From the Depths of Despair to Embracing Life: The Stage IV Colon Cancer Survivor Journey of Dr. Jonathan Raviotta PhD, Public Health

Everything Cancer

Welcome to Everything Cancer! In today's episode, we sit down with Dr. Jonathan Raviotta, PhD in Public Health and Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. Jonathan shares his remarkable four-year journey through cancer and personal transformation. His story is a testament to resilience and the power of human connection.

Jonathan’s treatment journey was profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, adding layers of complexity and isolation. He underwent aggressive treatments, including chemotherapy and two major abdominal surgeries.

Jonathan opens up about his struggles surrounding his ingrained self-reliance, a hard habit to break that furthered his sense of isolation.
He sank into the depths of despair.

The pain of his enormous personal challenges straining his marriage is almost tangible in this interview.

He takes us on his transformative journey from lonely darkness to living in the moment.
He shares how therapy, support groups, his online Caring Bridge community, music, participating in church services, and realizing his valuable purpose in his job in critical public health research helped him to embrace life and enjoy each moment.

It’s impossible not to cheer him on as he recounts how his marriage is now stronger than ever.

Dr. Raviotta discusses how shared decision-making with his oncologist for a less frequent treatment schedule allowed for an informed quality-of-life decision that has proven pivotal for him.

His experiences highlight the power of shared decision-making in healthcare, the value of supportive and comprehensive care, and the transformative impact of reaching out to community and support networks.
The Emperor's Court - Caring Bridge - Jonathan Raviotta

Slower

Support the show

Thank you for listening. We would love to hear your thoughts about this episode. We want to hear from you: what topics you would like to have discussed or a guest you would like to see featured in future episodes. This show is here for you. Email us at [e-mail]
The information on this podcast is not intended to be used for medical advice. For any health care concerns you have please consult with your healthcare team. The staff at Everything Cancer podcast will not be answering health individual health care concern questions.
Consider giving your support for ongoing content and interviews for this podcast through our Patreon Page for Everything Cancer or the Everything Cancer website.
Our sponsor: H2Ocean - makers of quality sea-salt products for over 20 years!
www.H2Ocean.com
www.Chemo-Mouth.com
Sea Salt Healing Rinse
https://h2ocean.com/oral-care/
Here is the link for the acclaimed cancer self-advocacy guide by Jill Squire, host of Everything Cancer Podcast
"Cancer Journey Guide and Journals: Empowerment in Diagno...