Cancer Conversations

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 improving anxiety and aiding sleep during challenging times. 

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.

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. 

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 tools that help people adjust to their new normal while
acknowledging that grief is ongoing, and there will always be triggers to navigate.

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

 

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.

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. 

The importance of a support crew. Former elite cyclist Kate Wightman was diagnosed with three gynaecological cancers at 29 and, after discovering limited treatment options, chose to raise awareness and funds by taking on the Te Araroa trail. She shares how completing this challenge and navigating treatment was only possible thanks to the strength and support of her crew.

Thanks to Look Good Feel Better and Dry July. 

 

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. 

 

 

Aimee-Rose Yates 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. 

 

 

Trauma often follows a cancer diagnosis. It can shatter your sense of self and the way you experience the world, but it can also foster major growth by allowing you to decide how you want to live your life. Wellington-based counsellor Tommy Livingston talks 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. 

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.