On this episode of the MPN Pod, hosts Kay and Josh welcome back fan-favorite guest Gary Linehan, a 56-year-old educator and avid hiker living with polycythemia vera, for an update on his journey since his Season 1 appearance. Gary shares how a change in treatment in 2022 brought his blood counts to normal, dramatically reducing symptoms like fatigue and burning sensations, while a new focus on diet and exercise through a cardio lifestyle program has further improved his quality of life. Now a school principal, Gary discusses balancing career and health, his upcoming hike of the West Highland Way in Scotland with fellow MPN community members, and offers advice to newly diagnosed patients, including wisdom from Viktor Frankl, encouraging them to consult experts, find meaning in their challenges, and never let cancer define who they are.

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Episode description will accompany podcast on podcast players.

Transparency Statement:

The PV Cancer Podcast is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by PharmaEssentia. Visit PharmaEssentia.com to learn more.

The following PharmaEssentia-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.

In this season three premiere of the MPN Pod: Stories from the Marrow, hosts Kay Vermeil and Josh Bragg interview Dr. Tyler Parsons, a postdoctoral researcher at Washington University who studies myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and is himself a polycythemia vera (PV) patient. Tyler shares his decade-long journey to diagnosis, beginning with his first deep vein thrombosis at age 17 and experiencing multiple blood clots throughout college and graduate school before finally being diagnosed with PV during his PhD program. Despite the challenges of managing a rare blood cancer while pursuing his doctorate, Tyler offers valuable insights on finding your "new center" after diagnosis, staying informed about your condition, and maintaining your goals and ambitions while adapting to life with PV.

Episode description will accompany podcast on podcast players.

Transparency Statement:

The PV Cancer Podcast is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by PharmaEssentia. Visit PharmaEssentia.com to learn more.

The following PharmaEssentia-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.

The Season 2 finale of The PV Pod: Stories from the Marrow takes listeners through a thoughtful year-end review, highlighting the most impactful insights shared by patients, caregivers, clinicians, and advocates. Kay and Josh revisit key themes like early symptoms, shared decision-making, and the power of self-advocacy, drawing on memorable moments from this year's guests. The episode also explores the importance of education, community support, and finding credible resources while navigating life with PV. Plus, the hosts offer a sneak peek at what's ahead in 2026.

Transparency Statement:

The PV Cancer Podcast is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by PharmaEssentia. Visit PharmaEssentia.com to learn more.

The following PharmaEssentia-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.

On this episode of the PV Pod: Stories from the Marrow, Kay and Josh welcome Tracy Rode, CEO of the Patient Empowerment Network and a 15-year cancer survivor. Tracy shares her insights on self-advocacy, the importance of credible information, and how to navigate the challenges of living with a rare cancer like polycythemia vera. Listeners will learn practical tips for preparing for doctor appointments, finding support, and empowering themselves throughout their PV journey.

Transparency Statement:

The PV Cancer Podcast is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by PharmaEssentia. Visit PharmaEssentia.com to learn more.

The following PharmaEssentia-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.

On this episode of the PV Pod: Stories from the Marrow, hosts Kay and Josh are joined by Dr. Al Freedman, a psychologist and rare disease advocate, to discuss the mental health challenges faced by people living with polycythemia vera (PV) and other rare diseases. Dr. Freedman shares his personal story as a parent and professional, offering insights on coping with uncertainty, isolation, and the importance of community support. The conversation highlights practical strategies for managing mental health, both for patients and caregivers, and emphasizes the value of hope, resilience, and connection. Tune in for an honest and compassionate look at navigating life with a rare disease.

Episode description will accompany podcast on podcast players.

Transparency Statement:

The PV Cancer Podcast is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by PharmaEssentia. Visit PharmaEssentia.com to learn more.

The following PharmaEssentia-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.

On this episode of the PV Pod, hosts Kay and Josh discuss the importance of self-advocacy for those living with polycythemia vera (PV). They speak with Susan Brooks about her diagnosis journey, her experiences with advocating for her own health, and the value of staying informed and connected within the PV community.

Transparency Statement:

The PV Cancer Podcast is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by PharmaEssentia. Visit PharmaEssentia.com to learn more.

The following PharmaEssentia-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.

On this episode of the PV Pod, Josh and Kay discuss the critical importance of shared decision making in the treatment of polycythemia vera (PV). They are joined by Dr. Lucia Masarova from MD Anderson Cancer Center and PV patient Cheri Clark, who provide insights from both the physician and patient perspectives. The discussion highlights the essential role of patient advocacy, continual education, and collaboration between patients and healthcare providers in managing this rare disease.

Transparency Statement:

The PV Cancer Podcast is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by PharmaEssentia. Visit PharmaEssentia.com to learn more.

The following PharmaEssentia-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.

On this episode of the PV Pod, we dive into the experiences of Steven Ames, who shares his journey with polycythemia vera (PV). Diagnosed during the height of COVID-19, Steven discusses the challenges he faced, including difficult interactions with healthcare providers, the importance of seeking second opinions, and the critical role of having a knowledgeable healthcare team. The conversation also highlights the significance of utilizing a broad support network, which includes family, friends, colleagues, and online communities, to manage the emotional and practical aspects of living with PV.

Transparency Statement:

The PV Cancer Podcast is produced by Believe Limited and made possible by PharmaEssentia. Visit PharmaEssentia.com to learn more.

The following PharmaEssentia-supported program is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.