Episode 46

The Strength of Instincts

with Jackie Garcia

The Strength of Instincts

What happens when you know something is wrong with your body but no one will listen?

We speak with Jackie Garcia, a young adult cancer survivor whose persistence led to a life-saving diagnosis. For five years Jackie searched for answers while dealing with severe symptoms including rapid weight gain, intense pain, numbness in her legs, and overwhelming fatigue. Doctor after doctor dismissed her concerns and told her to simply lose weight or manage anxiety. At age 31, a CT scan finally revealed the truth. Jackie had a 20-pound tumor wrapped around multiple organs.

After connecting with specialists at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Jackie underwent major surgery to remove the tumor. The moment she heard the words “you have cancer,” she felt something unexpected: relief. At last, she had proof that she had been right about her body all along.

Jackie shares how that experience has changed how she sees herself and her life. She learned to trust her instincts, show herself compassion, and slow down after years of pushing herself through work and stress. She also discovered the power of community through young adult cancer support groups and survivorship connections.

Her message is simple and powerful. Trust your body. Ask for help. And remember that hope can still exist even in the hardest moments of a cancer journey.

Highlights:

-Trusting Your Body – Jackie explains how years of unexplained symptoms pushed her to keep advocating for answers even when doctors dismissed her concerns.

- The Power of One Doctor Who Listens – A visiting physician ordered the CT scan that finally revealed the tumor and changed everything.

- The Moment of Diagnosis – Jackie describes the surprising sense of relief she felt when she finally received an answer.

- Life After Cancer Changes Priorities – Her experience shifted her mindset away from career obsession toward rest, self-compassion, and meaningful relationships.

- Why Community Matters During Cancer – Support groups and survivor connections became a critical part of her emotional healing and survivorship.

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Mentioned Resources:

CanCare- www.cancare.org

Book – www.cancare.org/hopebook

About the Guest:

Jackie Garcia is a 31-year-old retroperitoneal liposarcoma survivor and advocate. She spent five years searching for answers before being diagnosed with a rare cancer and a 20-pound tumor she named “Tina”. Through it all, she discovered strength in humor, healing in community, and the profound truth that her body, even in its most vulnerable state, was still worthy of love. Now living with no evidence of cancer, Jackie shares her journey with tenderness and hope, walking alongside other young adults navigating cancer and reminding them they are never alone on this uncertain road.

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Cancer Researcher Becomes Survivor

with Larry Coffer

What can a cancer researcher teach us when he suddenly finds himself sitting in the patient chair? Larry Coffer spent more than 20 years at MD Anderson Cancer Center supporting ovarian and breast cancer research, helping teams develop treatments and improve outcomes for patients. Long before his own diagnosis, cancer shaped his life through his stepfather’s battle with colon cancer. That experience inspired a career dedicated to helping others. Then, while training for a marathon, a routine physical revealed a rare cancer called extramedullary plasmacytoma. What began as a standard checkup quickly became a life-changing journey. Larry shares what it was like to move from researcher to patient, receive treatment at the institution where he built his career, and navigate the uncertainty that comes with a rare diagnosis. He opens up about the emotional toll of cancer, the importance of leaning on friends, family, faith, and community, and how running helped him process the experience. He also discusses his work as a stem cell donor and advocate, helping others understand the life-saving impact of bone marrow and stem cell donation. Larry’s story is a reminder that a diagnosis does not define who you are. With support, purpose, and hope, it is possible to keep moving forward one step at a time. Highlights: • How a routine health screening uncovered a rare cancer with no warning signs • What changes when a cancer researcher becomes a cancer patient • Why support systems matter even for the people who seem strongest • How running, faith, and community can help during treatment and recovery • What stem cell donation really involves and why more donors are urgently needed Mentioned Resources: CanCare- www.cancare.org Larry’s Marathon Fundraiser for CanCare - https://fundraisers.hakuapp.com/larry-coffer About the Guest: Larry Coffer is a plasma cell cancer survivor, cancer researcher, stem cell donor, and marathon runner. For more than 20 years, he has led groundbreaking research at MD Anderson Cancer Center focused on ovarian and breast cancer. Then a routine physical before a marathon changed everything. Larry completed 20 rounds of radiation and rang the bell in January 2026. His running community has a special connection to CanCare, a full circle moment. Larry shares what happens when the science becomes personal, and what he found on the other side.

Humor & Grace After 2 Cancers

with Sarah McDonald

What happens when one cancer diagnosis is followed by a second life-changing diagnosis before you’ve had time to process the first? Sarah McDonald is a two-time cancer survivor, author, TEDx speaker, executive coach, and advocate for rare cancer research. While building a successful career at eBay and planning for motherhood, Sarah was diagnosed with a rare salivary gland cancer. Just weeks later, she learned she also had Stage 3 breast cancer after pushing for additional testing and trusting her instincts. Sarah shares the emotional toll of facing two cancers at once, the uncertainty of rare cancer treatment, and the heartbreak of learning cancer treatment would change her plans for having a family. She reflects on the doctors who changed her life, the importance of self-advocacy, and how integrative practices such as meditation, guided imagery, yoga, and acupuncture helped her find calm during the most difficult moments. She also discusses the inspiration behind her books, The Cancer Channel and The Cancer Companion, and how her experience led her to become a speaker, mentor, and advocate for others facing cancer. Sarah’s story is a reminder that even in the darkest seasons, hope can grow through connection, self-advocacy, and the decision to use your experience to help someone else find their way forward. Highlights:  Why trusting your instincts and asking more questions can change the course of your care.  How to navigate the fear, uncertainty, and emotional weight that often follows a cancer diagnosis.  The role integrative therapies can play alongside medical treatment during recovery.  What it looks like to find purpose and meaning after a life-changing health crisis.  How friends, family, and caregivers can show up in ways that truly help someone facing cancer. Mentioned Resources: CanCare- www.cancare.org Sarah McDonald – www.sarahemcdonald.com About the Guest: Sarah McDonald is a two-time cancer survivor, executive coach, and fierce advocate for those navigating life's hardest seasons. Diagnosed simultaneously with a rare salivary gland cancer and Stage III Breast Cancer, Sarah faced the unimaginable and came out the other side with a mission. She is the author of "The Cancer Channel" and "The Cancer Companion," a TED Talk speaker, a champion for Cycle for Survival with Memorial Sloan Kettering, and a coach who brings decades of executive leadership experience to her work. Sarah continues to use her voice to help others move forward.

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