The Cancer Survivor Show by The Chemo Girls

Miss Joanne is the director of PR & marketing for Breast Investigators. She works together with her bestie, Angela, to build this all-in-one place that offers information on everything from juicing recipes to inspirational survivor stories. They work to streamline the mass of information and resources, which are now available to those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and present it in a clear and empowering way. Thank you Miss Joanne for your insight, your work & your enthusiasm about dragon boat racing!

In this very real short podcast Sharon talks about the phenomena known as "the wall" as it relates to chemotherapy. At some point the treatment just pulls too much out of you and your inner voice may demand that you are not going in for the next treatment...what it's really saying is that you have hit the wall! Let Sharon offer validation, encouragement and a strategy that helped pull her through her last treatment! So, if you have found your face against the bricks and you do not know know how you will go on, listen as Sharon talks you through!

Last week Lucy and Sharon took you through the first day of Radiation and what you should expect. This week, they will take you on a journey through the remaining radiation sessions. They share their experience & information that Lucy found during her research about the radiation process. Get comfortable & enjoy the show!

In this podcast Lucy describes her first day of radiation (or so we are calling it). This is the first in a series of two podcasts that describe the process and experience of radiation therapy. If you or someone you know is dealing with a treatment schedule that includes radiation, take a seat and listen!

Sharon takes a moment to apologize for how remiss she and Lucy have been lately with their joint podcasts and individual blogs. She gives a little explanation, of their recent odyssey and delves into the focus of their mission . . . now. This focus has slowly shifted over time, but the girls are delighted at the grassroots movement that is rising up!

In these short podcasts of about 3-6 minutes Sharon will "ramble" on the cancer experience. She will offer food for thought, commentary on current events, cancer stories, helpful hints, and thoughts that are bouncing through her mind. These often informal shorts will be laced with the wisdom gained through her cancer story as well as the wisdom passed down to her, voices from her daily life, southern flavor, and hopefully a few laughs. Today Sharon will rambles on "Her." Who are we talking about? Come listen & see.....

What the HECK do we say? It is hard because we want to say or do something that will make it better somehow. Lucy & Sharon want to take that heavy burden from your heart! Your friend does not expect you to arrive like some sort of oracle with wisdom or information to soothe them. They are not looking for you to make this better at all! They do need some time to process what is happening in their life and they need you to be present while they do that. So, you are going to visit to show your love and support…wonderful! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves, put your feelings on the back burner, and tune your ears to "listen." Now, how to manage that anxious mouth so you do not end up with foot-in-mouth disease? Sit back and listen as Sharon & Lucy help you address that very issue.

In this real and heartwarming interview our husbands tell their side of the story. They share how they first reacted to our diagnosis, what they struggled with the most through our treatment, how the experience impacted our relationships long-term, and what kind of support they needed through the process. Then our men share important advice for spouses who are hearing the news for the first time and are trying to summon the strength to support their beloved. We love you guys...our cup runneth over!

In this podcast Lucy & Sharon talk about the whirlwind of emotions that follow a cancer diagnosis. Whether you are the Newbie or those who surround the Newbie, this diagnosis can certainly bring with it a emotional roller coaster ride that can leave you feeling hopeless and quite frankly...a bit crazy! Grab a coffee or tea, sit down and let's talk about it.

"Comedy cuts across a lot of barriers, I mean...is there stand up tragedy?" This is a quote by Mr. Robin Williams from a 2013 interview with Pat Harvey in which he spoke frankly about his blessings as well as his demons. Lucy & Sharon have been deeply saddened by the death of the beloved Robin Williams, as so many have. If ever there was a human being that understood the power of humor in difficult times, it was Mr. Williams. He possessed an ability to "see" us, then reach out through his work to touch us right in the center of our humanity! Because we respect his humor as well as his kind and gentle heart, we dedicate this interview with cancer survivor and comedian Brenda Elsagher to Robin Williams and his family. We pray you rest in peace, brother.

As they were ripping out carpets and floors, disassembling, sanding, cleaning, picking out tiles and grout and painting on their duplex, it occurred to Sharon that the process was a bit like going through treatment for cancer. During this podcast Sharon and her hubby Tracy talk about these similarities and how they require some of the same qualities: strength, trust, vision, faith, endurance and patience. Come listen to their experiences together!

We are reposting this podcast in honor of The National Women’s Survivors Convention starting tomorrow, July 31-August 1 in Nashville, TN. Our podcast today is dedicated to Judy and Karen, The founders of the Convention. If you can be there, we encourage you to attend!

In this interview, I (Sharon) interview my dear friend Raquel Corey. Being kind, encouraging and affirming has always been part of Miss Raquel's fundamental makeup. This natural talent for making those around her feel important and supported was a perfect fit as early adulthood lead her into the roles of wife to a music minister, mother and youth mentor. Years into the evolution of their lovely family tragedy hit hard, twice. As those around her reacted and she grieved, greater wisdom came to her. Now through the teachings of her mother, her own natural leanings and life experience, Raquel helps us understand how to help others in their time of need. I believe we can all find something helpful in her message & I hope that proves true for you. Thanks Rock!

What!?? How in the world is it that Lucy & Sharon have over 50 podcast shows under their belt? In this podcast they reflect on their mission, talk through the birth of the show, and discuss some of their favorite shows. Come and listen as the girls reflect!

As most of us know, sleep plays a vital role in maintaining our health and overall well-being. It is while we rest and sleep that our bodies and brain "repair" themselves from the physical and mental stresses that are placed upon them throughout the day. Most valued sources report that getting enough quality sleep can help promote mental health, physical health, and overall quality of life. But in this crazy, busy world that we live in how do we accomplish this? In this podcast, Sharon and Lucy will discuss the importance of sleep, especially when our bodies are going through difficult times such as cancer treatment and its recovery. Listen in to learn ways in which a better night's sleep can be achieved so that our bodies can repair and regroup!

Learning to recognize rare moments and deciding to jump into them with both feet can make the difference between surviving and THRIVING through your storm. Whether your cancer story has you playing the leading role or supporting cast, the simple truths revealed in this podcast can help you grab the rare moments (and the pay offs they bring) that are coming your way. Take a few minutes and listen as Lucy & Sharon share rare moments from their lives that illustrate the simple truths they offer.

If you want to make a difference in the state of Georgia for women and families who are struggling through treatment for breast cancer in a simple and practical way, this podcast will give you the perfect opportunity to do just that! And WHEW! Our interview with Miss Angie Patterson, Vice President of the Georgia CORE has taken a long time to process due to technical difficulties, but we are happy to present this wonderful interview now. She takes time out of her busy schedule to enlighten us on the Georgia CORE, especially as it relates to the Breast Cancer license plates which are found on so many cars across the state of Georgia. These plates are different than other specialty plates because the monies DO go to help women in Georgia who are struggling through breast cancer treatment. How? Well, take a few minutes to listen to this bright and down-to-earth woman as she fills us in!

Hair loss is possibly the most globally dreaded side effect of chemo. Most often the first question out of a patient's mouth when they hear they must undergo chemo therapy is, "Will I lose my hair?' Cold caps to the rescue! These awkward and expensive devices come in like a knight in shining armor to save the day. Or do they? Life is not a fairy tale and there is rarely a blanket remedy for anything huge in our life that is a perfect fix. Cold caps are not for everyone, but the thought of retaining our locks throughout chemo compels us to entertain the idea. Grab a drink and sit with the Chemo Girls as they discuss what they have learned about cold caps.

How is it that the Chemo Girls have missed National Survivors Day? National Cancer Survivors Day® is a CELEBRATION for those who have survived, an INSPIRATION for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of SUPPORT for families, and an OUTREACH to the community. We are all about ALL of these ideas, especially survivorship! Take a moment to listen as Lucy and Sharon discuss this fantastic movement and how survivorship is a growing topic in the cancer world and in the rest of the world, too! Most of us believe that if a person is diagnosed with cancer, they go through treatment, and if they beat it, their life picks up again, unchanged. Not so much! How so? Well, let us tell ya.....

Tee hee hee, they said constipation. Yes, we said it and we know this is not a glamorous topic, but if you are going through cancer treatment, it is likely a painful reality for you. In this podcast Lucy and Sharon talk through the many possible reasons for constipation as well as several ideas to remedy this problem. So come get your giggle on as we all struggle through this awkward topic together!

When summer arrives it lures us out to play under the sun. We slough off our winter layers, and migrate out of doors to basque in the bright warm days. People come alive as they enjoy sporting events, beaches, pools, biking, gardening, picnics and convertibles. If this is wrong, I do not want to be right! But as much as we love that happy life-giving ball of fire in the sky, it can also burn us. It can burn us today as our skin turns red and flinches in pain with every touch. But long after the burn heals, we can be burned again with skin cancer. In this blog, Lucy and Sharon explore the topic of skin cancer, pre-cancerous cells (which is a reality for one of these ladies) and how to safely enjoy the summer season. We hope you will take a few minutes today to slather up in a SPF 30 sunscreen, poor yourself a cool drink, sit outside and listen to the girls talk through this important topic!

Miss Tabatha Coffey is the no nonsense host of the hit Bravo show "Salon Takeover." In this audio version of our video interview with her, Tabatha shows a gentler side, opening up about her experience as her mother's caregiver while she fought her battle with cancer. Miss Tabatha demonstrates that caregivers have much to contribute to our cancer community. Her involvement with the "Glam Squad," which provides makeovers, offers joy and restored confidence to survivors, is her way of contributing to women like her mother who are navigating the cancer world.

This interview was just fun! Mr. Wayne Nelson of the Little River Band granted Sharon & Lucy their very first video interview last fall at the National Women's Survivor Convention. So today I (Sharon) am "Reminiscing" about the way he treated each of us like a "Lady," seeming to know by instinct that I really needed him to "Take it Easy on Me." Mr. Wayne and the band played for a bunch of women who were hungry to thrive as they danced and sang the night away in PAJAMAS. These guys were such awesome sports, donating their time and talents to these very excited ladies. With titles like "Lady," Take it Easy on Me," "It's a Long Way There" and "Cool Change" it would seem that the band spoke the language of a survivor through music. As with most of us, cancer touched their lives and they wanted to do something for survivors. Thank you Mr. Wayne for being light and gracious! Enjoy guys!

What the heck is a port and why do I need it? Will it hurt to access the port and how does it work? What if I am a "needle-phobe?" When a person learns that they will need to have a port placed into their body some questions arise. Not only that, but fear may creep in, too. No worries, we've got your back on this one. Come sit while Lucy and Sharon talk through the in's and out's of ports. They will answer the common questions as well as talk about Sharon's love affair with her port.

A cancer diagnosis brings with it losses that most of us might not fully expect. And of course loss brings grief! A few of the losses some of us experience could be the loss of our identity (because now we are the "cancer patient"), loss of our medical security, loss of financial security, loss of relationships or even the loss of the future we had envisioned for ourselves. Pull up a chair to hear Lucy and Sharon talk through the topic of grief as it relates to the cancer experience. They will share their personal experiences and make suggestions that will hopefully help you walk through your grief and loss.

Fatigue is one of the trinity of side effects (nausea, hair loss & fatigue) from cancer and it's treatment that typically cause cancer patients the most grief. Sharon had no idea that fatigue would race past hair loss and nausea to cause the largest challenge throughout her cancer story. In this podcast Lucy and Sharon will delve into some of the causes of fatigue, give clues about when to call the doctor about your weakness and offer a list of suggestions to reduce and manage fatigue. Come listen and make some notes as fatigue has a way of sneaking in the back door and biting you in the backside!!

Don't people get crazy around weddings, funerals and births? Not only do those who you rely on to bring drama stay true to their colors, but sometimes those who you would never expect become upset and pull away or storm out of the door. Why is it that when we need some folks the most they have such a hard time stepping up and seeing us through the big stuff? The same can be said of our relationships as we walk into and through a cancer story. It can be downright shocking who shows up for us and who does not. Come listen as Lucy & Sharon encourage you to "extend them grace," because in the end cancer can weed out superficial relationships while providing just the right environment for new strong relationships to flourish!

Miss Montgomery is a dynamo of a woman. She is not only professionally accomplished, but she is an extremely interesting person. Among her many accomplishments, Miss Joanna is a well-known blogger on www.CafeMom.com's blog, "The Stir" and a board member for The National Women's Survivors Convention. Miss Katie Couric and the Huffington Post have interviewed her because of the amazing circumstances of her daughter's gestation and arrival into her family. This strong woman endured an extremely difficult diagnosis and treatment story with grace and gratitude.

Miss Geralyn Lucas is the author of the book "Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy" and was portrayed in the Lifetime movie of the same name. Mr. Matthew Zachary is the founder of Stupidcancer.org (which is the largest patient advocate for millennials). These fun, articulate New Yorkers are amazing and relevant resource for those who were diagnosed as a young adult. They share portions of their cancer experiences, including fears, silly stories, the lack of information they both faced as well as the hard times. Miss Geralyn states "I want women to devote as much time and energy (to taking care of their health) as they do buying shoes and Brazilian bikini waxes." "Chemo is an opportunity to have a party!" While Mr. Zachary encourages us to try to "Be authentic," and "Remember to stay connected to things that have meaning in your life...remember that you have the right to survive with dignity and quality."

This fantastic lady shares her very recent experience with chemotherapy and hair loss. Just after her second treatment, Miss Lisa Hiers offers us this open and honest look at her personal journey as it relates to the impact chemotherapy had on her scalp and her heart. Come and listen as she shares her unique perspective, understanding that each story will be completely different. All of us react differently and there is no right way to handle this challenge, except for the way that works for you. It seems that Miss Lisa has worked that out for herself. Blessings to you Lisa as you continue to walk through your cancer story and thank you for allowing us to be a small part of it!

This is the story of a friendship forged through two hurricanes and now a cancer diagnosis. Hearing Miss Carole talk about their friendship has been a blessing to our hearts. Her dear friend, Miss Jane loved and supported her through two displacing hurricanes, and now Jane is walking through her own sort of storm. While she walks into and through her cancer story, miles away from Miss Carole, Carole's heart aches. Come listen to how they have learned to support each other in these life altering circumstances. We pray healing and peace for Miss Jane, and peace for Miss Carole's heart as well as she supports her from afar!

Miss Brenda is an award winning speaker who combines her love for comedy, ability to discuss taboo subjects and experience with colon cancer. She shares her cancer story and how she learned to interject humor through the tough times. If you take a moment to listen to Miss Brenda's story you will learn how her second act brought a more adventurous spirit to her work and how doors continue to open for her. She leaves us with this pearl of wisdom…when life hands you crap, put on your prettiest dress and get out of the house, things will get better! And as an added bonus this podcast also holds the story of one of the most wise and insightful gifts of which this little chemo girl has heard!

Sharon's dear friend Allie Murray offers up her memory of what she felt as an 11 year old girl who learned that her mother had cancer, as an 12 year old girl who walked through the loss of her mother and now as a twenty something woman who has priceless adult perspective about the whole journey. She speaks to the parent who has been diagnosed, the parent who was not the one diagnosed, the child walking into their parent's cancer story and everyone looking on hoping to help. The truth of her life speaks volumes as this chef positions herself as the Culinary Arts teacher at the local high school and as she comes alongside local kids who are facing their own parent's diagnosis. Alli gives so many pearls of wisdom, it's like a pearl necklace was broken and poured out for you guys!

Lucy and Sharon are so honored to have had the opportunity to interview one of the most decorated and well loved athletes of all times. During this interview, Scott Hamilton's warm and passionate personality shines through. He spoke about frustrations he experienced before and during his treatment for testicular cancer in 2007 as Mr. Scott searched for helpful information about cancer treatment. These frustrations combined with his champion's heart birthed projects that benefit those who are walking the same path after him. Mr. Scott is now a leader in providing information to cancer patients which can be easily understood and practical. He also founded 4th Angel, an organization aimed at providing personal mentorship to those facing a fresh diagnosis of cancer.

Shannon Miller is a wife, mother, survivor, speaker and… Oh YES, is the most decorated gymnast, male or female, in US history. She is the only woman in any sport to be inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame, twice. In this interview Miss Shannon talks about how her cancer story was affected by her celebrity, her pre-exhisting mission to empower women as they make their health their priority, and her resulting survivorship story. The positive, gentle and refreshing personality that radiated from her throughout her Olympic performances will engage you! As always Miss Shannon preservers as she continues to deliver her message of empowerment to women as she extends this pearl of wisdom, "It is not selfish to want to be healthy!" If you enjoy this interview, the video version will be coming soon on our YouTube channel, The Cancer Survivor Show!

So often we feel like we have to hold it all in and be strong for others but this just isn't true. It is hard enough to deal with the emotional roller coaster of cancer but when you add in the fears and worries about what others will think it can make things unbearable. In todays podcast Lucy and Sharon discuss the benefits of being transparent. Being real with others is very freeing and can help to build the support system you are seeking.

Spirituality can be a loaded topic, especially when a person is facing a cancer diagnosis. In this podcast Sharon and her husband Tracy delicately explore this difficult topic. For some people, spirituality means a relationship with God, for others it means something else. Some live for it and others dismiss it. No matter your position on all that is spiritual and God related, research has found that having a healthy spiritual life can have it's benefits in a cancer story. So whether you believe in God or not not, live each day for Him or you are angry as a hornet at Him for your situation, this podcast will address your position.

If someone in your life has ever been diagnosed with cancer, most likely you have wondered, "What kind of gift will really help?" Sit down and listen as the girls discuss the many ways to gift a cancer patient. Tangible gifts, encouraging gestures and acts of service are all expanded upon as Lucy & Sharon offer helpful wisdom from their journeys. Hopefully after this podcast you will feel truly prepared to help. Enjoy!

Believe it or not, guided imagery can be a powerful tool to those walking into and through a cancer story. In this podcast Lucy & Sharon explore the amazing benefits of these guided mental scenarios. If a cancer diagnosis has disrupted your peace, please take a moment to listen. Together with the Chemo Girls explore how you can reduce anxiety, boost creativity, add quality of life and so much more! Enjoy!

In our second interview with Monica Bryant she offers up her positive perspective on healthcare reform. She responds to research that indicates the general public feels they do not understand the changes healthcare reform will bring, much less how these changes will impact their lives. With her simple and concise style of communication Miss Monica covers topics like how changes will benefit the cancer community, young adult cancer survivors, those with pre-existing conditions, low income America, and how coverage has been categorized and standardized. She encourages us to seek out impartial information on the topic. Thank you, Miss Monica for another great interview!

What is Triage Cancer? It is a wonderful organization which was created by Monica Fawzy Bryant and her sister, Joanna L. Fawzy Morales, both cancer rights attorneys. Their mission is to help survivors find optimal quality of life as they walk in and through their cancer story. She left us with this pearl of wisdom: "Stop & take a breath. Compile all of the information you need, then act." For instance, do you want to walk into your job right away and tell your boss that you have cancer? Maybe so, and maybe no. Triage Cancer is a non-profit organization that provides education and resources on the entire continuum of survivorship issues for survivors, caregivers, and healthcare providers because cancer touches the entire community. They provide information and steer people to the most appropriate resources, so in the beginning….Triage first! Next week, stay tuned for an interesting interview with Miss Monica on healthcare reform!

Bruce Countryman offers us rare insight into male emotions and thought processes as he openly and eloquently shares his story. He and his wife, Ellen, walked into her diagnosis with breast cancer and through difficult treatment, together. In his transparency, Mr. Bruce offers insight into how he felt and what he thought as he processed their experience. Raw and vulnerable at times, Mr. Bruce talks about loss he had to work through. Make no mistake about it, a cancer diagnosis makes a powerful and lasting impact on the caregiver. They have their own set of fears, frustrations and pain. Validation can be found here, as Mr. Bruce shares his story of hope and faith.

We will forever be grateful to Brandon Davis and Pine Row Productions for helping us get started. While editing one day I came across this clip and was reminded of the generosity of my friend and how encouraging he was while we were recording our first five podcast. We miss you Brandon XOXOX! The Chemo Girls

Miss Susan and Miss Florence are cancer survivors as well as successful professionals and bloggers in their own right. After following and commenting on each others blogs, they decided to collaborate on a fantastic book. These ladies respective experience and perspectives meld into a book that helps those who have received a cancer diagnosis strive for a healthy and balanced mind and body. One of the many pearls of wisdom they shared was this question, are you making changes out of love (for your body) or out of fear?

What the HECK do we say? It is hard because we want to say or do something that will make it better somehow. Lucy & Sharon want to take that heavy burden from your heart! Your friend does not expect you to arrive like some sort of oracle with wisdom or information to soothe them. They are not looking for you to make this better at all! They do need some time to process what is happening in their life and they need you to be present while they do that. So, you are going to visit to show your love and support…wonderful! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves, put your feelings on the back burner, and tune your ears to "listen." Now, how to manage that anxious mouth so you do not end up with foot-in-mouth disease? Sit back and listen as Sharon & Lucy help you address that very issue.

Miss Molly lived as only the top 1.5 percent of Americans do, with couture clothes, jewels, a 6,000 square foot luxury home and all of the trimmings. So how was it that she found herself homeless, standing in a food line and fighting cancer all at once? This gutsy mother of 5 identifies with so many women, at every point of the financial spectrum, who are struggling through a cancer diagnosis. She understands making tough choices like: do I pay the house payment or the Cobra insurance payment, do I proceed with treatment or make the most of this new fantastic job, do I buy gas or milk with the last couple of dollars in my purse? As she searched out resources to help her and her new husband weather the financial storm through and following her treatment, she realized that none were available. As a result, her quest to get help became her quest to give help.

These fun ladies really believe that as survivors we owe a little payback to humanity. They are doing just that in a BIG way as they help so many women survivors cope. As founders of "The Plum" online magazine, The National Women's Survivors Convention and The Women's Survivor Alliance, Miss Judy and Miss Karen work tirelessly to offer hope, joy and solidarity to fellow cancer survivors across the globe. They use their "second acts" to reach out to others who need to find answers as well as comradery.

When we hear "Hey Ya'll" Lucy and Sharon can only think of one sister….Miss Karen. Take a seat and listen to her unique story which began with a decision (in high school) to move in with and take care of her grandmother who was battling breast cancer. Following that decision, when Karen was only 20, she was diagnosed with and began treatment for ovarian cancer. These two events propelled her into a 20 year career as a healthcare administrator with a well rounded perspective as caregiver, patient, survivor and bean counter. Her survivorship has been rich and varied and now includes her desire to establish a network of women effected by cancer where they can find their voice, improve their quality of life and embrace their new normal. She works to transform survivorship from a mood, to a movement. The result is the National Women's Survivor Convention. Pull up a seat and listen to this remarkable, positive, powerhouse of a woman.

Miss Judy shares her cancer story and the strong survivorship story she is creating in its wake. Her radiant and positive nature carried her through this process and pulls us into this interview. She is not only co-founder of The National Women's Survivor Convention, but also an acclaimed writer. Her writing career began as a child in an old Maple tree in her parent's back yard and has span her lifetime. This Michigan native will inspire you as she offers little tricks to interject hope into your journey. Don't worry, we will have more from Miss Judy soon!

Some young cancer patients learn that chemotherapy can have a strong impact on fertility before they begin chemotherapy, some learn during and sadly some do not discover this until their treatment is complete. Fertility is not just one more thing cancer seeks to rob from us, but this particular blow can feel unexpected, and can take the wind out of a patient's sails. The Livestrong Foundation's Fertile Hope Initiative offers support, information and access to programs in an effort to empower the patient where ever they are in the treatment process. Miss Emily Eargle helps us tackle this tough subject as she highlights the programs the Fertile Hope Initiative developed in response to the challenges faced by these patients. They work to restore the hope for a future family after chemotherapy. Come listen for a breath of fresh air as well as some well needed hope.

Years ago when Miss Marann's best friend was diagnosed with cancer, Maryann was given the opportunity to support her friend in a unique way. This friend was a second grade teacher who was concerned about telling her class about her cancer. Her concern was the catalyst into authorship for Miss Maryann as she reached into her heart and experience to pour out a children's book. In this interview she addresses the following questions and more: How and when do I tell the kids? How much do I say? What if I do not have answers to their questions? What can I say if the child asks if this will be fatal? What if I cry? How does the child's age impact all of this? Maryann's simple, real wisdom is a lifeline to those struggling with these concerns. She extends this pearl of wisdom, "Children need an anchor, the adults around them."