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/
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/
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
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
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
Have you ever had someone in your life who has cancer and they told you they are ready to give up and quit?
Or maybe they didn't say anything, but you sense that they're ready to give up?
Maybe you didn't know what to say or worried you would say the wrong thing.
This week on the podcast, I share seven specific things you can do to help them in this difficult moment. For example, you want to stay in their path and be available to them if they need help.
For the other six tips, listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you find podcasts.
Apple Podcasts: https://qoo.ly/35rr69
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ibl5yvnyj57c62qzhjtnygg3q2e?t=Cancer_and_Chill
In my life, I've learned that if you can provide value to someone, that they'll provide value to you.
Oftentimes we model behavior based on what is important to us. It's almost like we project what we're looking for. It's true in my life.
Early on in my life, I experienced an amazing feeling when an individual put themselves in my path and truly made a difference. After this happened over and over, I took a chance and put myself in someone else's path and this created a feeling that was amazing and then this became important to me.
On today's episode, I share six game-changing moments and lessons during my cancer fight that had a huge impact on me.
Check out the episode now on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Apple Podcasts: https://qoo.ly/35my3g
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ibl5yvnyj57c62qzhjtnygg3q2e?t=Cancer_and_Chill
After you're diagnosed with cancer, you learn in a very short period of time that cancer is devastating physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Then, you quickly come to the realization that it's also devastating financially.
Did you know?
→ 24% of those diagnosed with cancer experienced major relationship issues.
→ 27% of cancer patients skip treatment because of financial problems.
→ 42% of those who are diagnosed with cancer experience a financial catastrophe.
Financial toxicity is a term used that refers to problems that result from the financial burden of cancer. The good news? There are ways to help you get through this.
On this week's episode, I talk about financial stress and share things that I wish I had known when I was diagnosed six and a half years ago.
Download the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Apple Podcasts: https://qoo.ly/35hkmq
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ibl5yvnyj57c62qzhjtnygg3q2e?t=Cancer_and_Chill
Since starting my podcast, the number one topic request I've gotten is scan-xiety. This week, I tackled the subject.
I had difficulty when I first started preparing for this episode because I don't suffer from scan-xiety. One thing I can't stand is someone who talks about something they know nothing about.
But, in the nature of walking alongside others suffering from cancer, I kept digging into scan-xiety. That's when I discovered that the reason I don't suffer from it is because I've already conquered it.
This week, I'm sharing four ways I've done that. Take a listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you find podcasts.
Apple Podcasts: https://qoo.ly/35dbvj
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ibl5yvnyj57c62qzhjtnygg3q2e?t=Cancer_and_Chill
Cancer is not a fun topic to talk about. But when you're faced with a diagnosis, and you need to talk to your loved ones about it, you need to know how to communicate about it effectively.
If you don't do it correctly. fear, anxiety, stress, isolation, and depression are going to take over. If it takes over, it's going to be difficult for you to fight.
On this week's podcast, I provide you with eight things you'll want to cover in the process of your discussion with loved ones. Find the episode on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Apple Podcasts: https://qoo.ly/358zi2
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ibl5yvnyj57c62qzhjtnygg3q2e?t=Cancer_and_Chill
On a scale of one to 10, if you had to take a cancer IQ, a cancer aptitude test about your disease, about what's available to you and about the future in cancer care, how would you score?
This week on the podcast, we're talking Cancer IQ. It is so important for you to know and understand not just your cancer diagnosis, but your entire body. This is instrumental in being an advocate for your health.
Listen to the podcast now on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.
Apple Podcasts: https://qoo.ly/354yfd
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ibl5yvnyj57c62qzhjtnygg3q2e?t=Cancer_and_Chill
I have to be honest with you and tell you I struggle with the essence of this at times, not personally. I don't have an issue being positive on a personal note, but I do when it comes others and also when it comes to the flippant attitude of "Well, positivity can't matter in cancer. It is what it is."
I have found over time I say some of those things too, but I also realize that I've diminished those conversations in my head as I've realized how important positivity is.
So this week, we're going to talk about it, seeing if it really makes a difference.
Head on over to Apple Podcast, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts to listen today!
Apple Podcasts: https://qoo.ly/34ywz4
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ibl5yvnyj57c62qzhjtnygg3q2e?t=Cancer_and_Chill
In speaking with many cancer patients over the years and being a cancer patient myself, I've witnessed something. Loneliness, isolation, depression, and cancer is a deadly combination. It is. It is a deadly
combination.
This week's episode is really an important one. I want to offer a variety of tips to help you alleviate those feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression. They may not all work for you, and that's completely okay. But I hope you'll be able to incorporate some into your daily lives.
Take a listen to the podcast now on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Apple Podcasts: https://qoo.ly/34uxbq
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/m/Ibl5yvnyj57c62qzhjtnygg3q2e?t=Cancer_and_Chill
I am so excited to have had my podcast launch last Thursday. The feedback has been incredible!
In case you missed it, I launched my podcast on Thursday with my first three episodes. Here's a clip from episode two, where I give you a few tips on overcoming the ENORMITY of a cancer diagnosis.
I love hearing tips that have worked for other people, too. If you're up to sharing, let me know what tips you've found beneficial!
Listen to the podcast now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Apple Podcasts: https://qoo.ly/34f93v
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ntAyjnsjjHg8MwBgNI2QS?si=cs6ps0YfTB2wqG3hpB2DMQ
The Cancer and Chill Podcast has officially launched! 🎉
I'm so excited to share the launch of this podcast. And you're in for a special treat! No only have I launched the first episode, but I've launched the first THREE episodes!
Hop in your car to go for a ride or sit in your favorite chair and listen away. Find the episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
P.S. Here's the link to Apple Podcasts → https://qoo.ly/34d9we
In just two days, the Cancer and Chill podcast launches. I'm eager to share my story with others and discuss topics for anyone who is engaged in a fight, has fought, or loves someone fighting.
Take a listen to the trailer now wherever you listen to podcasts. Don't forget to subscribe!