AfterThoughts - Jay - Body Image, Survivor's Responsibility and Preempting Chaos

Jay - Body Image, Survivor's Responsibility and Preempting Chaos

Explicit content warning

07/20/22 • 51 min

AfterThoughts

AfterThoughts was created to make visible some of the invisible cancer stories from within the young cancer community.

In this episode, we're joined by the wise and wonderful Jay (they/them) who Zoomed in all the way from Pisa in Italy. Jay was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and relapsed a few years after their first lot of treatment. They told us "I like cancer like I like my men. Treating me like shit and coming back when I've just got over them".

We chat being Queer in the most hetero of spaces (the fertility clinic), learning not to take responsibility for everyone else's experiences (tricky but essential for survival) and navigating what relapse means when you've just superglued your life back together. Jay is insightful and witty and just an all round babe.

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AfterThoughts is supported by Trekstock and Alike. Trekstock gets young adults moving again, physically, emotionally, socially and psychologically, after cancer has stopped them in their tracks. Alike is a game-changing peer support platform because living with cancer can be lonely. Speak to others who have been there, done that, and worn the unflattering hospital gown.

As ever, AfterThoughts deals with some conversations you may find tricky to listen to. If you need any further support, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our friends at Trekstock or find peer support on the Alike app.

AfterThoughts is produced by Toby Peach and Alice-May Purkiss from Beyond Arts. Sounds by Kieron Lucas and Dinah Mullen

AfterThoughts was created to make visible some of the invisible cancer stories from within the young cancer community.

Find AfterThoughts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

AfterThoughts is produced by Toby Peach and Alice-May Purkiss from Beyond Arts. Sounds by Kieron Lucas and Dinah Mullen

Previous Episode

Reielle - Rare Cancer, Comedy Siblings and Feeling Held Back

AfterThoughts was created to make visible some of the invisible cancer stories from within the young cancer community.

We're back! Can you believe it? We're back for another series of AfterThoughts and we're making our return with the brilliant Reielle. Reielle was diagnosed with Stage IV adrenal cortical carcinoma in her 20s. We chat about finding connection, the opportunities that cancer can afford you and the physical adjustments we have to make in the wake of a cancer diagnosis. All featuring a puppy that really wanted to be part of the convo and seemed intent on letting us know she was there.

Find AfterThoughts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

AfterThoughts is produced by Toby Peach and Alice-May Purkiss from Beyond Arts. Sounds by Kieron Lucas and Dinah Mullen

Next Episode

Krista: Connection, Being Both Doctor & Patient and 'Dumping Outwards'

AfterThoughts was created to make visible some of the invisible cancer stories from within the young cancer community.

For episode three of AfterThoughts, Series Five, we're joined by Dr Krista. Krista was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in one of the wildest diagnosis stories we've ever heard (it involves Wimbledon tickets and being abroad but we'll say no more than that). Although initially she received the coveted status of NED (no evidence of disease), in 2020 she was diagnosed as Stage 4, meaning she will continue to live with cancer. But that hasn't stopped her living one little bit.

We chat what it's like to be a doctor who's had cancer and how that's helped her hone her superpowers, the fantastic model of 'dumping out' when you need someone to talk to and the huge value of community. She's another wise one and her experience is full of joy and optimism.

Find AfterThoughts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

AfterThoughts is produced by Toby Peach and Alice-May Purkiss from Beyond Arts. Sounds by Kieron Lucas and Dinah Mullen