The After Cancer Blog

Cancer has a way of changing roles. The one who has always cared for others can suddenly become the patient. And when that shift happens, both the caregiver and the patient have to navigate a new kind of relationship — one built on learning to ask for and receive help. Why Asking for Help Feels So Hard For someone who has always been the strong one, asking for support can feel almost impossible. It may feel like admitting weakness or becoming a burden. But the truth is, no one is meant to carry everything alone. Caregivers who become patients often have to relearn what strength means. It’s not about doing it all without help. It’s about having the courage to say, “I need support.” The Shifting Dynamic This role reversal can be difficult for everyone. Patients may struggle to voice what they need, while new caregivers may feel uncertain about how to step in. The key is starting small and specific: A ride to treatment. Help with errands. Simply sitting together. These small acts of support can open the door to a deeper connection — one built on trust, honesty, and vulnerability. Redefining Strength Together When caregivers learn to accept help as patients, relationships often grow closer. What once felt like dependence becomes an opportunity for connection. Vulnerability invites intimacy. For caregivers stepping into a new role, it’s important to remember: showing up doesn’t mean fixing everything. Sometimes the greatest gift is simply being present when the strong one finally lets others in. The Healing in Receiving Saying yes to support is not selfish. It can be healing — for both patient and caregiver. When help is received, it allows everyone to feel part of the journey. It creates space for community, love, and shared strength. Because in the end, caregiving and receiving care are not opposites. They are two sides of the same human experience. What Cancer Teaches Us Cancer reshapes relationships. It blurs the lines between patient and caregiver, showing us that strength isn’t about carrying everything alone. Sometimes the bravest act is to ask. Sometimes the deepest act of love is to answer. And sometimes, the strongest thing we can do is say yes .

When cancer treatment ends, people often expect relief. They picture ringing the bell, hugging your care team, and finally closing the door on months, maybe years, of appointments, side effects, and uncertainty. Friends and family may say things like “You must be so glad it’s over!”  or “Now you can get back to normal.” But what no one tells you is that “normal” doesn’t exist anymore. You may have survived cancer, but you’re also left holding the pieces of a life that looks and feels different — sometimes unrecognizably so. Your body has changed. Your outlook has shifted. The routines that used to define you might no longer fit. And in the quiet moments, you may find yourself wondering: Who am I now? This is the identity crisis that many survivors experience, but few are prepared for. Letting go of who you were before cancer One of the hardest parts of survivorship is realizing that the “old you” is gone. It’s not that you didn’t love who you were before cancer. You may grieve that person — the body that felt stronger, the version of yourself that wasn’t carrying fear of recurrence, the life that felt simpler and untouched by illness. You may even find yourself longing to “get back” to that version of you. But the truth is, you can’t. Cancer changes too much, and holding on too tightly to who you were can make healing even harder. Instead, survivorship invites you to begin the delicate work of meeting the new you.  And that can feel deeply uncomfortable. You might not recognize yourself in the mirror. The things that once brought you joy may now feel irrelevant. The goals you worked so hard for might no longer inspire you. No one warned you how disorienting this would be — that letting go of who you were before cancer can feel like losing an anchor. But with time, support, and compassion for yourself, you begin to see that it’s not just loss. It’s also an opening: the chance to rebuild, slowly, into someone stronger and more aligned with what matters most to you now. Cancer changes more than just your body Your body has changed.  Whether from surgery, treatment, or lingering side effects, your reflection in the mirror may no longer feel like yours. Your priorities have shifted.  What mattered before doesn’t always matter now. Your energy, relationships, and mindset aren’t the same.  The things you used to do or enjoy may not feel possible, or even appealing, anymore. You’ve faced your own mortality.  That kind of reckoning changes the way you see yourself and the world. This identity shift is profound, and it can leave you feeling unmoored. But you’re not alone in it. Navigating the transition as a cancer survivor While no roadmap exists for rediscovering yourself after cancer, there are ways to soften the transition and begin to rebuild: 💬 Talk about it.  Share your feelings with peers, support groups, or a therapist who understands survivorship. ✍🏼 Journal without judgment.  Writing down your thoughts and emotions can help you process them, even if they feel messy or contradictory. 📚 Explore what matters now.  Allow yourself to discover new values, goals, and sources of joy — instead of trying to force yourself back into the old mold. 💛 Rebuild, don’t return.  Healing isn’t about recreating the past. It’s about creating a life that feels aligned with who you are today. Meeting the "new you" This isn’t about going backwards. It’s about giving yourself time and space to meet this version of you — someone wiser, stronger, and perhaps more intentional than before. But meeting the new you doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process, one that can feel both exciting and unsettling at the same time. Some days you may feel hopeful, curious about who you’re becoming. Other days, you may feel frustrated that you can’t quite recognize yourself, or that you don’t yet have all the answers. That’s okay. Healing is rarely a straight line. The new you may hold different values. Maybe you no longer want to spend energy on things that once seemed important but now feel small. You may crave deeper connections and less surface-level busyness. Or perhaps you discover passions, interests, or strengths that you didn’t know you had before cancer pushed you to see life differently. It’s also about acceptance. Accepting the changes in your body, even if they don’t feel fair. Accepting that your energy or capacity may look different than before. And most importantly, accepting that this “new you” is not broken or lesser than the old version — but someone who has survived, adapted, and is worthy of compassion and care. Meeting the new you also means giving yourself permission to grow. To try, to experiment, to dream in ways that honor who you are now — not who you were. And with time, you may find that this new self feels not just different, but whole in a way you couldn’t have imagined before. Remember: you are not lost, you are becoming At The After Cancer , we believe no one should have to face survivorship alone. That’s why we’ve built a community and resources designed to support you through these changes — and help you find strength in the “new you.” Start your 10-day free trial →

My name is JJ Singleton I'm a colorectal cancer patient from Canton North Carolina. I was diagnosed in 2015 at the age of 27, been on chemo for life since 2016. I'm an advocate for colorectal cancer and breaking down stigmas and hurdles around screening and talking about colorectal cancer as well as mental health and the hurdles of living with cancer. From just waiting to die from cancer to living with it It’s been 356 days since I landed in Buffalo New York last September for the inaugural Man Up To Cancer event called Gathering Of the Wolves . A bit of backstory Man Up to Cancer is a group of now 2200 guys dealing and living with any type of cancer or caregiver to someone with cancer it’s a website with resources, it’s a podcast “go listen to them especially my episode” and it’s a private Facebook page that allows men to talk to vent to express feelings etc. This group has been monumental in my journey from just waiting to die from cancer to living with it. From not knowing what to expect to a lasting impact on my life This event was the very first one and over 50 guys from all over America Canada and even an amazing guy from Belgium came to experience this. I went in not really knowing what to expect but what happened over those 3 days was an experience like nothing I’ve ever had. It has made a lasting impact on my life and as year 2 of the Gathering comes closer just a few weeks away I want to share why this memory is one of the most important in my life with cancer but also my life, and to get excited about year 2. I get goosebumps everytime I think about that weekend last year and that’s rare for me. I do have deep emotions and feelings but after 7+ years of living with cancer I’ve become in a sense numb at times and keep my emotions buried and hidden. Even while I was there I wasn’t letting my emotions be very visible and that’s just me and who I am. But let me tell you those goosebumps and electric feeling I get when thinking of it is all encompassing. Love, acceptance, and understanding Love acceptance understanding in a way nobody else can understand support laughter and joking all these words aren’t what you might expect when thinking of a large group of men from around the world coming together but we are different we have all had cancer change our life in so many ways and finally found a place to truly express it. Gathering of the Wolves allowed so many amazing guys a chance to finally be in the presence of others who truly understood what they were talking about and feeling. Also allowed a free flowing of support and love that wasn’t impacted by the outside world which is so important in our world. I seen laughing crying and loving during this event and that still brings a tear to my eye to remember how I could sit back with my cold drink and watch guys lives change due to being there and seeing in person what this group is and could. Man Up to Cancer changed my life Man Up to Cancer is about a community of men connected by cancer but brought together by the friendship the love made by being there and supporting one another to not isolate during cancer to show that guy they have someone and the yearning we all feel to belong even though this hell we have lived or are living through. Man Up To Cancer changed my life in so many ways from finding true friendship to giving me a feeling of belonging after years of feeling the opposite, without this group I would never met one of my best friends or stepped foot into the advocacy world and been able have the experiences I’ve had over last 2 years. That is what this group and this Gathering means to me and how last year it touched my heart and soul and know this year in a few days will do the same. KFG my brothers see you soon. And for any man you know that needs a community a brotherhood friends and a I’m place to be his self check out Man Up To Cancer .

The power of integrative medicine in cancer survivorship October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – and I am very aware! I “celebrated” my first October breast awareness month in 2002 by starting my first day of chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer having just been diagnosed at age 39. I worked as a full spectrum family physician (including obstetrics and hospital work), with 3 kids (ages 2, 4, and 7) and my husband working full-time as a small-town physician. Since then, “Bald to Buff” has become my life motto after finishing treatment including undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy which left me too weak at times to climb a flight of stairs. I wanted to move to the completely other end of the physical spectrum. Since finishing treatment, I have completed a marathon, ironman triathlon, climbed Kilimanjaro, ridden a bike from SC to Texas, completed an Integrative Medicine fellowship, traveled to Africa three times for mission work, left a family medicine practice to start at Integrative Oncology/Survivorship program at a major cancer center and most recently become completely enamored with pickleball. So, what have I learned that can help someone, recently diagnosed, currently having treatment, or a long-term survivor of cancer? Navigating the complexities of post-cancer recovery A common feeling is “loss of control.” When you first hear the word “cancer” it is like being thrown into a hurricane. Things happen fast and it is scary. Most times in life when you feel bad or fall ill you see a physician who helps you feel better. But often with breast cancer you feel fine but face treatment that can have multiple side-effects. And as scary as diagnosis and treatment can be, the end of treatment can be even scarier. How do I recover? Will it come back, and will I know if it comes back? What can I do to decrease to risk of it coming back? And how do I deal with lingering side effects? When I see a survivor for their first consultation, I begin by seeking to understand the patient’s perspective. Common starting questions include, “tell me your story”, I’ve read the chart but want to hear the patient’s perspective and their understanding. Next, I ask about nutrition , physical activity , sleep , supplement use, stressors, sexuality , and their support system. Often this is the first time a patient has been asked about some of these aspects of their well-being. Empowering yourself: strategies for long-term wellness People with cancer are bombarded with false information on the internet, someone always trying to sell them something, and friends/family telling them what they should or shouldn’t do to treat their cancer. They need credible sources of information and empowered to become an integral part of their care and recovery. Providing evidence-informed advice on nutrition, physical activity, supplement use, environmental exposures, non-pharmacological sleep strategies, stress management skills, and management of long-term side effects of cancer and cancer treatment is a big part of my role in Integrative Oncology . And risk reduction strategies to decrease the risk of a recurrence. So, if you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with cancer or is a cancer survivor, seek someone fellowship-trained in Integrative Medicine to help them develop an evidence-based plan to get through treatment, recover from treatment, and decrease the risk of a recurrence. We can become stronger after a cancer diagnosis; I know I have. The After Cancer is just the place to help cancer survivors and their loved ones find the answers and help that they need. And it doesn’t matter where you live or where you received treatment since it is a virtual practice that comes to you! About Dr. Chasse Bailey-Dorton Dr. Chasse Bailey-Dorton, MD  is a 21-year breast cancer survivor and the Medical Director of The After Cancer. Her mission is to provide reliable information for someone with a cancer diagnosis, being treated for cancer, recovering from treatment, seeking cancer recurrence risk reduction strategies, or at high risk for cancer.

The desire to become a doctor Ever since I can remember I wanted to be a doctor. As I learned and experienced the different specialties in medical school, I enjoyed all of them. I liked treating the whole person and body instead of focusing on just one part. This led me to a career in family medicine where I did it all, delivering babies to visiting patients in the nursing home. Discovering the allure of family medicine However, after a few years, I was drawn to pursue further studies in Integrative Medicine . I felt that I was missing a critical piece in helping my patients. It seemed the current medical system was too disease-focused, so I completed a fellowship in integrative medicine to learn other ways for my patients to achieve wellness. A shift towards integrative medicine This new information came in handy when I was unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer . I not only sought treatment from my surgeon, oncologist and primary care doctors but also from a variety of practitioners that ranged from massage therapists , acupuncturists, Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors, naturopaths, counselors and chiropractors. My experience receiving medical care helped me to understand even deeper the issues and concerns of my patients. It was so important to me to feel comfortable and safe to speak with my doctors about my treatments and how I wanted to achieve wellness again. This is why now I take an integrative approach and consider lifestyle, fitness goals, and current state of health when I come up with a treatment plan for my patient. I blend together traditional and non-traditional medicine to care for them in a way that is individualized and that addresses their unique concerns and health goals. About Dr. Maria Cayelli Dr. Maria Cayelli  is a breast cancer survivor and a physician specializing in integrative medicine and survivorship care. Her goal is to partner with you on your journey to achieve optimal health and wellness.

JP Health and Wellness: A Vision Realized Inspired by her own journey, Gracienne felt a calling to make a difference in the lives of her patients. She recognized that traditional medicine often fell short in addressing the root causes of health issues and promoting true healing. This realization led to the creation of JP Health and Wellness, a platform where clients could take control of their well-being through education, guidance, and self-empowerment. Gracienne firmly believes in the body's innate capacity to heal itself when given the right tools, and her approach is grounded in the principles of a mind, body, and spirit connection. Her philosophy revolves around empowering individuals to become stewards of their own health. Education plays a pivotal role in her practice, ensuring that clients have a comprehensive understanding of their well-being and the means to make informed decisions. Gracienne's guidance is not just about treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of health challenges, emphasizing the importance of prevention and restoration. She supports her clients in adopting healthier lifestyles, embracing the concept of lifestyle medicine as a primary means of achieving overall wellness. The Seven Pillars of Health Gracienne's comprehensive approach to well-being centers on the seven core areas of health: Sleep : Recognizing the vital role of quality sleep in physical and mental health, Gracienne helps clients develop healthy sleep habits to rejuvenate their bodies and minds. Nutrition : The food we consume is the foundation of our well-being. Gracienne guides her clients in making nutritious dietary choices that promote health and vitality. Environment : The surroundings in which we live and work can profoundly impact our health. Gracienne emphasizes creating an environment that nurtures well-being, minimizing exposure to toxins and stressors. Healing Relationships : Emotional health is intertwined with physical health. Building and maintaining healthy relationships is a cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Spirituality: Gracienne recognizes the importance of spiritual and emotional well-being. She encourages clients to explore their spirituality as a source of strength and resilience. Resiliency: In a world filled with challenges, Gracienne equips her clients with the tools to bounce back from adversity and develop mental strength. Movement : Physical activity is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. Gracienne tailors exercise plans to her clients' needs, making fitness enjoyable and accessible. The Personal Side of Gracienne Jean Pierre Beyond her professional life, Gracienne is a devoted wife and mother, cherishing the bonds of family. Her interests extend far beyond the walls of her practice, as she is an avid traveler, dancer, and lifelong learner. Nature holds a special place in her heart, offering solace and inspiration in its beauty and tranquility. One quote that resonates deeply with Gracienne is, "I would like my life to be a statement of love and compassion and where it isn't, that's where my work lies." This philosophy is at the core of her work, as she dedicates herself to making the world a better place one patient at a time, through love, compassion, and a commitment to holistic well-being. In conclusion, Gracienne Jean Pierre is a beacon of hope and healing in the field of integrative medicine. Her journey, rooted in personal experience and cultural heritage, has forged a path towards holistic wellness. Through her practice she empowers individuals to take charge of their health, advocating for lifestyle medicine as a means of prevention and restoration. By focusing on the mind, body, and spirit, and emphasizing the seven core areas of health, Gracienne is not only changing lives but also reshaping the way we think about health and well-being. In her pursuit of a Doctorate in Integrative Medicine , she continues to be a pioneer in the field, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of holistic healthcare. Gracienne Jean Pierre is a testament to the transformative power of love, compassion, and integrative wellness. About Gracienne Jean Pierre Gracienne Jean Pierre is a breast cancer survivor and nurse. She decided to specialize in techniques like biofeedback and heartmath to support patients in managing their stress.

Don Helgeson is a recently retired Mountie who worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for 28 years. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 51. He and his wife Lisa live on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. This picture is from Remembrance Day 2020 - Don’s last official appearance as a Mountie in red serge after 28 years of service. Routine blood work diagnosed his prostate cancer Several months before his retirement, Don started his journey as a prostate cancer patient and survivor at the age of 51 starting in September 2020. He had severely broken his ankle while making an arrest in the Spring of 2019 and complications with his recovery led to making the difficult decision of taking an early retirement. During this process, Don completed his final PHA that September which included what he’d hoped would be uneventful - especially for his routine blood work. Don was mostly concerned with managing elevated cholesterol readings from the previous year, and was looking forward to seeing a decrease in this particular reading after making some significant lifestyle changes. Little did he know at the time that something else was happening inside his body that would lead to one of the biggest fights of his life. A two-time cancer survivor Don was already a two-time cancer survivor after surviving malignant melanoma and colon cancer diagnoses at ages 27 and 37 respectively. Keeping this in mind, he understood how important it was to make his health priority number one especially while serving as an active member. Blood work during this last PHA revealed that he had an elevated PSA reading. The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test is commonly included in routine blood work once a man reaches age 50 in the province of British Columbia. This test is known as an effective first step to determine if a man may have prostate cancer. After a very high PSA reading, several other tests were conducted including an MRI, CT scan, bone scan and a biopsy of the prostate. After the biopsy, Don was officially diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in December 2020. On a side note, his cholesterol had actually decreased - at least one small victory during a scary time in his life. Lack of information about treatment decisions After his official prostate cancer diagnosis, Don learned that there wasn’t a lot of information for men his age when it came to making prostate cancer treatment decisions. His treatment options were also complicated by the fact Don was living with Lynch Syndrome - a genetic defect that increases the odds of developing certain types of cancers at a very young age. Don inherited Lynch Syndrome from his mother who had also battled several cancers including colon cancer starting at age 42. Sadly, Don’s grandmother also died from colon cancer in her early 50’s long before genetic testing became available. In addition to reading materials provided by his surgeon, Don did a great deal of research online to learn about his disease and the common treatments available. As well, he already belonged to an online cancer community specifically for men living with cancer as a then two time survivor. This online community, “ Man Up to Cancer ” allowed Don to connect with other men his age with prostate cancer who had gone through many different types of treatment options and outcomes. Taking into consideration all that he had learned, Don opted for radical prostatectomy surgery in Nanaimo in January 2021 and had his prostate removed. His recovery was long and he dealt with several complications along the way. Becoming a prostate cancer advocate Post surgery, Don knew that he wanted to share what he had learned about his disease and living with Lynch Syndrome. He also knew that he wanted to become a prostate cancer advocate early into his journey by sharing his story, or by being a part of someone's support network. In August 2021, Don completed a short memoir about his prostate cancer journey. To get his story out, he created a webpage to document his story to help others. His message included the good, the bad and the ugly of living with a prostate cancer diagnosis. In addition to his personal story that led to being diagnosed with prostate cancer at such a young age, it’s also a story about gathering information and forming relationships with younger men who were also in the same fight. Don now belongs to two online cancer communities for men and has found the relationships he’s developed in these groups invaluable. In addition to Man up to Cancer , he is an Admin for ‘ The PC Tribe ’ Facebook group for men with prostate cancer. The memoir is quite detailed and Don has decided to share some very private details of his life and to share his vulnerable side. This is not a common thing for a police officer to do. His hope is that this story will give young men hope, and a chance to see the options that are possibly available. His full memoir can be found at: https://www.prostatecancer51.com Although Don chose surgery as his prostate cancer treatment option, his webpage is not intended to promote any particular treatment. It is simply there to assist men during the difficult decision making process. Especially younger men. In addition to the incredible amount of love and support received from family and friends, several men helped Don along the way. He wishes to thank each and every one of them. These men, and their contributions are recognized in the memoir. As of November 2023, Don is facing a possible prostate cancer recurrence as his PSA has once again started to rise. Don can be contacted with questions or comments at: don@manuptocancer.com

The shock of a cancer diagnosis I had been practicing as a therapist for about four years when I first discovered I had cancer. I was in the middle of my third year of a Ph.D. program and my wonderful wife had given birth to our precious daughter just two months prior to the fateful day. The diagnosis was shocking as I grappled with this life altering news and subsequently commenced a new journey as a cancer patient. Gratefully, it was caught early and I did not have to immediately begin treatment. In fact, I made it another three years before symptoms advanced to where treatment was merited and inescapable. Nevertheless, the looming nature of the cancer made for an emotional, mental, and physical three-year struggle to accept the diagnosis and the inevitability of needing treatment. The lifelong journey of a cancer survivor Fast forward to present day, after having completed two years of cancer treatment, I have assumed the identity of a cancer survivor . I am grateful to be alive, to be and feel healthier, and enjoy life with my amazing and supportive family . Yet, like many others, as a cancer survivor I am still surviving. Like many cancer diagnoses, mine is treatable but incurable, and I live with the threatening and unwanted thoughts that it can and most likely will return. My prognosis is good, and at the same time it is important to acknowledge the lifelong journey of being a cancer survivor. Even after the good news, even after health comes back and life resumes some normalcy, a cloud still remains - questions still arise, worried thoughts continue, and feelings of all kinds surrounding cancer life still present themselves. If you are like me, perhaps you have had similar thoughts and feelings. But that is okay. You are normal. You are okay, and this is all part of the journey. My Masters and Ph.D. programs specialized in Marriage and Family Therapy. One of my main specialties is working with couples to improve their relationship- developing better communication, overcoming infidelity or other breaches of trust, and increasing emotional connection. In addition to the unique focus on relationships, I was also proficiently trained to work with mental and emotional health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Another specialty of mine is working with grief and loss, which can take many forms, such as: death, loss of health, infertility, loss of job, loss of a relationship, or loss of a dream. Taken together, I have a strong skillset and perspective for working with individuals and couples. Indeed, each person has their own internal and external struggles, but these challenges do not exist in a vacuum. They exist amidst and are reciprocally influenced by the environment and context in which said individual lives, including but not limited to: family, friends, neighbors, work and colleagues, hobbies, faith and spirituality, etc. The cancer journey exists in like manner. Relationships during and after cancer You and the people around you are influenced by the cancer experience- before, during, and after treatment. Acceptance and adjustment are important no matter where you find yourself with your cancer experience. One may need to process the internal feelings of grief, depression , and anxiety/fear of recurrence . Identity exploration and incorporation during and post cancer treatment may be necessary- who am I with cancer and who am I without it? Likewise, the impact the cancer and subsequent feelings have on your relationships and various roles you play can be challenging to navigate- how do I discuss my thoughts and feelings about my cancer experience? How should others ask and talk to me about it? How do I respond to insensitive comments and questions? What kind of support do I need and what do my partner or kids need? Even post cancer treatment there is an adjustment to becoming a couple again. Due to pain or sickness, intimacy may have significantly decreased. One partner may have become more of a caregiver rather than a romantic partner and transitioning back to equal romantic partners can be challenging. Finally, whether you are in a dark place or doing well, therapy can be a great space to continue to grow and improve your mental, emotional, and relational well-being. With over ten years of experience, I am well-equipped and prepared to work with individuals and couples who may be experiencing the aforementioned items. As a cancer survivor, I have personal experience and understanding for the cancer journey, which has only increased my empathy, compassion, and respect for what you have and are going through. Thank you for taking the time to read this article, and best of luck to you and yours on your journey. About Dr. Tommy Biscshoff Dr. Tommy Bischoff , Ph.D., LMFT, is an experienced therapist specializing in grief and loss, couples counseling, trauma, depression , anxiety, infertility, and self-esteem. He is a cancer survivor and offers video consultations as a part of The After Cancer's Care Team.

From world traveler to clinical oncology social worker I have been very blessed with many opportunities to travel and study in my life. Psychotherapy is my third (and final) career. I was very fortunate to have studied in Europe for my bachelor’s degree in hospitality management in the 80s and early 90s, worked in hotels and restaurants in the Caribbean for many years after college, and then traveled the world with my backpack - returning to the USA in 1997 to put down roots. I set my sights on becoming a middle school teacher and did it proudly for almost 10 years and loved it. When I desired a more one-to-one helping relationship with people, I went back to school to get a Master of Social Work degree. I worked in substance abuse treatment for my first 8 years as a therapist. An amazing opportunity opened to become a clinical oncology social worker at the Cleveland Clinic . I needed a change, and I jumped at the chance! Exploring posttraumatic growth in psychotherapy Since early 2018, I fell in love with oncology and have not looked back. I went back to school to earn a Doctor of Social Work degree that same year and explored posttraumatic growth for my dissertation – it describes the unexpected and positive changes that occur in people during and after great life-changing suffering. Witnessing this undeniable growth in people after trauma is a beautiful process and happens routinely in the lives of my clients. Journey with AEDP Therapy: Healing and Certification After years of practicing and learning, I found the therapeutic style I most resonated with, and it is called Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) . This approach is deeply relational, attachment-based, emotions-focused, experiential, and somatic in nature. This model of therapy begins healing from the very first session by undoing aloneness and having an emotionally engaged therapist. I meet regularly with a master AEDP therapist for 1:1 supervision and engage in routine workshops and long weekend courses all year long. I am a level 2 AEDP practitioner and am well on my way to level 3 and then on to certification. I am licensed to practice in NC, FL and WA. I am working toward becoming a snowbird between the mountains of Asheville and South Florida to spend more time with my dad. I visit Scotland each year to see my mother who has Alzheimer’s and the old stomping grounds of my youth. About Dr. Diane Benfield Dr. Diane Benfield , DSW, MSW, LCSW, is a dedicated therapist specializing in psychotherapy, grief, depression, and anxiety. Working with oncology patients is the most rewarding and fulfilling work she has ever engaged in.

Learning to live after the diagnosis I was diagnosed with Colon Cancer on June, 16 2016. On July 6, I received the unsettling news that after removing 12 inches of my ascending colon, cancer was found on my liver. Enter, Dr. Austin, my current Oncologist, who told me I had a 9 month life expectancy. Well, how about that folks. Hmmmm. Today, I am writing my blog from a lovely room in Padua, Italy. I just completed 6 miles of walking in the city. I attended mass in the Basilica di San Antonio and loved breathing the air, listening to the Priest speak in Latin, watching the heartfelt response of the congregation and so much more. A beautiful moment in my life. Positive psychology practitioner You see, after cancer, I learned how to live . I was running out of time, and I had to get things done. I have learned to love more deeply, belly laugh , savor more, and ruminate in negativity less. In 2021, I attended The Flourishing Center and received my certification in Applied Positive Psychology. As a Positive Psychology Practitioner, I have learned to embrace, practice and grow using the PERMA model, founded by Martin Seligman in 1999, later adapted to the PERMAV model by The Fourishing Center Founder, Emiliya Zhivotovskaya. My career as a Public Health Administrator, Executive Leader, and now, Life Navigator have prepared me to inspire you on your journey. Cancer is hard , cancer sucks, and cancer throws us a curve ball that none of us want to catch. I am confident that my purpose after cancer is to serve you. My goal is to serve as a confidential thought partner, life navigator, and guiding light, helping you thrive after cancer. The PERMAV model pathways are, Positivity, Engagement, Relationship, Meaning, Achievement and Vitality. We will use these pathways to review your strengths, develop tools and review what you have inside that you can use to live your best life. Together we thrive. About Lisa Caughman Payne Lisa Caughman Payne  is a life coach and stage IV colon cancer survivor. With a background in positive psychology, her  mission is to walk alongside you on your journey of healing and rediscovery.

This article published by MD Anderson , features insights from Dr. Adaeze Iheme , a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer . Dr. Iheme provides valuable information for cancer survivors who have completed chemotherapy. Here's a summary of the key points: 1. Variability in side effects: Short-term side effects like hair loss and nausea usually improve soon after chemotherapy completion. Long-term side effects such as fatigue , chemobrain , neuropathy, weight gain , infertility, heart problems, and mood changes may persist for months or years. Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, can help mitigate some long-term side effects. 2. Follow-up Care and monitoring: After chemotherapy, survivors need ongoing follow-up care to monitor for cancer recurrence or secondary cancers. Individualized surveillance plans, based on cancer type, stage, and treatment, are established, often involving scans, blood tests, and regular check-ups. Survivorship clinics provide specialized long-term surveillance plans, and patients are educated about potential signs of recurrence. 3. Managing anxiety after cancer: It's normal to feel anxious after completing treatment, often due to concerns about cancer recurrence or a shift from a structured treatment routine. Recommendations to manage anxiety include joining support groups, connecting with other survivors, and seeking support from survivorship clinics. 4. Reducing the Risk of Recurrence: Survivorship clinics offer guidance on lifestyle changes to minimize the risk of cancer recurrence, such as avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, engaging in preventive screenings, exercising , and maintaining a balanced diet . 5. Seeking Support in adjusting to the "New Normal": Life after cancer treatment may require adaptation to a "new normal." Support groups, survivorship clinics, and resources like Integrative Medicine can assist with various challenges, including body image issues, spiritual concerns, anxiety, and physical discomfort. Encouragement for survivors to reach out to their care team for assistance with any challenges they may face. The overarching message is that survivors should be aware of the potential long-term effects, stay vigilant through follow-up care, manage post-treatment anxiety, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and seek support to navigate the challenges of life after chemotherapy. At The After Cancer , we understand the unique journey that cancer survivors embark on after completing treatment. Our digital clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive support in alignment with the valuable recommendations outlined by Dr. Adaeze Iheme and MD Anderson. Through our video consultations and group programs , survivors can access personalized resources addressing the variability in post-treatment side effects, receive guidance on follow-up care, and find a community where they can share experiences and manage anxiety. Our services assist individuals in reducing the risk of recurrence through lifestyle adjustments and help them navigate the challenges of adapting to a "new normal." The After Cancer is committed to being a reliable partner for survivors, ensuring they never feel alone in their journey, and encouraging them to seek the support they need as they move forward with life beyond cancer treatment. Contact us for more information: general@theaftercancer.com

This Positive Psychology exercise will guide you through the practice of journaling through the holidays over 42 days from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, so that you may explore your thoughts and feelings surrounding the holiday season. Download the booklet here: What is Positive Psychology? “Positive psychology is the scientific study of optimal human functioning. It aims to discover and promote the factors that allow individuals and communities to thrive.” (Seligman, 2002) The late Dr.Christopher Peterson (also one of the founding fathers of positive psychology) described positive psychology in this way: “Positive psychology is about helping people move ‘North of Neutral’. Peterson was also famous for saying, “I can describe positive psychology in 3 words: Other PeopleMatter.” Simply Put: Positive psychology is about building what’s right, not just fixing what’s wrong. About the booklet You are receiving a total of 42 journaling prompts. Please note that you determine the pace of writing. Write when it feels right for you and feel free to skip prompts. If you wish to skip a prompt, leave the journal pages empty and return to them in your own time. Before you begin writing, take a few moments to relax and pay attention toyour breath. Breathe in slowly through your nose and hold for 3-5 seconds.Now, gently exhale through your mouth and hold again for 3-5 seconds.With each inhale and exhale, notice the air as it flows in and out of your lungs. Notice your chest as it gently expands and contracts. As you write in your journal, remember to: Create a comfortable, safe space for your journaling where you are unlikely to be disturbed by others. Turn off your phone. Do not censor yourself. Be honest - you are writing only for yourself. No one else will have access to your journal unless you want them to. Be kind to yourself. If you begin to feel overwhelmed, take a break and resume writing when you feel ready to do so. There is no wrong way to journal; you can write however it feels right to you. For example, you might prefer to write in complete sentences, short paragraphs, or a continuous flow of thoughts. Journal writing empowers you to express your difficult feelings safely and privately. It allows you to come to terms with cancer at your own pace and in your way. Your journal is always there to receive your thoughts and feelings. In addition, it gives you the chance to express yourself and reduce stress. Remember, you do not need to worry about spelling, grammar, or even writing full sentences. This journal is for you; you can write however feels right to you. About Lisa Caughman Payne Lisa Caughman Payne  is a life coach and stage IV colon cancer survivor. With a background in positive psychology, her  mission is to walk alongside you on your journey of healing and rediscovery.