From Patient to Professor: Dr. Brian Merkel and the Transplant Ripple Effect

Dr. Fred Appelbaum, Executive Vice President of Fred Hutch Cancer Center, joins Green Bay Oncology physicians Dr. Brian Burnette, Dr. Kamal Abbi, and Dr. Evan Wenig, along with Dr. Brian Merkel, Professor and Chair of Human Biology at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, to reflect on one of the earliest eras of bone marrow transplantation through the eyes of both patient and physician.
Survivorship and Living with Cancer

Medical oncologists Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Kamal Abbi explore the “survivorship cliff,” addressing the emotional and physical challenges patients face when transitioning from active treatment to a new normal.
Cancer, War and a Century of Life: Vaughn Collicott’s Story (Part 2)

In the second part of his story, 101-year-old WWII veteran Vaughn Collicott shares his journey of resilience through multiple cancer diagnoses and reflects on his emotional return to Normandy for the 80th D-Day anniversary. He also offers life advice and recounts his continued adventures, including meeting President Biden and Steven Spielberg.
How Will I Know if I’m Cured?

How do you know if your cancer is cured? Listen as Dr. Brian Burnette and Dr. Tony Jaslowski explore this crucial question.
Cancer Recurrence: Prevention and Understanding

Understanding and preventing cancer recurrence is a crucial aspect of survivorship. In this episode, we’re joined by medical oncologists, Dr. David Groteluschen and Dr. Brad Heraly, to explore the factors contributing to cancer recurrence and strategies patients can use to reduce their risk. We’ll also delve into managing the emotional challenges that accompany cancer survivorship.
How do I adjust to life after the treatments are done?
For much of our lives we go about assuming that today will be like yesterday, and tomorrow will be like today. We feel safe. But when things like cancer come out of nowhere, we lose that sense of safety – and we lose our confidence about tomorrow. The truth is, we never really had the […]
Can I be on hospice for longer than six months?
Yes! A person can qualify for hospice services beyond six months if they still have a terminal diagnosis. Medicare allows this for two reasons: estimating life expectancy isn’t exact, and hospice care often helps people live longer than they would without it.
How will I know if I’m cured?
We can estimate your chances of cure accurately, and if you want to talk to your doctor about this, you should ask. We don’t mind answering these kinds of questions. But even if we know a specific probability, such as 85% cured versus 15% not cured, we can’t know whether you’re in the 85% or […]
Should I join a cancer support group?
Yes. It really is that simple. You think you don’t need it, or won’t benefit from it. You’re mistaken. Try it. You may not need it for long. Maybe only once will be all you need. But no one other than a group of people going through the same thing will ever understand. Not even your doctor.
Does insurance cover hospice care?
In the United States, all patients covered by Medicare receive complete coverage for all hospice services provided in the home. Many non-Medicare insurances also provide generous coverage for hospice services, though you should check with your insurer or hospice provider if you’re not on Medicare.