34 min
Episode #27: Healing Work: Defining Survivorship after Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Asian Women for Health
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- Health & Fitness
A cancer survivor’s journey extends well beyond the period of medical treatment. In this episode, we talk to our special guest, Nayonika Chatterjee, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 14. She received treatment while living with her family in India and has been in remission for over a decade. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is among the most common types of cancers that affect teens and their lymphatic systems.
Nayonika reflects on her own healing as a lifelong process of adaptation, struggle, and transition, but a journey that continues to lead her to greater self-awareness, resilience, and hope. She recognizes healing as a non-linear path, where survivors can choose how they share their personal stories.
Some people may speak openly about their cancer journeys as health advocates, while others may prefer to stand in solidarity with fellow survivors or seek counseling and mental health resources for support.
As a graduate student at Brandeis University, Nayonika plans to research how individuals of South Asian descent uniquely experience their cancer journeys and engage in survivor discourse. Her goal is to elevate people’s voices to show the humanity behind their lived experiences and to explore how culture and language intersect and influence their well-being. If you are interested in learning more about Nayonika’s research, you can email her at nchatterjee@brandeis.edu.
Resource Links:
Nayonika’s Social Media
- Instagram: chatterjeenayonika (https://www.instagram.com/chatterjeenayonika/)
- Facebook: Nayonika Chatterjee (https://www.facebook.com/nayonika.chatterjee)
For Reference: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/hodgkin-lymphoma.html
More About Nayonika Chatterjee
Nayonika Chatterjee is an international student from India pursuing a MA in Anthropology at Brandeis University. Her experience with Hodgkin’s lymphoma inspires her research that lies at the intersection of medicine and anthropology, specifically narratives of individuals struck by cancer. Additionally, she is interested in exploring how South Asian socio-cultural and linguistic practices affect the health and well-being of individuals within this community. Outside of academia, she operates as a caffeine enthusiast and finds joy in evocative Japanese animations and graphic novels.
*Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.
** If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, resources are available through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (mass.gov) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (namimass.org).
A cancer survivor’s journey extends well beyond the period of medical treatment. In this episode, we talk to our special guest, Nayonika Chatterjee, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of 14. She received treatment while living with her family in India and has been in remission for over a decade. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is among the most common types of cancers that affect teens and their lymphatic systems.
Nayonika reflects on her own healing as a lifelong process of adaptation, struggle, and transition, but a journey that continues to lead her to greater self-awareness, resilience, and hope. She recognizes healing as a non-linear path, where survivors can choose how they share their personal stories.
Some people may speak openly about their cancer journeys as health advocates, while others may prefer to stand in solidarity with fellow survivors or seek counseling and mental health resources for support.
As a graduate student at Brandeis University, Nayonika plans to research how individuals of South Asian descent uniquely experience their cancer journeys and engage in survivor discourse. Her goal is to elevate people’s voices to show the humanity behind their lived experiences and to explore how culture and language intersect and influence their well-being. If you are interested in learning more about Nayonika’s research, you can email her at nchatterjee@brandeis.edu.
Resource Links:
Nayonika’s Social Media
- Instagram: chatterjeenayonika (https://www.instagram.com/chatterjeenayonika/)
- Facebook: Nayonika Chatterjee (https://www.facebook.com/nayonika.chatterjee)
For Reference: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/hodgkin-lymphoma.html
More About Nayonika Chatterjee
Nayonika Chatterjee is an international student from India pursuing a MA in Anthropology at Brandeis University. Her experience with Hodgkin’s lymphoma inspires her research that lies at the intersection of medicine and anthropology, specifically narratives of individuals struck by cancer. Additionally, she is interested in exploring how South Asian socio-cultural and linguistic practices affect the health and well-being of individuals within this community. Outside of academia, she operates as a caffeine enthusiast and finds joy in evocative Japanese animations and graphic novels.
*Disclaimer
The information on this page is not intended or implied to be a substitute for individualized health care, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content in this podcast is for general information purposes only.
** If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, resources are available through the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (mass.gov) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Massachusetts (namimass.org).
34 min