Survivor's Playbook: Reclaim Your Life and Redefine Your Future

Download your Free Daily Journal Printable Download today at www.coachandreac.com!!

<><><>

Welcome back to Survivor’s Playbook! In Episode 2 of our "Work Hard or Nap Hard?" series, we're diving into the big question: Am I ready to jump back into the 9-to-5 world after treatment? Whether you're eager to rejoin the workforce or feeling unsure about what's next, this episode has you covered.

We’ll start by exploring the importance of knowing your “why” before returning. Are you motivated by a sense of purpose, financial necessity, or something else? Next, we’ll guide you through assessing your physical and emotional readiness—because true healing doesn’t end with the last treatment session. Then, we’ll discuss how your medical team can support a smooth transition back to work, from part-time options to possible modifications.

For those ready to take the plunge, we’ll talk flexibility: phased returns, reduced hours, remote work—whatever respects your current capacity. And if you’re setting new boundaries or redefining what success looks like, we’ll help you create a sustainable plan for reentry.

We’ll also discuss common pitfalls, like returning too soon and facing burnout, and how mental health leave might be an option. Finally, a few words of encouragement: this is a time to be gentle with yourself, take things one step at a time, and recognize that healing is still in progress.

Tune in, and let’s help you return to work with confidence and purpose. Be sure to share this episode with someone who might need it and subscribe for more episodes on navigating life post-treatment.

Ending Note: "And until next time, have a beautiful on purpose!"

You’ve just received the news—cancer. Now you’re wondering, "Should I keep working or hit pause?" In this episode of Survivor’s Playbook, we’re diving deep into the world of balancing a career while beginning cancer treatment. Host Andrea C. shares everything you need to know about making that tough decision, from understanding your disability benefits to recognizing when it’s time to step away for your health.

We’ll break down your options, explore the pressure of "keeping busy" through treatment, and get real about the toll cancer can take on your physical and mental energy. With Andrea’s sassy and empowering approach, you’ll gain practical tips, personal stories, and a whole lot of encouragement to help you make the best choice for you.

Whether you decide to "Work Hard or Nap Hard," this episode is packed with advice on navigating the early days of diagnosis with grace and self-care. Don’t forget to tune in for part two, where we tackle returning to work post-treatment!

Website: www.coachandreac.com

Facebook: Andrea - Cancer Coach

Instagram: @cancercoachandrea

In this episode of Survivor's Playbook, Coach Andrea continues a deep dive into the common fears that cancer survivors face after treatment. Whether you're nearing the end of treatment or have completed it, you may find yourself grappling with new uncertainties. Today, we address the big question: "Are my fears normal?" Spoiler alert—they absolutely are.

Coach Andrea explores the fear of recurrence, a concern that weighs heavily on many survivors. How do you live fully with this fear in the background? You’ll hear about the power of honesty, acceptance, and taking control of what you can—whether it’s staying on top of follow-up appointments or making healthy lifestyle choices.

Coach Andrea also tackles identity shifts—many survivors feel disconnected from their pre-cancer selves. You’ll learn how to embrace the new “you” and use this as an opportunity for post-traumatic growth, living more authentically and discovering what really matters.

Finally, Coach Andrea touches on survivor’s guilt, the emotional conflict that can arise when others in the cancer community don’t survive. Through journaling, prayer, and connecting with other survivors, we’ll explore how to process these conflicting emotions and move forward.

Join Coach Andrea as she shares practical advice and personal stories on how to face your post-treatment fears with honesty, acceptance, and a commitment to living fully and authentically.

In this episode of Survivor's Playbook, Coach Andrea dives deep into some of the he most common fears she hears from those who were recently diagnosed with cancer and who are actively in treatment.

Coach Andrea answers the common question, "Are my fears normal?" Spoiler alert—yes, they are. Fear can rob us of the joy and peace available to us now, but today’s discussion will provide reassurance and practical guidance on how to face these fears head-on.

We’ll explore the most common fears during cancer treatment: fear of side effects, loss of control, and the uncertainty of the future. Using personal insights and stories, she’ll uncover how these fears often stem from the unknown, and how honesty and acceptance are key to reclaiming your peace of mind.

You’ll hear personal stories, like overcoming the fear of nausea from chemotherapy, facing physical limitations, and navigating major life changes. Join us as we discuss how fear, when met with honesty and acceptance, can transform into an opportunity for post-traumatic growth and deeper appreciation for life.

Tune in and learn how to combat your fears, embrace the process, and live with authenticity, purpose, and peace.

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the concept of a "Survivor's Playbook"—a vital resource for those navigating the tumultuous journey of a cancer diagnosis and beyond. Have you ever wished for a roadmap to guide you through the uncertainty and changes that follow a diagnosis? Join Andrea, our compassionate Cancer Coach, as she shares her own lived experience and offers invaluable insights into the challenges faced during and after treatment.

As patients approach the end of their treatment, they often feel disoriented and in need of support to reconcile, reclaim, and redesign their lives. This episode provides a candid exploration of what it means to be a survivor and how a personalized playbook can help you tackle the emotional and practical tasks that arise in this transformative phase.

Tune in for honest discussions, practical advice, and empowering strategies that will help you embrace your new reality and move forward with confidence. Whether you’re a survivor, a caregiver, or simply seeking to understand the journey, this episode is a must-listen!

In this heartfelt episode of Survivor’s Playbook, Coach Andrea C. dives into the transformative power of allowing others to support you during your cancer journey. The episode, titled “Let The People Help You!”, emphasizes the importance of being honest and vulnerable with your community to unlock the full extent of their support.

Andrea begins by sharing a deeply personal story about a pivotal moment when her hair began to fall out during treatment. Despite cutting her hair short in anticipation, she found the experience overwhelming and traumatic because she tried to manage it alone. Andrea reflects on how opening up to others—by allowing them to assist in ways she hadn’t initially considered—could have made the experience less painful and more supportive. This moment became a turning point, teaching her the value of honesty and vulnerability in receiving help.

She then recounts the positive shift that occurred when she finally decided to confide in a trusted friend about her emotions. By embracing the support offered to her, Andrea found solace in being heard, supported, and understood. This decision not only helped her process her emotions more effectively but also deepened her relationships, highlighting the reciprocal nature of care and support.

In the practical segment of the episode, Andrea offers listeners actionable tips for allowing others to help. From identifying trusted confidants to starting small with vulnerable conversations, she provides guidance on how to build a supportive network. Andrea also touches on the importance of embracing vulnerability and considering professional support when needed.

Andrea leaves listeners with an inspirational message: Many of us are quick to offer help to others, but struggle to accept it ourselves. Being the “strong one” can be toxic and ultimately harmful. She encourages listeners to let others help them, reminding them that they are fighting for their lives and deserve every bit of support available.

Tune in to discover how letting people in can be a powerful act of self-care and a crucial part of your healing journey.

In this episode of Survivor’s Playbook, Andrea opens up about the often unspoken struggle of returning to life after cancer treatment—only to find that her old life no longer felt like her own. She candidly shares her personal experience of stepping back into her career, social circles, and everyday routines, only to discover that they didn’t fit her new reality. From dealing with a demotion at work to feeling frustrated by old friendships, Andrea explores the emotional journey of trying to resume life as if nothing had changed.

But the truth was, everything had changed. Andrea reveals the turning point when she realized that she wasn’t the same person anymore and that she needed to embrace this new version of herself. She guides listeners through her process of reconciling with her past, reclaiming her identity, and redesigning her life around new passions, joy, and purpose.

With practical strategies for reflection, rediscovery, and growth, Andrea encourages cancer survivors to let go of the old life that no longer serves them and create a future that aligns with who they are today. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about transformation, self-acceptance, and the courage to build a fulfilling life after cancer.

Key Takeaways:

Join us as Andrea inspires and empowers listeners to boldly create a life that feels authentic and meaningful.

In this deeply personal episode of Survivor's Playbook, Coach Andrea C. shares her transformative journey from a stage 3B breast cancer diagnosis in 2015 to reclaiming her life with renewed purpose and authenticity. Join Andrea as she takes you through the stages of her experience—what happened, what it was like, and how she navigated the complex road to recovery and beyond.

Andrea opens up about the moment that changed everything—a routine check-up that led to a life-altering diagnosis. She recounts the shock and grief of hearing she had cancer and the immediate whirlwind of medical appointments, genetic testing, and the harsh realities of treatment. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, Andrea quickly established two guiding principles: stay positive and follow her doctors' advice. These rules, along with the support of her inner circle, became her lifeline.

As she takes you through her treatment journey—16 rounds of chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, and countless obstacles—Andrea also shares the lesser-discussed emotional toll of cancer, including the grief of losing her hair, fertility, and professional momentum. But the story doesn’t end there.

Andrea describes how, after treatment, she attempted to resume her old life, only to find it no longer fit. She candidly explores the process of redefining herself—physically, mentally, spiritually, professionally, and personally. Through trial and error, Andrea found new ways to embrace life, including launching her own business and discovering a new sense of purpose.

In this episode, you'll learn how Andrea turned her cancer journey into a powerful force for growth, helping her clients navigate their own paths to a life filled with meaning and authenticity. Whether you're a cancer survivor or someone seeking inspiration in the face of adversity, Andrea's story offers invaluable insights and practical advice for reclaiming your life and moving forward with courage and resilience.

Tune in to hear how you, too, can redefine who you are now, embracing your new strengths and living more authentically.