In this episode of the Only 4 Words Podcast, hosts KarenWaddington and Melanie engage in a heartfelt conversation with Cobie Whitten, an Psyco-Oncology Consultant. Cobie shares her extensive background in psycho-oncology anddiscusses the profound impact of cancer on individuals and their families. The conversation explores various themes, including the importance of emotional support, coping strategies, the role of positivity, and the challenges ofnavigating intimacy after a cancer diagnosis. Cobie emphasizes the need for open communication, the significance of support systems, and the importance offinding meaning and purpose in life despite the challenges posed by cancer. Theepisode concludes with insights on managing uncertainty and fear, as well as resources for those affected by cancer.

Our next in person gathering with be:

Saturday, Jan 3rd, 2026

Sweet Magnolia Coffeee Co

125 Tumwater Blvd, #119, Tumwater, WA

2:00pm-4:00pm

No RSVP needed, just show up

Here are the resources that were mentioned on the podcast:

https://www.harmonyhill.org/cancer/

https://cancerlifeline.org/

In this episode of the Only Four Words podcast, Karen andMelanie reflect on their weekends and share personal stories about their experiences with cancer. They discuss their favorite things that can provide comfort and support to those undergoing treatment, including knitted knockersand local businesses that give back to the community. The conversation highlights the importance of kindness, emotional support, and practical help for loved ones in treatment, as well as creative gift ideas for the holiday season.

Here are a few of our favorite things:

knittedknockers.org

facebook.com/pink lift

bustedtank.com

fleshworkstattoostudio.com

Icechips.com

Happy Mail - linktr.ee/its.nerisa

fightingpretty.org

Serenity For A Cause (https://thewindchime.co)Join us for our next in person gathering:

Saturday, December 13, 2025

Sweet Magnolia Coffee Co

125 Tumwater Blvd, #119, Tumwater

2:00pm-4:00pm

In this conversation, Karen Waddington shares her experienceof receiving unexpected medical news regarding a mass on her uterus. She emphasizes the importance of compassionate communication from her doctor, who took the time to discuss the results with her personally, demonstrating empathyand understanding during a stressful time. This highlights the critical role of patient care and the doctor-patient relationship in navigating health challenges.

Next In Person Gathering

Saturday, December 13, 2025

2:00-4:00pm

Sweet Magnolia Coffee Co.

125 Tumwater Blvd., #119, Tumwater, Wa

No RSVP needed

We just want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for coming along on this journey with us. We are so grateful for you, our listeners, for those that have come on the podcast, and for those that show up at our in person gatherings and share their stories.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Karen and Melanie

Our next in person gathering will be:

Saturday (Note the change from Sunday)

December 13th, 2025

Sweet Magnolia Coffee Co.

125 Tumwater Blvd #119, Tumwater, WA

2:00pm - 4:00pm

There is no recording during this time

In this episode, Karen and Melanie reflect on theirweekends, sharing personal stories about family gatherings and reconnecting with old friends. They delve into Thanksgiving traditions, discussing how these have evolved over the years, especially in light of personal losses andchanges. The conversation highlights the importance of creating new traditions while honoring the past, navigating grief, and finding joy in the holidays. They emphasize the significance of family support during tough times and the power of gratitude and joy in shaping holiday experiences.

www.olytoyrun.com

Facebook.com/olympiatoyrun

December 6th, 10:00am

Laughter is the best medicine. In this episode, Karen and Melanie explore the themes oflaughter, gratitude, and the importance of community support. They share personal stories about comedy shows, the healing power of laughter, and the significance of expressing gratitude in various forms. The conversation highlights the impact of presence and support during challenging times, as well as the joy of volunteering and giving back to the community. Through their discussions, they emphasize the importance of meaningful connections and the power of shared experiences.

In this episode, Karen and Melanie kick off a month-long series on gratitude, sharing personal stories, reflections oncommunity support, and the importance of expressing gratitude in everyday life.

They discuss their weekend experiences, the joy of in-person gatherings, and the significance of connecting with new friends. The conversation delves into the benefits of gratitude, especially in the context of navigating cancer, andemphasizes the importance of acknowledging both positive and negative feelings.

They also explore creative gift ideas and the joy of physical books, concluding with a heartfelt reminder to cherish life and express gratitude.

In this episode of the Only 4 Words podcast, Karen and Melanie discuss a range of topics including personal healthupdates, the impact of Gamma Knife treatment, and the importance of clinical trials. Melanie shares her experiences with cancer treatments and the significance of monitoring health through regular scans. The conversation also touches on community events like the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk and the value of support groups.

Resources:

ACS ACTS

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/making-treatment-decisions/clinical-trials/acs-acts.html

Rutgers Cancer Studyjoin.rugcc.org/r?ypx4zh

Our next In-Person Gathering

Sunday, November 2nd

2:00PM-4:00PM

Sweet Magnolia Coffee Co.

125 Tumwater Blvd SE, Unit 119, Tumwater