Changed by Cancer Maddychangedbycancer

Because Dan and I are mates we were able to talk very opening about his experience with his Mum’s cancer. Dan held nothing back and was vulnerable and honest with me talking about how the experiencing the deterioration and death of a loved one forced him to grow from 12 to 20 overnight and how it’s made him the genuine and caring human he is today. Content warning: we do chat about some truly shitty times which can bring up equally shitty emotions. If you need support, please reach out to the services available such as Canteen, Canteen Connect, Beyond Blue and lifeline. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness, but strength.

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In this episode I have a chat with Alex about what it was like to grow up with a younger sibling who has cancer.  We find out how this cancer experience shaped her life and the influence canteen had.

While everyone is in some form of isolation right now I thought it was a good time to bring people together via technology to share some wisdom and stories. In particular I want to chat with young people who’s lives have been affected by cancer. This includes patients, offspring, siblings and young people who’s loved ones have passed away.

From personal experience I understand that if you belong in one of those categories it can be a very foreign and isolating time, even when the world is running smoothly. When cancer comes along, life as you know it can often be thrown upside down and inside out.

Sometimes the best thing to get through rough times like this is to chat to people who have had similar experiences, listen to their stories, hear what they went through, how it has affected then, and what they have learnt throughout living with cancer.

There will be a focus on the personal growth and strength during challenging times. The aim is to share what people have been able to learn from their own experiences, how cancer has changed their lives. By sharing stories, hopefully young people going through similar experiences feel less isolated and understand they aren’t alone. Think of it as peer support for your ears.

If you want to be part of this podcast, or have any questions, you can find changed by cancer on Instagram.

Thanks for listening, look after your loved ones and yourself.