Survivorship (Part 1)

07/15/21 • 63 min

1 Listener

Survivorship is not about finding yourself again, but getting to know the new you. The completion of treatment is something to celebrate. However, there is also an erroneous belief that when treatment is over, cancer is over and everything goes back to normal. More often, it is when medical treatment ends when the reality of cancer sets in and the emotional healing begins. In this episode, we begin a series of episodes digging into the complex puzzle of survivorship. Why is it that the cancer journey isn’t over when treatment is finished? The cancer fam responds to share their experiences and perspectives.

Resources:

Survivorship Clinics:

https://www.cancer.org/health-care-professionals/national-cancer-survivorship-resource-center.html

https://www.mdanderson.org/patients-family/life-after-cancer.html

Adventure Programs for cancer patients:

https://www.senditfoundation.org

https://www.projectkoru.org

https://www.epicexperience.org

https://firstdescents.org

Defining “Survivorship”: https://canceradvocacy.org/defining-cancer-survivorship/

Cancer Caregivers: https://amp.cancer.org/treatment/caregivers.html

This episode of The Cancer Patient podcast was made possible by Send It Foundation. Send It provides free outdoor adventures such as skiing, surfing, mtn biking, and backpacking for young adult cancer survivors. The mission of the Send It Foundation is to inspire positivity, courage, and gratitude in young adult cancer survivors by creating a vital community through shared experience.

The Cancer Patient Podcast is produced by Layla Moheimani and engineered by Layla Moheimani and Isaiah Ashburn. Our executive producers are Katie Schou and Caroline Schou. Theme music written and performed by Heritage Park.

To keep up with The Cancer Patient podcast and additional content, follow us on Instagram @thecancerpatient and on Twitter @ogcancerpatient

Resources:

Survivorship Clinics:

https://www.cancer.org/health-care-professionals/national-cancer-survivorship-resource-center.html

https://www.mdanderson.org/patients-family/life-after-cancer.html

Adventure Programs for cancer patients:

https://www.senditfoundation.org

https://www.projectkoru.org

https://www.epicexperience.org

https://firstdescents.org

Defining “Survivorship”: https://canceradvocacy.org/defining-cancer-survivorship/

Cancer Caregivers: https://amp.cancer.org/treatment/caregivers.html

To keep up with The Cancer Patient podcast and additional content, follow us on Instagram @thecancerpatient and on Twitter @ogcancerpatient

Previous Episode

Cancer and Relationships

There are friends that drop off a care package, and there are friends you can call at 2am. A cancer diagnosis often results in tricky dynamics in our relationships, whether it’s with our significant others, family members, or friends. Some relationships are not built to withstand a cancer diagnosis, while others become stronger and closer as a result. This episode of TCPP dives into the many ways our relationships are impacted by a cancer diagnosis, in both good and challenging ways. We hear from a number of listeners about their experiences, and learn helpful tips for how to approach sensitive dynamics, set boundaries, and communicate effectively when relationships are on the line. Plus, how good intentions can backfire when it comes to relationships (hello, toxic positivity!)

Resources:

How Cancer Affects Your Relationships: https://www.webmd.com/cancer/how-cancer-affects-relationships

Send It Foundation Adventure Programs: https://www.senditfoundation.org

Toxic Positivity: https://thepsychologygroup.com/toxic-positivity/

To keep up with The Cancer Patient podcast and additional content, follow us on Instagram @thecancerpatient and on Twitter @ogcancerpatient

Next Episode

Body Image

Let's talk about how body image changes through cancer. And, not only how that affects you physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Body image is a big concept, and a complicated one at that, as it applies to so many different things; the thoughts, feelings, and perceptions one has about their body, but it also relates to your body functioning. While it’s not what people immediately think about when we think about cancer, it’s the most universal thing that cancer patients experience at some point.

Resources:

Cancer & Body Image:

https://www.cancer.net/coping-with-cancer/managing-emotions/self-image-and-cancer

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/changes-to-your-appearance-and-body-image

https://elephantsandtea.com/sexuality/rethinking-body-image-remember-to-love-yourself-2/

Sephora Stands - Classes for Confidence: https://www.sephorastands.com/classes_for_confidence/

Allison Rosen’s Story: Me, Myself and Fill:

https://www.ostomy.org/allison-rosens-story-me-myself-and-fill/

https://www.ccalliance.org/blog/prevention/allison-rosen-always-an-advocate

Adventure Programs for cancer patients:

https://www.senditfoundation.org

https://www.projectkoru.org