How Cancer Caregiving Shifts Perspectives in Oncology Practice: With D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD; and Karen L. Reckamp, MD
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Drs Camidge and Reckamp discuss Dr Reckamp's journey as an oncology specialist and now a caregiver for her husband, who has cancer.
How This Is Building Me, hosted by world-renowned oncologist D. Ross Camidge, MD, PhD, is a podcast focused on the highs and lows, ups and downs of all those involved with cancer, cancer medicine, and cancer science across the full spectrum of life’s experiences.
In this episode, Dr Camidge sat down with Karen L. Reckamp, MD, director of Medical Oncology, associate director of Clinical Research, and the medical oncology director of the Lung Institute at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles, California.
Drs Camidge and Reckamp discussed Dr Reckamp's journey as an oncology specialist and now a caregiver for her husband, who has cancer. Reckamp’s career was inspired by her family’s history with BRCA-related cancers. She pursued an academic path that eventually led her to Los Angeles, where she became a leader in thoracic oncology during an era of genomic breakthroughs.
In late 2024, her husband, a fellow oncologist, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer shortly after a clear annual scan. Reckamp described the jarring transition of receiving the diagnosis and the ensuing emotions balanced with medical pragmatism. Bob underwent intensive treatments that have affected his physical health and daily life.
Reckamp offered a candid look at the dual role of a physician-caregiver. She continues to work, however, her husband's cancer diagnosis has changed her practice. Now, she is more sensitive to chemotherapy toxicities in her patients that she might have previously minimized. She also highlighted the invisible load of caregivers who must manage their own emotions and remain available for patient needs.
Ultimately, Reckamp emphasized the necessity of a support network, crediting their long-time nanny and overall community with maintaining her family’s stability. By allowing different people to hold different pieces of the emotional burden, Reckamp shared that her family is finding a way to move forward amidst the uncertainty of this cancer diagnosis.