Meghan's New Lifetime Film
- Meghan McCain is the executive producer of a new Lifetime film based on the Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff book, which she says helped her through her grief.
- McCain lost her father, John McCain, to cancer in 2018.
- John McCain had glioblastoma, an aggressive type of brain cancer.
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“This book helped me through my own journey in grief and loss with inspiration from Kristine and the "Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff" story. I can't wait to continue on this journey with the creation of this movie and to be given the opportunity to share it with all of you and be a part of the "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" family. I know this movie, like the book is going to help and inspire so many people and there is no better time than now for it to be made!”
We have no doubt that the book and film’s message will help others who are coping with grief and loss, too.
John McCain’s Cancer Battle
Meghan’s dad, Senator John McCain (R-Arizona), was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), a type of brain cancer, in 2017. He began treatment in July 2017 and ended his treatment shortly before he passed away in August 2018. GMB is an aggressive primary brain tumor.
Despite its aggressive nature, Duke University Medical Center neuro-oncologist Dr. Henry Friedman says in an earlier interview there is progress being made in the treatment of the disease. Dr. Friedman and his Duke colleagues are investigating a new therapy that combines the modified poliovirus and immunotherapy.
"The modified poliovirus is used to treat this tumor, by injecting it directly into the tumor, through a catheter. It is designed to lyse the tumor and cause the tumor cells to basically break up" says Dr. Friedman. "I think that the modified poliovirus is going to be a game-changer in glioblastoma," explains Dr. Friedman, "but I should also say that its reach is now extending into melanoma soon to bladder cancer."
Could a New Treatment Have Saved John McCain? Fighting Brain Cancer With Electric Fields
Coping with Grief & Loss
Grief follows the loss of a loved one to cancer, and it also can come after a cancer diagnosis, too. Many people experience grief, anxiety, anger, and even depression after they’ve been diagnosed with cancer.
Related: Treating Depression After a Cancer Diagnosis
Dr. Scott Irwin is the Director of Supportive Care Services Cedars-Sinai, and in an earlier interview, he speaks about the grief some people go through after getting their diagnosis. “Grief comes in waves, says Dr. Irwin. “It often gets better over time, but at certain days, it can look like depression.”
“And other days, people look perfectly normal and can function,” he says. “They’re grieving the change in their life, the future they had imagined is now different. In cancer care, sometimes, we’re actually forcing some body changes that are beyond what would be normal aging, and that can be even harder for people to deal with where they don’t feel like themselves.”
Dealing With Grief After a Cancer Diagnosis
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