Ep 66: Beyond the Diagnosis: Rebuilding Identity and Embracing the ‘And’ with Cheyenne Heflin

Ep 66: Beyond the Diagnosis: Rebuilding Identity and Embracing the ‘And’ with Cheyenne Heflin

The conversation covers Cheyenne Heflin's journey from diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma to her educational and career journey, mental health and therapy, transition to counseling and clinical psychology, cancer recurrence and treatment, and surgery and recovery. It also explores the impact of childhood trauma on mental health and the resilience after medical trauma, as well as the psychosocial elements of life after cancer and the process of rebuilding identity and self-discovery. The conversation covers the themes of resilience and recovery, identity and self-discovery, emotional well-being and healing, and support and growth. It explores the challenges of navigating life after a cancer diagnosis, the impact of cancer on identity development, the role of the nervous system in trauma, and the unmet needs and healing process. The guest's journey reflects resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of support in healing. The conversation delves into the challenge of holding space for others, especially in the context of illness and trauma. It also explores the power of embracing the 'and' in one's identity, acknowledging that individuals are more than their experiences and traumas. Takeaways * Resilience after medical trauma * Psychosocial elements of life after cancer * Rebuilding identity and self-discovery * The impact of childhood trauma on mental health Resilience * Identity Development Holding space * Embracing the 'and' Chapters * 00:00 Surgery and Recovery * 30:33 Navigating Life After Cancer Diagnosis * 32:46 Impact on Identity Development * 42:05 Nervous System and Trauma * 48:16 Unmet Needs and Healing * 53:19 The Challenge of Holding Space * 56:08 The Power of Embracing the 'And'

Ep 65: What if you've never felt safe?

FREE WEBINAR LINK No-one Prepared Me for Life After Cancer https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PJktLOu7Q_CCqvUNnFN1bg [https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/PJktLOu7Q_CCqvUNnFN1bg] The episode delves into the impact of trauma and survival mode on life after cancer, highlighting the amplification of self-hate, anxiety, and trauma responses. It explores the struggle with safety and trust, the impact of an unsafe environment on the nervous system, and the process of nervous system healing with support. Takeaways * Amplification of self-hate and anxiety after cancer * Impact of an unsafe environment on the nervous system Chapters * 00:00 Survival Mode and Trauma * 08:33 Amplification of Self-Hate and Anxiety * 16:21 Struggle with Safety and Trust

Ep 64: I thought I'd be happier than this

The conversation explores the disparity between expectations and reality after cancer treatment, the process of rebuilding and recreating a new life, and the permission to embrace complexity and ambiguity in post-treatment life. Fleur shares her experience of feeling guilty about not feeling happier after treatment and the realization that recovery isn't about returning to the past. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to a new reality and granting oneself permission to be exactly who they want to be. Takeaways * Recovery isn't about returning to the past; it's about rebuilding and recreating a new life. * Embrace the complexity and ambiguity of post-treatment life and grant yourself permission to be exactly who you want to be. Chapters * 00:00 Expectations vs. Reality * 12:06 Rebuilding and Recreating * 27:23 Permission to Be Exactly Who You Want to Be

ep 63: Everyone moving on, while you stand still

Fleur celebrates her two-year cancer-free anniversary and reflects on the journey of healing and transformation. She discusses the silence surrounding life after cancer, the emotional impact, and the need for self-compassion and permission to process. Fleur emphasizes the importance of rebuilding and finding community in life after cancer. Takeaways * Celebrating milestones in the journey of healing and transformation * The need for self-compassion and permission to process in life after cancer Chapters * 00:00 Rebuilding and Finding Community in Life After Cancer

Ep 62: Why do I feel guilty all the time?

In this episode, Fleur discusses the pervasive feeling of guilt that many cancer survivors experience after treatment. She explores the various aspects of guilt, its origins, and the impact it has on survivors' lives. Fleur also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and understanding this guilt, and the need to challenge the unrealistic expectations placed on survivors. Takeaways * Guilt is a pervasive and unexpected emotion experienced by many cancer survivors. * Survivors often feel guilty for not meeting unrealistic expectations and for their own struggles and successes. Chapters * 00:00 Understanding and Challenging Guilt