Life on Pause

In this candid bonus episode of Life on Pause, young adults share their personal experiences with body image during and after cancer treatment. Through heartfelt stories, they explore the challenges of rapid weight changes, self-perception, and the emotional impact of visible scars. As they recount experiences with weight loss, steroids, and the constant battle with self-image, they reveal how cancer affects not only health but also one's sense of identity. Join us as we discuss the nuances of body image issues, the struggles for control, and the societal pressures that survivors often face in remission.

In this bonus episode of Life on Pause, young adult cancer survivors open up about the powerful sensory triggers that bring back memories of their cancer treatment. From the sharp scent of hand sanitizer to the saline flushes that evoke a distinct taste, these triggers linger long after treatment. Hosted by Corene Parrish, the conversation delves into how specific smells, sounds, and tastes impact each person’s experience and recovery journey. Tune in to hear how these sensory memories shape their lives and learn why something as simple as a scent can be so evocative for those touched by cancer.

In this heartfelt episode of Life on Pause, Corene Parrish and a group of young adult cancer survivors gather to explore the complex relationship between food and cancer. Reflecting on life before, during, and after treatment, they discuss the surprising ways cancer impacted their cravings, taste preferences, and emotional connections with food. From cravings for indulgent foods to the bittersweet memories linked to specific dishes, the group shares personal stories, struggles with food aversions, and the comfort they found in certain meals. They also discuss the challenges of dietary restrictions during treatment and the importance of savoring life’s flavors post-cancer. Whether you’re a survivor or someone looking to understand the cancer journey better, join us for a conversation that’s equal parts sweet, salty, and empowering.

Surviving cancer is only the beginning of the journey. In this episode of Life on Pause, Nathan Smelser, Corene Parrish, and Sammy Szurkowski dive into the emotional and practical challenges of navigating life after cancer. From the overwhelming amount of medical information shared during survivorship clinics to the long-term side effects that surface years later, they reflect on the ups and downs of post-cancer care. Whether it's about learning to manage lingering health risks or finding support in unexpected places, this episode highlights the importance of survivorship programs and shared experiences. Join us for an honest conversation about what it means to be responsible for your own care long after the battle with cancer is over.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!0:00 - Survivorship Clinic: First Impressions0:35 - Understanding Long-Term Side Effects1:19 - Emotional Transition Post-Cancer2:04 - The Value of Survivorship Resources--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Navigating a cancer diagnosis as a teenager is challenging, but the support of friends can make a world of difference. In this episode of Life on Pause, we hear personal stories from Corene Parrish, Nathan Smelsar, and Sammy Szurkowski, who share how their friend groups responded during their cancer journeys. From high school drama to unwavering support, they reflect on the powerful role that community played in their lives. Tune in to hear about moments of strength, friendship, and resilience, as well as the challenges of coping with illness at a young age.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!0:00 - How Friends Supported Me Through Cancer1:45 - Dealing with High School Drama During Treatment3:00 - Hospital Stays and Finding Comfort in Small Things4:24 - Losing a Friend to Cancer Before My Diagnosis5:29 - Community and Friends Rallying Around Me7:03 - Fundraisers and Overwhelming Support--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Returning to school after a cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming challenge, filled with unique hurdles and unexpected moments. In this episode of Life On Pause, young adult cancer survivors Sammy, Nathan, and Corene share their personal stories of navigating the educational landscape during and after their treatments. From missed school days to balancing social lives, these survivors open up about the emotional and physical obstacles they faced, and how cancer shaped their academic paths. Tune in to hear their candid reflections on dealing with teachers, peers, and the unexpected lessons that come with a life-changing diagnosis. Whether you're a student, educator, or cancer survivor, this episode offers heartfelt insights into the realities of balancing school and survivorship.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!00:00 - Introduction: Cancer and School Challenges01:16 - Diagnosed with Cancer in High School and College06:11 - Telling Friends and Teachers About Cancer15:06 - Navigating College During Cancer Treatment17:45 - Career and Life Changes After Cancer31:41 - Emotional and Physical Challenges After Cancer52:53 - Changed Perspectives After Surviving Cancer--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this compelling episode of "Life on Pause," host Jill Robertson sits down with Joe Apgar, a cancer survivor and CEO of Pelotonia, to explore the deeply personal journey of family planning after a cancer diagnosis. Joe shares his and his wife’s decision to pursue adoption following his battle with testicular cancer and the challenges they faced along the way. From discussing the emotional complexities of adoption to the importance of open communication with birth parents, Joe offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating the delicate balance of building a family after a life-altering health experience. Whether you're considering adoption or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is a powerful testament to resilience, love, and the many ways families are created.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!0:00 - Introduction to Joe Apgar2:03 - Joe’s Journey to Fatherhood 5:13 - Choosing Adoption 9:59 - Adoption Process: Challenges and Insights 14:34 - Navigating the Adoption Paperwork 17:24 - Financial Considerations and Support 22:43 - Building Relationships Through Open Adoption 26:06 - Parenting After Cancer_________________________________________________________________#cancerandfertility #adoptionaftercancer #adoptionresourcesforcancersurvivors

In this poignant episode of Life on Pause, hosts Corene Parrish and Jill Robertson dive into the complex and emotional journey of navigating infertility, especially in the wake of a cancer diagnosis. Corene shares her personal experiences as both a cancer survivor and someone facing infertility, reflecting on how these challenges have shaped her perspectives on parenthood and life. The conversation touches on the biological drive to become a parent, the impact of early life experiences on future parenting, and the delicate balance of nature versus nurture. They also explore how life-altering experiences like cancer can influence one's approach to raising children, whether through biological means, adoption, or simply nurturing the lives of others in meaningful ways.Tune in to hear a candid discussion that offers comfort, insight, and hope to anyone grappling with infertility or the aftermath of a serious illness. Whether you’re a cancer survivor, dealing with infertility, or simply interested in understanding these sensitive issues, this episode provides valuable perspectives and a sense of community.Watch now and don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this video to help others who may benefit from this conversation.0:00 - Discussing Infertility and Cancer1:20 - Corene's Childhood Dreams of Motherhood2:16 - Impact of Infertility on the Desire to Parent3:30 - Nature vs. Nurture in Parenting4:28 - Cancer's Influence on Parenting Philosophy6:02 - The Unpredictable Journey of Parenthood7:27 - Reflections on Life Beyond Parenthood______________________________________________________________#cancerandfertility #cancerreoveryandfertility #Cancerpatientfertilityadvice

In this heartfelt episode of Life on Pause, Corene Parrish shares her personal journey of managing life after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 16. Join Corene and Jill Robertson as they discuss the emotional challenges of dealing with cancer, infertility, and the struggle to maintain control in the face of overwhelming circumstances. Corene offers deep insights into how her experiences have shaped her self-perception, the importance of self-compassion, and the ways she finds strength through her support system, music, and fitness. This episode is a must-watch for anyone facing similar challenges or seeking inspiration on how to cope with life’s unexpected hurdles.0:00 - Corene’s Cancer Diagnosis and Webinar Recap1:11 - Impact of Cancer on Self-Identity2:03 - Struggles with Control and Infertility3:28 - Support Systems and Coping Mechanisms5:04 - Body Image and Exercise Post-Diagnosis_________________________________________________________________#fertilityaftercancertreatment #livingwithcancer #cancerandfertility

In this episode of "Life on Pause," host Jill Robertson sits down with Dr. Stephanie Estes, a fertility specialist at Penn State Health, to explore the complex intersection of cancer treatment and fertility preservation. Building on the recent webinar "Cancer and Blood Disorders: When Disease Treatment Pushes Fertility and Family Planning Decisions to the Forefront in Adolescents and Young Adults," this discussion provides valuable information for those facing infertility due to cancer or other blood disorders.Dr. Estes explains the options available for both males and females, covering sperm and egg freezing, genetic testing, and innovative procedures like ovarian tissue preservation. Whether you are a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this conversation sheds light on the importance of early fertility discussions and the options available to ensure future family planning possibilities.Don't forget to subscribe to "Life on Pause" for more episodes that address the unique challenges faced by adolescents and young adults dealing with serious health conditions.0:00 - Introduction and Webinar Overview0:53 - Fertility Preservation Options Explained4:58 - Sperm and Egg Freezing Processes9:28 - Genetic Testing and Sickle Cell Considerations13:35 - Post-Cancer Fertility and Insurance Coverage18:23 - Advances in Fertility Medicine and Future Options20:01 - Final Thoughts and Advocacy Tips_______________________________________________________________#cancerandfertility #fertilitypreservation #optionsforfertilityaftercancer

In this inspiring episode of Life On Pause, join host Emma G as she celebrates the resilience and triumphs of young cancer survivors at the Four Diamond Graduation Party. Hear from Tucker Haas, a four-time cancer survivor turned motivational speaker; Juval Green, a high school student and aspiring college athlete; and Carmen Guzman, a recent Penn State graduate and childhood cancer survivor. Each guest shares their unique journey of overcoming medical trauma, navigating educational challenges, and finding purpose beyond their cancer diagnoses. Discover the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the strength found in self-belief as these remarkable individuals reflect on their past and envision their future.

People experience many impactful lessons throughout young adulthood. Although a cancer diagnosis can change a young adult's life trajectory, it also provides learning opportunities and influential experiences. These lessons learned throughout a young adult's cancer experience can contribute to shaping their life journey and forming the person they become. Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. In this episode, our speakers discuss the lessons learned from their cancer experience and their experiences as members of the Life on Pause community. Together, they share their thoughts and memories about the lessons learned from having cancer and the lessons they continue to learn today. Lessons Learned from Life On Pause (0:08)On this episode of Life On Pause, our hosts and guest speakers share their thoughts regarding lessons learned from participating in the podcast and experiencing the cancer journey as a whole. The show begins with an email written by recurring guest Taylor sharing her experience with the podcast, followed by the episode’s present speakers introducing themselves and weighing in with their thoughts about how the series has impacted them.First lessons from a cancer diagnosis (10:08)The cancer journey begins with a diagnosis, followed by many different experiences of cancer treatments, symptoms, and other health events. From coping with humor to expecting the unexpected, today's guest speakers share the first lessons they learned as their cancer stories began and how they carried it with them throughout their treatment and until now.Learning, Kicking, and Screaming (16:35)The next theme of the episode surrounds the cancer lessons our guests learned while kicking and screaming. Today's speakers share the tough lessons that made them miserable -- but were a necessary or unavoidable part of their cancer journeys. Listen as they describe experiences that taught them appreciation, humility, and patience during difficult hours.Constant Journeys and Lessons (19:04)Even when treatment is over, cancer can continue to teach lessons. Today's speakers share the cancer lessons that they are still learning today. Together they share some of their own stories about the lessons learned and relearned regarding themes like accepting things they cannot change, relinquishing control, and pondering the universal meaning of life.The Social Strangeness of Cancer (26:04)Cancer becomes a regular part of life for those who experience it. But for others, the topic of cancer can still be a touchy one. Throughout both childhood and adulthood, conversations about cancer still carry heaviness and can be challenging to handle. The episode's speakers share their thoughts on the social awkwardness surrounding the subject of cancer and how they navigate conversations and interactions where cancer is discussed. The Life On Pause Community (34:03)Life On Pause started as a project to help young adults with cancer interact, share their stories, and form impactful memories. Although the podcast's speakers came together throughout different stages of their cancer journeys, the show became a helpful resource to those experiencing cancer and everything that comes with it. The show concludes with guests sharing their appreciation for the Life On Pause hosts as well as the podcast's community as a whole.

Experiencing a serious health event, like a cancer diagnosis, can change a person's priorities, decisions, and overall life path. Young adults with cancer experience different obstacles as they undergo uncontrollable life changes due to their diagnosis and treatment. So how can young adults continue to move forward with cancer influencing their decisions and life trajectory?Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. In this episode, our speakers discuss the forced realities and changes that come with cancer. Together, they speak on their encounters dealing with the inevitable aspects of their cancer experiences and how those factors continue to influence them today. Listen in to hear these young adults share stories about living and coping with the parts of the cancer journey that were beyond their control.The forced realities of cancer treatment (0:08) When people are diagnosed with cancer, their lives can change significantly. Suddenly health becomes your top priority above all else, and you must live your life around the purpose of getting better. This episode of Life on Pause begins with a discussion of the forced realities that cancer patients must accept when in treatment. The special guests introduce themselves and share their experiences with the forced realities of cancer treatment and the things they have lost control over due to their cancer diagnosis.Advice vs. Choice (9:42)Young adulthood can be an exciting time for people to venture out into the world and take the reins of life into their own hands. But, of course, this can mean choosing not to listen to or follow guidance from authority figures. Within this segment of the show, our speakers share their examples and insight on how this applies to their lives as young adults with cancer. Privacy and treatment (14:47)Cancer can bring many changes to people's physical appearance that are hard to ignore. While some friends and relatives may wish to ask about these health changes out of concern, it can feel like a loss of privacy for cancer treatment patients. Handling unsolicited comments and questions about personal health matters can be uncomfortable, but for our guest speakers, it is just another part of life brought on by their diagnosis. Listen as they share their thoughts on how the loss of privacy is a new forced feature of their lives throughout their cancer journey.Feeling obligated to share your story (24:57)Experiencing a significant health event can attract attention and curiosity from others. But with health being such a personal subject, questions and discussions surrounding a cancer diagnosis can feel uncomfortable and disrespectful to the patient's privacy. Guest speakers discuss their experiences with the societal pressures of feeling obligated to be open about their experiences. They also discuss how they navigate tough subjects and honesty when speaking about their health to others and the responsibility of "putting on a brave face" for other people's comfort.How Cancer Experience Shapes Decisions (32:43)When experiencing cancer treatments, patients dedicate their focus and actions toward their health recovery. But after the treatments end, how do patients move forward when their health is no longer in critical condition? When the fear for their health no longer dictates their decisions, young adults with cancer must relearn how to function and make choices for their personal life progression. Our speakers discuss how the choices that they made during and after treatment were influenced by their cancer diagnosis. They also discuss how their cancer experience has shaped the choices that they make now and how they push themselves to make choices and pursue the right path for their well-being.Working With the Nervous System...

Everyone has fears that develop and change throughout their life. However, significant health events like a cancer diagnosis can simultaneously alter many aspects of life as they reveal a new set of potential outcomes - and concerns. So how do young people impacted by cancer cope with the fears brought on by their diagnosis?Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. In this episode, our speakers explore the fears experienced by young adults with cancer. Together, they cover how their fears have transformed due to their cancer and reflect on the differences in their concerns before, during, and after treatment. Listen as these young adults open up about the feelings of struggle and triumph brought on by their health journeys and the emotional experience of living with cancer.How Do We Rationalize Our Fears? (00:30)This episode begins with host Corrine discussing fear and its purpose as a defense mechanism to protect us from danger. Our speakers share how they rationalize their fears as young adults with cancer. Listen as speakers introduce themselves and share their personal stories regarding the concern they have experienced throughout their diagnosis.Fears Then and Now (4:15)The time before and after experiencing a cancer diagnosis can feel like two separate lives, as cancer changes people's lives to reveal new circumstances, anxieties, and fears. Corrine and the guest speakers discuss their most significant concerns before their diagnoses and what they think about these fears as they look back on them today.Facing Fears After Diagnosis (11:13)A cancer diagnosis can conjure fears of the unknown as new patients consider the long and risky health journeys ahead. Our podcast speakers discuss the thoughts that came to mind when they first received their cancer diagnosis and how they coped with the fears surrounding this significant life event.Fears Moving Forward (21:08)After discussing the fears that our speakers experienced before and during their cancer diagnosis, they now look toward the future. Corrine and the speakers discuss what they fear now moving forward, including future failure, how cancer has impacted their lives, cancer relapses, and other concerns.Courage Through Cancer (36:35)Susan David said, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but fear walking.” To be able to progress, people must be brave and continue moving forward regardless of their fears. Our podcast guests discuss how their fear has given them courage and how they persist through their fears to continue living their lives one day at a time.

Those impacted by cancer gain strength and resiliency from their experiences, which carry them from year to year and remain present throughout their lifetimes. As we enter a new year, reflecting on the past can help us recognize and appreciate the lessons that will stick with us and guide us in the future.Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. In this end-of-the-year podcast episode, our speakers welcome 2023 by taking a look back on 2023. Part of knowing where you are going is knowing where you are coming from, so listen as our guest speakers share the impactful and transformative experiences from their past years. Thank you for tuning into our last podcast of the year, and we look forward to you joining us as we release new episodes in 2023.Introductions and Reflections (0:26)Our host Corene kicks off this episode by asking the guest speakers about the most significant lesson they learned in 2022. Guests Taylor, Kasara, Corene, Tony, and Hailey each reflect on their experiences over the previous year regarding their health, growing up, life with cancer, and the wisdom they gained along the way.A Message in Hindsight (5:07)While the new year brings promises of change and transformation, for young adults with cancer, their health journey will always remain a present theme throughout their lives. Corene asks guests to describe the one thing they would choose to tell themselves at the beginning of their cancer experiences. From words of reassurance to advice and encouragement, our speakers discuss the messages they would give their past selves, knowing all they know now. 2022 Highs and Lows (8:59)Throughout the course of a year, everyone has their hits and misses. This is a part of life, and the positive and negative experiences we face help us grow along the way. Our guest speakers discuss their own highs and lows from 2022, sharing transformative stories surrounding cancer journeys, moments of realization, and personal life experiences.Resolutions and Goals for 2023 (16:16)Looking toward the future can allow us to form positive resolutions and changes to strive for. Our guests discuss what they expect of their upcoming years and the things they hope to improve on and accomplish going forward. Additionally, they discuss life milestones, the personal pressures and fears that come with aging, and the misconceptions surrounding entering your thirties.Not Forgotten (21:26)For young adults with cancer, the ever-present aspect of their diagnosis eventually becomes a normalized part of their life. Corene discusses how cancer has become such a consistent theme in her life that she sometimes forgets she has it, whereas other times, it is at the forefront of her mind. She and the guest speakers discuss the experiences and lessons they will never forget regarding their cancer journeys.Lifelong Mantras (36:09)Regardless of how someone is impacted by cancer or how they live their lives, everyone has their own guiding principles that help them navigate through life. To wrap up the episode, Corene and the guests share their personal mantras that they say year after year. Our speakers provide their impactful sayings and beliefs that have been influential within their lives.

As a part of life, people often face new situations that take them out of their comfort zones. A unique experience like traveling to a foreign country can be exciting, but unfamiliar circumstances can also cause significant unease, especially when they are due to health complications. And while a first-time cancer diagnosis may feel like uncharted territory, experiencing cancer treatments in an unfamiliar country can bring on even more challenges. Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. In this episode, guest speaker Cecilia Kanga shares her experience receiving treatment for her cancer diagnosis in the United States and how she maintains positivity far away from her home in Zambia. As a traveler with a love of new experiences, Cecilia explains how her mindset and background have affected how she is experiencing her cancer journey in an unfamiliar land.Introducing Cecilia (0:30)The podcast begins with host Casey introducing the episode’s special guest speaker, Cecilia Kanga, who shares a bit of information about her background, her love of traveling, and her diagnosis. Cecilia is originally from Zambia, and since receiving her cancer diagnosis last year, she has experienced various challenges with her health and undergoing treatments in a new environment.The Challenge of Change (3:52)Battling cancer is already extremely challenging. But for Cecilia, being in a different country and experiencing her treatment in an entirely new environment added a new level of difficulty to her cancer journey. Cecilia describes the challenges of her treatment situation, like communication, and how that transpired with her care professionals.The Hardest Challenges (5:54)Cecilia cites that the most difficult part about her cancer journey was accepting her health condition. Being in a foreign land away from her loved ones and lacking control and knowledge about her diagnosis made it hard for her to wrap her mind around it. Her cancer also caused physical setbacks, as she experienced bodily changes and fatigue from chemo. Cecilia explains how she worked through these issues by gaining knowledge and receiving help from her community.Seeking Treatment in a Faraway Land (11:14)Cecilia has been receiving treatment for her cancer within the United States which, to her, is a foreign territory. While learning the terms and details behind a cancer diagnosis can feel like learning a new language altogether, Cecilia had to experience life as a patient far from her home. Being an avid traveler, she explains how she received treatment in the U.S. and how her family came together to support her throughout her health battle.Hope and Motivation Through Cancer (18:39)Cancer comes with challenges, both physical and mental. For Cecilia, hope and faith helped motivate and inspire her throughout her treatment and health difficulties. She describes how connections with other patients within the cancer community and her religion enabled her to gain perspective and feel supported throughout the physical changes and mental obstacles.Comfort Foods (23:14)Medication, treatments, and physical changes can all affect how a cancer patient feels. But seeking out comfort foods and other small pleasures can help patients experience positivity throughout their days in treatment. Cecilia describes the comfort foods she enjoys from home and how she has been adjusting to their absence during her time in America.Losing Count (26:27)Going through treatment for cancer can mean spending some time admitted to hospitals and other times doing outpatient treatments. Cecilia tells listeners how her chemotherapy programs and treatment plans change based on how she feels. She explains the difficulties of scheduling and...

Society generally expects people to maintain behaviors and attitudes considered "appropriate" for the situations they face. But when a person is experiencing cancer, acting according to other people's expectations can be incredibly detrimental to their mental health. Toxic positivity is the belief that people should maintain a positive mindset across all situations and that, regardless of a situation's difficulty, people are expected to dismiss their negative emotions brought on by their distress. This belief is often pushed upon people experiencing difficult health journeys like cancer. However, toxic positivity is a belief that causes more harm than good.Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. In this episode, guest speakers share their experiences with cancer and how they handled the expectations that others had of them due to their diagnosis. Additionally, they discuss how others reacted to their condition and the effects of grief tourism and society's glamorization of cancer. Young adults with cancer can undergo transformative experiences throughout their health journeys, and this episode dives into how these situations can have a lasting impact on their lives.Introducing Chelsea (0:30)Our host Corene starts the episode with an introduction for a special guest speaker, Chelsea Gomez. Chelsea is a two-time Hodgkin's lymphoma survivor, crazy, talented artist, and founder of #OhYoureSoTough. She hosts a youtube channel where she discusses her cancer experience and her Etsy shop where she creates gifts for cancer patients. She has also authored two books, "Cancer is an A*Hole" and "Stickers On A Bald Head." How Do You Deal with Toxic Positivity? (1:56)There cannot be light without dark, and negative emotions are necessary for people to experience positive emotions. Cancer survivors know this well, as they have had to deal with the ups and downs of their diagnosis. However, some people like to push the unhealthy idea of toxic positivity and insist that people maintain a positive mindset while rejecting negative emotions. Today's speakers discuss their encounters with toxic positivity and how they have dealt with people who push this inauthentic optimism.What Do You Say? (10:11)It can be challenging to navigate relationships when diagnosed with cancer. Many people don't know what to say when faced with the reality of knowing someone with this diagnosis. Our guests discuss how their experiences with other people changed as a result of their cancer. Additionally, they discuss the difficulty and emotional exhaustion that comes with sharing their authentic selves with others while they are experiencing cancer.Handling People and Personal Growth (18:55)Young adults with cancer carry a heavy burden, and many others their age fail to comprehend the concept of experiencing such a life-altering diagnosis. As such, dealing with others can come with unique challenges for people impacted by cancer. Our speakers discussed times when they noticed their differences in perspective compared to their peers and how cancer led to their personal changes and growth.Putting on a Facade and the Grief Timeline (28:30)Toxic positivity can be viewed as putting on a facade to lead others into believing you are happy. This show of happiness is especially expected in cancer survivors. But even after someone is in remission, they can still be experiencing grief and other negative emotions brought on by their cancer journey. From near-death experiences to traumatic formative years, our guests share how their cancer effects have had long-lasting impacts on their lives and outlooks.Therapy and Advice (33:50)Therapy and other helpful resources can provide support for young adults undergoing cancer. But while organizations...

Life constantly presents people with new scenarios that can be challenging, causing them to seek the security of their comfort zones. Young adults who experience cancer often face significant challenges regarding their treatments and health. Yet, it is common for people to find solace in the things that bring them comfort through difficult times. So how should young adults impacted by cancer manage their desires to seek safety in their comfort zones and still remain open to the challenges of taking on new experiences?Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. In this episode, guest speakers talk about their experiences at their annual retreat for young adult cancer survivors at Gretna Glen. Throughout the retreat, participants experienced activities that made them look inward at how they approach the world and how their cancer experience has affected their willingness to take on new challenges. Speakers discuss the theme of comforts vs. challenges and share their thoughts on the lessons they learned from the retreat and throughout their lives.Comfort vs. Challenge (0:30)  The episode begins with each speaker introducing themselves and discussing their preferred settings on the continuum from comfort to challenge. Each speaker shares their own comfort zones and challenges and how these themes show up in their lives.Bringing Comfort and Grounding (4:38)Cancer treatment can be a challenging and emotional experience, and it is essential to find things in life to bring peace during this time. Next, speakers discuss what they consider to be things that bring them comfort and ground them within their lives.Silence of Meditation (8:59)The Gretna Glen retreat involves various activities for young adults impacted by cancer to pull them from their comfort zones and enable them to take on new experiences. One of these activities was meditation, but for some, being silent in your thoughts can be an uncomfortable experience. Our speakers share their thoughts on the discomfort of silence and being in your own head.Dragons in Uncharted Territory (15:27)In folklore, dragons are a threat often found in uncharted territory. Our speakers talk about the “dragons” they have come face to face with recently and have had to tackle and conquer. This includes tough challenges and obstacles relating to their cancer and other factors in their personal lives.Getting Yourself Safe (21:39)While stepping out of your comfort zone can allow you to expand your abilities and experience new situations, our minds and bodies sometimes tell us to seek safety instead. The speakers share their personal experiences of times when they extended themselves grace and allowed themselves to enjoy the safety of their comforts rather than take on new challenges.  Moving Forward (23:23)The retreat provided many eye-opening experiences for our speakers who participated regarding fears of what-ifs, comfort zones, and themselves. In concluding this podcast episode, they discuss the lessons they learned during their time at Gretna Glen and how they plan to carry this knowledge forward and apply it to their lives.

As if dating as a young adult wasn’t complicated enough, cancer survivors must navigate additional circumstances surrounding their past and current health. Unfortunately, this can make several aspects of the dating process tricky, like disclosing your past diagnosis to potential partners, determining the qualities you look for in a partner, and overcoming anxieties involved with dating as a survivor. As a young person who has experienced cancer, what is the best way to navigate the dating world?Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. In this episode, guest speakers talk about their experiences dating after experiencing cancer. They share their perspectives and personal stories about dating as cancer survivors and discuss topics like seeking romantic partners and entering new relationships. Finally, they provide their dating advice to young adults who have had cancer to help them approach this important area of life.Introducing Our Speakers (0:31)Today on Life on Pause, we are joined by cancer survivors Corene, Bradley, Valarie, Diana, and Elizabeth. To begin the episode, each speaker introduces themselves and shares a bit about their lives and where they are in their cancer journey.Disclosing Your Diagnosis (2:22)Dating new people means opening up your life to them, which includes your past. For cancer survivors, it can be challenging to determine the best way to inform new or potential partners about your previous experience with a cancer diagnosis and cancer treatments. Our guests share their own stories and advice about disclosing this sensitive subject.Selectiveness in Partners (4:44)As Elizabeth speaks about her experiences with sharing her cancer diagnosis with potential partners, she introduces the idea of selectiveness in dating. She and the other speakers talk about how they determine whether a partner is worthy of pursuing a relationship for the long haul, considering the circumstances surrounding their health.Concerns with Post-Cancer Dating (11:20)Our speakers discuss their personal concerns with dating post-cancer, like poor self-confidence due to hair loss from cancer, the stress of creating dating profiles, pressure on specific age groups to find partners, and the fear of dating with cancer if they experience a relapse. Does Cancer Change the Qualities You Look for in Partners? (17:55)Experiencing cancer can change your perspectives on relationships and life in general. As a result, some cancer survivors have found that they seek out new qualities in their potential partners than they did before. Our guests discuss this idea and share their experiences in finding partners post-cancer and the qualities they look for in a partner.Dating Advice for Young Cancer Survivors (25:31)Speakers bring their perspectives to the table to share with listeners their own advice for dating as cancer survivors. They also discuss the things they try to remind themselves of when they experience difficult days to brighten their spirits.

For those who have not gone through cancer treatments before, many aspects of experience may be unknown. This can mean that new cancer patients feel surprised and caught off guard by the processes and side effects of various cancer treatments, especially in the case of radiation therapy. So what should new radiation therapy patients be aware of to prepare them for their treatment?Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. In this episode, guest speakers talk about their experiences with radiation therapy to treat their cancer. Together our speakers reveal the less-commonly-discussed aspects and effects of what it is like to undergo radiation therapy for cancer and share their personal stories regarding their treatments. Listen in to hear first-hand experiences regarding the radiation therapy process for cancer, so new patients can learn what to expect from their treatments.Listen to our guest speakers discuss the cancer treatment experience for patients going through radiation therapy:Introducing Our Speakers (00:30)We begin today’s podcast by letting the guest speakers introduce themselves and share a bit about their experiences with cancer and radiation treatments. Unknown Aspects of the Radiation Experience (3:19)Going into radiation therapy for the first time can be scary and nerve-wracking and may involve unexpected experiences and previously unknown aspects. The podcast guests describe some of the aspects of radiation treatments that intimidated them when they began their treatments and break down some of the physical effects and medical processes that they underwent as a part of their radiation and following their treatments.Symptoms From Radiation (9:18)People can have various symptoms from radiation treatments, including food sensitivity, hair loss, and even experiencing particular smells. The speakers in this part of the episode discuss the unique symptoms that they went through as a result of their radiation and describe the things they did to cope.Taking Preventative Measures (14:56)While radiation cancer treatments can be uncomfortable for patients, our speakers share tips and tricks for taking preventative measures to help them avoid the unfortunate effects of radiation. This includes physical protective actions and suggestions for keeping spirits high.“Sleeping” Tumors and Radiation Cancer Timelines (16:57)Treatments during and after radiation are individualized for the patient’s particular needs, with some radiation cancer treatments spanning more extended periods than others and affecting patients of different ages. Listen as our speakers discuss their timelines for their cancer treatments.Anxiety and After Effects (23:58)Even after radiation treatments have ended, it is normal for patients to experience some physical and psychological after-effects. Our speakers share their own stories about their radiation-induced effects, including pulmonary fibrosis, hypothyroidism, occasional short-term memory loss, anxiety, and more.Memory Triggers (29:05)Sometimes a particular sound, scent, or taste can bring us back to a time in our life when those triggers were present. Our speakers share the reminders they experience in their daily lives that remind them of their time undergoing radiation therapy, like the music they listened to, the smells they experienced, and the tastes they frequented throughout their treatments.What I Wish I Knew (32:12)To conclude today’s episode, our podcast guest speakers provide listeners with suggestions and final thoughts. They share what they want listeners to know about the cancer radiation experience and what they wished they knew before their own...