Facing Cancer Again: A Real and Raw Conversation

03/05/24 • 36 min

In this raw and deeply personal conversation, previously recorded on 2/6/24, Sandy and Phil Valentine openly discuss Phil's cancer diagnosis and the impact it is having on their lives. As Phil is preparing to start chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin's B Cell Lymphoma, they reflect on their experiences of Phil's previous bout with cancer in 2010. Sandy expresses her struggle with seeing her partner in pain again while Phil shares his contemplation on death, revealing spiritual questions and emotional fears. The couple discusses the importance of kindness, community and maintaining a strong support system. Through it all, they highlight the importance of recovery and their faith, reiterating their determination to stay resilient against cancer. 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 00:06 Reflecting on Past Experiences with Cancer 01:35 Dealing with Emotions and Anger 02:27 Facing a New Diagnosis: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma 05:07 Understanding the Medical Process and Delays 05:44 Navigating the Healthcare System 07:54 Contemplating Mortality and the Afterlife 08:44 Facing the Possibility of Death 14:31 Dealing with Anger and Emotional Changes 18:18 Understanding the Treatment Regimen 18:46 The Four Quadrants of Health 21:16 The Role of Art in Coping 24:20 Facing Chemotherapy 30:34 The Impact on Family 33:00 The Power of Kindness 34:55 Coming to Terms with the Unknown----Across the Web---- 🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/ 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO... 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast? 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/ 🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery 📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery 🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

Previous Episode

Journey through Recovery: A Conversation with Dr. Rick Davila

Journey through Recovery: A Conversation with Dr. Rick Davila In this podcast episode, Dr. Rick Davila shares his personal journey with recovery from alcohol addiction which started in October 1966, when he was only seven years old. He shares about his transformative years, the importance of 12-step recovery programs and his strong emphasis on AA meetings for his recovery. Davila explains his experience of transitioning from a troubled adolescent, a military stint and his struggle with heavy alcoholism to becoming a recovery coach. Despite his struggles, he emphasizes his commitment to helping others battling with addiction. He reflects upon the evolution of alcohol and drug rehabilitation treatment, and the emergence of multiple pathways to recovery beyond the traditional 12 step programs. Finally, he expresses his view on maintaining daily recovery wellness and his continued commitment to assisting others on their path to recovery. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation 00:05 Dr. Rick Davila's Early Life and Recovery Journey 01:13 Military Service and Struggles with Alcohol 02:33 Discovering Alcoholics Anonymous and Recovery Culture 04:04 The Struggles and Challenges of Early Recovery 07:27 Transition into the Field of Helping Others 08:14 The Impact of Ego and Power in Recovery 10:36 Returning to the Field and Overcoming Challenges 16:19 Maintaining Recovery and Giving Back to the Community 16:51 Reflections on Multiple Pathways to Recovery 20:17 Closing Remarks and Reflections----Across the Web---- 🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/ 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO... 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast? 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/ 🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery 📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery 🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery

Next Episode

Cancer Warriors: Finding Strength in Community & Self-Care

Phil discusses his diagnosis of diffuse aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and his reflections on dealing with cancer for the second time, emphasizing his attempts to put affairs in order and contemplate the significance of life and the possibility of an afterlife. Jackie shares her story of being diagnosed with leukemia at 17, undergoing a bone marrow transplant, and facing various long-term side effects and subsequent cancer diagnoses. The conversation also explores their attitudes towards treatment decisions, the importance of self-care, and the support they've received from their community. Throughout, both exhibit a strong sense of resilience, focusing on living in the present, the therapeutic value of creating art, and the idea of legacy and impact on others. 00:00 A Heartfelt Conversation on Cancer and Resilience 02:32 The Second Battle: Doubts and Reflections 13:35 Navigating Treatment Choices and Embracing Uncertainty 18:52 Exploring Faith and Spirituality Through Cancer Recovery 22:06 Reflecting on Life's Challenges and the Journey of Recovery 22:19 Embracing Retirement and Passing the Torch 23:33 The Essence of Recovery and Self-Care 27:22 Personal Growth and Future Aspirations 34:41 The Healing Power of Community Support and Spirituality 38:37 Navigating the Side Effects of Treatment and Embracing Change----Across the Web---- 🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/ 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO... 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast? 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/ 🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery 📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery 🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery