cGVHD can lead to anxiety, depression, and despair and frankly, survivors get sick and tired….of being sick and tired. And they have to learn how to “re-train their brain.” In this episode, Juliane Belisle shares self-care tips that are applicable not just to GVHD patients, but to all of us.

SEASON 7 : EPISODE 3

Dr. Sean Smith on Improving and Maintaining Mobility with Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease

Dr. Sean Smith is dedicated to helping patients improve function as it relates to a variety of musculoskeletal, neurological and cognitive deficits related to cancer and its treatment. He shares some sobering numbers about how quickly muscles can deteriorate after transplant if not used. Dr. Smith also talks about “pre-habilitation” – the exercise you can do before transplant.

SEASON 7 : EPISODE 4

Heather Jim, Ph.D, on Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease Sleep Related Issues

Heather Jim, PhD, walks us through ways to combat sleep issues related to chronic Graft vs. Host Disease. She covers some of the most common types of sleep issues, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome. Heather explains that good quality sleep is not only important for patients, but for caregivers as well.

SEASON 7 : EPISODE 5

Caregiver Ann Haehn Shares Best Ways to Support Your Loved One Battling Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease

Colorado’s Ann Haehn and her daughter Genny are two truly special people. Today, Ann takes us on their journey through Genny’s transplant and subsequent battles with chronic Graft vs Host Disease.

SEASON 7 : EPISODE 6

Survivor and Advocate Meredith Cowden, MA, LPCC-S, Shares Insight and Resources Regarding Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease

Today, survivor and advocate Meredith Cowden talks about being your own advocate regarding GVHD. As patient advocacy director of the Meredith Cowden Foundation, she has a wealth of resources to share, many of which are linked below.

cGVHD_Resouces_2020_NIH_Summit.pdf

Coping with Prednisone (Amazon.com)

SEASON 7 : EPISODE 7

Heather Younker RDN, CSO, on Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease Diet and Nutrition Issues

Heather Younker covers all things related to Graft vs. Host Disease and diet. Nutrition is important for everyone, but especially those with GVHD, in order to prevent malnutrition and other issues. Registered dieticians and nutritionists can be key in a multidisciplinary approach. It’s important to keep your entire health care team in the loop so they can be aware of all issues. GVHD can present in many different ways and at any time.