Are you aware of your family's cancer history? Did you know genetic testing for cancer markers can save your life? I'm diving into these questions with Patient Insights & Advocacy Advisor at the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Ilana Feuchter. As a stage 2C ovarian cancer survivor, Ilana is dedicated—both personally and professionally—to raising awareness of genetic testing and self-advocacy. In this episode, she's sharing her journey with BRCA1, what steps she took to be proactive about her cancer risks (and what they revealed), and the importance of knowing your family cancer history in order to be the BEST advocate for yourself.

We're exploring:

• Why BRCA1 and BRCA2 are problematic for women AND men
• Ilana's choice to undergo a prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy (and later a prophylactic mastectomy)
• How a surprise ovarian cancer diagnosis changed the trajectory of her life
• Why you can never say you are cancer free with ovarian cancer
• What still needs to be addressed in the survivorship journey
• A SURPRISING statistic about genetics and ovarian cancer (and what this means for anyone with a family history)
• Ilana's TOP TIP to find your people and make your cancer journey easier
• One of the silver linings to her cancer journey
• And so much more!
• Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

This week, I'm shedding some light on one of the MOST common Unspoken Cancer Truths: overcoming communication barriers when talking about cancer. Have you experienced this before? In this episode, I'm diving deeper into why communicating about cancer can be so difficult, my TOP TIPS to take action against unproductive conversations (and be a better responder!), and the BEST past episodes to check out to learn more about communicating effectively.

I'm exploring:

• What it means to have the courage to KNOW yourself
• Why I think survivorship is the trickiest phase of a cancer journey
• How relationships can change when you reveal a cancer diagnosis (and how to adjust your boundaries)
• Why you need to make sure you are TRULY heard by your health team
• And so much more!

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

There are so many research studies out there about the cancer journey, and it can be really tricky to navigate the plentiful information. How can you be sure that you are following advice that is factual and unbiased? In this episode, I'm sharing my BEST tips to better understand research articles and studies, how to dig deeper into the sources referenced, and the importance of using critical thinking skills before taking ANY advice from a study or article.

Listen now to hear more about:

• My #1 strategy to critique a research study, report, or article
• How I debunked a lymphedema study (even though it was referenced A LOT)
• Why you should care about the results of a study (and whether they're significant or not)
• What I uncovered about a cryoablation report after applying my strategy
• The problem with studies on food & diet as a sole cancer treatment
• And so much more!

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

If you've ever been a caregiver, you know how hard it can be to juggle the many support roles you take on for your loved one, along with taking care of yourself (and living your life!). My guest this week, Dr. Erika Michalski, became a caregiver for her husband Dan when he was diagnosed with diffuse large b-cell lymphoma at age 28. In this episode, Erika shares how she's encouraging caregivers to support other caregivers, what it means to TRULY experience your joy and laughter, and why remaining authentic through Dan's cancer journey was the MOST important thing for their family.

We're exploring:

• The #1 thing Erika asks caregivers to do to keep their humanness
• Why she's grateful for the people who helped her do things JUST for her
• The SHOCKING news Dan received from his oncologist (and what it meant for his treatment options)
• Different ways they created a sense of normalcy for their family during chemo
• Why Erika and Dan were ALWAYS intentional about their mindset during tough conversations
• Creative (and funny!) ways she created authentic joy and laughter during Dan's cancer journey
• A BIG milestone they recently celebrated—plus, why Dan ended up dressed in drag
• And so much more!

Connect with Erika Michalski:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consultantbarbie/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elmichalski

Washington Post article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soloish/wp/2015/10/27/wheres-your-costume-an-accidental-halloween-love-story/?postshare=6191446001548715

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Have you ever felt scared to try something new? I've been there, too! Whether it's a new hobby, exercise routine, or an invitation, finding opportunities to venture out of your comfort zone can not only be positive, but may even turn into something you LOVE! In this episode, I'm sharing about the (sometimes unexpected) ways I've benefited from trying something new, and then I'm switching gears to dive deeper into a term I've heard a lot lately—toxic positivity.

I'm exploring:

• How I took action on something new (and the surprises I learned along the way!)
• What toxic positivity looks like—and how to counterbalance it
• Why experiencing your emotions is NOT toxic positivity
• How to reframe and get support for negativity loops
• What it means to have toxic independence (and why this is a COMMON problem for caregivers and cancer survivors)
• And so much more!

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

The survivorship journey presents its own unique challenges—although your cancer treatments may be done, there are many mental and emotional health aspects of living through cancer that still need to be addressed. This is the speciality area of Trauma Alchemist Sue Bowe. She's passionate about helping people use their trauma as a catalyst for growth and positive changes to move forward with their lives. In this episode, Sue dives into the stigmas around addressing emotional health, her unique approach to healing trauma, and the POWER of transcending through the adversities you've experienced on your cancer journey.

We're exploring:

• How Sue works to peel back the layers of unconscious trauma
• The individuality of how people experience the same traumatic events
• Why standard coping mechanisms are not enough for the pandemic's mental health crisis
• Finding enjoyment in the "new normal" of living through a pandemic
• The importance of accepting your limitations and leaning into others for help
• Common and uncommon ways that we recognize trauma
• The lasting physical and emotional trauma of cancer treatments
• And so much more!

If you'd like to know more about Sue Bowe's approach to trauma (Trauma Alchemy), there's more info here:

https://suebowe.com/empowering-life-after-trauma/

https://suebowe.com/intentional-post-traumatic-growth/

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Have you ever thought about joining a cancer support group? Connecting with people who are going through similar experiences is so incredibly important for any cancer journey. Not only can you get advice and encouragement, but you can meet amazing people— like I did with my guest this week, thyroid and triple positive breast cancer survivor thriver Myra Perscky. In this episode, she's sharing her health and cancer journey, why she is her own #1 health advocate, and the MANY ways she has benefited from the positive connections in cancer support communities.

We're exploring:

• Why Myra started mammograms early
• What you might not know about the correlation between thyroid cancer and breast cancer
• Why you MUST find doctors you have COMPLETE faith in (this is so important!)
• Myra's choice to undergo a lumpectomy versus a mastectomy
• Our shared experiences with "scanxiety" (and what we think needs to change about the mammogram results process)
• The #1 type of exercise she recommends to get moving and restore your body
• And so much more!

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

No matter where you are in your life, it's never too late to find unconditional love. In this episode, author, speaker, and colorectal cancer survivor Larry Indiviglia is joining me to share his inspiring love story with his late girlfriend Gayle, which he captured in his book "126 Days, 11 Minutes: Our Love Story." Together through Gayle's battle with stage IV cancer, their two stories intertwined into a journey of finding love despite adversity, and living life on their own terms beyond the shadow of cancer.

We're exploring:

• What it meant for Larry and Gayle to take a chance on dating in their 60s
• How you can use guidance from alternative medicine practitioners in combination with Western medicine
• Larry's 2 MOST memorable moments with Gayle from his book
• The #1 thing to remember as a health advocate
• How they found comfort, support, and peace through hospice care
• And so much more!

Connect with Larry Indiviglia!

"126 Days, 11 Minutes: Our Love Story" by Larry Indiviglia: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KH7S7P1/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0

Website: https://indsightsforlifeinc.lpages.co/126-days-11-minutes-our-love-story/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lawrence.indiviglia

Twitter: https://twitter.com/larryindsight

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

Have you ever wondered if you can start a safe yet challenging exercise regimen on your cancer journey? The answer is YES, but, there is a lot to know and consider before you get started. In this episode, I'm sharing stories, personal experiences, and my BEST advice for safely exploring the edges of your exercise comfort zone, so you can create a sustainable routine for your new normal.

I'm exploring:

• What you NEED to tell your doctor before starting any exercise regimen
• How to create good days from your bad days (and learn from EVERY experience!)
• Why caregivers also need to prioritize their well-being
• The many AMAZING physical and mental benefits of yoga
• My TOP 4 tips to get moving safely at different challenge levels
• And so much more!

As a trainer and massage therapist, I can help you reach your mobility goals! Let's talk about it over a Coffee Chat: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat

2Unstoppable helps women with a cancer diagnosis get moving: https://2unstoppable.org

Man Up To Cancer inspires men to connect and avoid isolation: https://www.manuptocancer.com

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

More and more people with cancer are living (and thriving!) beyond treatment. How can healthcare providers better meet their needs in a post-treatment world? I'm diving into this question with triple-negative breast cancer survivor thriver and mom of two, Athena Scalise Waitt. In this episode, she's opening up about the ways she took control of her cancer & wellness journey, the unspoken side-effects of cancer treatments, and we'll dive into why there's still so much more to be done for survivorship care.

We're exploring:

• Why Athena believes an earlier stroke was connected to her breast cancer diagnosis
• What's different about treating triple-negative breast cancer (and what it meant for Athena)
• Her choice to have a bilateral mastectomy—and the silver lining of her "upgrade" a couple years later
• Chemo brain, libido, and other (NORMAL!) lasting impacts of cancer treatments that no one talks about
• What we think should be happening during post-treatment risk periods
• How practitioner bias is impeding survivorship care plans
• And so much more!

Learn more about or donate to the Barnett-Searing National Cancer Foundation (BSNCF): http://www.bsncf.org/

BSNCF 2nd Annual Virtual Walk/Run: http://www.bsncf.org/bsncf-events/a-virtual-walk-run-crushing-cancer-and-covid-19/

Follow me on Instagram to get the latest updates on the podcast: https://www.instagram.com/thejennifercochran/

Continue the conversation in my free private Facebook group, Surviving is JUST the Beginning: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SurvivingisJUSTtheBeginning/

Join me for a Coffee Chat here: https://fitnessdesignsolutions.as.me/CoffeeChat