Cancer, Chemo & Currywurst

The episode discusses the challenge of cancer becoming one's whole identity and the struggle to find balance between honoring the experience and not letting it define every aspect of life. It explores the cognitive dissonance, fear of losing community, and the process of expanding one's identity beyond cancer.

Takeaways

• Cancer can become a person's whole identity, affecting every decision and thought process.
• Expanding one's identity after cancer involves embracing the 'ands' and adding more layers to one's life.

Chapters

• 00:00 Process of Expanding Identity

The episode explores the identity shift that occurs after cancer, addressing the disorientating feeling of being yourself and not yourself at the same time. It delves into the impact on values, priorities, and the body, as well as the struggle to fit back into the old identity. The reframe emphasizes the process of reconnecting to oneself and rebuilding a new identity.

Takeaways

• Identity shift after cancer is disorientating
• Reconnecting to oneself is a process of rebuilding a new identity

Chapters

• 00:00 Reframing the Identity Shift and Embracing the In-Between

The episode delves into the stress of life after cancer, the persistent fear of reoccurrence, and the neurobiological basis of this fear. It explores the impact on the nervous system, triggers and responses, and strategies for nervous system regulation and coping.

Takeaways

• Life after cancer is marked by financial stress and adult admin burdens.
• The fear of reoccurrence is neurobiological and affects the nervous system, leading to hypervigilance and anxiety.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Stress of Life After Cancer
• 07:03 The Neurobiological Basis of Fear
• 13:31 The Impact on the Nervous System
• 22:00 Nervous System Regulation
• 29:47 Support and Coping Strategies

The conversation covers my experience of feeling misrepresented in the cancer community and the impact of cancer on identity and life after treatment.

It also delves into the process of writing a book for the cancer community and the challenges faced in pitching the book for publication. I emphasise the importance of expanding support and understanding the impact of cancer on individuals, as well as the need to educate others about life after cancer.

Takeaways

• Feeling misrepresented in the cancer community
• The impact of cancer on identity and life after treatment

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Book Writing
• 07:18 Navigating Life After Cancer
• 13:29 Creating Archetypes and Framework
• 22:13 Empowerment and Encouragement

The conversation with Laurel Van Der Toorn covers a wide range of topics, including trauma, EMDR therapy, the impact of cancer on trauma, recognizing trauma responses, complex trauma, post-traumatic growth, rituals and support after trauma, the interplay between trauma and OCD, understanding PTSD, the EMDR therapy process, the intense nature of EMDR therapy, the mind-body connection and healing, and the duration and process of EMDR therapy. Laurel provides valuable insights into trauma, therapy, and the impact of cancer on trauma responses. The conversation covers the use of EMDR therapy for trauma and its effectiveness during and after cancer treatment. It explores bodily responses to trauma, self-resourcing with positive memories, and the power of EMDR in reclaiming a sense of self. The discussion also addresses living with the fear of reoccurrence and the passion for EMDR therapy. Seeking EMDR therapy is highlighted as a crucial step for those in need.

Takeaways

• Trauma responses can be complex and may manifest in various ways, impacting both the mind and body.
• EMDR therapy is a comprehensive process that involves preparation, targeting trauma themes, and reliving traumatic experiences in a supportive environment.
• The mind-body connection is crucial in trauma recovery, and the impact of trauma can be long-lasting, requiring personalized and compassionate therapeutic approaches. EMDR therapy can be effective during and after cancer treatment.
• Positive memories can be used for self-resourcing in EMDR therapy.

https://www.laureltherapy.net/

If you would like to support the podast, all goes to making this podcast bigger and better, thank you so much. buymeacoffee.com/moremoxie_

Chapters

• 00:00 Welcoming Laurel Van Der Toorn
• 06:02 The Science Behind EMDR Therapy
• 11:02 Recognizing Trauma Responses
• 16:09 The Impact of Uncertainty and Fear
• 21:24 Targeting Trauma Themes in EMDR
• 27:30 Preparation and Phases of EMDR Therapy
• 36:13 EMDR During and Post Cancer Treatment
• 46:11 Bodily Responses to Trauma
• 51:23 The Power of EMDR

The episode delves into the trauma of cancer, highlighting the complex and ongoing nature of medical trauma. It explores the emotional, physical, and relational aspects of trauma during and after treatment, as well as the impact on the nervous system. The episode emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed support and healing at one's own pace.

Takeaways

• Cancer is a complex medical trauma that affects individuals emotionally, physically, and relationally.
• Trauma-informed support and healing at one's own pace are crucial for individuals dealing with the aftermath of cancer treatment.

Chapters

• 00:00 Trauma-Informed Support and Healing

The podcast episode explores the psychological afterlife of cancer, focusing on the loneliness and challenges faced after active treatment finishes. It delves into the process of rebuilding life, the fear of recurrence, and the experience of loneliness and isolation. The episode emphasizes the importance of naming this phase and seeking support to navigate the post-treatment journey.

Takeaways

• Loneliness after cancer treatment
• Rebuilding life after cancer

Chapters

• 00:00 The Psychological Afterlife of Cancer
• 09:17 Return to Normality and Rebuilding
• 16:24 Loneliness and Isolation

The conversation explores the challenges of life after cancer treatment, the impact on the body, and the struggle to rebuild and find safety through connection. It delves into the emotional and physical aspects of the post-cancer experience, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding.

Takeaways

• Rebuilding after cancer is not a linear process
• Compassion and understanding are crucial for those who have gone through cancer treatment

Chapters

• 00:00 The Need for Understanding and Validation

Fleur, a breast cancer survivor, shares her mission to support life after cancer and create a community for survivors. The conversation covers her journey, the challenges of moving to a new country, coping with loss, and the ongoing process of healing and coping with the aftermath of cancer treatment.

Takeaways

• Life after cancer support
• Identity shifts and psychological aftermath

Chapters

• 00:00 Coping and Healing

Meg Hall shares her journey of healing and self-discovery, reflecting on her challenging upbringing and the impact it had on her self-perception. The conversation explores her transition to psychiatric nursing, the discovery of personal gifts, and the importance of self-trust and authenticity.

The conversation delves into the journey of self-discovery, coping mechanisms, and finding joy amidst chaos. It explores the themes of authenticity, self-acceptance, and the impact of authenticity in the workplace. The discussion also touches on life and death perspectives, navigating life's storms, and uncovering inner value. The journey culminates in the realisation of self-love and the courage to step into a new life.

Takeaways

• Healing from a challenging upbringing
• The power of self-discovery and self-trust Authenticity and self-discovery
• Coping mechanisms and finding joy in chaos

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Meg Hall
• 11:04 Impact of Childhood on Self-Perception
• 19:15 Leaving the Family Home
• 26:04 Transition to Psychiatric Nursing
• 35:39 Understanding Grandma's Delusions
• 40:40 Journey to Authenticity
• 46:10 Becoming Meg 2.0
• 52:04 Arriving at Self-Love
• 58:07 Authenticity in the Workplace