Cancer Conversations

How to manage anxiety and sleeplessness – with crisis expert Lance Burdett

We are wired to worry, but you can work on worrying, or you can work on what’s worrying
you – says cancer survivor and crisis expert Lance Burdett. The former lead crisis negotiator
for New Zealand Police offers tips for dealing with anxiety and aiding sleep during
challenging times. He says only you can control your thoughts, and acknowledging
your fears rather than pushing them away is necessary, as they will always come back to
you. 

Warning: This episode discusses mental health, depression and suicide. Discretion is
advised. If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline: Call 0800
543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) or the Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508
TAUTOKO) If you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

Defining the ‘new you’ post-treatment – Hannah Cozens’ experience

Post-treatment doesn’t mean post-trauma and it can bring an unexpected range of emotions. Everyone in your world is ready for you to move on and be your old self, while you’re juggling fatigue, mourning the body you had and reconnecting with people as a person, not a patient. Cancer survivor Hannah Cozens shares her experience of navigating her new normal, and managing other people’s expectations while learning to live with the body she’s been left with, in this vulnerable account of life post-treatment.

 

Created for Look Good Feel Better by the C Word Radio with the support of Dry July. 

How to cope with cancer and grief – with grief coach Hannah Rae

Ultramarathon runner Hannah Rae was tough and resilient – until she lost her three wise
men, her support network, in quick succession. It showed her how important it was to have a
support team in challenging times and also forced her to re-evaluate life. That experience led
her to become a life coach specialising in grief and loss, and she shares with Cancer
Conversations some of the tools that help people adjust to their new normal while
acknowledging that grief is ongoing, there will always be triggers to navigate.

Made for Look Good Feel Better by the C Word Radio with the support of Dry July. 

 

An advocate in your corner with Rata Campbell

Supporting a loved one through cancer can be a journey of discovery—especially when it’s your child. In this episode, Helen King sits down with Rata Campbell, whose son was only two when he was diagnosed with leukemia. Rata shares her deeply personal story about navigating the complexities of childhood cancer, becoming her son’s strongest advocate, and learning to adjust to a new normal; and what prompted her to advocate for others during treatment.

Don't miss this inspiring and heartfelt conversation about resilience, love, and the power of advocating for others.

Created for Look Good Feel Better by The C Word Radio with support from Dry July NZ.

How to start the uncomfortable conversations – with Treza Gallogly

Talking about your final days is never easy, but it’s one of the most meaningful conversations we can have with our loved ones. In episode 4 of Cancer Conversations, End-Of-Life Doula Treza Gallogly joins host Helen King to explore why discussing your final days is just as important as having life insurance or a Will. Treza shares compassionate and practical tips on how to approach these difficult conversations, ensuring that your wishes are understood and respected when the time comes.

 

Made for Look Good Feel Better by the C Word Radio with the support of Dry July. 

Three cancers at 28: The importance of a support network with Kate Wightman

Kate Wightman was 29 when she was diagnosed with three types of gynecological cancers. After discovering the limited treatment options, the former elite road cyclist was determined to raise much-needed funds and awareness for gynecological cancers. 

In this episode, Kate joins Helen to share why she decided to tackle the Te Araroa trail to walk the length of New Zealand. 

Topics covered: 

The shock of a cancer diagnosis

Learning to accept help

The isolation of being a young cancer survivor

Walking the length of the country.

 

Thanks to Look Good Feel Better and Dry July. 

 

Reconnecting with your body with sexologist Morgan Penn

In this episode, Helen is joined by somatic sexologist Morgan Penn to answer all your burning questions about sex. 

Navigating sex and intimacy after a cancer diagnosis can be challenging and it's hard to figure out where to go for the right advice. Look no further! Morgan shares her wisdom to help you back on the path to pleasure. 

Topics covered:

How to find your libido again

Reconnecting with your body after trauma

Rebuilding a relationship with your body 

Alternatives to penetration.

Thanks to Look Good Feel Better and Dry July. 

 

 

More than my cancer: Aimee-Rose Yates

In this episode, host Helen King is joined by Aucklander Aimee-Rose Yates who was 28 when she learned she had incurable bowel cancer. With the knowledge that her life would be much shorter than she had planned for. Aimee-Rose is trying to enjoy every moment. And to do this, she has created a fuck it list.

Topics covered:

Living with incurable cancer

Young people and cancer

Enjoying the little things in life

Advice to our younger selves .

Thanks to Look Good Feel Better and Dry July. 

 

 

Post traumatic growth after cancer with Tommy Livingston

Trauma often follows a cancer diagnosis. It can shatter your sense of self and how you experience the world. 

It also has the ability to create major growth by allowing you to decide how you want to live your life. 

To talk about post-traumatic growth with Helen is Wellington-based counselor Tommy Livingston. They talk about what trauma is, why post-traumatic growth can be a powerful experience and ways you can start your healing process. 

 

Thanks to Look Good Feel Better and Dry July. 

The Feeling of Cancer with author Sandra Russell

In this episode, Helen is joined by psychotherapist and author of The Feeling of Cancer, Sandra Russell. 

Diagnosed with myeloma a decade ago, Sandra penned her book after she struggled to find accounts of cancer that were like her own. Sandra reflects on the shock, anger, loneliness, and isolation of a cancer diagnosis to the joy of connecting with other cancer patients. 

 And why it is important to feel cancer. 

Thanks to Dry July for supporting the podcast.