What’s it like to experience ovarian cancer as a man? In this episode of Kickin’ It, Nora and Randalynn sit down with Nolan Stuckenschneider, a trans man, drag king and ovarian cancer grad. Nolan shares his ovarian cancer story, the healthcare challenges he faces as a trans man, and steps we can take toward inclusivity. We hope you enjoy this episode of Kickin’ It!
In the latest episode of the Kickin’ It podcast, Nora and Randalynn chat with ovarian cancer grad, Kim Simmons Emory. We discuss Kim’s long road to diagnosis, symptom awareness, Kim’s quest to find her blood sisters to share her cancer history as an adoptee, and much more. We hope you enjoy our chat with Kim!
October 13th is National Metastatic Breast Cancer Day. To honor this day, I am releasing a never before heard conversation between me and Emily Garnett, a beautiful, smart, fierce advocate for the MBC who passed away in March of this year from this unrelenting disease.
The lovely and knowledgeable Elizabeth Sherwood agreed to let us interview her on our Facebook Live #Wisdom Wednesday this past week (see the video above). She graciously passed on to us some basic information about groups that might be helpful to the cancer community. Here's what she has to say:
“Congratulations on New York Fashion Week. How exciting. You looked so confident. You are inspiring…”
I smile, thank them for their kind words, but know that deep down I am struggling. Struggling with anxiety about cancer recurrence while simultaneously missing the lack of responsibility cancer gave me. Struggling with feeling inadequate and asexual due to my surgically induced menopause and nipple-less body. Struggling with losing my identity because every aspect of my life revolves around cancer; hobbies, volunteer projects, friends, work, reading, and on and on.
If you have ever been diagnosed with cancer, and you feel like I do- chances are you are trying to repair a relationship with your body, a body that you feel has betrayed or abandoned you.
Surgeries, amputations, chemotherapy, hair loss, weight gain, weight loss, radiation, burns, rashes, sores- these are just the tip of the ice burg when it comes to the myriad of body issues we face as Cancer Students (and Grads). So, how do I rebuild a stronger, more confident house after cancer has marched in and burned it to the ground? I'll share with you the foundation that I'm laying to rebuild my own body confidence.
How can you love your body post-cancer?
With Practice and Patience.
Self-love is not something that magically grows within me. It does not come easily and it is not permanent. Yet, our society treats it as if it is as natural as breathing rather than a skill that can be learned and strengthened.
Towards the end of my cancer treatment, I wrote this love/apology letter to my body, and I found that it healed me more than any medication.
I had an epic meltdown the other day.
I had been going about my normal day, busy running errands. A lot was occupying my mind. I had just spent the month of December traveling. It had thrown off my schedule of daily meditation, so my brain was filled with all sorts of chatter. If I had been more mindful, I probably would've been keenly aware that I was setting myself up for an emotional breakdown.
