The Guardian (44 million readers per month!) published Brad's article on addressing his deepest fears to maximize meaning & purpose in life. It's beautifully written, raw, and honest - confronting not just this fight with cancer, but his own personal struggle with alcohol as well.
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Our recovery time at home gets interrupted with yet another unexpected trip to the ER followed by a trip back to the Cleveland Clinic to learn more about the pathology report. This brings up a range of emotions as family leaves, life continues, and so much is still up in the air.
Corresponding Podcast Episodes: Episode 26: 4:45am Summary: After an unexpected trip to the ER and a night in the hospital, Dana does an early morning recap. Location: Henry Ford Hospital Episode 27: Four Tuesdays Summary: Brad and Dana return from their 4th hospital visit in as many weeks and confront the reality of his diagnosis and the fear that comes with it. Location: The Frost Loft Episode 28: Mom Leaves Summary: As Brad’s Mom and Stepdad prepare to leave, Brad and Dana anticipate life without family visiting and attempt to figure out the “new normal” post diagnosis. Brad also confronts his own feelings as he is unable to be fully present in the lives of those he cares for. Location: The Frost Loft Episode 29: Post Election Summary: Brad, Dana, and Jeremy (mostly Dana and Jeremy) get a little heated and switch gears to talk about their shock in regards to Donald Trump winning the presidency. Location: The Frost Loft Episode 30: Unclear Pathology Summary: Brad and Dana are back at Cleveland Clinic for the follow up with the surgeon and to meet the oncologist and go over the next treatment steps Location: Cleveland Clinic Episode 31: Clear Cell News Summary: Brad, Dana, and Jeremy are joined by their friend Michelle to talk about the results of the final pathology report. Location: The Frost Loft Episode 32: Hope vs. Process Summary: Michelle joins Brad, Dana, and Jeremy to talk about the role of research and how far down the rabbit hole to go. Location: The Frost Loft After Surgery, Brad and Dana head back home to Detroit, joined by Margo, Thomas and Miles, as well as Marsie and Bradley. The main focus is Brad's recovery (involving lots of sleeping), researching future treatment options, and podcasting our thoughts.
Corresponding Podcast Episodes: Episode 21: Coming Home Summary: Back home after surgery, Brad, Dana, and Margo recap the last few days post surgery and discuss some of the challenges Brad has faced in his early days of recovery. Location: The Frost Loft, Detroit Episode 22: Complete Treatment Summary: Dana and Margo talk with Brad about his idea of a complete treatment plan - including medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle choices. They also discuss the difficulties of being “doctored” by loved ones, no matter how good the intentions are. Location: The Frost Loft, Detroit Episode 23: Sisters Summary: Brad and Dana go deep with Dana’s sister Margo. Among other things, they address their fears with the diagnosis as well as how they handle those fears. Location: The Frost Loft, Detroit Episode 24: The Funk Summary: 10 days after surgery, Brad and Dana chat with Jeremy about being in a funk with the recovery progress and some of the challenges of dealing with the unknown side effects. Location: The Frost Loft, Detroit Episode 25: An Evening With Brad and Jeremy Summary: Brad and Jeremy talk decisions, commitments, and relationships (both theirs and others) in the face of cancer. Location: The Frost Loft, Detroit Brad makes the decision to move forward with surgery at Cleveland Clinic. Him and Dana are joined in Ohio by Brad's mom, Marsie & stepdad, Bradley, as well as Dana's sister Margo, her husband Thomas, and their baby, Miles.
Corresponding podcast episodes: Episode 11: Mom Part 1 Summary: Brad’s Mom, Marsie Frost Parker (and Brad’s Stepdad Bradley Parker) joins them in Cleveland the night before pre-ops. Together, they share about Dana and Mom’s roles and the experience over the last few weeks. Location: Intercontinental Hotel - Cleveland Clinic Episode 12: Mom Part 2: Parenting & Protection Summary: Marsie opens up more about her life & role as a mom with Brad and Dana the night before surgery. Location: Intercontinental Hotel - Cleveland Clinic Episode 13: Mom Part 3: High/Low Summary: The night before Brad’s surgery, Brad, Dana and Marsie discuss their high and low moments since learning of Brad’s cancer diagnosis. Location: Intercontinental Hotel - Cleveland Clinic Episode 14: Room M21-15 Summary: Brad and Dana - joined by Dana’s sister, Margo and her husband, Thomas - make jokes in the pre-op room before Brad goes in for surgery. Location: Cleveland Clinic, Pre-op Room M21-15 Episode 15: Waiting Room Game Summary: Late night after Brad’s surgery, Dana and Margo do a short recap of the day, including the waiting period and the results of the surgery. Location: In the Car Between Cleveland Clinic and the Hotel Episode 16: Best Friend Summary: Jeremy contemplates if there’s a right way to be a best friend. Location: Detroit Episode 17: Brad's Post Surgery Solo Summary: Exhausted, Brad opens up about his fears post surgery Location: Cleveland Clinic Episode 18: Room G90-18: Day 1 After Surgery Summary: From Brad’s hospital room the day after surgery, Dana, Margo, Thomas, along with Marsie and Bradley, recap the events of the previous day as well as the results and side effects of the surgery. Location: Cleveland Clinic Episode 19: B & D With Margo Summary: Brad and Dana go deeper with Margo, including how we cope with this diagnosis. Location: Cleveland Clinic Episode 20: The Religious Question Summary: Marsie and Bradley talk with Brad and Dana about their thoughts - and the role of - religion in their lives and in the face of a cancer diagnosis. Location: Cleveland Clinic |