How to Reclaim Your Identity during a Cancer Journey and Redefine Who You Are

How to Reclaim Your Identity during a Cancer Journey and Redefine Who You Are

Cancer changes more than your body—it can change how you see yourself. In this Chat & Chew conversation, we explore one of the most common yet least discussed experiences during and after cancer: the loss, shift, and rediscovery of identity. Whether you are a patient, survivor, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this discussion will help you reflect on who you are beyond a diagnosis and how to move forward with purpose, meaning, and self-compassion. In this session, we discuss: ✔️ Why cancer can disrupt your sense of identity ✔️ The emotional impact of role changes and life transitions ✔️ Navigating the gap between who you were and who you are becoming ✔️ Reclaiming purpose, confidence, and connection ✔️ Practical strategies for redefining yourself during survivorship and beyond Cancer may be part of your story, but it does not define your entire identity. 💙 Looking for a supportive community that understands the challenges of cancer, caregiving, healthcare, and life transitions? Join the WenWell Community—a space focused on Capacity, Safety, and Connection where you can access wellness resources, meaningful conversations, and a community committed to helping you be your best, do your best, and give your best. ➡️ Join the WenWell Community here: https://www.skool.com/wenwell/about ➡️Check out Collaborative Cancer Care's Wellness Program: www.collaborativecancercare.com/wellness Hosted by Collaborative Cancer Care, powered by WenWell™ 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on cancer survivorship, mental health, caregiving, grief, resilience, and emotional well-being. #CancerSurvivorship #CancerSupport #MentalHealth #CancerJourney #CancerCaregiver #IdentityAfterCancer #PsychosocialOncology #CancerCommunity #EmotionalWellbeing #WenWell

We're Back-and Why This Conversation Still Matters

We’re back—and this conversation still matters. In this relaunch episode of the Collaborative Cancer Care Podcast, we return to the heart of why this space exists: because cancer is not only a medical experience, it’s a mental, emotional, and relational one. In this short opening episode, we reflect on what continues even during a pause—the unspoken fear, the emotional weight patients and caregivers carry, and the lasting impact of cancer conversations long after treatment ends. We re-center the importance of capacity, safety, and connection, and share what’s ahead as the podcast moves forward. Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode is an invitation to rejoin a space where mental health is not an afterthought—but part of care. We’re back—because the conversation isn’t over. To learn more about Collaborative Cancer Care visit www.collaborativecancercare.com

Episode #7 Has A Cancer Diagnosis Caused Loneliness? Here Are 4 Ways to Combat Loneliness

A cancer diagnosis can change everything—including your social connections. Many patients, survivors, and caregivers find themselves feeling isolated during and after treatment. In this episode of Collaborative Cancer Conversations, Dr. Wendy Garvin Mayo shares 4 practical and powerful ways to combat loneliness and rebuild meaningful connection. Whether you’re navigating treatment or supporting someone who is, you don’t have to do it alone. Tune in to learn how to restore your sense of community and emotional well-being. Learn more and access mental health support at: www.collaborativecancercare.com [http://www.collaborativecancercare.com/] #CancerSupport #MentalHealth #Loneliness #CancerSurvivorship #CollaborativeCancerCare #DrWendyGarvinMayo

Episode #6 Are You Grieving During Your Cancer Journey? Here Are 5 Types of Grief You May Experience

In this powerful episode, Dr. Wendy Garvin Mayo explores the often-unspoken emotional reality of grief during the cancer journey. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or survivor, grief can show up in unexpected ways—not just in response to loss of life, but in loss of identity, control, or certainty. Dr. Wendy breaks down five types of grief commonly experienced during and after a cancer diagnosis, offering insight, validation, and practical strategies to help you better understand and navigate these emotions. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, emotionally numb, or unsure of what you’re feeling, this episode is for you. 👉🏽Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel to dive deeper and access tools to support your healing journey: 🔗 Subscribe and watch on YouTube – Collaborative Cancer Care [https://www.youtube.com/@CollaborativeCancerCare] #GriefAndCancer #CancerSupport #MentalHealthInCancer #CollaborativeCancerCare #DrWendyGarvinMayo #YouAreNotAlone

Episode #5 Balancing Career and Caregiving: Saju Varghese’s Journey as a Young Corporate Caregiver

When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, life can change in an instant. For Saju Varghese, the diagnosis of his mother with lymphoma meant navigating the overwhelming world of caregiving—all while balancing the demands of a corporate career as a young professional. In this powerful episode, Saju shares his emotional and practical journey of stepping into the role of caregiver while managing his job, personal responsibilities, and the ever-present stress of his mother’s illness. He opens up about the challenges of juggling work and caregiving, the sacrifices he made, and the mental and emotional toll that came with trying to be present in both worlds. Through resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering love, Saju found ways to support his mother while also taking care of himself. His story is a testament to the strength of caregivers who face the daily challenge of balancing career ambitions with family obligations—often without a roadmap. 🔹 Key Takeaways from This Episode: ✔️ How to manage career responsibilities while being a caregiver ✔️ The emotional impact of caregiving as a young professional ✔️ Practical strategies for balancing work, life, and caregiving ✔️ The importance of self-care and setting boundaries If you’re a professional navigating caregiving responsibilities, or if you know someone who is, this episode will provide insight, encouragement, and inspiration. 💙 Learn more about Collaborative Cancer Care at www.collaborativecancercare.com [http://www.collaborativecancercare.com/]. 4o