Patient Stories

This is a guest post by Nicole Scott, whose husband Keith is diagnosed with kidney cancer. Together, they organize “Keith’s Cause” to raise awareness about kidney cancer where they live in Ohio. I was on my ten-minute drive to work when it started happening again. My eyes filled with tears as I tried to think of something else but my…

In this deeply personal final episode of season 2 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia sat down with her partner Sam and son Kelly to reflect on their shared journey through her two cancer diagnoses: chromophobe renal cell carcinoma in 2020 and papillary thyroid carcinoma in 2023. Around the kitchen table, they have an open and emotional conversation about…

In season 2, episode 9 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia talked with Katie Coleman, a stage 4 kidney cancer survivor, and Dr. Pavlos Msaouel, a physician-scientist at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Together, they shared insights into navigating a rare cancer diagnosis, the challenges of advocating for oneself in the medical system, and the importance of research for better…

In season 2, episode 8 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia sat down with Heather Williams, who was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer just days before learning she was pregnant. Heather shared her incredible journey of navigating aggressive treatment for renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) while protecting her unborn child. https://kidneycancerst.wpengine.com/stories/heather-williams/ With unwavering support from her husband,…

In season 2, episode 7 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia connected with Dr. Pedro Barata, a genitourinary oncologist, about how geography and socioeconomic factors impact access to cancer care. Dr. Barata highlighted the unique challenges faced by patients in rural areas, such as long travel times, limited access to oncologists, and difficulties enrolling in clinical trials. He discussed…

In season 2, episode 6 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia spoke with Raul Chavez, an 18-year kidney cancer survivor. Diagnosed at 23 with a rare, unclassifiable form of renal cell carcinoma, Raul shared the emotional toll of living scan-to-scan, managing PTSD, and navigating life with one kidney. Raul reflected on the challenges of conflicting medical advice, the pressure…

In season 2, episode 5 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia connected with Amy Plazer, who shared her unique experience of being diagnosed with both kidney and thyroid cancer within 10 days. Amy reflects on the challenges of managing symptoms, treatments, and the emotional toll of two separate cancer journeys while maintaining resilience and grace. Amy discussed the complexities…

In season 2, episode 4 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia sat down with Mallory Fox, a young Black woman who shared her kidney cancer journey. Mallory highlighted the importance of self-advocacy, trusting your instincts, and pushing for the care you deserve, especially when facing barriers like age restrictions or medical dismissiveness. Mallory discussed the vital role of her…

In season 2, episode 3 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia welcomed Kate Zalewski, a registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in renal nutrition. Kate cleared up misconceptions about kidney diets and emphasized the importance of individualized nutrition plans. Key insights from their conversation included: There isn’t one “renal diet.” Guidelines vary based on labs, kidney function, and individual needs.…

In season 2, episode 2 of Kidney Cancer Unfiltered, host Annamaria Scaccia spoke with Sid Sadler, a young kidney cancer survivor, about how social media became his lifeline after being diagnosed with stage 2 clear cell renal carcinoma at 32. Sid shared how searching “kidney cancer” on TikTok led him to his first connection in the community. Platforms like Instagram…