Episode 2 - Mark Corroto, 2-time cancer survivor shares his story.

About this Episode

In 2014, after having 2/3 of his quadriceps removed as the result of a sarcomma, Mark Corroto went from being a competitive cyclist to learning how to walk again. In this episode, he shares his experiences in dealing with a cancer diagnosis along the the mental and physical battle to recovery. 

Mark spoke about Imerman's Angels, a group that provides free support to survivors, by connecting them with a mentor (another cancer patient or survivor). If you know of someone that may benefit from this group, they can learn more about them here: http://imermanangels.org/about-us-2/

 Mark also serves on the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, who look to promote policy change to better cancer care. You can learn more here:

https://www.canceradvocacy.org/

https://www.facebook.com/cancersurvivorship/

 

Outline of the show:

 

1:30 Mark's background

 

3:00 How he found his tumor / initial treatment / and reaction to being told he had cancer

 

6:30 Day of surgery / How he found cycling

 

8:30 The importance of social support through a diagnosis / what it means to be a survivor

 

11:30 Having two thirds of his leg removed / and learning to walk again

 

14:30 Getting back on the bike / low point in rehab / how he stayed motivated / psychology of recovery

 

17:00 First ride post-treatment / why he rode alone at first/psychology of recovery

 

19:00 Diagnosis of second cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia / why this diagnosis was more difficult

 

24:30 Transitioning to normal life after treatment / Self Education / Autonomy

 

27:00 How the new diagnosis has impacted performance

 

28:30 Cancer Policy and Efficacy Team Member / Nutritional Needs of Cancer Survivors / Qualitative Research and Cancer Survivorship

 

33:30 Process of Policy Change