Caregiving Unmasked: The Reality Behind the Shiny Parts with Allison Breininger

06/26/24 • 48 min

Caregiving is hard! In this episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, Talaya Dendy dedicates the show to caregivers and features Allison Breininger, founder of The Negative Space. Allison shares her journey as a caregiver for her husband diagnosed with Fanconi Anemia (FA), a rare genetic disease leading to multiple cancers. She discusses the underappreciated role of caregivers, the importance of acknowledging their efforts, and the support systems she established through her non-profit. The episode covers the emotional and logistical burdens caregivers face, offers practical advice, and highlights the significance of having accessible mental health resources.

✨Highlights from the show:

[01:58] Allison's Personal Caregiving Journey

[04:30] Challenges and Realities of Caregiving

[09:26] Impact of Cancer Diagnosis on Caregivers

[12:57] Mental Health and Support for Caregivers

[17:16] Basic Needs and Advice for New Caregivers

[23:57] The Guilt and Challenges of Caregiving

[26:49] The Media's Portrayal of Caregiving

[32:08] Practical Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

[37:06] What NOT to Say to Caregivers

[38:55] The Importance of Acknowledging Caregivers

[42:14] The Negative Space: Resources and Support

Reflection: As a caregiver, how did this episode make you feel? Did it resonate with your experiences as a caregiver?

If you are someone who has had a cancer diagnosis, how did it make you feel? Have you had a conversation with your caregiver?

📰 Blog: https://www.ontheotherside.life/caregiving-unmasked

👩Connect with Allison:

Website: https://www.thenegativespace.life

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/negspacelife/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Negative-Space/61553388981859/

Podcast: https://www.thenegativespace.life/podcast/

Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/insicknesspodcast/

Resources:

CaregiverCon,https://www.caregivercon.com

IANA Care,https://ianacare.com

Other Episodes You'll Enjoy:

How to Be a Caregiver with No Regrets with Rayna Neises, https://podcast.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/how-to-be-a-caregiver-with-no-regrets-with-rayna-neises

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💌Join the NCT newsletter to stay in the loop about new episodes, events, products, and services. Join here: https://podcast.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether?s=1.

Get your FREE Guided Meditation: Calming Your Mind After a Cancer Diagnosis. https://www.ontheotherside.life/guidedmeditation

🦄About Me:

In 2011, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, out of the blue. I did not have any prior health concerns or issues. Fast forward, the dreaded cancer diagnosis opened my eyes, introduced me to my purpose, and led me to where I am today.

As a Cancer Doula, I use my 13 years of experience with cancer to support and guide others diagnosed with cancer. Many people are not familiar with what a cancer doula is. Think of me as your personal guide and patient advocate. Schedule a 30-minute Meet and Greet call to confidentially share the challenges you are facing and learn more about how I can support you. bit.ly/OTOSCalmingEnergyMeetNGreet

Learn more about On the Other Side at https://www.ontheotherside.life/. Connect with me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/talayadendy/), or sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter (https://bit.ly/OTOSNewslet...

✨Highlights from the show:

[01:58] Allison's Personal Caregiving Journey

[04:30] Challenges and Realities of Caregiving

[09:26] Impact of Cancer Diagnosis on Caregivers

[12:57] Mental Health and Support for Caregivers

[17:16] Basic Needs and Advice for New Caregivers

[23:57] The Guilt and Challenges of Caregiving

[26:49] The Media's Portrayal of Caregiving

[32:08] Practical Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

[37:06] What NOT to Say to Caregivers

[38:55] The Importance of Acknowledging Caregivers

[42:14] The Negative Space: Resources and Support

Reflection: As a caregiver, how did this episode make you feel? Did it resonate with your experiences as a caregiver?

If you are someone who has had a cancer diagnosis, how did it make you feel? Have you had a conversation with your caregiver?

📰 Blog: https://www.ontheotherside.life/caregiving-unmasked

👩Connect with Allison:

Website: https://www.thenegativespace.life

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/negspacelife/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Negative-Space/61553388981859/

Podcast: https://www.thenegativespace.life/podcast/

Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/insicknesspodcast/

Resources:

CaregiverCon,https://www.caregivercon.com

IANA Care,https://ianacare.com

Other Episodes You'll Enjoy:

How to Be a Caregiver with No Regrets with Rayna Neises, https://podcast.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/how-to-be-a-caregiver-with-no-regrets-with-rayna-neises

🎧Do you listen to music or podcasts on Spotify? ➕Add us to your listening queue.

💌Join the NCT newsletter to stay in the loop about new episodes, events, products, and services. Join here: https://podcast.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether?s=1.

Get your FREE Guided Meditation: Calming Your Mind After a Cancer Diagnosis. https://www.ontheotherside.life/guidedmeditation

🦄About Me:

Previous Episode

Unveiling the Universal Connector: Stephanie Y. Cole on the Magic of Storytelling

In this episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, host Talaya Dendy celebrates Juneteenth and National Cancer Survivor Month. She discusses a study by the Oncology Nursing Society on the therapeutic effects of digital storytelling for cancer survivors. Special guest Stephanie Y. Cole, a master storyteller and caregiver, shares her insights on the importance of storytelling in healing and connection. Stephanie recounts personal anecdotes, including a touching moment involving her mother's hospitalization during the pandemic and a humorous story about matchmaking on a New York City train. The episode highlights how storytelling can provide hope, healing, and a sense of community for those facing major illnesses, such as cancer.

✨Highlights from the show:

[00:21] Study on Digital Storytelling for Cancer Survivors

[05:47] Stephanie's Storytelling Journey

[09:57] The Emotional Rollercoaster of Caregiving

[24:56] The Healing Power of Storytelling

[36:32] The Power of Storytelling in Coping with Illness

[38:30] Facing Cancer with Courage and Resilience

[43:45] A Heartwarming Train Encounter

[53:10] Introducing the Audio Oasis Podcast

[01:05:56] The Importance of Sharing Your Story

Reflection: How did this episode make you feel about the stories you have inside of you?

📰 Blog: https://www.ontheotherside.life/the-magic-of-storytelling

🗣️Connect with Stephanie:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieycole/

Audio Oasis Podcast:https://www.stephanieycole.com/new-page

Resources:

Digital Storytelling as a Psychosocial Tool for Adult Cancer Survivors Study, https://onf.ons.org/onf/46/2/digital-storytelling-psychosocial-tool-adult-cancer-survivors

The Science Behind the Healing Power of Storytelling https://blog.nativehope.org/the-science-behind-the-healing-power-of-storytelling

Other Episodes You'll Enjoy:

Cancer and Comedy, Healing Through Hope and Humor, https://smartlink.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/cancer-and-comedy-healing-through-hope-and-humor-with-brad-miller

🎧Do you listen to music or podcasts on Spotify? ➕Add us to your listening queue.

💌Join the NCT newsletter to stay in the loop about new episodes, events, products, and services. Join here: https://podcast.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether?s=1.

Get your FREE Guided Meditation: Calming Your Mind After a Cancer Diagnosis. https://www.ontheotherside.life/guidedmeditation

🦄About Me:

🙏🏼Thanks for joining us for this episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER!

💜If you found this podcast helpful, why not spread the love and share it ...

Next Episode

Dr. Jack Wolfson on Holistic Cardiology and Cancer Care

In this episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, host Talaya Dendy interviews Dr. Jack Wolfson, a renowned board-certified cardiologist, and best-selling author. Dr. Wolfson shares his journey from a traditional medical practice to becoming the nation's top natural heart health doctor. He discusses the impact of lifestyle choices and environmental factors on heart disease, cancer, and overall health. Dr. Wolfson also delves into the limitations of the pharmaceutical-driven medical model and emphasizes the importance of holistic practices such as nutrition, healthy living, and environmental awareness. Furthermore, he provides practical advice for patients seeking to take control of their health, the significance of medical freedom, and tips for detoxing after medical treatments. Tune in to learn about the transformative health strategies Dr. Wolfson advocates, inspired by his personal experiences and holistic health philosophy.

✨Highlights from the show:

[05:29] The 15-Minute Doctor Visit Dilemma

[10:01] The Hidden Dangers of Mold

[13:05] Chemotherapy and Heart Health

[21:29] Cardiac Screening for Cancer Survivors

[23:29] Healthy Living During and After Scans

[26:23] Choosing the Right Oncologist

[32:22] Exploring Medical Freedom

[36:04] Pharmaceutical Influence on Healthcare

Reflection: What surprised you the most about the information discussed in this episode?

📰 Blog: https://www.ontheotherside.life/holistic-cardiology-and-cancer-care

🩺🌿Connect with Dr. Wolfson: