The C Word Radio

Today’s episode will be a continuation of our theme of dealing with cancer during the covid pandemic. It’s basically the two Cs no one wants.    Amanda Wallace joins us from deep in the US mid-west, Idaho. She was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019 after experiencing flu-like symptoms. At the time she was working at her local movie theatre but once she was diagnosed treatment happened almost instantly.    Amanda had a recurrence in 2020 right in the middle of the pandemic.  "And you're trying to figure out what normal is because it just doesn't seem to exist anymore." - Amanda   Going through cancer treatment is one thing, but going through it during a global pandemic?  No one prepares you for that kind of situation.    In this episode, we talked about:   What is it like going through a whirlwind of tests and scans for chemotherapy maintenance. How to manage cancer recurrence and remission amid the pandemic. The staggering effect chemotherapy has on the brain. How cancer confronts people and reveals their true selves in relationships. And why being a cancer patient is like being a fish in ‘Finding Nemo’... And more!    Helen's links: Goodpods Facebook Instagram Website   The C-Word Radio is a podcast that asks WTF does young cancer survivorship mean. If you got cancer and all you got was a darker sense of humor and PTSD join host, Helen King, and regular guests, for raw and at times inappropriate conversations about life after a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer, Covid, and children are three C’s you never hope to experience at the same time. In this episode, Jessica Licata shares her experience of having a beautiful baby and being diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma during the pandemic.  Accessing healthcare as Covid ripped through Chicago was challenging, Jessica shares the lengths she went to in order to get a diagnosis. And why it’s important to learn how to advocate for yourself.  In this episode, we talked about:   The challenge of a cancer diagnosis during the Covid pandemic How do friendships or relationships dynamics change during and after a cancer diagnosis The different experiences of pregnancy after cancer remission What is the importance of having a support group as you battle cancer Why do you need to celebrate your cancer wins And more! Check out the full episode.  Helen's links: Goodpods Facebook Instagram Website    The C Word Radio is a podcast that asks WTF does young cancer survivorship mean. If you got cancer and all you got was a darker sense of humor and PTSD join host, Helen King, and regular guests, for raw and at times inappropriate conversations about life after a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer can be a traumatic experience in both mind and body. Once treatment ends many of us struggle with the fear of reoccurrence. But what if happens when you discover that your cancer has returned? Our guest for this episode is Olivia Clarke, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. At the end of 2021, her cancer returned. Despite the challenges she faced in her life, she decided to find humor in her own little ways. This experience has also motivated her to form an online community where she helps people who are undergoing cancer treatment by raising money and awareness with her blog Humor Beats Cancer. I met Olivia on Instagram in 2018 when I was going through treatment for breast cancer. She reached out to me and I submitted a post for Humor Beats Cancer. I shared one of my more embarrassing stories! You can read it here.   In this episode, we talked about: How do you move on after having cancer Why you don’t need to be as active as you were pre-cancer How does cancer affect our relationship with friends and family What is the importance of a therapist while dealing with cancer Is it possible to go back to your life pre-cancer   Resources and Links Mentioned In This Episode Olivia Clarke: Website:https://www.humorbeatscancer.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humorbeatscancer/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/humorbeatscancer Twitter: https://twitter.com/humorbeatcancer?lang=en   If you want to contribute or have any funny thing to share, reach out at editor@humorbeatscancer.com

What's the worst birthday present you've ever had? For New Yorker Jonny Puglia a shock diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer was not the gift he was expecting on his 30th birthday. Fortunately, Jonny decided not to dwell on it and decided to face it with his humor. After battling stage IV colorectal cancer for years,  beating cancer not once but twice, he has now used his experience to help adults who are also affected by cancer with his blog Thrivr. In this episode, we talked about: - Living through cancer symptoms without the benefit of insurance - Why mental health is just as important as chemotherapy - How to properly use other people's experiences to help yours - The importance of having someone come with you to doctor's appointments - Why you shouldn't shy away from asking your doctor everything you need to know   Jonny's links: Website Instagram Facebook   Helen's links: Goodpods Facebook Instagram Website  The C Word Radio is a podcast that asks WTF does young cancer survivorship mean. If you got cancer and all you got was a darker sense of humor and PTSD join host, Helen King, and regular guests, for raw and at times inappropriate conversations about life after a cancer diagnosis.  

What would motivate someone to start their own charity in the midst of a shock cancer diagnosis? Jane Ludemann was in her early 30s when she was diagnosed with low-grade serous ovarian cancer in 2017. A rarer form of ovarian cancer, patients are usually given a life expectancy between 5-15yrs and is more common in younger women.  Jane started the charity Cure Our Ovarian Cancer when she realised how little research or funding there was for her type of ovarian cancer. She works tirelessly to advocate and raise awareness.  Jane had experienced niggling health problems for a number of years before she was diagnosed. Her story is all too familiar for younger people - she was dismissed a number of times before finally getting her diagnosis.    We discuss Jane's story and answer these questions: What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer? What is the life expectancy of someone with ovarian cancer? How to advocate for yourself in the doctor's office  How much funding does ovarian cancer receive? Why is ovarian cancer called 'the silent disease?'   ...and more!  Jane's links:  Donate Instagram Facebook Helen's links: Goodpods Facebook Instagram Website   The C Word Radio is a podcast that asks WTF does young cancer survivorship mean. If you got cancer and all you got was a darker sense of humor and PTSD join host, Helen King, and regular guests, for raw and at times inappropriate conversations about life after a cancer diagnosis.

How many times have you been asked ‘you’re over it now, right?’ by a well-meaning friend or family member? In this episode, I’m joined by Mandi Chambless who shares her experience of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 28. Mandi was given a 20% chance of survival beyond five years, 13-years later she’s beaten the odds.  Mandi shares the first five years after her diagnosis she was terrified of reoccurrence, in fact, the fear of her cancer coming has never gone away.    In this episode we talk about:  - Ovarian Cancer  - Infertility after cancer treatment  - Young people cancer survivorship  - Relationships & cancer    ‘Survivorship to me does not mean I'm a hero. It actually doesn't mean not a warrior to be completely honest with you. It doesn't mean I am special. It doesn't mean that I should be an inspiration. So I've done a lot of writing in the past few years and. One of the things I've written over and over is I'm just a girl that was lucky enough not to die.’   Don’t miss this refreshingly honest conversation about what it’s like navigating long-term cancer survival and why we never get over a cancer diagnosis.  Ovarian Cancer Links Talk Peach Cure Our Ovarian Cancer Mandi’s Links Instagram @chamblessmandi Facebook    Helen's links: Ripple App Goodpods Facebook Instagram Website   The C Word Radio is a podcast that asks WTF does young cancer survivorship mean. If you got cancer and all you got was a darker sense of humor and PTSD join host, Helen King, and regular guests, for raw and at times inappropriate conversations about life after a cancer diagnosis.

Can you imagine being diagnosed with stage four cancer six months after you got married? In 2016 a bomb went off in the middle of Vicky Pellowe’s world. The 29 was in newlywed bliss when she found a lump in her neck. The Perth local was diagnosed with stage four non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and her life was turned upside down.    Vicky’s cancer treatment impacted her fertility, income, and mental health. Like so many young cancer survivors, Vicky struggled to find a post-cancer treatment that resonated with her experience. The first 24 months after her diagnosis was a rollercoaster as she tried to piece her life back together. Vicky shares everything had changed and she felt confused about how to move forward.    “I remember saying to friends and family, I don't know why I feel like this. I'm so happy. I'm so over the moon, I am literally the most grateful in the world that I am still here.   So why do I feel confused? Why am I sad? Why am I crying in the car?”   In this episode we talk about:   Young cancer survivorship Navigating infertility after cancer treatment  Mental health challenges after a cancer diagnosis  Dealing with toxic positivity    Vicky now inspires other young cancer survivors through public speaking. Don’t miss this important discussion about how you can navigate post-treatment life.    Vicky's links:  https://www.instagram.com/vickypellowe/?hl=en Helen's links: Membership on Ko-Fi Facebook Instagram Website   The C Word Radio is a podcast that asks WTF does young cancer survivorship mean. If you got cancer and all you got was a darker sense of humor and PTSD join host, Helen King, and regular guests, for raw and at times inappropriate conversations about life after a cancer diagnosis.

Welcome back to the first new episode for 2022! In this episode I'm joined by the founder of Chuan Skincare, Ada Chen, to talk about her experience as a caregiver to her parents.  In 2020 Ada had just moved from San Francisco to Colorado when her father was hospitalised after a fall. As the eldest, Ada took charge of coordinating his care, along with her sister, and making decisions for his welfare. When he contracted Covid during his stay in the hospital, Ada and her sister experienced what millions have during the pandemic, they were unable to be inside their father's hospital room in his final hours. Fast forward a few months into 2021 and Ada's mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. This time taking on the role of caregiver was slightly easier with her mum living in the same city.   "If you're caregiving, make sure that you have a self-care routine once a week, or however often you need it. Just taking 15 minutes where you don't look at your phone, don't answer anything, like have it on for emergency". In this episode we talk about:  - Losing a parent/ family member to covid - What it's like being a caregiver - The change in dynamic when your parent gets sick - Caregiving from long distance - How to take care of yourself when you are experiencing caregiver burnout - Supporting someone through breast cancer  Our conversation is important for anyone who is impacted by covid or facing cancer with a loved one. We talk about how families are impacted by serious illnesses.    Ada's links Chuan Skincare The Asian Sewist Collective Helen's links: Membership on Ko-Fi Facebook Instagram Website   The C Word Radio is a podcast that asks WTF does young cancer survivorship mean. If you got cancer and all you got was a darker sense of humor and PTSD join host, Helen King, and regular guests, for raw and at times inappropriate conversations about life after a cancer diagnosis.