Cancer Actually F**king Sucks

In this episode of Cancer Actually F**king Sucks, Amanda Paul shares her experience as a stage four classical multicellularity Hodgkin lymphoma survivor with Abigail. Amanda reflects on her life as a busy high school junior, filled with competitive dance and friendships, until her diagnosis prompted a significant shift in her perspective.

She describes the challenging path to her diagnosis, marked by persistent itching and misdiagnoses that left her feeling frustrated. Despite these obstacles, Amanda took charge of her health, advocating for herself and ultimately suspecting cancer before receiving confirmation.

Throughout their conversation, Amanda emphasizes the importance of mindset during her experience. She discusses how the situation, while difficult, forced her to slow down and reassess her priorities, leading to personal growth. When she finally received her diagnosis, Amanda felt relief, as it validated her struggles and allowed her to begin treatment.

Amanda's story highlights resilience, self-advocacy, and the value of a supportive community. Her experience serves as a reminder that even in tough times, there is space for hope and progress.

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If you'd like to share your story in a future episode, we’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].

In this episode of Cancer Actually F**king Sucks, Jon Fox, a survivor of testicular and neuroendocrine cancers, shares his story with Abigail. Jon describes his background and interests before his cancer diagnosis and discusses the complexities of his life. He talks about the process of receiving his diagnosis and the whirlwind of surgeries and treatments that followed. Jon also discusses his recovery and the challenges he faced, including digestive issues and ongoing symptoms. Throughout the conversation, Jon emphasizes the importance of support from his school community and his parents. Jon shares his experience of being diagnosed with cancer and the challenges he faced during treatment and survivorship. He emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and finding the right doctors who listen and provide thorough care. Jon also highlights the value of support groups for emotional healing and connecting with other young adult survivors. He discusses the impact of cancer on one's identity and the process of finding new puzzle pieces in life. Jon shares his aspirations for a slower-paced, creative life and encourages others to prioritize their own happiness and well-being. He advises newly diagnosed individuals to seek support, educate themselves about their condition, and consider second opinions. Overall, Jon's story is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the power of community.

If you'd like to connect with Jon, you can find him on Instagram at @mrfoxteacher, and you can read his poetry on SubStack at https://jonthefox.substack.com/.

Don't forget to rate and review the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and follow us on Instagram at @canceractuallysuckspod for more inspiring content!

To share your story in a future episode, email us at [email protected].

In this powerful episode, host Abigail sits down with Katrina Craiker, a stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer survivor. Katrina shares her journey of being diagnosed at just 27 years old, shortly after losing her mother-in-law to pancreatic cancer. She opens up about her initial symptoms, the challenging diagnostic process, and her treatment plan, which included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Katrina also discusses her BRCA2 positive genetic mutation and the impact it had on her outlook for the future. This raw and honest conversation highlights the unique challenges young cancer survivors face and the importance of genetic testing in cancer treatment and prevention.

Don't forget to rate and review the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and follow us on Instagram at @canceractuallysuckspod for more inspiring content!

To share your story in a future episode, email us at [email protected].

In this episode of "Cancer Actually F**king Sucks", we sit down with Danny, an active duty Special Agent in the U.S. Air Force and a gastric cancer survivor. Danny takes listeners on a profound journey from diagnosis to triumph, sharing how his military training prepared him for his battle against cancer. Throughout the conversation, Danny sheds light on the pivotal role of the Hunter Seven Foundation, a nonprofit aiding active duty personnel and veterans in linking their illnesses to toxic exposures during deployment. From moments of challenge to unexpected sources of hope, Danny's story epitomizes resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of family, and the power of community. Tune in for an inspiring discussion around navigating cancer as a young adult and taking page out of Ted Lasso's book by believing - believing in yourself and that you'll make it through. We hope you enjoy!

Find Danny at @thrift_shop_actual on Instagram, and learn more about the HunterSeven Foundation at @huntersevenfounation, as well.

Don't forget to rate and review the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and follow us on Instagram at @canceractuallysuckspod for more inspiring content!

In this episode of "Cancer Actually F**king Sucks," Abigail dives into a candid conversation with Casey Head, a survivor of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), sharing her experience navigating life after a cancer diagnosis. Casey opens up about her challenges with PTSD and anxiety post-diagnosis, offering profound insights into the impact of trauma on survivors. Embracing holistic approaches like meditation, yoga, and somatic therapy, Casey found solace and empowerment in addressing her mental health struggles. Her story underscores the transformative power of resilience and self-discovery, leading her to become a trauma-informed cancer coach and develop "The Happier Hustle." Today, through this 13-week program, she helps fighters and survivors reclaim their lives from cancer so they are mentally, physically, and emotionally stronger and live life without fear. Join Abigail and Casey as they explore the complexities of healing, the significance of community, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life beyond cancer.

In this heartfelt episode of "Cancer Actually F**king Sucks," Geoff Grubbs shares his journey with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), offering a candid account of the highs and lows he's experienced. Hosted by Abigail, the conversation delves into Geoff's medical decisions, emotional challenges, and the vital role of community support. Geoff highlights the importance of organizations like the CLL Society and the Lymphoma Research Foundation, which provide invaluable resources and connections for those navigating similar paths. Join the discussion for an insightful exploration of living with CLL and the power of resilience in facing life's toughest battles.

To learn more about the CLL Society, visit https://cllsociety.org/, and to get information about CLL Society Support Groups, head to https://cllsociety.org/programs-and-support/cll-specific-patient-support-groups/.

Don't forget to rate and review the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and follow us on Instagram at @canceractuallysuckspod for more inspiring content!

In this episode of "Cancer Actually F**king Sucks," Tracy, a courageous breast cancer survivor, shares her journey through diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. Tracy candidly discusses her experience with HER2 positive breast cancer, including its recurrence post-pregnancy and her battle with stage four metastatic cancer. She emphasizes the importance of finding the right medical team and navigating survivor guilt, while also highlighting the challenges of forging new connections during illness. Tracy's resilient spirit shines through as she channels her strength into running marathons for fundraising and providing peer support through CanCare. Her story resonates with themes of friendship evolution, identity reconstruction, and the pursuit of hope amidst uncertainty. Tracy's message of advocacy, empathy, and community underscores the transformative power of connection in navigating life's toughest moments.

Don't forget to rate and review the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and follow us on Instagram at @canceractuallysuckspod for more inspiring content!

In this heartfelt conversation, Abigail and Kallie share an intimate dialogue about Kallie's journey as a breast cancer survivor. From discussing meaningful tattoos to the challenges of navigating relationships post-cancer, Kallie opens up about the emotional and physical toll of her experience. As an ambassador for the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, Kallie sheds light on her advocacy work and shares her plans for raising awareness during Triple Negative Breast Cancer Month. Despite the hardships she's faced, Kallie's resilience shines through as she reflects on her modeling journey post-treatment and the evolution of her self-esteem. Through vulnerability and strength, Kallie's story inspires hope and empowerment.

Don't forget to rate and review the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and follow us on Instagram at @canceractuallysuckspod for more inspiring content!

It's our final episode ever (for now) and we also have a HUGE announcement for the pod! Abigail Glavy is your new host for Cancer Actually F***ing Sucks! Maddy and Shannon are passing the torch and they're so excited to welcome the new host.

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Join Shannon & Lindsy aka Taz & Sunset (#outlivingit #firstdescents) as they vulnerably dive into Lindsy's experience living with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer and how meditation has brought her peace in processing a Stage 4 diagnosis.

Shannon & Lindsy met on a trip with First Descents, a nonprofit that sponsors cancer survivors to go on free community adventures. Shannon dishes about her experience with First Descents before diving into conversation with Lindsy.

Lindsy is an award-winning speaker, and blog author, and retired fitness entrepreneur and health coach. With humor, authenticity and vulnerability, Lindsy reflects on the pivotal moments in her life that have made her an expert through experience in resilience, adaptation and positive mindset. She dives into the many life lessons from her childhood diagnosis of autoimmune disease, and how it prepared her for an early-stage Breast Cancer diagnosis soon after becoming a wife and mother to 2 children. Now, living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer she delves into the emotions she encounters, the fears that threaten to overwhelm her, and the strength she continues to discover within herself. 

Find Lindsy on Instagram - @lindsymatthews