Living with & Beyond Cancer

Episode 11 - Is Mental Health Support for Cancer Patients is Falling Short? - Dr Alex Turner

This episode features Dr. Alex Turner, a psychologist and cancer survivor, who shares her journey of being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and her approach to recovery. Dr. Alex also discusses her career in sports psychology and the impact of environment on performance. The conversation delves into the late diagnosis, coping with dismissal, taking ownership of diagnosis and recovery, and the need for mental health support and trauma of diagnosis. The conversation delves into the impact of a cancer diagnosis, the mental health challenges associated with it, and the need for psychological support. It also explores the importance of psychological safety, emotions, acceptance, and well-being in the context of cancer recovery. The discussion highlights the need for more psychological support for cancer patients and the significance of celebrating milestones in the recovery journey. Takeaways * Late cancer diagnosis can be traumatic and may require a holistic approach to recovery. * The impact of environment on performance and recovery is significant in both sports and cancer treatment. Psychological support is crucial for cancer patients * Well-being and recovery are interconnected Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Living With and Beyond Cancer * 06:03 The Development of Psychology in Sport * 11:27 Late Diagnosis and Coping with Dismissal * 20:35 Mental Health Support and Trauma of Diagnosis * 28:12 Impact of Cancer Diagnosis * 36:15 Acceptance and Expectations * 44:34 Personal Health Journey * 50:49 Well-being and Recovery

Episode 10 - From Cancer Diagnosis to Making A Real Difference For Others - Fay Peace

Faye shares her journey of being diagnosed with gynaecological cancer, the challenges of getting a correct diagnosis, and the impact of cancer treatment on her mental health. Her story highlights the importance of early detection and the need for better support for mental health during cancer treatment. The conversation delves into life after cancer treatment, the impact of the 'no evidence of disease' diagnosis, the anxiety surrounding regular checkups, turning personal experience into advocacy, and the achievements in cancer advocacy. Takeaways include the lasting impact of cancer on life and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. Takeaways * Early cancer symptoms can be misdiagnosed or overlooked * The impact of cancer treatment on mental health Life after cancer is never the same * Advocating for oneself is crucial in the healthcare journey Chapters * 00:00 Faye's Cancer Journey Begins * 08:00 The Diagnosis and Treatment * 23:03 Coping with Treatment and Mental Health * 31:49 Life After Treatment * 41:33 Turning Experience into Advocacy * 53:31 Advocacy Achievements

Episode 9 - From moving in together to heart brake: How Love and Loss Unfolded in Just 5 months

The podcast episode features Tracy's journey as a carer for her partner, Graham, who faced challenges with remote diagnosis, delayed diagnosis, and a lack of support and care in the healthcare system. The story unfolds with the transition to a new living accommodation, Graham's health decline, a hospital ordeal, a terminal diagnosis, financial and work challenges, and the lack of compassion and care in some aspects of the healthcare system. The conversation delves into the journey of resilience and emotional support in the face of adversity. Tracy's experiences highlight the importance of closeness, emotional support, and the challenges faced in the healthcare system. The story also emphasizes the significance of anticipatory grief and the coping strategies adopted during difficult times. Takeaways * Remote diagnosis challenges * Impact of delayed diagnosis * Lack of support and care in healthcare system Resilience in the face of adversity * The importance of support and closeness in difficult times Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview * 06:25 Challenges with Remote Diagnosis and Care * 13:57 Hospital Ordeal and Lack of Support * 21:11 Terminal Diagnosis and Emotional Impact * 27:28 Financial and Work Challenges * 33:53 Lack of Compassion and Care in Healthcare System * 39:12 Coping and Emotional Support * 44:46 Challenges and Christmas * 50:25 Marriage and Emotional Moments * 58:44 Challenges with Hospice Staff

Episode 8 - From Caregiver to Patient - Richard Barker

The Living With and Beyond Cancer podcast features Richard Barker's journey with kidney cancer, including his experience as a caregiver, post-operative recovery, and life changes. Richard shares his challenges, coping mechanisms, and advocacy for cancer patients, along with his plans for life after cancer. Takeaways * Caregiver support is crucial * Post-operative recovery can be challenging * Advocacy and support are essential for cancer patients Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Living With and Beyond Cancer Podcast * 08:48 Caring for a Loved One with Cancer * 17:08 Post-Operative Recovery and Life Changes * 29:15 Challenges and Coping Mechanisms * 43:45 Support and Advocacy for Cancer Patients * 53:18 Life After Cancer and Future Plans

Episode 7 - Real life treatment struggles - Ali Stripling

The conversation delves into Ali's journey with anal cancer, from the initial symptoms and diagnosis to the challenges of treatment and its impact on her daily life. It also highlights the importance of patient advocacy and shared decision-making in the treatment process. The conversation covers Ali's journey through cancer treatment, recovery, and the challenges she faced post-treatment. It delves into the emotional struggles, reintegration into society, and the importance of support and awareness. Takeaways * Understanding the impact of cancer on daily life * The importance of patient advocacy and shared decision-making in cancer treatment Cancer treatment and recovery are physically and emotionally challenging * Support and awareness are crucial for post-treatment reintegration Chapters * 00:00 The Journey Begins * 06:00 Acceptance and Realization * 11:22 Challenges and Coping Mechanisms * 22:27 Impact on Daily Life * 30:04 Treatment Challenges and Realization * 35:26 Dietary Challenges and Coping * 41:36 Stigma and Awareness of Anal Cancer * 49:43 Reintegration and Support * 57:36 Emotional Struggles and Relationships