Cancer and Menopause

We're not dead -- we've just been in loving isolation. In our latest episode, we discuss: Wrongly blocked from TwitterTruncationEndless mask theatreNo more group chemo sessionsCaregiver isolation in liminal spacesNever seeing faces of care team and patients Muffled communicationOld time miserable cancer deathsSynchronized pausing CreativityExhausting rebirthEmbracing what you love unapologetically More than ever, try not to get sick and die

We're not dead -- we've just been in loving isolation. In our latest episode, we discuss: <ul><li>Wrongly blocked from Twitter</li><li>Truncation</li><li>Endless mask theatre</li><li>No more group chemo sessions</li><li>Caregiver isolation in liminal spaces</li><li>Never seeing faces of care team and patients </li><li>Muffled communication</li><li>Old time miserable cancer deaths</li><li>Synchronized pausing </li><li>Creativity</li><li>Exhausting rebirth</li><li>Embracing what you love unapologetically </li><li>More than ever, try not to get sick and die</li></ul>

Cancer & Isolation in the Time of COVID

** Getting sick of cancer is a privileged problem of survival  ** Keep moving like a shark  ** Do what you can do: that is enough  ** Find carcinomies who get it  ** Step back when you need to

** Getting sick of cancer is a privileged problem of survival ** Keep moving like a shark ** Do what you can do: that is enough ** Find carcinomies who get it ** Step back when you need to

Sick of Cancer

**Resentment: everything is more difficult **Relationships: celebrate the new amazing **Restoration: getting tougher **Rebuilding: plan long term

**Resentment: everything is more difficult **Relationships: celebrate the new amazing **Restoration: getting tougher **Rebuilding: plan long term

Cancer Stages Again

 ** Guardian Article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/10/subway-air-pollution-new-york-washington-dc   ** BBC Article: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-51049326

** Guardian Article: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/10/subway-air-pollution-new-york-washington-dc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/feb/10/subway-air-pollution-new-york-washington-dc</a> ** BBC Article: <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-51049326" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-51049326</a>

Cancer Causes

What classes would be the funniest and most useful at a cancer university?

What classes would be the funniest and most useful at a cancer university?

Cancer Classes

 ** Cancer can be a time to get involved in the politics that now directly affect you.  ** Governmental funding has contributed to most of what we know about cancer.  ** Our health is dependent on our neighbor’s health--we need to care about and for each other.  ** Taking care of the sick is the first sign of civilization, and everyone deserves healthcare.  ** Slow progress is still progress--and cancer research is moving forward.  ** Have two years of living expenses saved for a health catastrophe--and if you live in a Republican state, consider saving more.  ** VOTE!

** Cancer can be a time to get involved in the politics that now directly affect you. ** Governmental funding has contributed to most of what we know about cancer. ** Our health is dependent on our neighbor’s health--we need to care about and for each other. ** Taking care of the sick is the first sign of civilization, and everyone deserves healthcare. ** Slow progress is still progress--and cancer research is moving forward. ** Have two years of living expenses saved for a health catastrophe--and if you live in a Republican state, consider saving more. ** VOTE!

Cancer and Politics

 ** Is it a cancer souvenir or is it just trash waiting for me to process?  ** Use souvenirs as performance art-- it can be therapeutic  ** Don’t be afraid to throw things out: the cancer won’t come back if you lose it or let it go.  ** Ask for the things you want to keep

** Is it a cancer souvenir or is it just trash waiting for me to process? ** Use souvenirs as performance art-- it can be therapeutic ** Don’t be afraid to throw things out: the cancer won’t come back if you lose it or let it go. ** Ask for the things you want to keep

Cancer Souvenirs

 ** People will try to stop you from getting a new pet during cancer; maybe they are right, and maybe they are wrong..  ** Borrow or petshare if possible.  ** Research shows great things about people with pets, and placebo is ⅓.  ** Animals you shouldn’t be around: rodents, reptiles, chickens, ducks, pocket pets.  ** Pets provide a reason for living and walking.  ** Taking care of someone else can be taking care of yourself.  ** Be realistic about how much you are able to care for a pet.  ** Have a good back up pet plan.

** People will try to stop you from getting a new pet during cancer; maybe they are right, and maybe they are wrong.. ** Borrow or petshare if possible. ** Research shows great things about people with pets, and placebo is ⅓. ** Animals you shouldn’t be around: rodents, reptiles, chickens, ducks, pocket pets. ** Pets provide a reason for living and walking. ** Taking care of someone else can be taking care of yourself. ** Be realistic about how much you are able to care for a pet. ** Have a good back up pet plan.

Cats and Cancer

 ** Embrace the dynamic relationships  ** Take a walk with your caregivers--we should all be walking more  ** Know and communicate your needs and wants  ** Don’t be afraid to walk alone  ** You can’t control others--you can only (mostly) control yourself  ** Take advantage of technology during coronatimes: phonecalls or FaceTime is the next best thing to an IRL caregiver  ** Be kind to yourself and others  ** Be clear and honest  ** Don’t be a manager or an entertainer

** Embrace the dynamic relationships ** Take a walk with your caregivers--we should all be walking more ** Know and communicate your needs and wants ** Don’t be afraid to walk alone ** You can’t control others--you can only (mostly) control yourself ** Take advantage of technology during coronatimes: phonecalls or FaceTime is the next best thing to an IRL caregiver ** Be kind to yourself and others ** Be clear and honest ** Don’t be a manager or an entertainer

Cancer Caregivers

Two friends share stories and ideas about cancer

This podcast is a great balance of thoughtful, serious, funny, and insightful conversation. Having been through treatment myself, it’s the podcast I also wish I had when I was in the thick of things. Thanks for creating something so relatable, Leanna and Mimi!

Thanks!

Very informative, looking forward to future Podcasts, Thanks

Very informative

Thanks, Cancer!

**Everyone has a different chemo experience, and it's all pretty boring and unpleasant. **Look into intermittent fasting and immunocal. **Bring friends and something to do. **Plan fun things for your chemo days, like a treat or a show. **Find a happy place at the hospital. **Drink water. **Take the warm blanket! Take two and wrap your arm. **Food can help, so maybe talk to a nutritionist.**Take it as easy as possible. **You are a whole new person now. OUCH! .....YAY! **Get out in the world to build your biome. **Plant a tree: it might just save a life.

**Everyone has a different chemo experience, and it's all pretty boring and unpleasant. **Look into intermittent fasting and immunocal. **Bring friends and something to do. **Plan fun things for your chemo days, like a treat or a show. **Find a happy place at the hospital. **Drink water. **Take the warm blanket! Take two and wrap your arm. **Food can help, so maybe talk to a nutritionist.**Take it as easy as possible. **You are a whole new person now. OUCH! .....YAY! **Get out in the world to build your biome. **Plant a tree: it might just save a life.

Chemotherapy

The diagnosis process is generally awful at work ** You don’t have to be open about cancer--if you are open, you can help the next generation of patients ** Tell fewer rather than more--you can ALWAYS tell more people, and you can’t tell FEWER people ** Working will (likely) be your main issue if you work through cancer treatment ** If you can ramp down your job to 20 hours a week, do that ** Be gentle with yourself ** Everyone should have disability insurance ** Disability doesn’t pay out at 100%--it pays out from 40% to 80% generally ** Know yourself and your job and communicate clearly to coworkers about that ** Don’t compare yourself to anyone else--your experience can be totally different ** There will (might) be guilt of shame, whatever choice you made about working ** You might cry all the time for awhile, working or not ** You don’t need to apologize--this is not your fault, and Thanks, Cancer! absolves you ** Resources online can help with the process or resume critique ** Use your newfound perspective (in job and in life) when you inevitably get through to the other side

The diagnosis process is generally awful at work ** You don’t have to be open about cancer--if you are open, you can help the next generation of patients ** Tell fewer rather than more--you can ALWAYS tell more people, and you can’t tell FEWER people ** Working will (likely) be your main issue if you work through cancer treatment ** If you can ramp down your job to 20 hours a week, do that ** Be gentle with yourself ** Everyone should have disability insurance ** Disability doesn’t pay out at 100%--it pays out from 40% to 80% generally ** Know yourself and your job and communicate clearly to coworkers about that ** Don’t compare yourself to anyone else--your experience can be totally different ** There will (might) be guilt of shame, whatever choice you made about working ** You might cry all the time for awhile, working or not ** You don’t need to apologize--this is not your fault, and Thanks, Cancer! absolves you ** Resources online can help with the process or resume critique ** Use your newfound perspective (in job and in life) when you inevitably get through to the other side

Careers and Cancer

** Wash your hands and don’t touch your face  ** Isolate if necessary  ** You should always have enough food in the house for two weeks, and rotate through on the regular  ** Practice fasting—it’s good meditation, minimization, and prep for the unknown future  ** You are responsible for your own health and also the community health—take care of yourself to take care of others, especially the immunocompromised  ** Don’t freak out—channel the energy into preparation and don’t get stuck in a pinch  ** Perception is the reality  ** Embrace your cancer fearlessness

** Wash your hands and don’t touch your face ** Isolate if necessary ** You should always have enough food in the house for two weeks, and rotate through on the regular ** Practice fasting—it’s good meditation, minimization, and prep for the unknown future ** You are responsible for your own health and also the community health—take care of yourself to take care of others, especially the immunocompromised ** Don’t freak out—channel the energy into preparation and don’t get stuck in a pinch ** Perception is the reality ** Embrace your cancer fearlessness

Coronavirus and Cancer Treatment

** You get to know your unique body. Mimi has a crazy heart —which we all could have guessed by listening to her. (HAHAHAHHA!)  ** Bask in and enjoy all the love and caring from people who want to help you.  ** We should eat what our body needs instead of the calories provided by the traditional American diet.  ** Wants vs. needs can become very clear. #cancerclarity  ** The human body is fucking amazing HEALING ITSELF and MOVING AROUND. &lt;3&lt;3&lt;3  ** Exercise as if you will get cancer.  ** You can find what you love best about you, like your great sense of humor.  ** You realize how much you control your own experience through your thoughts and actions.  ** Try to squint your eyes and adjust to the dark because you are the only one who can find the victories and find your way back to the light.  ** Hone the weaponized awkwardness if that’s your thing.

** You get to know your unique body. Mimi has a crazy heart —which we all could have guessed by listening to her. (HAHAHAHHA!) ** Bask in and enjoy all the love and caring from people who want to help you. ** We should eat what our body needs instead of the calories provided by the traditional American diet. ** Wants vs. needs can become very clear. #cancerclarity ** The human body is fucking amazing HEALING ITSELF and MOVING AROUND. &lt;3&lt;3&lt;3 ** Exercise as if you will get cancer. ** You can find what you love best about you, like your great sense of humor. ** You realize how much you control your own experience through your thoughts and actions. ** Try to squint your eyes and adjust to the dark because you are the only one who can find the victories and find your way back to the light. ** Hone the weaponized awkwardness if that’s your thing.

What Cancer Taught Me

 ** For the Friend:  1) Give the gift of no expectations: DO NOT EXPECT A RESPONSE and don’t let the cancerpath bear the emotional weight of the holidays.  2) Invite, even if you think they will say no.  3) Experiences mean more than stuff.  4) Acknowledge the situation.  5) Communicate. 6) Keep things normal.  ** For the Cancerpath:  1) Don’t bear any emotional weight.  2) Be present.  3) Be honest about what you need.  4) Don’t forecast: don’t expect anything from yourself.  5) Recovery takes longer than you think.

** For the Friend: 1) Give the gift of no expectations: DO NOT EXPECT A RESPONSE and don’t let the cancerpath bear the emotional weight of the holidays. 2) Invite, even if you think they will say no. 3) Experiences mean more than stuff. 4) Acknowledge the situation. 5) Communicate. 6) Keep things normal. ** For the Cancerpath: 1) Don’t bear any emotional weight. 2) Be present. 3) Be honest about what you need. 4) <a href="https://thekindredconversation.com/podcast/ep-2-stop-forecasting-youre-not-a-meteorologist/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Don’t forecast</a>: don’t expect anything from yourself. 5) Recovery takes longer than you think.

Holiday Cancer

When we don't want to do another topic, because this sh*t is hard. Mimi and Leanna discuss difficulties of the cancer life, featuring fatigue and boredom.

When we don't want to do another topic, because this sh*t is hard. Mimi and Leanna discuss difficulties of the cancer life, featuring fatigue and boredom.

Cancer's Hard!

** Be proactive about making new connections  ** Travel  ** Communication is healing  ** Go meet people in real life  ** You find community by MAKING community 

** Be proactive about making new connections ** Travel ** Communication is healing ** Go meet people in real life ** You find community by MAKING community

Online Cancer Support

 ** Don’t tell me your a boob man if you don’t know what breast cancer feels like  ** Other people can see cancer from different perspectives--herd knowledge  ** Corporations co-opt the cancer thing and go off road with it in a way that doesn’t make sense  ** Instead of cancer “awareness”, give patients a cancer card for discounts and privileges  ** We have to be there for each other--PEOPLE take care of other people so keep your IRL relationships  ** Don’t ask for money from cancer patients  ** Donate to organizations doing good

** Don’t tell me your a boob man if you don’t know what breast cancer feels like ** Other people can see cancer from different perspectives--herd knowledge ** Corporations co-opt the cancer thing and go off road with it in a way that doesn’t make sense ** Instead of cancer “awareness”, give patients a cancer card for discounts and privileges ** We have to be there for each other--PEOPLE take care of other people so keep your IRL relationships ** Don’t ask for money from cancer patients ** Donate to organizations doing good

Cancer Awareness

We social distance record coronavirus part II: it’s getting weird out there.

We social distance record coronavirus part II: it’s getting weird out there.

Thanks Cancer Corona

We discuss Leanna’s experience with her mother’s stage IV cancer.

We discuss Leanna’s experience with her mother’s stage IV cancer.

My Mom's Cancer

 ** Yoga, stretching, or biking  ** Gardening  ** Do some art: painting, writing, etc  ** Eat extra well and mindfully  ** Find your witchy brew: B complex, magnesium, turmeric, activated charcoal, etc  ** Massage, manicure and pedicure (don’t let them cut your cuticles)  ** Get some strengthening nail polish (Leanna’s mom liked the Hard As Nails stuff)  ** Sleep is a big deal--try restricting your sleep hours and only getting in bed when you are ready to fall asleep  ** Look into a digital detox, including social media  ** Be open to taking drugs, and be open to stopping drugs  ** Imagine this as a spa treatment if you can  ** Graciously accept help   ** Do something you’ve never done before

** Yoga, stretching, or biking ** Gardening ** Do some art: painting, writing, etc ** Eat extra well and mindfully ** Find your witchy brew: B complex, magnesium, turmeric, activated charcoal, etc ** Massage, manicure and pedicure (don’t let them cut your cuticles) ** Get some strengthening nail polish (Leanna’s mom liked the Hard As Nails stuff) ** Sleep is a big deal--try restricting your sleep hours and only getting in bed when you are ready to fall asleep ** Look into a digital detox, including social media ** Be open to taking drugs, and be open to stopping drugs ** Imagine this as a spa treatment if you can ** Graciously accept help ** Do something you’ve never done before

Self Care During Cancer Treatment

 ** Try to clarify surgical options early on: what’s the best possible, what’s the worst possible, what’s the probable middle? Manage your expectations as much as you can.  ** Know your options. For mastectomy, that’s flat, implants, flap (tram or diep), nipple reconstruction, etc.  ** Fat grafting covers a multitude of divots and creases.  ** Know your risks and what you value (looks, function, scars).  ** What’s your backup fat plan? (ie know what your surgery entails).  ** Nipple tattoos: not like a normal tattoo--kind of a high end prison tattoo—and fade quickly.  ** You can’t feel when your mastectomied boob pops out--so you you have to look with your eyes.  ** Surgeries are going to be a pyramid: major and big at the beginning, and smaller and more delicate at the end.  ** Love your plastic surgeon.  ** Talk to someone who has been through your surgery and find pictures.  ** Aphrodite Reborn and Reconstructing Aphrodite are nice post-breast cancer photo books.  ** Silicon bandaids are reusable and help with scarring and healing.  ** Use microbead pillows to get comfortable.

** Try to clarify surgical options early on: what’s the best possible, what’s the worst possible, what’s the probable middle? Manage your expectations as much as you can. ** Know your options. For mastectomy, that’s flat, implants, flap (tram or diep), nipple reconstruction, etc. ** Fat grafting covers a multitude of divots and creases. ** Know your risks and what you value (looks, function, scars). ** What’s your backup fat plan? (ie know what your surgery entails). ** Nipple tattoos: not like a normal tattoo--kind of a high end prison tattoo—and fade quickly. ** You can’t feel when your mastectomied boob pops out--so you you have to look with your eyes. ** Surgeries are going to be a pyramid: major and big at the beginning, and smaller and more delicate at the end. ** Love your plastic surgeon. ** Talk to someone who has been through your surgery and find pictures. ** Aphrodite Reborn and Reconstructing Aphrodite are nice post-breast cancer photo books. ** Silicon bandaids are reusable and help with scarring and healing. ** Use microbead pillows to get comfortable.

Plastic Surgery After Breast Cancer

 ** There is no timeline or flowchart for how to “move on”  ** It’s definitely time to move on when there is no other choice  ** You always have to think about cancer logistics (insurance, cancer treatment centers, etc)  ** It’s common to wonder what you could or should do--you can feel stuck  ** You get to choose to disclose or not--tell people if it’s comfortable and if it comes up  ** Show people your cancer--put it out there to someone  ** Leave while you are still having fun at the partys

** There is no timeline or flowchart for how to “move on” ** It’s definitely time to move on when there is no other choice ** You always have to think about cancer logistics (insurance, cancer treatment centers, etc) ** It’s common to wonder what you could or should do--you can feel stuck ** You get to choose to disclose or not--tell people if it’s comfortable and if it comes up ** Show people your cancer--put it out there to someone ** Leave while you are still having fun at the partys

Moving on from Cancer

***Even the good cancer is terrible. ***Get a binder for our cancer notes. ***Let yourself feel all the feelings. ***If you cannot swallow, you might want to get that checked.

***Even the good cancer is terrible. ***Get a binder for our cancer notes. ***Let yourself feel all the feelings. ***If you cannot swallow, you might want to get that checked.

The Good Cancer

Thanks to Mindy Hinkel for our amazing theme song!

Thanks to Mindy Hinkel for our amazing theme song!

What Did You Just Say?

 ** Cancer doesn’t just require you to change once—it’s constant adaptation.  ** Check if any of your survival strategies have turned against you.  ** Try to sit with the idea that existence is enough, and if that fails, we are pretty sure going to Spain is the answer.

** Cancer doesn’t just require you to change once—it’s constant adaptation. ** Check if any of your survival strategies have turned against you. ** Try to sit with the idea that existence is enough, and if that fails, we are pretty sure going to Spain is the answer.

Existential Angst

***The people you invite to the party should bring something to the table. ***Power outfits for treatments (when else can I dress up like a unicorn?). ***How you tell your story affects your experience. ***Sharing your experience with others can help others and can help YOU.

***The people you invite to the party should bring something to the table. ***Power outfits for treatments (when else can I dress up like a unicorn?). ***How you tell your story affects your experience. ***Sharing your experience with others can help others and can help YOU.

Cancer Branding

** Cancer is weird and it makes you weird--you’ll do weird things ** Cancer pushes you out to the ends of the bell curve--out to the extremes ** You are liberated to embrace your weird--no shame in the game ** Cancer treatment is weird--chemo drugs, radiation ** Find your fringe folk ** You can weaponize your weird if that’s your thing ** Other people will project their weirdness onto you ** There’s no hiding it and you have to look at your weird ** Realize that everyone is fucking weird--cancer just takes away your illusion of normal ** Lean into the weird and start something new

** Cancer is weird and it makes you weird--you’ll do weird things ** Cancer pushes you out to the ends of the bell curve--out to the extremes ** You are liberated to embrace your weird--no shame in the game ** Cancer treatment is weird--chemo drugs, radiation ** Find your fringe folk ** You can weaponize your weird if that’s your thing ** Other people will project their weirdness onto you ** There’s no hiding it and you have to look at your weird ** Realize that everyone is fucking weird--cancer just takes away your illusion of normal ** Lean into the weird and start something new

Cancer's Weird

***Everyone is depressed and anxious when you hear about the cancer. ***Mania is common: Maybe channel it into something productive-ish? ***Insomnia makes you crazy. Do what you have to for a good night’s sleep a few times a week. ***YOU NEED THERAPY if you or someone you love has cancer. Everyone needs therapy. ***Disassociation is a coping mechanism, and things are just WEIRD in your life. You ARE different, and you are still you. ***Look for psycho-social resources through your hospital or employer. ***No one knows what they are doing, and—look at that!— neither do you! ***Get to know your new stress/depressed/anxious/feels barometer. ***Try new things: meditation, therapy, reiki, massage, crystals, supplements, CBD oil if available in your state. ***Eat for comfort and health. ***Instead of an existential discussion, learn to say “I’m doing fine considering the circumstances” or “I’m in pain, but nothing out of the ordinary”. ***Make a Reality Committee for phone calls or IRL convos. ***Authenticity and vulnerability leads to healing. ***Exercise will make sleep and everything a little better. Do what you can, even if it’s just walking down the street.

***Everyone is depressed and anxious when you hear about the cancer. ***Mania is common: Maybe channel it into something productive-ish? ***Insomnia makes you crazy. Do what you have to for a good night’s sleep a few times a week. ***YOU NEED THERAPY if you or someone you love has cancer. Everyone needs therapy. ***Disassociation is a coping mechanism, and things are just WEIRD in your life. You ARE different, and you are still you. ***Look for psycho-social resources through your hospital or employer. ***No one knows what they are doing, and—look at that!— neither do you! ***Get to know your new stress/depressed/anxious/feels barometer. ***Try new things: meditation, therapy, reiki, massage, crystals, supplements, CBD oil if available in your state. ***Eat for comfort and health. ***Instead of an existential discussion, learn to say “I’m doing fine considering the circumstances” or “I’m in pain, but nothing out of the ordinary”. ***Make a Reality Committee for phone calls or IRL convos. ***Authenticity and vulnerability leads to healing. ***Exercise will make sleep and everything a little better. Do what you can, even if it’s just walking down the street.

Psychological Changes

 ** The Intersection of Cancer and Life with gem Emily Garnett  ** DJ Breast Cancer Tina Conrad  ** The CanSurvivor with Kelsey Smith  ** Cancer Casually Lindsay DeLong  ** But You Don’t Look Sick with Kelsey Bucci

** The Intersection of Cancer and Life with gem Emily Garnett ** DJ Breast Cancer Tina Conrad ** The CanSurvivor with Kelsey Smith ** Cancer Casually Lindsay DeLong ** But You Don’t Look Sick with Kelsey Bucci

Cancer Podcast Intersections

The best podcast episodes of anyone with an interesting story. With famous guests like Obama, LeBron James, Drake, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson, Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, to anyone who has a unique and interesting story to tell. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes: Personal Stories & Great Interviews

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!