Cancer and Chill

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Cancer and Chill A Community connecting all who FIGHT, have FOUGHT or LOVE someone FIGHTING in order to support one another on ALL Levels!
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Share words that matter, truly matter, with the person in your life who has cancer.Please don't clobber them over the he...
07/06/2020

Share words that matter, truly matter, with the person in your life who has cancer.

Please don't clobber them over the head with meaningless throwaway quotes like, "You got this" or "You're the strongest person I know."

Tell them how you feel about them. Interweave experiences you've shared that will uplift them.

On the Saturday before Easter, I had a special moment. My doorbell rang and as I came to the front door, I noticed that my friends and their family were standing outside of my house. They have five girls and they were standing there with a sign and it lit me up. It got me so excited.

These are dear friends of mine, we do life together, and they were there to cheer me up, as we had just gotten some news about new disease that had popped up.

As soon as I saw them, I was so excited. I wanted to get a picture. So, I went back inside my house. I got my phone. I stepped outside to take the picture and as I stepped outside, I realized there was a caravan of cars and golf carts of all my friends.

They were lined up one after another and for about three minutes, I couldn't move. I cried. It was so overwhelming.

The feeling of support from people truly matters. One by one each family came up and they all had signs and they all told me they loved me and they all prayed for me.

The words they shared, each and every family member and the kids and the signs and the pictures they made, it mattered. Your words matter.

Ringing this bell always feels good. 👊I got to ring this bell a few weeks back when I wrapped up my radiation regimen. I...
06/06/2020

Ringing this bell always feels good. 👊

I got to ring this bell a few weeks back when I wrapped up my radiation regimen.

I had some mild fatigue this time around. But, all in all, I sailed through. I'm convinced it had to do with adjusting my diet, using intermittent fasting, and listening to my body!

05/06/2020

I'm curious. How do you feel about using social media to share your story? Have groups like these helped you on your cancer journey?

04/06/2020

When I was diagnosed with cancer on October 18th of 2013 (six and a half years ago), I didn't know one person who had ever battled cancer.

So, I turned to social media. Facebook became a lifeline for me and in today's episode of Cancer and Chill, we're going to talk about:

• Using social media to share your cancer diagnosis
• The pros and cons of using social media to share your story
• Why you may want to identify your reason for sharing your story
• Effective ways to use social media to share your story.. and more!

Tune in to this episode on Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you find podcasts.

Spotify: https://qoo.ly/36cv7f
iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1270-cancer-and-chill-58094125/

I recently started Chemotherapy.I had several friends ask me why I was doing Chemotherapy since we received a good initi...
03/06/2020

I recently started Chemotherapy.

I had several friends ask me why I was doing Chemotherapy since we received a good initial report on Radiation Treatment.

Radiation and Chemotherapy are two different types of treatment. Both of these can kill tumors or lesions that have been found, but in my case, Radiation is the go-to for this.

The reason we are using Chemotherapy is that we are hoping and praying that it'll slow down or delay the disease from further progression.

A lot of times when I speak to somebody who's not happy with their situation, it's because their doctor doesn't have a g...
02/06/2020

A lot of times when I speak to somebody who's not happy with their situation, it's because their doctor doesn't have a great bedside manner.

There are a lot of doctors who don't. But I'm not looking for a friend. I'm looking for the best doctor.

As cancer patients, we want the smartest physician on our medical team. Once we get that smart physician, we realize they are looking out for our best interest. Then, we feel good about the medical side of what they bring. It's at that time that we're going to try make them our best friend.

This is something that happens over time. It's not immediate.

I'm living with cancer. I've been battling this disease for six and a half years now.In creating the Cancer and Chill po...
01/06/2020

I'm living with cancer. I've been battling this disease for six and a half years now.

In creating the Cancer and Chill podcast, I wanted to build a community where those who were diagnosed or those who have a loved one who is diagnosed would come for positive messages and information from someone who has been there.

If you haven't listened to the podcast, head over to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast platform and subscribe today. Catch up on some of the past episodes. Write a review and let me know what you think!

Apple Podcasts: https://qoo.ly/36avcb
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ntAyjnsjjHg8MwBgNI2QS?si=cs6ps0YfTB2wqG3hpB2DMQ

Since being diagnosed with cancer, my priorities have changed. I learned by watching my dad how important it was to have...
31/05/2020

Since being diagnosed with cancer, my priorities have changed.

I learned by watching my dad how important it was to have a strong work ethic throughout my career. I focused on this. I'm one of those kinds of people who can accomplish anything they put their mind to, but I'm also the kind of person who can only focus on a couple of things at a time.

A couple of years ago, I made the decision to walk away from a career I spent 30 plus years in, and that I loved, in order to focus on my health.

I started in the radio business at the age of 16 and loved every single minute of it. I evolved with the business several times over the years. But I knew that if I didn't step away, I was putting my life in danger.

Cancer has a way of smacking you right in the face. It's a gut punch. I've watched it take the strongest people into a fetal position.

If you asked me how cancer changed me, I always answered that it didn't have a monumental change on me as I was always pretty centered, but it did reset and tighten my priorities.

If I had to have cancer, I'm glad I got it the way I did.

I was diagnosed at 45. I think if I was diagnosed at 80 I'd probably be like, well, I had a good life. When you get cancer at 45 and you're told that there isn't a cure for your disease, it causes you to pause and decide who you're going to be the rest of your life.

Cancer has had its rough moments, but if today was my last day on earth, I can say, without hesitation, I've said everything I've needed to say. I haven't let an "I love you" go to waste.

Throughout my cancer journey, I can pinpoint certain moments and lessons that have made a difference in my life.One of t...
30/05/2020

Throughout my cancer journey, I can pinpoint certain moments and lessons that have made a difference in my life.

One of those moments came when I met my dear friend Melissa. She's an acupuncturist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville where I'm being treated. She has a doctorate in Chinese medicine and works inside the integrative health department.

I was sent to her by my physical therapist for relief from pain in my leg. She helped me with that pain. She helped me with tapering off opioids. She helped me with diet.

She helped me with stress relief. She helped me with being mindful.

She connected me with a doctor of integrative medicine. She connected me to a massage therapist. She connected me to a mind body health counselor.

She's been part of my care for over two and a half years and in that two and a half years, she has contributed more to my overall quality of life than any other person.

She's a connector. She doesn't try to be the person who comes up with all the solutions, but will connect me with others who can help up my life.

I'm so grateful to her for helping me and continuing to work with me.

28/05/2020

Chemotherapy has a horrible stigma. That can make it feel intimidating if you're newly battling and preparing to face this form of treatment.

Last week on the podcast, I talked about side effects related to radiation. This week, I'm tackling chemotherapy.

For me, the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy and how to work through those are completely different, even if the side effect falls into the same category.

For instance, I received fatigue from both radiation and chemotherapy. But, they are very different types of fatigue.

They present themselves differently. Because of this, I've learned that if you're going to get in front of these, you have to have an individualized strategy to minimize these side effects.

On this week's episode, I share:
• What I know in regard to chemotherapy side effects
• What I've experienced during chemotherapy
• The strategies I put in place to put myself in the best position to minimize them.

Listen to the episode on Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you find podcasts.

Spotify: https://qoo.ly/368ipa
iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1270-cancer-and-chill-58094125/

If you've been diagnosed with cancer or someone close to you has been and you're feeling sort of lost, you're not alone....
27/05/2020

If you've been diagnosed with cancer or someone close to you has been and you're feeling sort of lost, you're not alone. I've been in your shoes.

When I was diagnosed in 2013, I didn't know anyone who's life had been touched by cancer. That's what inspired me to create the Cancer and Chill community.

The community is a safe place. There's not a lot of medical information in there because I'm not a doctor and I'm not here to give medical advice.

What I am here to do is help you. "Hey, you've got cancer. Now let's just take a step back. Let's take a deep breath and let's figure out how we're going to get through this.

Sound like a group you want to be a part of? Consider this your personal invitation! We would love to have you. Join us today.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/745549015

 : Identify the gifts in your life, no matter what.Cancer is a horrible disease. I wish I didn't have cancer. I wish can...
26/05/2020

: Identify the gifts in your life, no matter what.

Cancer is a horrible disease. I wish I didn't have cancer. I wish cancer was cured for all.

But through all the bad, I've truly been blessed. I realized that I've been given many gifts as a result of the disease that has invaded my body.

I've learned to appreciate the simple things.

My perception of time has changed.

I've developed a greater sense of support and compassion.

So, I encourage you to recognize the gifts in your life. Write them down. Email them to me. Always remind yourself that there has been some good to come out of your cancer diagnosis.

Since starting the Cancer and Chill podcast, the number one topic people requested I discuss was scan-xiety.Scan-xiety i...
25/05/2020

Since starting the Cancer and Chill podcast, the number one topic people requested I discuss was scan-xiety.

Scan-xiety is something I don't really suffer from. In researching this particular episode, I realized I don't suffer from it because I've already overcome it.

In case you missed this episode, go back and listen to it. It's episode 12. I've had a great response from listeners on this one and I hope you find it beneficial as well.

Find it on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to subscribe while you're there!

Apple Podcasts: https://qoo.ly/366mgh
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ibl5yvnyj57c62qzhjtnygg3q2e?t=Cancer_and_Chill

You have to have reasons why you're fighting. I know that sounds simple. When you get stuck, you can go from fear, anxie...
24/05/2020

You have to have reasons why you're fighting.

I know that sounds simple. When you get stuck, you can go from fear, anxiety, and stress to loneliness, isolation, and depression. That, alongside a cancer diagnosis, is a deadly combination. Once you get stuck in that, it's hard to get out.

That's why you must declare a reason why you're fighting. Why am I fighting?

💪 I'm fighting for my parents. My parents are a bit older and I want to make sure they're okay.
💪 I'm fighting for my friends.
💪 I'm fighting for experiences.
💪 I'm fighting for Cancer and Chill. I want this to bless as many people as possible.

You've got to have reasons because there are moments where you're either physically not feeling good, mentally not feeling good, emotionally not feeling good, or spiritually not feeling good.

You've got to pull a reason out. It will help you get through that moment.

The support I've received over the podcast has been overwhelming. I've really enjoyed "meeting" new listeners, reading a...
23/05/2020

The support I've received over the podcast has been overwhelming. I've really enjoyed "meeting" new listeners, reading all the questions people have sent in, and seeing the community grow.

If you're enjoying the podcast, I'd truly appreciate you supporting my GoFundMe. Your donation goes a long way in helping me continue to put out great content.

https://qoo.ly/365ij7

21/05/2020

Radiation is the main treatment we use for the disease. I've been going through radiation regimens for six and a half years now. So I've had over 200 rounds of radiation.

If you pay attention, you'll learn a few things that may be helpful for further treatment down the road. I'm very analytical and I capture everything. I always try to look for a lesson in all things.

This week on the podcast, I share tips or ideas that may help those who are battling. I'm not a doctor and these tips aren't absolutes for everyone, but they have helped me.

Listen to this week's episode on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you find podcasts.

Apple Podcasts: https://qoo.ly/364aae
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ibl5yvnyj57c62qzhjtnygg3q2e?t=Cancer_and_Chill

I just wrapped up my radiation regimen! 🎉It's definitely come with some rough moments, but all in all, I feel amazing!Th...
20/05/2020

I just wrapped up my radiation regimen! 🎉

It's definitely come with some rough moments, but all in all, I feel amazing!

This is my spot. It's where I've spent most of my time the last couple of weeks and where I'll be until the side effects lift.

It's like an old pair of jeans or that friend you don't speak with often but when you do, you pick up where you left off. It brings me comfort, peace, and joy!

You're the expert on you.This is some of the best advice I've ever gotten. I'm so grateful that I got it early in my dia...
19/05/2020

You're the expert on you.

This is some of the best advice I've ever gotten. I'm so grateful that I got it early in my diagnosis because it helped me to realize that I was the expert on me.

You need to tell your team what's going on with you and they will do everything they can to help you. They can't help if they don't know what's going on.

Let people make the decision on their own. You can help them by leading them towards the answer, but you ultimately need...
18/05/2020

Let people make the decision on their own.

You can help them by leading them towards the answer, but you ultimately need to allow them to choose it for themselves. You can't get angry with them for not taking your advice.

They have to be the ones to get there, even if they don't get there right away.

This lesson had far-reaching positives for me personally as it led me to make the decision to actually come off the opioids. It wasn't easy, but it upped my quality of life in a big way.

It also taught me that when a cancer patient reaches out and is in a state of panic, stress, and fear, it doesn't do them or me any good to tell them what to do.

It does do all of us good to lead them through overcoming that panic, stress, and fear in that moment.

I discussed more lessons I've learned along my cancer diagnosis that could be beneficial to you, too. Take a listen to episode 14 of the Cancer and Chill podcast wherever you find podcasts.

Spotify: https://qoo.ly/352b86
iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1270-cancer-and-chill-58094125/

When you're battling cancer, you're faced with all kinds of emotions. Sometimes, you just need to let them all out.A cou...
17/05/2020

When you're battling cancer, you're faced with all kinds of emotions. Sometimes, you just need to let them all out.

A couple of weeks ago, I had to let mine out.

It was after we found the new disease near the heart and the inside the spine and near the bladder. I had about two hours on a Saturday afternoon where I ran through my emotions.

Now, I'm single. I live alone. There are multiple people that I could call at any time, but I also know how to work through these emotions in a healthy way.

I was out on my back deck. I was sweeping it off, getting ready for summer. I had music going on the TV and it just came to a point and I had to work through my emotions.

Inside those 90 minutes, there were huge emotions and mood swings. If I was in front of somebody, it may have thrown them off guard.

But I had to let it all out. I couldn't hold it in. I had to address the emotions, let them take over, and release them.

A while back, I was laying down taking an afternoon nap on the couch and kept hearing what sounded like a knock at the d...
16/05/2020

A while back, I was laying down taking an afternoon nap on the couch and kept hearing what sounded like a knock at the door.

I tried to ignore it but after several knocks over 10 minutes, I finally decided to take a look.

Once she saw me, said hello, and made sure I was alright, she turned around and went on her way!

It might sound crazy but these are those moments that make a HUGE difference!

14/05/2020

Last week, one of my buddies reached out and opened his heart about how bad he felt for me. He couldn't understand why bad things happen to good people.

I listened and let him share from his heart. After he was finished, I guided the conversation in a different direction. I shared with him all the gifts I've received since being diagnosed with cancer.

Don't misunderstand, I wish I didn't have cancer. I wish cancer was cured for all.

But through all the bad, I've truly been blessed and have been given many gifts as a result of the disease that has invaded my body.

This week on the podcast, I want to share these gifts with you in hopes that you'll be able to identify the gifts in your life as a result of this horrible disease.

Listen to the latest episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find podcasts.

Apple Podcasts: https://qoo.ly/35ydzn
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ntAyjnsjjHg8MwBgNI2QS?si=cs6ps0YfTB2wqG3hpB2DMQ

When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I searched for someone in my life that had been through it, too. I didn't know a...
13/05/2020

When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I searched for someone in my life that had been through it, too. I didn't know anyone. That's what inspired me to create a community that others could turn to.

Through that, Cancer and Chill was born!

This community is now a group of people just like you and me on Facebook. It's a community for anybody who has cancer in their path. This gives them a place to go when they want to be uplifted.

There isn't any medical slant in the group. We don't allow fear and anxiety to build upon fear and anxiety. Cancer is already an emotional and mental disease. We don't want to add in that discomfort.

We want to lift you up.

If you've been searching for a community that you can turn to when you need some positivity in your cancer journey, come join us. We'd love to have you!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/745549015846760

 : When you're trying to help someone who has given up or quit on their cancer battle, be ready and prepared for mood sw...
12/05/2020

: When you're trying to help someone who has given up or quit on their cancer battle, be ready and prepared for mood swings.

Let their emotions flow.

Sometimes a cancer patient just needs to work through these emotions out loud in front of someone they know and trust.

Remember, cancer is a physical, mental, and spiritual fight. This fight has an emotional impact on a person continually.

Oftentimes, there are huge swings in emotions in the battle. Let them share their emotions and just be there to listen.

Provide comfort, it doesn't have to be in the form of words, just being there makes a difference.

"JT is an inspiration that anyone can gain something from, not just those battling cancer. Subscribe and be a part of so...
11/05/2020

"JT is an inspiration that anyone can gain something from, not just those battling cancer. Subscribe and be a part of something special and learn some coping skills before you might need them. Thank you JT!" - AM Boone

I've had some excellent feedback about the podcast. I'm so happy to have grown the Cancer and Chill community.

If you're enjoying my episodes, it would mean so much if you left me a review on whichever platform you listen on. Let other listeners know how they can find value.

Don't forget to subscribe while you're there!

Apple Podcasts: https://qoo.ly/35wv7c
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ibl5yvnyj57c62qzhjtnygg3q2e?t=Cancer_and_Chill

Cancer is complex. It is uncontrollable and it doesn't play by the rules. I've spoken about this many times. I'm more pr...
10/05/2020

Cancer is complex. It is uncontrollable and it doesn't play by the rules.

I've spoken about this many times. I'm more proactive than reactive. I like to get in front of things as opposed to fall behind. I'm an authentic player all the way. Adding another set of eyes to your cancer team is not only smart, but it's essential if you're going to up your cancer IQ because cancer care changes daily.

In saying this, the types of high-level specialists available today far exceeds what was available six and a half years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer.

I began treatment just over three years ago here at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. As I've mentioned, I came here for a clinical trial. At the time of my arrival, I had one oncologist. Now I have a team of 15 doctors and researchers, all who collaborate and contribute to my overall care.

You see, I want as many brains in the room as possible. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to cause confusion or trying to create roadblocks for my team, but I decided long ago if cancer was going to be part of my life, the rest of my life, I was going to try to get an edge every chance I could.

I spend a ton of time at the Mayo Clinic!I'm a creature of habit. I park in the same area, walk in the same door, stop i...
09/05/2020

I spend a ton of time at the Mayo Clinic!

I'm a creature of habit. I park in the same area, walk in the same door, stop in the same departments on the way to my appointments, and say hi to those I've come to know over the years!

There's this one spot about 12 steps down the hallway after I enter the hospital that I always pause and take a deep breath. I've been doing it for years. It just happens and I realized it shortly after I started my treatment at Mayo.

I'm a thinker and this made me wonder, why this spot and why was I doing it?

A few weeks later, I realized the feeling I was experiencing was comfort, calm, and peace. It's because I'm in a place where I feel taken care of, where each individual on my team is looking out for, invested in, and trying to find a cure for me!

07/05/2020

If cancer is in your life, caregivers are in your life. Caregivers are a must for anyone to get through a cancer diagnosis.

A caregiver has so many roles and I feel like I learn more about this every day as I battle. I was reading a recent survey of those who identified themselves as a caregiver. It talked about what their role was, but what was so interesting was the list I was reading fell short in many areas.

Everyone is different, but I want to make something clear. If you are a cancer patient, this is your fight and you get to dictate how you choose to incorporate caregivers into your battle.

During the last six and a half years, I've adjusted and have pulled caretakers in from time to time. I've also narrowed my scope all based on where I was physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Ultimately, the whole experience should be a positive one for both the cancer patient and the caretaker. That's what I discuss on the podcast episode today. You can find this brand new episode on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Apple Podcasts: https://qoo.ly/35v4wx
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ibl5yvnyj57c62qzhjtnygg3q2e?t=Cancer_and_Chill

During my second bout of cancer, when it had moved from my calf muscle to my sinus cavity, I was sitting in an office wi...
06/05/2020

During my second bout of cancer, when it had moved from my calf muscle to my sinus cavity, I was sitting in an office with my medical oncologist, my orthopedic oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and the pathologist and I'm asking question upon question. What are we going to do? How am I going to feel? What's going to go on?

After about 10 minutes of me pounding my doctors with questions, my medical oncologist stops the room and says, JT, in this room we have over 100 years of experience with cancer, but you have cancer.

You are the expert. You need to tell us what's going on with you so we can help you. This turned out to be the greatest gift ever.

Here's the lesson I learned. I'm the expert. If you're the cancer patient, you are the expert.

Don't misunderstand what I'm saying. What I'm saying is that you have to communicate what's going on with you. Doctors are really smart, but if they don't know, they can't get to where you need to go.

This pushed me to hire the best, smartest doctors and stay engaged and run my medical care like I used to run business. It's made me responsible for being proactive versus reactive. This is one of the main reasons I don't deal with fear and anxiety and I've conquered scan-xiety.

This single statement was a true gift. It has guided me since that very moment.

When you're getting ready to tell a loved one about your cancer diagnosis, I want you to think about when and where.You'...
05/05/2020

When you're getting ready to tell a loved one about your cancer diagnosis, I want you to think about when and where.

You've got to think this through. You want to have a controlled environment. You don't want to do this in a public place. Don't do this at a restaurant.

Think about what's "normal" for your family. Don't call a family meeting if you've never had a family meeting. This will cause anxiety upfront. Of course, if family meetings are normal for your family, by all means, call a family meeting.

The where and when is so important, because you have to be prepared for the result of hearing the news. Doing this in a comfortable, private space will be best for both you and your loved one.

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