That's Enough For Now

This is a speech that my Dad delivered at a Cancer Walk Fundraiser in March 2007, a year and a half after receiving his Stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis.   I helped him craft the speech, and he wanted to focus on how he was striving the thrive during treatment, not just survive.  His attitude has been a blueprint for me in my journey.  He thrived for 6 years with treatment.  The weekend after ending treatment and being put on hospice care, I helped him plant the flowers and trees, knowing he might not see it, but knowing his family would enjoy it, was his motivation. 

It was my first Christmas as a cancer patient, and it was a silent night.  Plus, an update on Chemo sessions 1 and 2. 

A mini-episode with a remix of the classic poem.  Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional nor am I providing advice or services.  This podcast is the processing of my own cancer diagnosis. If you have your own cancer diagnosis, please consult with your medical professionals for accurate and authentic information.

Three weeks after surgery and it feels like the clean-up and hangover after a party. This episode is whiny as I complain about the annoyances of healing after surgery and waiting for the next steps.  PowerSheets: https://cultivatewhatmatters.com/collections/powersheets Susannah Conway's Find Your Word and Unravel 2022: https://susannahconway.mykajabi.com/unravel-your-year-2023  Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional nor am I providing advice or services.  This podcast is the processing of my own cancer diagnosis. If you have your own cancer diagnosis, please consult with your medical professionals for accurate and authentic information.

It is two weeks since the surgery.  Forcing myself to rest, do only the most urgent/important tasks for work, and give myself some grace. 

The surgery went well and I am home resting. 

After a week of "research", I've thrown myself a cancer shower to get prepared for my mastectomy and recovery.  Resources: Nancy's Point - https://nancyspoint.com/ "If Ya Don't Know, Now Ya Know" - A Guide to What Is Needed Post-Mastectomy - https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/about/focus-on-cancer/2018/october/list-of-post-mastectomy-items-needed Checklist for Recovery After Mastectomy - https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/blog/checklist-for-recovery-after-mastectomy/ Must Haves for Recovering After Mastectomy - https://www.intimaterose.com/blogs/womens-health/must-haves-recovery-after-mastectomy Yoga for Cancer - https://y4c.com/ 

In this episode, I discuss my almost normal time at academic conferences and my meeting with the plastic surgeon for the reconstruction with my mastectomy.  Resource: Yoga for Cancer - https://y4c.com/  Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional nor am I providing advice or services.  This podcast is the processing of my own cancer diagnosis. If you have your own cancer diagnosis, please consult with your medical professionals for accurate and authentic information.

In this episode, I discuss the weird normalcy of having everything and nothing change and getting a second opinion on my cancer and treatment.  Resources Mentioned: Powersheets - https://cultivatewhatmatters.com/collections/powersheets ABCD - https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/ Survivor Pendant - https://www.kesslersdiamonds.com/survivors-pendant/ Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional nor am I providing advice or services.  This podcast is the processing of my own cancer diagnosis. If you have your own cancer diagnosis, please consult with your medical professionals for accurate and authentic information. 

Rollercoaster day of collegial support and bad news.  Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional nor am I providing advice or services.  This podcast is the processing of my own cancer diagnosis. If you have your own cancer diagnosis, please consult with your medical professionals.

This episode discusses my MRI experience and the importance of my meditation practice. Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional nor am I providing advice or services.  This podcast is the processing of my own cancer diagnosis. If you have your own cancer diagnosis, please consult with your medical professionals. Content Warning: This episode will discuss the female body. Resources: Down Dog - https://www.downdogapp.com/ Breathe for Change - https://www.breatheforchange.com/ 

In this episode, I discuss my initial meeting with the surgeon and how the recognition of a radical change in my body might impact my understanding and view of my body.   Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional nor am I providing advice or services.  This podcast is the processing of my own cancer diagnosis. If you have your own cancer diagnosis, please consult with your medical professionals. Content Warning: This episode will discuss the female body. 

As a novice cancer patient, I'm beginning to use tools to cope.   I'm leaning on the National Cancer Institute for accurate information. This is the link to the section on "Feelings and Cancer" https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/feelings  Meditation Support Muse - https://choosemuse.com/ Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad by John Eldredge One Minute Pause App https://www.pauseapp.com/  Journaling The Hero's Journal - https://theherosjournal.co/

Moving past reading my pathology report, I begin researching how to move through being a breast cancer patient. 

The day I was diagnosed began a new journey as a wife, scholar, teacher, and dog mom. Now, a cancer patient.