Cancer can change everything in a moment, but it does not get the final say. Susan Lambert Hatem joins the Cancer Sucks Podcast for a candid conversation about catching breast cancer early, advocating for yourself, and refusing to put life on hold while you get treated.

Susan shares how a small, persistent lump led to a biopsy, diagnosis, lumpectomy, and radiation without chemotherapy, while also navigating the chaos of the LA fires, doctor delays, and a packed creative life. Along the way, she reflects on the power of trusting your instincts, building a strong support system, and staying proactive when something feels off. It’s a hopeful, honest reminder that cancer may be part of the story, but it doesn’t get to define the whole ​​life.

Be sure to check out her award winning podcast!

https://www.80stvladies.com/

https://www.instagram.com/80stvladies?igsi=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

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• 1:59 — Welcome and shared Disney history

• 5:10 — Susan’s journey into podcasting and 80s TV Ladies

• 7:10 — Noticing symptoms and advocating for early testing

• 12:18 — Diagnosis, treatment choices, and recovery

• 17:07 — Support from friends and the importance of speaking openly

• 25:30 — Empathy, stigma, and living with cancer

• 29:03 — Jay’s treatment update and new hope in cancer care

• 31:04 — Finding joy, purpose, and community through a difficult year

• 33:53 — Susan’s podcast and closing remarks
  

Prostate cancer can be terrifying, but catching it early changes everything. In this episode, Jay and Adrienne interview Tony Cortese, who shares how proactive PSA testing, a trusted doctor, and targeted radiation helped him avoid surgery and keep his quality of life intact - and why he believes the right mindset may matter as much as the treatment plan. Jay also brings a deeply personal perspective, comparing Tony’s journey to his own family’s prostate cancer history and breaking down what PSA numbers, Gleason scores, active surveillance, and modern treatment options actually mean in real life. Adrienne adds thoughtful questions that pull out the details families need to hear, especially around early detection, bloodwork trends, and when to push for more answers.

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CHAPTERS:00:00 Welcome to the Cancer Sucks Podcast01:01 Jay’s health update and upcoming scan 04:49 Introducing Tony and his prostate cancer journey07:00 Tony’s diagnosis, PSA monitoring, and early detection10:46 Choosing radiation treatment over surgery14:17 Jay’s experience with prostate cancer and family history17:20 Why proactive screening and regular blood work matter24:07 Finding peace through meditation, faith, and treatment28:40 Radiation side effects, treatment realities, and quality of life30:52 Staying hopeful and choosing to keep living35:09 Faith, gratitude, and final encouragement35:39 Closing the conversation

In today's weekly update, Jay talks about how it feels to have completed 1 MONTH of taking the new, groundbreaking, stage 4 pancreatic cancer medication, DARAXONRASIB!

Jay and Adrienne also discuss:

- Patrick Long (from The Decon Project) is officially CANCER FREE!

- How Jay has been feeling on the drug

- Side effects (or for him, lack there of)

- Exciting media opportunities Jay has gotten

- FDA approval status

- Next steps regarding scans and tumor shrinkage

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For booking, to be a guest on our show, and other business inquiries: cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

02:02 Celebrating Patrick Long's cancer remission

03:51 Jay's journey with stage four pancreatic cancer

07:00 Introduction to Daraxonrasib and clinical trial process

10:00 Expanded access and Jay’s treatment experience

12:02 Upcoming scans and hopes for tumor shrinkage

15:01 The importance of FDA approval for wider access

18:12 Jay’s lifestyle changes and maintaining energy

20:59 The mental and emotional aspects of fighting cancer

24:03 The positive outlook and helping others

26:00 Future updates and the impact of new treatments

Join us as Patrick Long shares his powerful story of battling lymphoma while also leading a nonprofit dedicated to protecting firefighters from cancer. This episode highlights the importance of preventative health for firefighters and first responders, the role of community, and innovative solutions like sauna use to reduce long-term risks in high-exposure professions.

In this episode:

• Patrick's personal cancer diagnosis and treatment journey

• The mission and activities of the Decon Project

• The connection between firefighting chemical exposure and cancer risk

• The role of sauna therapy in detoxification and prevention

• Practical steps for firefighters and first responders to reduce long-term health risks

• How community support and advocacy can make a difference

• The importance of taking ownership of health and seeking second opinions

• Resources for implementing safety practices and wellness initiatives in fire stations

For more CANCER SUCKS PODCAST ⬇

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For more about DECON PROJECT🚒⬇

The Decon Project Website

The Decon Project Instagram

Salus Saunas (firefighter wellness saunas)

FLAME Decon Soap

For booking and other business inquiries: cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com

00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Patrick Long and his story

02:20 - The mission behind the Decon Project and Patrick’s motivation

09:00 - Patrick’s cancer diagnosis: follicular and diffuse large B cell lymphoma

14:00 - The significance of chemical exposure in firefighting and long-term health risks

23:00 - Emerging treatments like CAR T cell therapy

30:00 - The impact of shift work, sleep deprivation, and toxins on firefighter health

40:00 - Saunas as a tool for detoxification and reducing cancer risk

45:00 - Practical tips for firefighters to improve health and safety practices

50:00 - How community, faith, and personal advocacy shape Patrick’s outlook

52:00 - How to get involved with the Decon Project and spreading health awareness

This week, Jay received HUGE news… he is officially cleared to start taking Daraxonrasib, the new breakthrough pancreatic cancer medication that has, up until now, had a lot of red tape and been hard to get cleared for. So hit pause on the sad playlist, because this episode is about real hope, breakthrough drugs, and the kind of medical miracles that make you want to do a happy dance — even if you’re sweating through California summer. Today, Jay Williams shares his rollercoaster journey with a game-changing pancreatic cancer drug and how it’s giving him a new lease on life.In this episode:

• Jay dives into the journey of finally getting the groundbreaking drug Daraxonrasib after months of red tape and waiting games

• How a nerve block turned his terrible back pain into sweet dreams—literally

• The science behind KRAS, the “stuck accelerator” of cancer, and how this new drug targets it

• The comparison between chemo’s indiscriminate attack and targeted therapies like Daraxonrasib

• The importance of self-advocacy and finding doctors who listen (because not all heroes wear scrubs)

• Why pancreatic cancer diagnosis is often late, and how early detection could change the game

• The hope for combination therapies—immunotherapy plus targeted drugs—and the future of cancer care

Interested in being a guest? Drop us a line at cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com. We love sharing your journey!Remember: Cancer might suck, but your life doesn’t have to. Keep fighting, keep laughing, and keep advocating!

(this update was recorded on 7/10/26)

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For booking and other business inquiries: cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com

00:29 I'm Starting Daraxonrasib!

05:05 Let's talk about Daraxonrasib! Red Tape

06:50 History of Daraxonrasib

09:54 Funny Story About Getting The Drug

17:16 Daraxonrasib First Impressions

17:42 Daraxonrasib vs Chemotherapy - What's The Difference?

21:37 Can Daraxonrasib Cure Pancreatic Cancer?

21:42 Treatment Outlook and Next Steps

23:22 Early Detection and Insurance Barriers

23:46 The Choice Between Quality of Life or Continuing Treatment

24:39 Daraxonrasib's Bright Future

30:08 Living With Cancer and Self-Advocacy

32:33 Hope, Research, and New Treatments

34:59 Finding the Right Doctor

37:55 Knowledge Is Power

39:22 Community, Gratitude, and Staying Positive

43:01 Where to Find Us

BE A GUEST ON OUR SHOW! 🎙️ Email cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com to let us know you want to be a guest.

Welcome to this week’s update! Today, Jay talks about hitting 3 years since his original pancreatic cancer diagnosis, how he emotionally copes with bad news, his latest scan results that weren’t great, going on a new chemo, and the government red tape around the new life-saving pancreatic cancer drug Daraxonrasib.

Jay and Adrienne also discuss:

- Latest treatments and clinical trials for pancreatic cancer

- The importance of advocacy and self-education in healthcare

- The role of positivity and mental resilience in battling cancer

- Community support and fundraising efforts for cancer research

(this update was recorded on 6/28/26)

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For booking and other business inquiries: cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to another WEEKLY UPDATE! Today we’re traveling back in time to October 2025, where Jay explains a recent medical scare he had, describes in detail what getting chemo ACTUALLY feels like, gives us his best tips for pre-chemo anxiety, and takes us back to where he was a year ago today. Jay and Adrienne discuss the joys of teaching, and how grateful we are that Jay is still here fighting the good fight. Thanks everyone, for tuning in!

(this update was recorded on 10/19/25)

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For booking and other business inquiries: cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com

00:00 - welcome back to Cancer Sucks!

03:24 - let’s roll the episode!

05:42 - this time last year

14:59 - biggest tip for anxiety

15:46 - no chemo this week

18:27 - mentally preparing for chemo

22:08 - introducing a 3rd drug

26:28 - world series baseball

28:57 - how is sleeping?

31:46 - what does getting chemo feel like?

38:26 - staying busy is good

47:05 - subscribe to the podcast!

Welcome to another WEEKLY UPDATE! Today we’re traveling back in time to October 2025, where we continue to explore Jay's journey of battling cancer, the importance of positivity, and how to find joy in everyday moments.

We touch on:

• Zofran & CBD gummies

• Healthcare in the 90's vs now

• Going to Disneyland to get his steps in!!!

• Forgetting you have cancer

• And more genius nuggets on how to stay positive during your battle with cancer

Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation about resilience, mental health, and living life to the fullest.

(this update was recorded on 10/11/2025)

For more CANCER SUCKS PODCAST ⬇

Follow us on INSTAGRAM for daily updates, laughs, and raw behind-the-scenes moments!

Donate to Help Jay Fight Pancreatic Cancer

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Follow the CANCER SUCKS Playlist!

Find ALL our links in one place, here!

Follow Adrienne

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For booking and other business inquiries: cancersuckspodcast@gmail.com

00:00 - Introduction and Context of the Podcast

02:29 - Reflections on Cancer Treatment and Quality of Life

12:50 - Mental Health and Positivity in Cancer Journey

16:39 - Jay's Weekly Update and Work Life

24:47 - Physical Activity Challenges and Adaptations

27:59 - The Power of Positive Environments

30:28 - Balancing Work and Health

33:23 - Collecting Memories: A Visual Journey

36:45 - Gratitude and Perspective on Life

39:49 - Legacy and Family Values

42:44 - The Importance of Perspective in Life