In this candid conversation, we dive deep into the cancer journey of Sjaan, a mother and farmer diagnosed with stage 2b cervical cancer at age 33. Sjaan shares her emotional rollercoaster, from the initial shock of diagnosis to navigating treatment and recovery. Her story highlights the unique aspects of cancer grief, including the fear of leaving her family behind and the physical changes to her body.

Note: This episode was recorded during an Instagram Live session, so there are slight audio disruptions. Thanks for your patience, and I hope you find the conversation valuable despite these minor technical issues.

Sjaan discusses the importance of community support and how it helped her cope with the challenges of cancer treatment. She emphasizes the need for open communication and vulnerability, encouraging others facing similar situations to reach out for help. The conversation touches on various tools for dealing with grief, including the “visitor” analogy for managing difficult emotions.

The interview explores Sjaan’s mental health journey throughout her cancer experience and how it has shaped her outlook on life. She shares valuable insights on how to deal with grief, including the importance of allowing oneself to feel emotions fully while also knowing when to “kick out” negative thoughts. Sjaan's story serves as an inspiring example of resilience and the power of a positive mindset in the face of adversity.

Highlights of this episode include:

• Sjaan's diagnosis of cervical cancer during the COVID-19 lockdown
• The emotional impact of cancer on both her and her loved ones
• The importance of community support and practical help during treatment
• Strategies for coping with grief and difficult emotions
• Dealing with physical changes and limitations post-treatment
• Sjaan's amazing advocacy work for gynecological cancer awareness

Our conversation also touches on the concept of vicarious grief, as Sjaan describes her concern for how her potential death would affect her family. This unique perspective offers listeners insight into the complex emotional landscape of a cancer diagnosis.

Throughout the interview, Sjaan emphasizes the importance of knowing one's body and being proactive about health concerns. She advocates for increased awareness and funding for gynecological cancers, drawing parallels to the success of breast cancer awareness campaigns.

The episode concludes with Sjaan sharing her current passion project: hosting an annual Daffodil Day fundraiser for gynecological cancer awareness. This initiative not only raises funds but also serves as a platform for education and community building around women's health issues.

Our hope is that you will come away from this episode with a deeper understanding of the cancer grief experience and practical tools for dealing with grief in your own life. Sjaan's story serves as both a source of inspiration and a call to action for increased support and awareness of gynecological cancers.

Links

Talk Peach Gynaecological Cancer Foundation

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