
Navigating Cancer and Job Loss
02/07/24 • 22 min
Host Talaya Dendy discusses a sad and unfortunate incident involving a stage four cancer patient named Andrena McMayo. Andrena was let go by Wayfair while she was on disability, which came as a surprise to her. Talaya shares Andrena's story and highlights the gaps in support and understanding that exist for cancer patients. This episode sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals navigating cancer and emphasizes the importance of awareness and advocacy.
✨Highlights from the show:
00:01:29 - Andrena McMayo's Story: Job Loss During Cancer
00:05:36 - Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act
00:06:44 - The Impact of Cancer on Career and Identity
00:09:39 - Reevaluating Life and Career Post-Diagnosis
00:13:27 - Strategies for Protecting Your Job
00:19:24 - Focusing on What You Can Control
📰 Blog: https://www.ontheotherside.life/post/navigating-cancer-and-job-loss
Resources:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/
American Cancer Society Summary of ADA: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/financial-insurance-matters/health-insurance-laws/americans-with-disabilities-act.html#:~:text=The%20ADA%20protects%20you%20if,from%20current%20or%20potential%20employers
Wayfair's Shameful Layoff - Can You Lose Your Job On Disability Leave?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWuGRPiRAiA
Connect with Andrena:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrenamcmayo/
LinkedIn Post About Job Loss: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/andrenamcmayo_wayfair-breastcancerawareness-activity-7155768562387709952-md78?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drena_mack/video/7330728940455218437
Other Episodes You'll Enjoy:
Social Security Disability: The Importance of Section 13 Disability Listings for Cancer Patients with Spencer Bishins: https://smartlink.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/social-security-disability-the-importance-of-section-13-disability-listings-for-cancer-patients-with-spencer
How to Share Acts of Love When Cancer Shows Up at Work and In Your Personal Life:
🎧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.
🦄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 12 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 ...
Host Talaya Dendy discusses a sad and unfortunate incident involving a stage four cancer patient named Andrena McMayo. Andrena was let go by Wayfair while she was on disability, which came as a surprise to her. Talaya shares Andrena's story and highlights the gaps in support and understanding that exist for cancer patients. This episode sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals navigating cancer and emphasizes the importance of awareness and advocacy.
✨Highlights from the show:
00:01:29 - Andrena McMayo's Story: Job Loss During Cancer
00:05:36 - Understanding the Americans with Disabilities Act
00:06:44 - The Impact of Cancer on Career and Identity
00:09:39 - Reevaluating Life and Career Post-Diagnosis
00:13:27 - Strategies for Protecting Your Job
00:19:24 - Focusing on What You Can Control
📰 Blog: https://www.ontheotherside.life/post/navigating-cancer-and-job-loss
Resources:
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/
American Cancer Society Summary of ADA: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/financial-insurance-matters/health-insurance-laws/americans-with-disabilities-act.html#:~:text=The%20ADA%20protects%20you%20if,from%20current%20or%20potential%20employers
Wayfair's Shameful Layoff - Can You Lose Your Job On Disability Leave?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWuGRPiRAiA
Connect with Andrena:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrenamcmayo/
LinkedIn Post About Job Loss: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/andrenamcmayo_wayfair-breastcancerawareness-activity-7155768562387709952-md78?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drena_mack/video/7330728940455218437
Other Episodes You'll Enjoy:
Social Security Disability: The Importance of Section 13 Disability Listings for Cancer Patients with Spencer Bishins: https://smartlink.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/social-security-disability-the-importance-of-section-13-disability-listings-for-cancer-patients-with-spencer
How to Share Acts of Love When Cancer Shows Up at Work and In Your Personal Life:
🎧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.
🦄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 12 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 ...
Previous Episode

Can Caregivers Heal Too? Unveiling the Unspoken Trauma of Cancer Caregiving with Erin Copelan
Erin is a speaker, best-selling author, and licensed massage therapist. In 2009, she was appointed sole Caregiver to her husband as he was diagnosed with cancer, underwent multiple surgeries, and had a successful liver transplant. With caregiving experience that spans over a decade in multiple states with multiple medical centers, Erin was called to share her stories with the underserved caregiving community. Erin is a UNOS Ambassador helping to spread the word about the importance of organ donation. She loves writing, the ocean, snuggling her kitty, and learning new ways to express her creativity.
✨Highlights from the show:
[00:10:09] Lack of support for caregivers.
[00:16:08] Adult coloring books and self-care.
[00:20:43] The importance of discussing sex.
[00:25:30] Organ donation misconceptions.
[00:31:09] The trauma of caregiving.
[00:35:07] Your body lets you know.
📰 Blog: https://www.ontheotherside.life/post/unveiling-the-unspoken-trauma-of-cancer-caregiving
Resources:
Support for Caregivers of Cancer Patients -
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/caregiver-support
Caregiver Family Therapy (CFT) - https://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/practice-settings/intervention/family-therapy
💆📙Connect and learn more about Erin:
Website: https://erincopelan.com
Book: Welcome to Caregiving: The Things Caregivers NEVER Talk About: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09W4DWJMJ?crid=HN2DPIY533KN&keywords=erin+copelan&qid=1647982255&sprefix=erin+copelan,aps,123&sr=8-2&linkCode=sl1&tag=kimbereldredp-20&linkId=70bd48e0b1e591207e88ea7aa94fb5e7&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Link To This Episode On:
Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-cancer-together/id1580570728?i=1000643631691
Other Episodes You'll Enjoy:
A Woman's Quest to Help Her Husband Overcome Stage 4 Cancer - https://smartlink.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/a-woman-s-quest-to-help-her-husband-overcome-stage-4-cancer-with-edna-ness
The Inspirational Caregiver - https://smartlink.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/the-inspirational-caregiver-with-dr-odell-glenn-jr
The Caregiver's Path to Soul Care and Self-Healing - https://smartlink.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/the-caregivers-path-to-soul-care-and-self-healing-with-dr-edward-smink
🎧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.
🦄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 12 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.
Next Episode

Understanding Radiation Therapy and the Power of Empathy in Patient Care with Doctor EB
In this heartfelt episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, Talaya Dendy had the privilege of speaking with the remarkable Dr. Sophia Edwards-Bennett, MD Ph.D., a board-certified radiation oncologist with an impressive background from institutions like Harvard's Cancer Therapeutics and Research Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Cornell Medical College. Dr. EB. is not only a multiple award-winning radiation oncologist but also a cancer ambassador, best-selling author, dynamic international speaker, podcaster, YouTuber, and advocate for a holistic approach to cancer treatment.
We delved into the intricacies of radiation therapy, a treatment that remains a mystery to many. Dr. EB explained that it involves high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and emphasized that patients do not feel pain during the treatment. She also discussed the criteria for recommending radiation therapy, which depends on factors like the cancer stage and patient comorbidities. We learn about Dr. EB's "why" and so much more! This episode was a testament to the power of empathy, hope, and the human spirit in navigating cancer together.
✨Highlights from the show:
[00:02:34] Radiation therapy explained.
[00:05:17] Radiation therapy determining factors.
[00:14:42] Balancing clinical and emotional needs.
[00:19:36] Addressing patient resilience during treatment.
[00:24:44] Importance of faith and hope.
[0:34:04] Dr. EB's Prose for Cancer Patients
🩺👩🏾⚕️Connect with Dr. EB:
Website: https://www.mydoctoreb.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mydoctoreb/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mydoctoreb
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/revoxylife
Listen to this Episode On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-cancer-together/id1580570728?i=1000645276728
Other Episodes You'll Enjoy:
A Seasoned Medical Oncologist Explains Why Cancer Still Sucks with David J. Stewart, MD, FRCPC, https://smartlink.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/a-seasoned-medical-oncologist-explains-why-cancer-still-sucks-with-david-j-stewart-md-frcpc
Healthcare Is a Matter of Education with Robert Yoho, https://smartlink.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/healthcare-is-a-matter-of-education-with-robert-yoho
🎧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.
🦄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 12 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. https://bit.ly/OTOSDiscovery
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 (
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