In this episode, host Sam Taylor and parent Nicole talk about all the unknowns that come up when your child is diagnosed with a rare cancer that doesn’t respond to all the traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. When Nicole’s son Hayden was 12 years old, he had a bad fall while snowboarding and complained of serious pain in his side that brought them to the hospital. After tests and ultrasounds, Nicole was told that Hayden’s fall had ruptured a15 centimetre tumor on his kidney, diagnosing him with a rare type of cancer called Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma, typically only found in men over the age of 50. Treatment for Hayden’s cancer was surgery to remove the tumor, and 3 month follow up scans to check for recurrence.

Nicole and Sam talk about Hayden’s rare diagnosis, and how difficult it is to resume a “normal” life when the lingering fear of Hayden’s cancer returning is always present. With no other treatments to try to eradicate his cancer, Nicole talks about how she moves forward with so many unknowns. Sam and Nicole also talk about Hayden’s age, and how he is old enough to understand his cancer and have a lot of questions about it, in particular, asking if he is going to die. This conversation is so important for families who also have rare diagnoses, non traditional treatments and families whose kids are old enough to experience all the unknowns alongside their parents.

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Julie Middleton, founder of Zippaport, shares her journey of her daughter's leukemia diagnosis and how it led to the creation of Zippaport, a charity that provides zippered shirts for kids port access. Our chat covers topics such as the challenges of treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of Zippaport on families, and the process of ordering and receiving shirts. Julie also opens up about her own experience as a cancer mom and emphasizes the importance of community and giving back, and how it can be a healing process for parents. Julie also talks about the challenges of hair loss during treatment and the feelings of shame and embarrassment it can bring. She shares her own experience and the impact it had on her daughter. Finally, Julie discusses her daughter's relapse and the roller coaster of emotions that come with it, as well as the importance of self-care and taking time for oneself during treatment.

You can learn more about Julie and her incredible work, and order a shirt, at zippaport.ca

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In this conversation, Sam and Dr. Mike Lang explore the profound impact of caregiving storytelling. Mike shares his personal journey from being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma when he was 25, emphasizing the importance of caregiver support and the need for connection among those affected by cancer. They discuss the challenges of identity during treatment, the significance of agency in caregiving, and the transformative power of adventure therapy. Mike emphasizes the value of caregiver storytelling as a means to bridge the gap, allowing caregivers to process their experiences and share wisdom with others. The discussion also highlights his award winning video series 'Caregivers in the Wild,' which aims to support caregivers through shared experiences and storytelling. Ultimately, the conversation underscores the significance of finding hope and connection in the caregiving journey. In this conversation, Sam and Dr Mike Lang delve into the profound themes of caregiving, storytelling, and the elusive nature of balance. They explore how shared experiences can create a safe space for caregivers to express their feelings and insights. The discussion highlights the importance of storytelling in processing experiences and the need for community support among caregivers. They also touch on future projects aimed at enhancing digital storytelling and the significance of hearing others' stories during challenging times.

mikelangstories.com

Caregivers In the Wild

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