Jen and Laura kick off the new year with a catch-up episode—without Maeghan, who is (ironically) out sick. They chat about post-holiday health updates, new fitness challenges, and the frustration of ongoing medical mysteries. Laura shares her latest struggles with nerve damage in her foot, while Jen talks about managing lymphedema and her big swimming goals for 2024. They also reflect on the challenges of navigating chronic illness while trying to live a "normal" life, plus some fun tangents on Christmas, weddings, and nostalgic school memories.

Topics Covered:

• Jen’s latest mammogram results and the annual stress of waiting for the all-clear.
• How warmer weather is worsening Jen’s lymphedema and her plans to combat it.
• Laura’s mysterious foot swelling and nerve issues—leading to a confusing diagnosis.
• The reality of medical waitlists and trying to push for answers when doctors say "just wait."
• Setting fitness goals as a way to regain control—Jen is training for a 4.5km ocean swim!
• Reflections on Maeghan’s wedding and the surreal moment of meeting podcast listeners in real life.
• Laura’s failed attempt to “break up” with her therapist and why she’s sticking with it (for now).
• The emotional toll of watching a loved one struggle with chronic pain and feeling powerless to help.
• Upcoming travel plans, including Laura’s long-awaited trip to New Orleans.
• Fun tangents: school TV trolleys, overhead projectors, and Megan’s American flag duty.
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Notable Moments:

💬 "Therapy should have a beginning, middle, and end… and apparently, I’m not at the end yet." – Laura on trying (and failing) to end therapy.

💬 "We’ve got rid of the cancer. Now it’s up to you to do the living." – Jen on learning to move forward post-diagnosis.

💬 "If I start dancing, take me home." – Laura’s rule for drinking, which her boyfriend completely forgot at Maeghan’s wedding.

💬 "It was surreal—people I’d never met knew all about my life because of the podcast!" – Jen on the unexpected experience of meeting listeners.

Takeaways:

🔹 The wait for medical answers can be agonizing, but self-advocacy is key.

🔹 Finding ways to move your body (when possible) can help maintain a sense of control.

🔹 Therapy isn’t just about fixing things—it’s about fully processing what’s happened.

🔹 Being the partner of someone in chronic pain comes with its own set of struggles.

🔹 Nostalgia hits hard when talking about old-school classroom tech!

Get in Touch:

We’d love to hear from you! If this episode resonated with you, email us at [email protected].

2024 is going to be a big year—stay tuned for themed episodes, guest chats, and maybe even a "partners takeover" episode (if we can convince them to do it). See you next time!

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