Ep7: How to talk about Cancer

Found yourself not knowing what to say when someone has cancer? Us too! Is silence golden? Don’t wanna upset the vibe? Just come out and say what we think and feel? Should we check in again, or is that hounding? It can feel like a minefield. Now that Glynn is a man on the inside, he shares with us how he talks with others with cancer, and how he would like others to talk with him. It may not be simple, but it’s often simpler than we all think.

We hear Glynn’s proprietary formula for how we can show care for others and initiate conversations with those with cancer, when we are worried about upsetting them and want to respect their space. We look at how it feels to be on both sides of cancer conversations - the caring support person, and the cancer guy - and what we are both worried about (News flash: neither of us want to bring down the vibe). We look at the benefits of talking about cancer, and how it helps process our reality. We also share the thoughts of some other cancer patients about what kinds of responses help and what truly doesn’t. In truth, no two people are the same and want the exact same things, but maybe this episode will give some things to discuss and think about as we all seek to care for each other better.

Glynn updates us on his neutrophils and the results of his immune system fertilizer. He also shares his spoonful of sugar from the archives - a brave Lymphoma joke by a dear friend on diagnosis day, knowing it would make Glynn smile.

We would love to hear from you if this episode resonated with you, if you have questions, or if you just want to let us know you’re listening. You can email us at hello@chemotionalrollercoaster.com

New episodes of Chemotional Rollercoaster are published weekly, on Wednesdays, Australian Eastern Time.

Lastly, Chemotional Rollercoaster is not a substitute for seeking one’s own professional advice. The strategies and skills discussed in all Chemotional Rollercoaster episodes are either what has worked for Glynn or his guests, specifically, or are things discussed in a general way. Anyone who is dealing with their own health issues, mental or physical, should seek their own professional advice on what may help to support them, uniquely. If anyone is struggling, and needs to talk, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Thanks go out to Rory Chambers, as always, for his music featured in this episode.

Chemotional Rollercoaster is presented by Glynn Chambers

Production, sound and editing by Rose Paton

Music by Rory Chambers ©2024 info@rorychambers.com

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