Unspoken Cancer Truths™

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I can’t believe we are at the end of 2021! It has been another amazing year of Unspoken Cancer Truths™, and I’m so glad you’ve joined me along the way. In this episode, I’m recapping a snippet of each episode, sharing some of the MOST powerful lessons I’ve learned from the amazing guests who’ve shared their stories this year on the podcast—a year end reminder that we are not alone in our experiences touched by cancer.

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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Are you prioritizing self-care and your well-being this holiday season? If you’re like me, you’ve probably been spending quite a bit of time on Zoom calls and meetings—so, I did a little research on “Zooming” and the impact it has on overall wellness. Want to know what I found out? In this episode, I’m diving deeper into the long-term effects of video conferencing, why you might not even realize you’re struggling with it, and how to create a plan to recapture your well-being (in-person and online!).

I’m exploring:

Why holding too many roles can negatively impact you (and why some roles can never go away)
My FAVORITE way to improve your cognitive function (it’s so easy, too!)
What to know about the 5 types of well-being
How to tap into your inner well-being manager
And much more!

I’m going deeper into my TOP tips and tricks to prioritize your well-being in the New Year! Join me on Jan. 1st in my Facebook group Surviving is JUST the Beginning to be a part of it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Stanford article on Zoom fatigue: https://news.stanford.edu/2021/02/23/four-causes-zoom-fatigue-solutions/

Participate in the Stanford Zoom Exhaustion & Fatigue Scale:

https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3f9xepi9ryP7WK2

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

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Loss can occur in so many ways, and how we process the accompanying grief is an important step that is often overlooked. That’s why I am so excited to bring you my chat with psychotherapist and grief recovery specialist, Lesleigh J. Tolin, in today’s episode. She is passionate about her work teaching an evidence-based program that helps individuals feel alive again after loss. In this episode, Lesleigh shares the transformative process of the Grief Recovery Method, her advice to help uplift someone experiencing loss, and the honorable & honest process of creating an end-of-life plan.

We’re exploring:

The impact of our upbringing on how we experience grief & loss
Some of the unspoken feminine grieving issues
The power of making honest boundaries (and why we need to talk more about work/life integration)
Why THIS is a key sign to look for when someone needs help
What it means for a program to be called evidence-based
And much more!

Connect with Lesleigh J. Tolin:

Learn more about her work: https://lesleighjtolin.com/

FREE uplifting resources for the grief & loss journey: https://lesleighjtolin.com/ebooks/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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Did you know that depression and anxiety are a common long term side effect of cancer treatment? If you’ve been feeling down, you’re not alone! I’ve been feeling the same way. So when I had the opportunity to be a participant at a Casting For Recovery retreat for women who’ve received a breast cancer diagnosis, I jumped in knowing it was exactly what my soul needed. Want to know more? In this episode, I’m sharing everything you want to know about Casting for Recovery, and why I think you should apply for it RIGHT NOW!

I’m exploring:

Why support groups are valuable at ANY stage of a cancer journey
How Casting for Recovery gave us the opportunity to ask questions we never wanted to ask
The SURPRISING thing that happened when I spoke about lymphedema
And much more!

Learn more about Casting for Recovery, or jump in and apply: https://castingforrecovery.org

Check out Episode 44 of Unspoken Cancer Truths® “Fly Fishing for Survivorship Support with Wendy Gawlik” for more about Casting for Recovery retreats!

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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In the year between two routine mammograms, an aggressive form of breast cancer had spread everywhere in author Viki Zarkin’s body. The prognosis was bad, but Viki KNEW that she would never give up. Now, 11 years later, she has an amazing story of self-advocacy and resilience to tell. In this episode, Viki shares why her cancer journey has been vastly different, and how she brought her experiences together in her book “I Am the One” to help others who might be in similar situations.

We’re exploring:

Why the old Viki died the day she received her prognosis
How researching & advocating for her health saved her life
Why fighting for the right team is CRUCIAL (and why she wants to alleviate this component for others)
The #1 thing she realized when she started writing her book “I Am the One”
All of the things you can learn from her book’s companion workshop
And much more!

Connect with author Viki Zarkin:

Email: Iamtheone.Viki@gmail.com

Website: www.iamtheone.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamtheonev

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viki-zarkin-b57a2176/#

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamtheone_viki/?hl=en

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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It is so common for life to turn into a whirlwind of appointments and treatments after a cancer diagnosis. For my guest Belinda Gill, she felt lucky that her ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) diagnosis and treatment moved along SO quickly (thanks to her perceptive doctors!), and she joins the podcast today to talk about her journey so far. In this episode, Belinda dives into the difficulty of making quick life-changing health decisions, prioritizing what she wants for her survivorship, and why it's CRUCIAL to be prepared for the common physical and psychosocial challenges of cancer (because they are more normal than you think!).

We’re exploring:

Public versus private insurance In Australia—and what this meant for Belinda’s budget and treatment options
Her experience looking for a bra after her mastectomy—plus, we share some laughs about tissue expanders
The challenge of balancing appointments with work & life obligations
One of the HARDEST parts of her recovery
Why you need to worry less about what other people think
What I believe is the missing link in the standard of care
And much more!

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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You might be surprised to know that I'm not a fan of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (although I do appreciate the support!), but, I am an advocate for being health aware EVERY month, and I'm passionate about empowering people on their cancer journeys. Tune in to this episode to hear why it’s so important to shine a light on the challenges cancer survivors face in order to be more open to understanding & improving their quality of life—especially as the number of people in survivorship continues to grow.

I’m exploring:

What doctors still need to do to meet the needs of people in survivorship
Normalizing the light and dark parts of cancer and survivorship
A BIG unspoken cancer truth about healing & recovery time
How your positivity might be negatively affecting someone else
Why planning for end-of-life is NOT giving up (and why we need to destigmatize it!)
And so much more!

If you are a man with cancer, you’re not alone! Join the community at Man Up to Cancer: https://www.manuptocancer.com

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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I describe higher education as a little like a marathon! You finish it and feel elated but wow I am never doing that again and yet here I am working on my second masters in public health (and I have completed 3 marathons too ;))

In this week’s episode of Unspoken Cancer Truths I am hopping on my soapbox. Having read over 30 articles and completing extensive research this quarter I am sharing my findings on Lymphedema in the hope that anyone accepting pain or dealing with financial worries can get on the path to solutions.

I am covering:

My frustrations with the ordering processes and insurance providers for the critical compression sleeves that are essential for the successful control of Lymphedema
My (amazing) surgeon cited that only 5% of cancer patients get lymphedema - why I believe and the research supports this is just wrong.
The financial impact of Lymphedema for cancer survivors and why I believe upfront financial education should be available to ALL
The stats I have uncovered regarding breast cancer survivors and Lymphedema
The importance of insisting on a Lymphedema consult. Lymphedema can become a problem at any time post surgery and treatment.
Why you may have been suffering with it for years and not be aware of the signs.

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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Did you know that you have choices when it comes to treating your cancer? You CAN be in charge of your health and have the personalized care you want! My guest this week, Stacey Tinianov, is a mom, caregiver, and stage 1B breast cancer survivor. When she received her diagnosis at only 40 years old, she knew the standard of care was not for her, and she has a message to share for anyone else who feels the same. In this episode, Stacey dives into the challenge of rejecting a standard of care, what treatment path she chose instead, and her TOP TIPS to be better prepared if cancer finds its way into your life.

We’re exploring:

What it meant for her to have breast cancer at the same time as her mom
Why Stacey advocated for the Oncotype DX™ test—and what it revealed
Some SURPRISING statistics about Tamoxifen
How to achieve personalized care and engage with the healthcare system
What you might not know about obesity & breast cancer
The #1 way we spoke up about drug side effects (this is SO important!)
And so much more!

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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No one chooses the cancer journey for themselves, so it’s up to us to make the experience the best we can. Have you thought about what choices you can make to empower yourself and live more fully in the world? In this episode, I’m sharing my thoughts on the universal laws of choice, letting go of the things that no longer serve you, and why making choices (and sacrifices) will help create a better quality of life as you navigate through survivorship.

I’m exploring:

The many ups and downs of the treatment phase of cancer
Why I decided to make a change to the podcast
How to get MORE clear about the ways your situation is impacting your social, emotional, and physical well-being
The #1 thing that might be impacting your long-term health
Why having a plan B makes the decision making process easier
And so much more!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

“The Laws of Spirit” by Dan Millman: https://www.peacefulwarrior.com/the-laws-of-spirit/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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Are you aware of your family's cancer history? Did you know genetic testing for cancer markers can save your life? I’m diving into these questions with Patient Insights & Advocacy Advisor at the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Ilana Feuchter. As a stage 2C ovarian cancer survivor, Ilana is dedicated—both personally and professionally—to raising awareness of genetic testing and self-advocacy. In this episode, she’s sharing her journey with BRCA1, what steps she took to be proactive about her cancer risks (and what they revealed), and the importance of knowing your family cancer history in order to be the BEST advocate for yourself.

We’re exploring:

Why BRCA1 and BRCA2 are problematic for women AND men
Ilana’s choice to undergo a prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy (and later a prophylactic mastectomy)
How a surprise ovarian cancer diagnosis changed the trajectory of her life
Why you can never say you are cancer free with ovarian cancer
What still needs to be addressed in the survivorship journey
A SURPRISING statistic about genetics and ovarian cancer (and what this means for anyone with a family history)
Ilana’s TOP TIP to find your people and make your cancer journey easier
One of the silver linings to her cancer journey
And so much more!
Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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This week, I’m shedding some light on one of the MOST common Unspoken Cancer Truths: overcoming communication barriers when talking about cancer. Have you experienced this before? In this episode, I’m diving deeper into why communicating about cancer can be so difficult, my TOP TIPS to take action against unproductive conversations (and be a better responder!), and the BEST past episodes to check out to learn more about communicating effectively.

I’m exploring:

What it means to have the courage to KNOW yourself
Why I think survivorship is the trickiest phase of a cancer journey
How relationships can change when you reveal a cancer diagnosis (and how to adjust your boundaries)
Why you need to make sure you are TRULY heard by your health team
And so much more!

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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There are so many research studies out there about the cancer journey, and it can be really tricky to navigate the plentiful information. How can you be sure that you are following advice that is factual and unbiased? In this episode, I’m sharing my BEST tips to better understand research articles and studies, how to dig deeper into the sources referenced, and the importance of using critical thinking skills before taking ANY advice from a study or article.

Listen now to hear more about:

My #1 strategy to critique a research study, report, or article
How I debunked a lymphedema study (even though it was referenced A LOT)
Why you should care about the results of a study (and whether they’re significant or not)
What I uncovered about a cryoablation report after applying my strategy
The problem with studies on food & diet as a sole cancer treatment
And so much more!

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

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If you’ve ever been a caregiver, you know how hard it can be to juggle the many support roles you take on for your loved one, along with taking care of yourself (and living your life!). My guest this week, Dr. Erika Michalski, became a caregiver for her husband Dan when he was diagnosed with diffuse large b-cell lymphoma at age 28. In this episode, Erika shares how she’s encouraging caregivers to support other caregivers, what it means to TRULY experience your joy and laughter, and why remaining authentic through Dan’s cancer journey was the MOST important thing for their family.

We’re exploring:

The #1 thing Erika asks caregivers to do to keep their humanness
Why she’s grateful for the people who helped her do things JUST for her
The SHOCKING news Dan received from his oncologist (and what it meant for his treatment options)
Different ways they created a sense of normalcy for their family during chemo
Why Erika and Dan were ALWAYS intentional about their mindset during tough conversations
Creative (and funny!) ways she created authentic joy and laughter during Dan’s cancer journey
A BIG milestone they recently celebrated—plus, why Dan ended up dressed in drag
And so much more!

Connect with Erika Michalski:

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elmichalski

Washington Post article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soloish/wp/2015/10/27/wheres-your-costume-an-accidental-halloween-love-story/?postshare=6191446001548715

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

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Have you ever felt scared to try something new? I've been there, too! Whether it's a new hobby, exercise routine, or an invitation, finding opportunities to venture out of your comfort zone can not only be positive, but may even turn into something you LOVE! In this episode, I'm sharing about the (sometimes unexpected) ways I've benefited from trying something new, and then I’m switching gears to dive deeper into a term I’ve heard a lot lately—toxic positivity.

I'm exploring:

How I took action on something new (and the surprises I learned along the way!)
What toxic positivity looks like—and how to counterbalance it
Why experiencing your emotions is NOT toxic positivity
How to reframe and get support for negativity loops
What it means to have toxic independence (and why this is a COMMON problem for caregivers and cancer survivors)
And so much more!

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

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The survivorship journey presents its own unique challenges—although your cancer treatments may be done, there are many mental and emotional health aspects of living through cancer that still need to be addressed. This is the speciality area of Trauma Alchemist Sue Bowe. She’s passionate about helping people use their trauma as a catalyst for growth and positive changes to move forward with their lives. In this episode, Sue dives into the stigmas around addressing emotional health, her unique approach to healing trauma, and the POWER of transcending through the adversities you’ve experienced on your cancer journey.

We’re exploring:

How Sue works to peel back the layers of unconscious trauma
The individuality of how people experience the same traumatic events
Why standard coping mechanisms are not enough for the pandemic’s mental health crisis
Finding enjoyment in the “new normal” of living through a pandemic
The importance of accepting your limitations and leaning into others for help
Common and uncommon ways that we recognize trauma
The lasting physical and emotional trauma of cancer treatments
And so much more!

If you’d like to know more about Sue Bowe’s approach to trauma (Trauma Alchemy), there’s more info here:

https://suebowe.com/empowering-life-after-trauma/

https://suebowe.com/intentional-post-traumatic-growth/

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

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Have you ever thought about joining a cancer support group? Connecting with people who are going through similar experiences is so incredibly important for any cancer journey. Not only can you get advice and encouragement, but you can meet amazing people— like I did with my guest this week, thyroid and triple positive breast cancer survivor thriver Myra Perscky. In this episode, she’s sharing her health and cancer journey, why she is her own #1 health advocate, and the MANY ways she has benefited from the positive connections in cancer support communities.

We’re exploring:

Why Myra started mammograms early
What you might not know about the correlation between thyroid cancer and breast cancer
Why you MUST find doctors you have COMPLETE faith in (this is so important!)
Myra’s choice to undergo a lumpectomy versus a mastectomy
Our shared experiences with “scanxiety” (and what we think needs to change about the mammogram results process)
The #1 type of exercise she recommends to get moving and restore your body
And so much more!

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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No matter where you are in your life, it’s never too late to find unconditional love. In this episode, author, speaker, and colorectal cancer survivor Larry Indiviglia is joining me to share his inspiring love story with his late girlfriend Gayle, which he captured in his book “126 Days, 11 Minutes: Our Love Story.” Together through Gayle’s battle with stage IV cancer, their two stories intertwined into a journey of finding love despite adversity, and living life on their own terms beyond the shadow of cancer.

We’re exploring:

What it meant for Larry and Gayle to take a chance on dating in their 60s
How you can use guidance from alternative medicine practitioners in combination with Western medicine
Larry’s 2 MOST memorable moments with Gayle from his book
The #1 thing to remember as a health advocate
How they found comfort, support, and peace through hospice care
And so much more!

Connect with Larry Indiviglia!

“126 Days, 11 Minutes: Our Love Story” by Larry Indiviglia: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KH7S7P1/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0

Website: https://indsightsforlifeinc.lpages.co/126-days-11-minutes-our-love-story/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawrence.indiviglia

Twitter: https://twitter.com/larryindsight

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

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Have you ever wondered if you can start a safe yet challenging exercise regimen on your cancer journey? The answer is YES, but, there is a lot to know and consider before you get started. In this episode, I’m sharing stories, personal experiences, and my BEST advice for safely exploring the edges of your exercise comfort zone, so you can create a sustainable routine for your new normal.

I’m exploring:

What you NEED to tell your doctor before starting any exercise regimen
How to create good days from your bad days (and learn from EVERY experience!)
Why caregivers also need to prioritize their well-being
The many AMAZING physical and mental benefits of yoga
My TOP 4 tips to get moving safely at different challenge levels
And so much more!

As a trainer and massage therapist, I can help you reach your mobility goals! Let’s talk about it over a Coffee Chat: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

2Unstoppable helps women with a cancer diagnosis get moving: https://2unstoppable.org

Man Up To Cancer inspires men to connect and avoid isolation: https://www.manuptocancer.com

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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More and more people with cancer are living (and thriving!) beyond treatment. How can healthcare providers better meet their needs in a post-treatment world? I’m diving into this question with triple-negative breast cancer survivor thriver and mom of two, Athena Scalise Waitt. In this episode, she’s opening up about the ways she took control of her cancer & wellness journey, the unspoken side-effects of cancer treatments, and we’ll dive into why there’s still so much more to be done for survivorship care.

We’re exploring:

Why Athena believes an earlier stroke was connected to her breast cancer diagnosis
What’s different about treating triple-negative breast cancer (and what it meant for Athena)
Her choice to have a bilateral mastectomy—and the silver lining of her “upgrade” a couple years later
Chemo brain, libido, and other (NORMAL!) lasting impacts of cancer treatments that no one talks about
What we think should be happening during post-treatment risk periods
How practitioner bias is impeding survivorship care plans
And so much more!

Learn more about or donate to the Barnett-Searing National Cancer Foundation (BSNCF): http://www.bsncf.org/

BSNCF 2nd Annual Virtual Walk/Run: http://www.bsncf.org/bsncf-events/a-virtual-walk-run-crushing-cancer-and-covid-19/

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

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A special podcast guest is returning for this episode to give us an update about her cancer journey—and I’m so excited to chat with her again. Kelley Lennon is a 37 year cancer survivor whose journey has taken her through 3 cancer diagnoses and treatments (Hodgkin's lymphoma at age 17, palate cancer 30 years later, and metastatic lung cancer soon after.) She was even asked to share her inspiring story of survivorship for Stand Up to Cancer’s #10Years10Stories feature in 2018. In this episode, Kelley opens up about her continuing health journey, why she shares her cancer story, and we’ll dive into self-advocacy as a way to be informed & confident knowing your body.

We’re exploring:

How immunotherapy is saving lives (like Kelley’s!) and changing survivorship
The ways Kelley and her family stay optimistic about their future
Why she pushed for physical therapy—plus, the mental and physical benefits of movement
Navigating doctor’s visits during COVID-19
Our TOP TIPS to utilize research and data to self-advocate and start a conversation with your doctor
The areas of cancer research we feel need improvement (and what we wish would change)
And so much more!

Check out this short video of Kelley’s Stand Up to Cancer feature story: https://it-it.facebook.com/SU2C/videos/10years10stories-kelley-lennon/289934425132250/

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

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The main goal of the Unspoken Cancer Truths podcast is to provide a space where those impacted by cancer can come to share their stories, and connect with others who share similar experiences. I’ve found that giving meaning to your cancer journey by talking about it can help you to process your experiences in a way that makes sense to YOU — regardless of what other people think of your story. In this episode, I’m sharing why I’m open about my cancer journey, 2 unspoken cancer truths, and the importance of sharing stories to let someone listening know that they are not alone.

I’m exploring:

A common challenge I hear from cancer survivors who want to share their journey
Why telling your cancer story can bring out people’s experience bias
Reflecting on why I tell my cancer story from a place of humor and positivity
What you can learn from the sensemaking theory to better process your experiences
The interconnectedness of many different stories on a cancer journey
And so much more!

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

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Your life’s focus and purpose can change quickly after a cancer diagnosis. Reevaluating what matters (and what doesn't) was most important for my guest this week, Andrea Campbell — a speaker, transformational coach, and author of “The Beautiful Journey: Finding Purpose Through Cancer” — after she was diagnosed with not only breast cancer, but also uterine cancer. Andrea's passionate about sharing her cancer journey to empower people to believe in themselves and live their lives on purpose. In this episode, she opens up about the intentional ways she is living her life out loud, and why she wants to inspire others to achieve their dreams in spite of adversity.

We’re exploring:

The responsibility of being a survivor (and why she shares her cancer journey)
Andrea’s shock at a second unrelated cancer diagnosis, and what that meant for her
POWERFUL advice for slowing down to live your life on purpose
How having cancer gives a new perspective on who we are
Shining a light on the transition from treatment to SUCCESSFUL survivorship
Andrea shares why she is living the life she loves (and following her dreams!)
Why she calls her cancer journey “beautiful”
Breaking down the stigma of seeing a therapist
We reflect on personal stories impacted by COVID-19
And so much more!

Connect with Andrea Campbell!

Website: http://andreadcampbell.com/

Order her book “The Beautiful Journey: Finding Purpose Through Cancer” here: https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Journey-Finding-Purpose-Through/dp/0996620818

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

The Beautiful Journey: Finding Purpose Through Cancer

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Your busy life doesn’t always stop when you are diagnosed with cancer. This is true for this week’s guest, Laura Morrow — breast cancer survivor, nutritional therapy practitioner, and owner of Simply AIP, a subscription food service for women following the Autoimmune Protocol — who was in the middle of big life changes (as well as the start of a pandemic!) when she was diagnosed with stage 0 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). On this episode, Laura opens up about her cancer journey and having an autoimmune disease, the silver linings (and challenges) of navigating surgery & recovery during a pandemic, and the steps she took to make the most informed decisions for her health.

We’re diving into:

Laura’s relief at solving her mysterious autoimmune disease, and how that led her to fill a void in the market for Autoimmune Protocol followers
A surprising diagnosis of DCIS at age 41 — plus, what Laura wished she would’ve done before she went into her biopsy
Why Laura made the decision to have a bilateral mastectomy for Stage 0 cancer
The craziness of buying & selling a home and having surgery amidst a pandemic
How COVID-19 impacted Laura’s community of support
The silver lining she found during her hospital stay in the pandemic
Laura shares how she makes the MOST confident & informed decisions for her health
The clever way she updated her family, friends, and colleagues about her diagnosis (while making her needs explicit!)
A bright side to the timing of Laura’s diagnosis, surgery, and recovery
And so much more!

You can get started with the Autoimmune Protocol through delivery from Simply AIP: https://simplyaip.com

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

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What are the short and long-term effects of the pandemic on cancer screenings, diagnoses, and treatments? We’re diving into this question this week with returning guest, Dana Hutson. As a consultant, facilitator, and advocate at Cancer Champions, she helps families gain clarity in the confusion of a cancer diagnosis and navigate the healthcare system with confidence. On this episode, Dana is sharing some of the challenges (and silver linings!) of COVID on cancer & healthcare, bringing awareness to advanced directives, as well as her BEST advice for navigating COVID restrictions so you can be an empowered advocate for yourself and your family.

We’re diving into:

STAGGERING statistics on the negative impacts of COVID on cancer screenings, diagnoses, and treatments — and what this mean for long-term outcomes
Financial stresses of the pandemic that are often overlooked
A curious conundrum of “elective” treatments for cancer
The silver lining of COVID guidelines on healthcare systems and accessibility
We remove the stigma around end-of-life plans (and why it’s never too early to make one!)
Everything you want to know about the COVID vaccine — plus, Dana debunks some common vaccine myths
Dana’s TOP TIPS for supporting your loved ones facing COVID hospital restrictions
And so much more!

For more information about Cancer Champions visit: https://cancer-champions.com

Five Wishes is a non-profit organization that helps you make a plan for uncertain times: https://fivewishes.org

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

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With the discovery of three tumors in the one year between her annual mammograms, Sherri Wagliardo’s story is a reminder that no one is prepared for a cancer diagnosis. Sherri, a VP of sales for S3 Staffing and mom of two, is talking with me this week about her journey with breast cancer (stage 1 lobular carcinoma.) Cancer free since December 30, 2019, she’s looking back on her diagnosis & mastectomy and sharing the most important steps she took to achieve full mobility during recovery to find her new normal — all with her spin of positivity.

We’re diving into:

Why Sherri made the decision to have a unilateral mastectomy instead of removing both breasts
A surprising question the plastic surgeon asked her, and what that meant for her confidence level
Our similar experiences with “scanxiety” — the anxiety of waiting for results or doctors
The little saying that was some of the best advice Sherri received from her doctor
Why the doctor sent Sherri to physical therapy BEFORE her surgery, and the huge impact it had on her recovery
My thoughts on why everybody has the ability to get back to full mobility with physical therapy (and finding pain relief through exercise)
A break down of axillary cording - what it is, what it feels like, and the benefit of exercise on loosening them
Surprising statistics on the impact of physical therapy on lymphedema recovery
The delayed realization Sherri experienced about her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery — and how this reflects her on-the-go personality
And so much more!

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

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Sharon Bryant Baumgarten will never forget the exact moment she received the life-changing news that her 9 year old son, David, had leukemia. The whirlwind diagnosis took their family on a journey through the struggles of cancer and its treatments, especially on a young child. In this episode, Sharon — a retired educator, mother of two, and now a grandmother — is sharing her experiences as the mother of a survivor of high-risk Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). She shares with us how the cancer journey inspired her son David (and their family) to live life fully, the power of community and philanthropy, as well as the lessons she learned about overcoming challenges to find purpose in the face of hardship.

We’re diving into:

What surprised Sharon the most when she first walked into the children’s oncology office
Small yet powerful ways the community reached out to help create normalcy for David and his family (and why Sharon always accepted help, even when she didn’t think she needed it)
How Sharon overcame the challenges of getting David back to school
The people also impacted by a cancer journey who are often overlooked
The unexpected family addition that gave David and his family companionship, responsibility, and purpose
The 3 most important lessons Sharon learned on the cancer journey with David
Where is he now? Sharon shares about David’s recovery, accomplishments, and endeavors to continue to be involved in philanthropy
The many ways the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) made an impact on David’s cancer journey, and how the organization continues to lead the way in research
And much more!

Get involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by visiting their website: https://www.lls.org

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

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The physical manifestations of cancer are unique to every journey, and some are more outwardly obvious than others. Our guest this week, Barbara Caplan-Bennett — a published author of several essays, articles, and novels including “Noseworthy”, a memoir about her journey as a melanoma cancer survivor — knows first-hand the impact a skin cancer diagnosis can have on your appearance. In this episode, she gets honest about her diagnoses, recoveries, and the transformative personal sacrifice she made to save her life. Barbara’s experiences will have you amazed at her ability to find the humor and inspiration to use her cancer journey to follow her life’s dream.

In this episode, we’re diving into:

Barbara’s unique story about how a weird bump on her nose changed her life
What is Mohs technique and how Barbara felt looking in the mirror for the first time after surgery
The innocent comments that led Barbara to make a doctor’s appointment
The shocking news Barbara received about her nose, and the questions it left her asking about getting back to normal
What people don’t tell you about the impact of head and neck surgeries (and what that meant for Barbara’s physical and mental well-being)
The freeing moment Barbara got her prosthetic, plus the lesson she learned about ALWAYS asking for exactly what she wants
Barbara shares her experience with a Tumor Board — what it is, how she came to be a part of it, and what the doctors concluded about her diagnosis and recovery
Why Barbara is finally able to see the light side of her cancer journey (it took a long time!) and how it gave her the opportunity to live her life’s dream
Barbara gets real and gives us ALL the interesting details you might be wondering about prosthetic noses
And much more!

Get your copy of “Noseworthy” on Amazon here: bit.ly/NoseworthyBarbara. Autographed copies (personalized, if desired) of “Noseworthy” are available by emailing noseworthy2020@gmail.com.

Check out the HuffPost article Barbara wrote about her cancer journey, “I Had To Have My Entire Nose Removed Or Risk Dying. Here’s How It Changed My Life.”: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/melanoma-cancer-nose-surgery-removal_n_5fa9809ac5b6f21920de8570

Connect with Barbara through the Noseworthy Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Noseworthyamemoir

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

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Sometimes you don’t have to actually have HAD cancer to really understand some unspoken cancer truths, like what it’s like to be thrown into menopause at a young age or what that first look at yourself post-mastectomy and reconstruction surgery feels like. This week’s guest, Paula Shepherd, a mom of 4 and business confidence & leadership coach, shares with us her own journey and experience of discovering that she was BRCA2+ in her 30s, what that meant for her, and her choice to undergo a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and partial hysterectomy by age 37.

We’re diving into:

Paula’s experience of being told by her doctor at 25 years old that it wasn’t a matter of IF she got breast cancer, but WHEN, and what led her and her mother to get tested for the BRCA gene mutation years later
Her journey through the decision to have a prophylactic partial hysterectomy after years of infertility struggles
The feelings of shame and loneliness Paula felt during her surgical treatment and recovery because she wasn’t going through cancer like the other women around her
All the things no one tells you about after breast reconstruction surgery (like sleep difficulties and dealing with postsurgical drains with your partner!)
How being plunged into menopause shortly after giving birth brought mental health challenges no one prepared her for
The silver lining from Paula’s own choices about how to manage her BRCA+ diagnosis that also helped her mom during a breast cancer recurrence
And so much more!

Follow Paula on IG: https://www.instagram.com/be__fearless_with_paula

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram and connect for updates about the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran

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I always say "surviving is JUST the beginning" when it comes to a cancer diagnosis because there are many stages of recovery, and the journey doesn't end when the treatments are over. Our guest on this week’s episode, Jodie Lin, is a two-time breast cancer survivor thriver whose cancer journey led her to become a certified health and wellness coach and holistic cancer coach. She helps people transform their lives by achieving a healthy balance in their diet and exercise habits. Join us to hear more about Jodie’s experiences with her cancer diagnoses, doctors, and road to recovery, as she shares why she continues to advocate for her health post-mastectomies. Her insights are an important reminder why you MUST listen to your body and speak up when something feels off.

We're talking about:

Jodie shares why she thought she did “everything right” before she was diagnosed with breast cancer
Why you MUST voice your concerns to your doctor when something doesn’t feel right with your body
Jodie and I share our difficulties with Celiac disease and therapy drugs
Our TOP CLUES you might need a new doctor (and why advocating is so important!)
Why you should embrace being “followed” by your oncologist (even after you complete your treatments!)
Jodie tells more about her experience with post-mastectomy intercostal neuralgia
And much more!

Connect with Jodie Lin at her website: https://jklwellhealthcoaching.com/

Join Jodie Lin in her Facebook group “Intercostal Neuralgia: Breast Spasms post Mastectomies and/or Radiation”: https://www.facebook.com/groups/173335903971544

Read more about intercostobrachial neuralgia research here: https://jasonattaman.com/intercostobrachial-neuralgia/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

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From closets to email inboxes, clutter is everywhere. Let’s start the year reinvigorated by getting organized! This week's episode features declutter expert and life coach Kerry Thomas, who helps overwhelmed people organize their environments for productivity and peace of mind, and her TED Talk “From Clutter to Clarity” has over 800,000 views on YouTube! She’ll be sharing her work that focuses on the different types of internal and external “clutter” (up to 15 types!) and what you can do to break the cycle of stress they cause. Kerry’s favorite organizing tips and tricks will help you start small and enjoy that decluttered feeling starting TODAY!

We’ll talk about:

How YOU can reduce stress by taking control of your internal and external clutter
Don’t turn a blind eye to clutter - Kerry gives her TOP TIPS to face it head on!
The BEST ways to stay accountable and organized in the fight against clutter
How to handle clutter when you are struggling with post-surgical fog or chemo brain
Kerry and I share our personal experiences to empower you to find deeper meaning for organizing (and be successful the first time!)
How you can clear clutter to achieve your dreams and live your purpose
Learn more about how to maximize your time when it comes to making decisions about clutter
The ONE thing you need to know to take the first step in your declutter journey (and you can start it today!)
And much more!

Connect with Kerry Thomas at her website Conquer the Chaos - https://www.ctcorganizing.com/

Watch Kerry’s TED Talk “From Clutter to Clarity” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrsdoIOGCRw

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: @thejennifercochran

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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It is no secret that the costs of cancer treatments can be confusing and overwhelming. We put trust in our doctors and medical providers to make the best decisions for us, but are they always right for our budget? In this episode, we dive into improving the financial well-being of your cancer journey in a world where medical price gouging has become an accepted aspect of business. I’ll be sharing the financial side of my cancer journey and what steps you can take to be an informed patient with a firm grasp on the resources available to you to spend less. A catastrophic medical diagnosis should NOT be a catastrophic financial crisis!

I’ll talk about:

What financial well-being is, why it’s important to touch base on this area — especially during a cancer journey — and how YOU can achieve it!
Why having insurance (even with a high deductible!) is so important
Some of my favorite tips to help you take control of unexpected bills and charges
Why YOU have the power to save money when choosing in-network providers (and how to save on out-of-network providers that you may not know are available!)
Options for help so you don’t have to hide from the bills and what to look at BEFORE you empty your savings (there are MANY more options out there than you probably even realize!)
My TOP TIPS on how to take control of your medical budget and save you money (even if tracking finances isn’t in your zone of genius!)
And much more!

Help someone in need of financial independence from their medical debt through a charitable donation at RIP Medical Debt: https://www.ripmedicaldebt.org

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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Whether you or a loved one are on a cancer journey or not, between constant social media and technology influences and an extended pandemic, anxiety and stress are super common today. If you’ve felt that way, you aren’t alone! That’s why I’m so excited to share this interview with you today with my guest, Camille Kennard. Camille is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a certified health and wellness coach, and the founder of Flourish Health and Wellness Coaching. She’s a self-care specialist who is passionate about helping stressed out, busy people make themselves a priority and use mindfulness to become resilient to stress. We’re exploring how to introduce mindfulness meditation into your life (it doesn’t have to be fancy or take even more than 5 minutes a day!) and how to use it to help you manage stress and even chronic pain.

Let’s dive in!

We’re sharing:

How learning and practicing skills of mindfulness can help you become resilient to stress
The high level benefits of meditation (and what meditation REALLY is!)
How to establish a meditation practice and create a space for stillness
The difference between formal and informal meditation (and how to do both, even if you only have 5 minutes a day to practice!)
How mindfulness and meditation can help you manage your chronic pain
What mindfulness IS and ISN’T (hint: it’s NOT about being positive or happy all the time!)
Camille’s best tips for finding your own anchor during your meditation practice
3 things to focus on to help you build a meditation practice and make it routine
And a super special 10 minute guided meditation for you by Camille!

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Connect with Camille: https://www.flourishwellnessconsulting.com/

Check out Camille’s podcast, Wellness Wisdom: https://www.flourishwellnessconsulting.com/podcast

__________________________________________

(Carly can you put these under the resources on the website)

This is a free mindfulness tool offered on Sounds True. Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach Mindfulness Daily https://www.soundstrue.com/products/mindfulness-daily#a_aid=5dcd8762906ed&a_bid=e08dd273

Coffee Chat - https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

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As we enter into 2021, there’s a ton of focus on resolutions, making changes, and planning with some pretty discouraging statistics going around about how many people ACTUALLY achieve the resolutions they set for themselves at the beginning of a year, am I right? So on today’s episode, I’m sharing what I found when I dug into the ACTUAL study that gave us these numbers, why you shouldn’t let that number discourage you, and what you can take away from it so that you can create goals (not resolutions!) this year that are achievable in a big way!

I’m sharing:

The difference between goals and wishes and how you can take those wishes and turn them into actionable and achievable goals
How to reclaim your power of choice and show up fully in the world this year
What resolutions ARE and AREN’T
The often overlooked area of well-being you should revisit frequently
How and why the most successful people in these studies achieved their goals (and how you can use this information to reach yours as well!)
My goals for 2021 and I how I broke them down
And more!

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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As we prepare to say goodbye to 2020, I want to share with you a look back at some of the most inspiring interviews we had this year on the show and my favorite takeaways from them. If you’re on your own cancer journey or know someone who is, you’re going to love this episode as we wrap up the year!

Catch up on these amazing 2020 interviews: http://unspokencancertruths.com

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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All month I’ve been talking with survivors who are making fitness fun to bring you this series on Fitness in Survivorship, because whether you were a super athlete or totally sedentary before your diagnosis, fitness looks different during and after your cancer treatments (which can feel SO frustrating!) But I’m here to help you flip the idea of exercise from something daunting to something fun that you want to come back to again and again,

Today I’m joined by triple negative breast cancer survivor and founder of 2Unstoppable, Michelle Stravitz. 2Unstoppable is an organization whose mission is to inspire and support women to get moving during and well beyond treatment, and Michelle’s energy and recommendations to bring joy back to your fitness journey (and why it’s so important!) will leave you ready to get up and get moving again.

We’re sharing:

The thing you might be missing from your fitness routine that can make a HUGE difference
Why Michelle started asking her friends to go on walks with her when they asked how to help, and why it was a total game changer for her
The counterintuitive advice she got from her doctor that actually really, really helped her!
How Michelle modified her yoga practice for her during recovery (and her favorite tips for creating or modifying a movement practice to fit YOU in your own journey)
The surprising statistics surrounding exercise and breast cancer survivorship and recurrence rates
Examples of where to sneak in movement (exercise doesn’t have to look like hours at the gym to reap you the benefits!)
How to get accountability (even during COVID or if you don’t live near friends or family that can exercise with you in person)
Why hiring a personal trainer at the gym could actually keep you from reaching your fitness goals in survivorship
Michelle’s favorite ways to switch up activities to keep it joyful
And so much more!

If you’re looking for an accountability partner who gets it (for free!), check out 2Unstoppable: https://2unstoppable.org/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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Exercise — whether you are a cancer survivor or not — doesn’t have to look like working out in a gym, and I believe that it doesn’t have to feel daunting and gets to be fun. As we continue our Fitness in Survivorship series this week, I am so happy to introduce my guest today, Denise Manos. Join us for today’s episode as she shares her journey with metastatic breast cancer, her favorite activities for fitness, her exuberance for life, and her openness for exploring the often taboo topics of end of life planning (from palliative care to celebration of life activities!)

We’re diving into:

The importance of mental health support when facing a cancer diagnosis
How to manage the high costs of cancer treatment (and some resources you can tap into that you may not be aware of)
The ever avoided talk about the realities of the financial side of treatment (and the medical system in general)
Why Denise feels everyone going through a cancer journey should have a palliative care member on their team (even if your cancer isn’t end-stage)
The biggest lessons she has learned from her own journey
Exploring end of life wishes early (and the paperwork you need to have in order)
Why she focuses on a diet and exercise plan that is what her body needs RIGHT NOW (and how it gets to change!)
How to know when you should get a second opinion
Why you need to look at your cancer journey like a project manager (and the 5 aspects you need to make sure you are the lead on your team for!)

If you need help getting moving again, let’s talk! Set up a chat to reimagine exercise - email me at jennifer@fitnessdesignsolutions.com or schedule a coffee chat through the link in the Facebook group.

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

2Unstoppable: https://2unstoppable.org/

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If you’ve felt that disconnect when getting moving again after your cancer treatment — your heart wants you to be where you were before, your head has reservations about getting started, but your body is like, “Hey! Kinda been through some stuff over here!” — and feeling frustrated that exercise doesn’t look like you thought it would, then you’re going to love this month’s series on fitness in survivorship. Over the next 4 weeks I’m going to introduce you to some great options to get moving again that you may not have even considered, and flipping the idea of exercise from something daunting to something fun that you want to come back to again and again.

On today’s episode, I’m excited to introduce Wendy Gawlik, the Regional Program Manager for Casting for Recovery. A breast cancer survivor herself, she found so much support as well as a new love of fly fishing when she attended the retreat as a participant, and fell in love with it so much that she now works for the company and is passionate about bringing this experience to other breast cancer survivors (at no cost to them! She and her colleagues work tirelessly to fundraise and make this a free opportunity for those who want to attend.)

We’re exploring:

The anxiety Wendy felt from age 20 having benign but lumpy breasts with a family history of breast cancer and abnormal but benign mammograms time and time again
How she handled the eventual diagnosis of breast cancer after yet another call back from her mammogram at age 51
Why all surgeons are not created equal and why it’s so important to work with one who is a good fit for YOU
Wendy and my experience with the frequent “because of your age” statement during treatment
The side effects of Tamoxifen (hello hot flashes!) and the “miracle drug” that helped her through them
Dealing with fear of recurrence during survivorship
The importance of support after cancer treatment; whether that comes from a support group, a Facebook group, a retreat, or somewhere else
All the details of the Casting for Recovery retreats and alumni events!

Apply for a spot in the next Casting for Recovery Retreat near you: https://castingforrecovery.org/retreats/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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If you’ve felt that disconnect when getting moving again after your cancer treatment — your heart wants you to be where you were before, your head has reservations about getting started, but your body is like, “Hey! Kinda been through some stuff over here!” — and feeling frustrated that exercise doesn’t look like you thought it would, then you’re going to love this month’s series on fitness in survivorship. Over the next 5 weeks I’m going to introduce you to some great options to get moving again that you may not have even considered, and flipping the idea of exercise from something daunting to something fun that you want to come back to again and again.

Today I’m joined by USA Pickleball Ambassador, founder of Breakthrough Community Sports, Inc., owner of Pickleball 4 Life, LLC, senior athlete, and breast cancer survivor, Helen M. White. She believes in the power of playing sports for all and is passionate about sharing the joys of pickleball with others. Get ready to be inspired by Helen this week and head out to try some pickleball!

We’re diving into:

Helen’s own breast cancer journey with invasive ductal carcinoma at age 64
The fun way she took control over her frequent radiation treatment to help her get through it with a positive mindset
How Helen worked through the anger she felt around her diagnosis and moved into a positive, uplifted space
Her experience with APBI (accelerated partial breast irradiation)
The “gotcha” Helen didn’t expect after treatment and how she managed it
Her favorite tip for making frequent blood draws easier
How Helen and I each weighed the pros and cons of AI (aromatase inhibitor) treatment and what declining it has meant for us
Possible side effects of AI treatment and how movement can benefit you if you are affected by them
The key diet change that occurred for Helen as a result of her cancer journey
Where pickleball got its name (no, it has nothing to do with actual pickles!) and why it’s been a life-saver for Helen during her recovery (and it’s a COVID friendly sport, too!)
Why pickleball is adaptable to where YOU are in your own fitness journey and is a great low-impact, fun activity to help you get active again

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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If your arm can predict the weather within a 48 hour window, then you know the struggles around this condition that isn’t talked about nearly enough: lymphedema. Last week I broke down what the heck a lymphatic system is, what lymphedema is, who may be at risk for developing it, and some facts and fiction around this little understood topic. But if you or a loved one are suffering from lymphedema, I wanted to bring you even more because I’m SUPER passionate about this topic. So this week I’m diving into some actionable steps you can start taking TODAY to manage your lymphedema and 7 facts you should know about it.

In this episode you’ll hear:

The surprising number of breast cancer survivors who develop lymphedema (and further out from treatment than you think!)
Who should be screened for lymphedema
Why baseline measurements are SO important (BEFORE surgery or treatment starts!)
When you can (and SHOULDN’T) wear your older compression sleeves
All about compression sleeves, when to wear them, how often to replace them, and why they help
Off the shelf vs custom compression sleeves
How to manage the varying and confusing cost of compression garments
Fighting insurance battles around your compression sleeves
The BIGGEST challenges in managing lymphedema
Why not all lymphatic drainage massage is not created equal and may NOT help your lymphedema (it’s so important to look for this ONE thing when finding a massage therapist!)
The stigma around this condition and why it may be keeping you living in fear and your condition worsening
Tips for managing your lymphedema while flying
The ONE largest negative outcome of keeping quiet about this topic
And more!

Join me for my 90 min Pilates and Yoga fusion class LIVE on Friday 11/27 at 10AM eastern… to join the class or get access to the replay visit here:

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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There are many things about cancer survivorship that we don’t get prepared for during diagnosis and treatment, and these are the things I created this podcast to shine a light on! One of the common ones that isn’t talked nearly enough about in the US is lymphedema, and that’s what I’m diving into on today’s episode. Join me as I explore the research around lymphedema, why it’s so important to think about during and after cancer treatment, and answering the most common questions about lymphedema.

I’m diving into:

The massive disparity between specialists in this area in the United States vs Europe
What causes lymphedema and why it can be so hard to catch and treat early
The shocking amount of breast cancer survivors that suffer from this problem
How you can head off lymphedema and manage it in a way that doesn’t become debilitating
The early symptoms of lymphedema and why you should seek out a certified lymphedema therapist early
And more!

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Infographic from Lymphedema Treatment Act

http://lymphedematreatmentact.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Lymphedema_Infographic_11x8.5.pdf

Coffee Chat link: http://bit.ly/ChatwithJenn

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We’ve all heard that we should be getting regular checkups; but the recommendations out there for WHAT to get and WHEN are often confusing, inconsistent, and sometimes even hard to find! No matter where you are on your cancer journey (and even if you have never had cancer!), whether you have a family history of cancer or not, and even when you feel you are healthy and fit, you NEED to be making preventative care a priority. On today’s episode, I’m decoding the recommended schedule for checkups and screenings and why there’s no excuse not to get many of them every year.

In this episode, I’m diving into:

What to look for when analyzing recommendations and research
How to navigate your healthcare when it feels like the recommendations are more of a “choose your own adventure” novel than a healthcare guide for dummies
The surprises I found when I dug up the recommendations around screening timelines
How to manage and navigate changing and conflicting preventative screening guidelines
Why specialists are so important and I recommend having a specialist for everything
The specialist you probably weren’t told about during your cancer treatment that can help you prevent debilitating consequences
And so much more!

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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For our final episode in this series, the panel and I are talking about one of the biggest and most impactful survivorship challenges we face, but that is rarely talked about: the mental health side of survivorship and the gap that exists between treatment and reentry into everyday life. Our goal with this series is for you to feel less alone as you listen! Today, we’re talking all about challenges with depression, anxiety, PTSD, fear of recurrence, and struggles returning to work. Let’s dive in!

You’ll hear:

The thing that’s missing among all the 10+ doctors that you see as a cancer patient
How we were (and weren’t!) prepared for these challenges in survivorship
The MOST important thing you can do for a loved one with cancer that no one really talks about
Complications of long-term Tamoxifen treatment
The surprising truth about when to expect the most mental health struggles
How different groups and nationalities deal with breast cancer and mental health challenges
Our biggest takeaways and advice for you if you’re going through mental health challenges during or after cancer treatment
A surprisingly common source of trauma during and after cancer treatment
The piece that’s missing in the transition between treatment into successful survivorship
What we found lacking in support groups
The reframe that gave me more freedom
And more!

Dancing in Limbo: Making Sense of Life After Cancer by Glenna Halvorson-Boyd and Lisa K. Hunter: https://amzn.com/0787901032

Meet the panel:

Charlotte Schaff was diagnosed in 2018 at the age of 47 with stage 2A breast cancer. Check out more about her story in Episode 17: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.com/ccn-with-jenn-cochran-episode-17-charlotte-schaff/

Gemma Emmett is a two-time breast cancer survivor diagnosed in 2013 at the age of 29 with stage 3B breast cancer and had a recurrence in 2017. Check out more about her story in Episode 8: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.com/ccn-with-jenn-cochran-episode-8-gemma-emmett/

Robyn McTague was diagnosed with DCIS in 2000 at the age of 44. Check out more about her story in Episode 14: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.com/ccn-with-jenn-cochran-episode-14-robyn-mctague/

Tanja Thompson is also a two-time breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer in 2004 and had a recurrence in 2009. Check out more about her story in Episode 22: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.com/auto-draft-2/

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You know that thing in the kitchen? That’s cold? And you put food in it? Oh yeah...the refrigerator! If you’ve found words like this escaping you as you journey through survivorship, you’re going to love this episode. Today I’m joined again by my panel of 4 amazing breast cancer survivors to continue the conversation about what survivorship REALLY looks like and we’re diving into another thing we found no one warned us about (or even often took seriously!): brain fog, chemo brain or memory challenges. Let’s dive in!

We’re diving into:

What we expected in our return to life after cancer treatment, and the things we DIDN’T expect
When I realized I had chemo brain (and why it took me 1 ½ years to recognize it!)
Worsening or new diagnoses of ADHD after cancer treatment
The biggest surprises in cognitive function after treatment and how we managed them
Our advice for you if you’re also struggling with these issues
And so much more!

My TEDx Talk: Unspoken Truths of a Cancer Patient

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TdmecpFb7Y

Meet the panel:

Robyn McTague was diagnosed with DCIS in 2000 at the age of 44. Check out more about her story in Episode 14: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.com/ccn-with-jenn-cochran-episode-14-robyn-mctague/

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Breast cancer comes in many different “flavors,” but we often face similar options when it comes to surgery and can relate to each other in how we navigate a changing body image as well as chronic pain during survivorship (often these are things no one tells you about when you’re going through treatment!) In today’s episode I’m joined again by my panel of 4 amazing breast cancer survivors to continue the conversation about what survivorship REALLY looks like and we’re diving into the things no one warns you about around surgical options, body image, and chronic pain after surgery.

You’ll hear:

Why finding the RIGHT doctor for you is so important (and why it’s OK to get a 2nd or 3rd or 4th opinion!)
The changes in breast reconstruction options
Our most significant long term challenges after surgery, and how we have handled them
Navigating body image and relationships post-surgery when your nipples were removed, you just have 1 left, they point the wrong way, or are sensitive in the wrong ways
The strange sensations we have noticed after surgery
Unexpected physical complications after surgery
Why physical therapy is so important after surgery
And more!

Meet the panel:

Robyn McTague was diagnosed with DCIS in 2000 at the age of 44. Check out more about her story in Episode 14: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.com/ccn-with-jenn-cochran-episode-14-robyn-mctague/

Be a part of the Love Research Army: https://www.loveresearcharmy.org/

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. I believe that we should be shining a light on not only breast cancer as a diagnosis, but also what we face AFTER a cancer diagnosis. That’s why I’ve brought together a panel of 4 other amazing breast cancer survivors to share with you the many flavors of breast cancer (and why knowing specifically what type someone has is important!), as well as the many challenges of survivorship such as its effects on our relationships, mental health, and more. Join us on this episode as we kick off our conversation about the challenges of survivorship.

In today’s episode, we’re sharing:

How each of us shared the news of our diagnosis with friends and family, and how it was received
The role social media played in sharing updates with friends and family as well as spreading awareness about breast cancer
Managing a cancer diagnosis with young children
And more

Meet the panel:

Robyn McTague was diagnosed with DCIS in 2000 at the age of 44. Check out more about her story in Episode 14: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.com/ccn-with-jenn-cochran-episode-14-robyn-mctague/

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No one prepares you for this when you are diagnosed with cancer, and virtually no one talks about it afterwards during survivorship: what it’s like to feel sexual, have sex, and just rediscover your own body after cancer. But we’re talking about it today because it’s so important! On today’s episode I’m talking with Tara Galeano, a licensed professional counselor and AASECT certified sex therapist who has helped women (including many cancer survivors!) for over 20 years to get their sexy back. Join us as Tara answers questions from other cancer survivors about intimacy, sex, and reconnecting with your body after treatment.

We’re diving into:

Tara’s favorite unsung superhero that started her on this path
The unspoken challenges after a mastectomy
Dealing with the question “what makes me a woman?”
How to maintain or regain connection and intimacy with yourself and/or your partner while dealing with the physical changes after a mastectomy
Tara’s favorite tips for dealing with the physical symptoms of treatment-induced menopause like hot flashes and vaginal dryness
How you can move past the mental hurdle of not being interested in sex when your sex drive is impacted by getting thrown into menopause overnight during treatment
The biggest thing you can do to improve your relationship (and it doesn’t have to involve intercourse!)
How the relationship between arousal and desire changes as we get older
An integral tool to the healing process that no one talks about
And so much more!

As always, come join me in the Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/458305884640858/

Find out more about Tara and her work at: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.com/podcast/

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When you hear the word “cancer,” what words do you think of? Do you find yourself avoiding the actual word? Have you heard words people use around cancer and cringe? The more I talk with people about their stories, the more complexity seems to come up around the words we choose when talking about cancer. So on today’s episode, I’m digging into the language we use around cancer, where they come from, and which ones we need to quit using.

You’ll hear more about:

What Richard Nixon has to do with some common words around cancer (and why we need to quit using them)
Why positivity while navigating a cancer diagnosis is so important for our mental health, but it doesn’t and can’t “win the cancer battle”
How we can soften the language around cancer and stop referring to it with battle metaphors
What makes someone a “survivor” (it might surprise you!)
Why sharing from the place of the wound can help you communicate about it better
How to be a “previvor”
And more!

As always, come join me in the Facebook group to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/458305884640858/

LINKS:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/cancer/speaking-cancer-glossary/

https://breastcancernow.org/about-us/news-personal-stories/battling-brave-or-victim-why-language-cancer-matters

https://powerfulpatients.org/2019/04/24/words-matter-why-cancer-isnt-a-game-of-winners-or-losers/

https://www.ncri.org.uk/ncri-blog/language-of-cancer-and-covid-19/

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/347/6217/78.abstract

https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/overview/history/national-cancer-act-1971

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When you’re “young and healthy,” a cancer diagnosis is often a massive shock, and it presents its own unique benefits and challenges as we go through it. I’m excited to share with you this conversation with Chad Andrus, a sports broadcaster who was diagnosed with lymphoma just 2 months after getting married as a young adult and is now 12 years in remission. He shares with us the story of his cancer journey, his biggest lessons, struggles, and reliefs during and after it, and what it was like for him and his wife to experience this journey together at such a young age.

We’re diving into:

What Chad considers the worst part of his cancer journey, and when he felt relief and like the weight had been lifted from him shortly afterwards
Experiencing things like ports and biopsies with no prior experience with surgeries or other medical procedures
The surprises Chad found during chemo (like who knew pee could be THAT color?!)
How his physical struggles varied from his mental struggles during treatment
The unique view we have as cancer survivors going through the time of COVID-19
How and why Chad continued to work during treatment
The biggest lessons he learned during his journey, and the 2 things Chad would put more focus on if he could do it again
Family planning when you are going through cancer at a young age
And so much more!

Connect with Chad: https://twitter.com/chadandrus

Join my free Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning, for positive support on those not so positive days: https://www.facebook.com/groups/458305884640858/

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Cancer may not discriminate, but that doesn’t mean everyone’s journey is the same, and it can look very different for a man than for a woman. Today I’m joined by Trevor Maxwell, a husband and father who has been living with stage IV colon cancer since being diagnosed in March of 2018 at the age of 41. He is the founder of Man Up to Cancer, a purpose-driven company that inspires men to avoid isolation during their cancer journeys.

In today’s episode we’re exploring:

Struggles that men often face when advocating for themselves and receiving support
How Trevor’s diagnosis of Lynch syndrome during his cancer evaluation completely changed his treatment plan
The stories and barriers men have to overcome to thrive and get the support they need on their cancer journeys
Why it’s so important for you to educate yourself on the biology of your disease
The importance of routine health exams (even if you feel great or haven’t been to the doctor in years!)
What to look for in a treatment team, and when to ask for a change (yes, it’s ok to ask for a second — or third! — opinion)
Immunotherapy and its role in cancer treatments
PTSD and health anxieties after a cancer diagnosis
The muscle you need to start flexing regularly (it’s not what you think!)
And more!

Learn more about Trevor and Man Up to Cancer: https://manuptocancer.com

Join my free private Facebook community, Surviving is JUST the Beginning to continue the conversation: https://www.facebook.com/groups/458305884640858/

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We all get a choice. We don’t get to choose cancer, but we get to choose how we look at our journeys. On today’s episode I’m excited to talk with breast cancer survivor and life coach, Bonnie McVee, who really took her diagnosis and chose joy and is an inspiration to others to do the same. Today she’s sharing with us her own cancer journey, how she learned to move from a mindset of victimhood to one of joy, what it was like to learn to surrender as well as to ask and receive help, and so much more.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into:
The best support Bonnie had during her cancer journey, and how she handled the sudden lack of support as she ended treatment.
How becoming a life coach helped her reframe her cancer journey with a positive view, and how her experience with cancer has helped her serve her clients in better ways and grow as a life coach.
The unexpected blessings of Bonnie’s breast cancer journey.
Why you should reframe your “fight” with cancer, and some ways she and I learned to shine a positive light on our journeys.
Balancing independence with learning to surrender.
And more!

Bonnie McVee, owner of Salt and Pepper Coaching is a life coach who is passionate about partnering with women in mid-life to clear their limiting belief, focusing on evolving their mindsets, and supporting them to thrive in the next chapter of their life.-
In her previous career, Bonnie was a hairdresser and enjoyed building rapport with her clients, learning about their lives, and making transformations that helped them feel confident, composed and celebrated.
Today, Bonnie utilizes her life coaching business to instill courage and ignite joy in the lives of her clients in midlife transitions as the awaken to their magnificence and create a life they are excited about!
“For me, there is nothing better than seeing a client have that ‘a-ha’ moment…allowing them to take action in a completely new way!”- Bonnie

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Today I’m joined by a fellow breast cancer survivor as she shares with us her story which began with a routine mammogram — at age 35 and just months after the birth of her second child — recommended earlier than average by her doctor, even though her only family history was a grandmother diagnosed at 90. We’re diving into her journey with her “tiny tumor” — an invasive lobular carcinoma — as well as mastectomies, vulnerability, and the lessons she has learned along the way.

In today’s episode, we’re exploring:

How Katie very quickly found clarity around her decision to have a bilateral mastectomy
The changing sense of control, openness, and vulnerability she experienced during her cancer journey
Some expected and unexpected side effects of her treatment and how she got through them
The importance of community, connection, and support during and after diagnosis and treatment, because they don’t give you a manual for surviving!

Katie is a mom, daughter, wife, friend and clinical social worker. Katie works at a behavioral health clinic and owns her own private practice. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35. Katie was diagnosed with Stage 1A Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, Ductal Carcinoma In Situ and Lobular Carcinoma In Situ. Katie underwent a Bilateral mastectomy, implant exchange and fat grafting along with endocrine therapy. Katie was diagnosed with breast cancer three months following the birth of her son and relied heavily on her family and friends for support. Her cancer diagnosis enabled Katie to take perspective on her life, walk in gratitude and appreciate the small graces in life.

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

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It doesn’t take a personal diagnosis of cancer to forever change someone’s life; the journey and story of a caregiver to a close family member with cancer is one that is important to tell as well. Today I’m joined by Jennifer Downing, who shares with us her own journey through her sister’s cancer journey and loss, and how it’s shaped how she moves through her life moving forward.

In today’s episode, we explore:
The shocking discovery of her sister’s rare form of ovarian cancer at age 37
Supporting someone through remission and relapse
The importance of self care and boundaries as a caregiver
How yogic philosophy helped Jen to bond with her sister further during her cancer journey
Jen’s struggles in her grief journey and how she is working through them
The evolution of caregiving roles in a family
How her social perspective changed through her sister’s cancer journey and her own caregiver journey
The profound reminder she received during her sister’s cancer journey that helped give her peace practicing self care while her sister was in the hospital

Jen is a type A personality in recovery, following her passion of teaching therapeutic yoga primarily to women with autoimmune conditions. She lives in the Washington, D.C. area, loves a good cappuccino, and Netflix binge with her fiancé/ “future yoga husband.” You can find her @zen2thejenn and Well + Zen Yoga

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It’s not as simple as diagnosis, treatment plan, and recovery for us; survival is just the beginning. Cancer touches your life forever. Forever changing your relationships, your motivations, your passions, your priorities... everything. In today’s episode I’m joined by Kate Zickel, who was diagnosed with breast cancer (the first in her family) in 2017 at just 29 years old. She’s sharing her story and perspective on what “new normal” really means to a cancer survivor, how she found her strength to climb a literal mountain and rebuild her life in remission, and the positive changes she has seen in her life post-cancer.

In today’s episode, we explore:
How Kate found the silver lining in her cancer journey.
What the medical community doesn’t tell you about surviving cancer.
The identity crisis she was surprised to face as she entered remission and how she rebuilt her life after cancer.
The fears Kate no longer has, and how her passions have changed.
How the words “It’s OK to not know where you are going” inspired her.

Hear more from Kate Zickel:
facebook.com/katekicksittocancer

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Life can be messy and beautiful all at once and even in the face of cancer you still have choices you can make and things you can control. Today I’m joined by Cindy Ballentine, who chose to meet the challenges of her breast cancer journey with laughter and humor. In this episode, she shares with us her cancer experience over the last 50 years starting with her father’s Hodgkin’s lymphoma, through losing her uncle, aunt, and later her mother to cancer, and finally her own shocking breast cancer diagnosis in 2017. Cindy spent 20 years as a professional opera singer, and has now embarked on a new career in cancer research. She currently works in the oncology clinical trials office of Inova, is a Survivors Offering Support mentor, and volunteers with Runway to the Cure and Inova’s No One Dies Alone Program.

In this episode we’re sharing:
-The importance of regular cancer screenings and how early detection of breast cancer saved ---
her mom’s life.
-Chemotherapy side effects and how Cindy got through them.
-Her stories of laughter, optimism, and creativity during her cancer journey.
-How she kept things light and led with humor through her mastectomy and breast
reconstruction.
- And much more!

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Today I’m joined by Jessica Walker, a 29-year-old entrepreneur living in NYC with her husband Tommy. He has been fighting esophageal cancer for the past two years and is currently on a successful immunotherapy clinical trial. Jessica created a planner called ‘The Better Book’ last year to help Tommy stay organized during his treatment. She has since self-published, and the planner is now being used by thousands of people across the country. In it, she lays out a guide to help process and organize the immense amount of information you will receive from diagnosis to treatment to survival and how to ultimately become the CEO of your own treatment plan. She took this idea and her love of greeting cards and created Better and Company, which is a space used to support and encourage all people touched by cancer.

We discuss:
- Her journey as she and Tommy navigated his stage 3 esophageal cancer diagnosis when they were newly married and he was just 26 years old.
-How her unwavering support helped foster a new business.
-Finding joy amidst a demanding treatment schedule.
-Reframing his diagnosis and taking back control.
-And much more.

Website

Where to buy The Better Book planner

Instagram

Facebook

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Since the age of 8, starting with noticing a lump on her little sister's neck while playing, Linda Graziano has experienced various types of cancer within her immediate family including her parents and 4 of her 6 siblings. Today, she is in the running to be Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 2020 Woman of the Year. She is here with her personal stories on how relentless cancer can be and to share with us her positive, steadfast perspective on cancer and cancer research. As we listen, we will hear more about her contribution to raising funds and awareness for cancer research and come to know her tenacity in being a constant support, as well as her strength in finding the silver lining and hope during challenging times.

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Welcome to season 2 of the podcast! The Cancer Cliff Notes™ podcast is now Unspoken Cancer Truths™! My guest this week is Dane David. Dane is the owner of an insurance agency, and today he shares his story about how a routine physical in 2016 to apply for life insurance through his own company led to his diagnosis of prostate cancer. Join us for this episode as he dives into the enlightening lessons he learned during this time about the importance of screenings and sharing a cancer diagnosis with your family.

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My guest this week is the fabulous Theresa Goudie. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Theresa has lived in Reston, Virginia since 2004 where she has worked in various sales roles in the dental industry and is currently a Clinical Development Manager for the world’s largest dental company, Dentsply Sirona. She was diagnosed in December 2016 with invasive ductal carcinoma, grade 3, stage 2B, HER2+ breast cancer. After 18 consecutive weeks of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and implant reconstruction, she is now giving back to other women through her work as a mentor with Survivors Offering Support and helped start and serves as Vice Chair of the nonprofit organization, Reston Runway to the Cure which hosts an annual fashion show in Reston Town Center to raise money for local charities and national research and education. Theresa credits her husband, Robert, as her number one supporter along with her loving family and countless friends who enrich her life every day.

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My guest today is Tanja Thompson. She was born and raised in Fort Wayne, a small town in the mid-west. Upon graduating from high school, she went to work at a nursing home, while her friends went to work at Dana and Harvester the largest car manufacturing plants in the mid-west. This was not her path – she knew her ticket out of poverty was to get an education, so she enlisted in the Air Force for the educational benefits. Tanja is a 2x breast cancer survivor and helps individuals in being their own health advocate in educating them about treatment options, early detection, through outreach. Tania also delivered a powerful TEDxTallk on her breast cancer journey from “Tragedy to Triumph”. She is the Founder and CEO of the Breast Cancer Move Foundation a non-profit 501(3)(c), helping military, veterans, caregivers, and other uniform services move from the tragic diagnoses of the disease breast cancer into the light of triumph. While no one else in Tanja’s Family has been diagnosed with breast cancer, at the same time she was diagnosed, three other military women in her office were also diagnosed. The lingering question for her is if it was an environmental trigger that brought on her breast cancer.

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I am pleased to introduce my guest this week Maimah Karmo. She is the Founder/CEO of the Tigerlily Foundation (Tigerlily) and a thirteen-year survivor of breast cancer. On February 28, 2006, at 4:45 p.m., Maimah was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. She had no family history and was 32-years old. While undergoing her second round of chemotherapy, she made a promise to God that if she survived, she would create an organization to educate, empower, advocate for and support young women affected by breast cancer. After her second treatment, Tigerlily Foundation was born. Tigerlily is a national organization, with hundreds of volunteers nationwide, providing breast health, wellness and transformational programs to young women.

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Welcome to episode 20 of the Cancer Cliff Notes with Jenn Cochran. My guest this week is Debijo Wheatley. Debijo Works as an interior designer by transforming furnishings or complete renovations, She is also passionate about using her design expertise to help seniors age in place safely with beauty and function. 30 years prior, Debijo worked as a nurse in orthopedics and oncology, and the need to see those aging in a safe and beautiful environment became her mission. She was happily married for almost 27 years. Today she is here to talk about her journey helping to care for her husband who passed away from leukemia after a 20-year battle.

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My guest today is Dana Hutson. She is the Founder of Cancer Champions, LLC helping individuals and families gain clarity in the confusion of a cancer diagnosis. She compassionately consults, educates and facilitates for individuals and their loved ones as they navigate a complicated healthcare system empowering them to make life-altering decisions with confidence. Prior to founding Cancer Champions Dana amassed a wealth of oncology expertise over a 25 year career within the BioPharma industry. She combines her unique knowledge of the healthcare system with her compassion for people experiencing a disruptive diagnosis to provide private medical navigation and educational seminars.

Dana is a CampaignZERO, families for patient safety, community educator and immediate Past- President of the National Association of Women Business Owners Greater DC.

Today I am excited to have her share the value of engaging a private advocate as well as her immense experience and some resources in this industry of a cancer diagnosis.

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My guest this week is Dr. Suzie Carmack. She is a well-being promotion researcher, strategist, author and scholar, Dr. Carmack is transforming the ways that well-being is experienced in healthcare, workplace, and education settings. She is the author of three books including Genius Breaks and The Well Being Ultimatum. She is an international speaker who has delivered over 150 customized keynote talks and tailored training workshops and she has personally coached over 1000 leaders to optimize their well-being. She teaches in the graduate healthcare management program at the American University, and trains the future well-being coaches of tomorrow to become board-certified by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching and researches the effects of well-being coaching on clinical outcomes, through her online academy, YogaMedCo.

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Welcome to Episode 17 of the Cancer Cliff Notes, I am Jenn Cochran. My guest this week is Charlotte Shaff. She is a work at home mom and Public Relations business owner from Phoenix, Arizona. She is the mother of two boys, and the wife of a physician assistant. She and her husband are Arizona Cardinals season ticket holders and devotees of weekly date nights. Charlotte is heavily involved in her children’s school PTO and serves on a nonprofit board which focuses on bringing #LoveUp moments to foster children.

In 2018, with the gentle nagging of her husband, she got the mammogram she’d been putting off. Soon after a whirlwind of shock and going public with her experience, she did an “Angelina Jolie“ and had a bilateral mastectomy, reconstruction and then a hysterectomy. She was Stage 2A. She now works through the fatigue and aches and challenges of being a survivor by taking life a little easier but also by sharing her ups and downs with others through social media. Her hope is to inspire others by being positive and open about what happens after breast cancer.

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This week my guest is Carole Stizza. She became a certified Business, Life and Leadership Coach after coming through a full recovery of stage 3 uterine cancer. The scare of the unknown of such a diagnosis refocused her in a way that rocked her world and she left behind the idea of a corporate position for the freedom of self-employment so she could be present for her family, life, and the fun adventures that show up on a daily basis. Life is, indeed, short and we are called to make the most of it. Carole's goal is to live up to that as consistently as possible. As a coach, she tells people that she can be the Architect of their Confidence, but she is not your therapist, and she jokes that she even may be allergic to wallowing.

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Welcome to Episode 15 of the Cancer Cliff Notes Podcast. I am Jenn Cochran. My guest this week is Mary Dee. She is a breast cancer survivor who has faced some crazy adversity. From that radical adversity she created the 4 D’s they are:

Delightful – Find joy in the simple things
Desire – Get clear on what you want and don’t want
Delicious – savor every moment possible
Determination – dust yourself off and try again.

She is here to shine her light in the darkness and I am thrilled to have her here with me to share her story and some great community resources.

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Welcome to episode 14. My guest today is Robyn McTague. She is a Master Holistic Healer, creator of A Life of Choice coaching. She is a teacher, numerologist, motivational map practitioner, speaker and best-selling author. She combines her knowledge of psychology, conflict resolution and other techniques with metaphysics and energy, resulting in a unique approach. She assists both adults and children to shift vibration and perspective, creating a life of freedom and choice. Her 3 C’s for life are Clarity, Comprehension and Creation. She has experienced breast cancer and Hepatitis C, and many challenges in her life and has been able to heal and move forward. Her mission is to assist others in their healing journeys, in a safe, practical and gentle way.

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My guest today, Marlo Nikkila, is a Transformational Leader and Healer for Healers. She primarily hosts Peaceful Magic Retreats from her own retreat sanctuary with her hubby in Hood River Oregon. She guides healers around the world to elevate their personal healing practices through the potency of true surrender, allowing them to dissolve their stress and resistance, while playing with energy. This allows them to do their life’s work with more peace and magic. It’s the same peaceful magic practice she used through her own Breast Cancer experience, and it is that magic she is here to share with us today.

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Thank you to Shiri Rozenburg from the American Cancer Society for joining me today. In addition to my interview with Shiri, I talk about a topic that has come up over and over again with my guests. It is the idea that we all are here to run our own race. Whatever race you may be running right now. If I had a nickel for every person that asked me about my diet, my exercise routine, or shared their disdain for the pharmaceutical industry I could have paid all my copays and still bought some fun shoes. However you navigate your diagnosis, whatever your choices, they are yours. Your life, your choices. Other people can choose to be supportive of your choices or keep it to themselves. It is an exchange between you and your health team, but you are ultimately the boss.

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My guest this week is Susan Reier. She is a veteran turned civilian who spent the bulk of her career in government service. She is an avid volunteer in her church and local elementary school, she is a crafter, quilter, and knitter. She is also a 14-year triple negative breast cancer survivor.

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Welcome to episode 10 of the Cancer Cliff Notes. My guest this week is Kristina Kotlus. She is a brain cancer survivor, mother, homeschooler, and business owner, in addition to having her first book coming out this year! She teaches writing classes, volunteers with her church, and enjoys driving her minivan like an over-scheduled Uber Driver for her kids. You can find her on facebook, twitter, and instagram, and she will even come to you if the coffee is good. I am happy to say she is her with me to share her story and this wild ride that is a cancer journey.

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My guest today is Valerie Turnbull a 36 year old mom of 3 boys!!! She is a melanoma survivor, diagnosed at age 27. She works in healthcare and through her journey has learned a lot about how patients prefer to be communicated with. She also is an advocate spreading awareness about Melanoma. One of her life lessons is cancer doesn’t check I.Ds. That is so true.

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Today my guest is a 35-year-old, two-time breast cancer survivor, blogger and woman in tech. Diagnosed at 29 when her daughter was just 18 months old, she is a single mother to a now seven-year-old who’s is more like her every day, which her mum would say is her just desserts! I am excited to have Gemma Emmet share her story, give a glimpse into what healthcare in the United Kingdom looks like and explore what equality means to her for patients and caregivers.

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Elaine Gibson is an extraordinary woman, cited as one of the world’s top ten natural cancer survivors by Extreme Health Radio (#4), having beaten Stage IV Cancer without traditional protocols, Elaine shares her hard-won lessons for living a clean, healthy, and natural lifestyle. Once she began making healthy changes, she lost 28 pounds and dropped 4-5 sizes. Today Elaine, the founder of Renewed Living, is a published author, sought-after motivational speaker, workshop facilitator, private coach, and a green juicing, loving grandmother.

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Welcome to episode 6, my guest this week is an Entrepreneur and Ruby Ribbon stylist by day (and night) as well as a wife and full time mother to a 15-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son, Andrea Levy Itkin also conquered cancer. Having been monitored for a goiter, hypothyroidism, and Hashimoto's disease for almost six years, Andrea was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2015. With the support of her family and a calming, re-assuring endocrinologist and surgeon, she was treated in September 2015, and has been cancer free for almost three and a half years.

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Elena Sonnino is a sought-after guide for getting out of your own way and living fully in the now.
Her work as a life coach, yoga teacher, and speaker is an invitation to unearth, attune to, and embody the inner strength and wisdom that each of carries with us everywhere we go. She inspires individuals and groups to remove self-imposed obstacles, find steadiness in the now, and say yes to their wild, audacious dreams.

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Kelly Lennon is a wife of twenty plus years, a mother of an eleven year old boy, a devout Catholic and a scientist. She is also a 35 year cancer survivor, diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in high school, with palate cancer thirty years later, and most recently with metastatic lung cancer. She has had many doctors and nurses, tests, surgeries, and scans. She has experienced treatments working and treatments failing. Most recently she was brought back from what she describes as the brink of disaster by cutting edge immunotherapy. Here is her story.

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Welcome to episode 3 of the Cancer Cliff Notes podcast. This week my guest is Diane Haworth. She is a Certified High Performance Coach, spiritual teacher, public speaker and Amazon bestselling author who teaches clients how to bring consciousness to chaos so they can live a life of less panic and more peace.

Today we are going to be talking about her experience as a caregiver.

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Welcome to the Cancer Cliff Notes™ Podcast with Jenn Cochran. In this week's episode Jenn talks with guest Vickie Vo. She is a breast cancer survivor and fellow yogi. Then stayed tuned for 3 tips to get moving today.

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The cancer journey is unique for everyone. In the beginning we are all diagnosed, often barraged with treatment plans/options, a parade of appointments, family, friends, neighbors all want to support us and check in regularly. Then treatment is over. We emerge on the other side. Life gets a little lonelier and we are no longer the same. Our body has been through surgeries, chemo, radiation, hormone therapies, etc.

It is time to figure out our new normal and there is no one-size fits all manual. The Cancer Cliff Notes Podcast is here to help you and your support system make the leap from surviving to thriving even on those days you might just want to stay in bed.

Check in each week for wellness strategies from experts on living your new normal to the best of your ability every day, get tips from other survivors and participate in the conversation over in the Facebook group.

Unspoken Cancer Truths™: Recent Episodes

Jenn Cochran