#momscrushingcancer #lungcancerinfluencer #mommyhadalittlecancer #momcrushingcancer
In this episode, we are delighted to have #MomCrushingCancer, Ananda Lewis on the show. Ananda is a well know former MTV Veejay, BET host and her own talk show host and carpenter. Ananda was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly 3 years ago and recently shared her diagnosis in October of 2020.
In this episode we discuss:
-What Ananda has been up to
-Sharing one's diagnosis-How and with who
-Living in the now (Ananda is on point!)
-Cancer terminology and lingo
-Breast cancer research
-The American health care system
-Music play list
-Life goes on and so do we
Angie and Karlee adored Ananda growing up watching her on MTV and BET. When they finally met over Zoom as it was if they knew each other for years. The conversation flows amongst friends sharing everything cancer related and more. The laughter throughout is a sign it's a conversation you don't want to miss.
Connect with Ananda Lewis- https://www.instagram.com/iamanandalewis
Follow, like and subscribe to Mommy Had A Little Cancer podcast- https://anchor.fm/mommyhadalittlecancer or on preferred platforms
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommyhadalittlecancer/
https://www.instagram.com/xennialexpat/
#momscrushingcancer #lungcancerinfluencer #mommyhadalittlecancer #momcrushingcancer In part one of this episode, we are delighted to have #MomCrushingCancer, Ananda Lewis on the show. Ananda is a well known former MTV Veejay, BET host and her own talk show host and carpenter. Ananda was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly 3 years ago and recently shared her diagnosis in October of 2020. In this episode we discuss: -What Ananda has been up to -Sharing one's diagnosis-How and with who -Living in the now (Ananda is on point!) -Cancer terminology and lingo -Breast cancer research -The American health care system -Music play list -Ananda's hair and Karlee's bangs -Port sistas Ananda and Angie Angie and Karlee adored Ananda growing up watching her on MTV and BET. When they finally met over Zoom it was as if they had known each other for years. The conversation flows amongst friends sharing everything cancer related and more. The laughter throughout is a sign it's a conversation you don't want to miss. Connect with Ananda Lewis- https://www.instagram.com/iamanandalewis Follow, like and subscribe to Mommy Had A Little Cancer podcast- https://anchor.fm/mommyhadalittlecancer or on preferred platforms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommyhadalittlecancer/ https://www.instagram.com/xennialexpat/ https://www.instagram.com/thehairoine/ Media: mommyhadalittlecancer@gmail.com
#momscrushingcancer #lungcancerinfluencer #mommyhadalittlecancer #momcrushingcancer
In this episode, we are delighted to introduce you to a #MomCrushingCancer, Dr. Kavita Jackson. Kavita is a wife, Mom to 2 young daughters and an attending ER Doctor. Kavita was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer shortly after moving to a new city.
In this episode we discuss:
- Auto-pilot mode/tunnel vision - Diagnosis day; Coping with a cancer diagnosis and small children - Culture and cancer (Indian and Haitian) - What brings us joy - Dr vs. cancer patient - Top tips for new cancer patients - Creativity, music and Kavita's dancing skills on TikTok - The word warrior and other cancer lingo - we weren't taught how 'to do' cancer. We started out with life goals and then cancer happened. It was't something any of us expected. But, we realized we have choices. Choices how to process, choices in how we tell people and choices in how we cope and beyond. Everyone deals with cancer differently and that is OK. Regardless of the diagnosis, we are Moms. We are here and we have so much love to give. And when we were ready, we found community. And when you are ready, there is a cancer community waiting to embrace you when you are ready.
Connect with Dr. Kavita Jackson- https://www.instagram.com/drkavitajackson/ Blog: www.drladyblog.com
Follow, like and subscribe to Mommy Had A Little Cancer podcast- https://anchor.fm/mommyhadalittlecancer or on preferred platforms
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mommyhadalittlecancer/
https://www.instagram.com/xennialexpat/
https://www.instagram.com/thehairoine/
Media: mommyhadalittlecancer@gmail.com
The shock of a cancer diagnosis can put life on a hold for a minute. And when you're ready you bounce back stronger. We are delighted to have Nicole from Anointedcare podcast join us in this episode sharing her story and her experience living with colorectal cancer. Nicole kept her cancer under wraps and shared what she was going through when she was ready with her 2 daughters as her key focus to get through it. In this episode we discuss: Nicole's cancer journey as a single Mom Cancer and parenting Cancer and faith Colorectal cancer symptoms Hope in times of adversity Karlee's love of the Buffalo Bills Angie's radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments in hospital. Focusing on what matter when times our tough, will get you through. You just have to follow your instinct and do what is best for you and your family at that time. Connect with Nicole- @anointedcarepodcast Follow, like and subscribe to Mommy Had A Little Cancer podcast- Anchor.fm/mommyhadalittlecancer Instagram: @mommyhadalittlecancer Media: mommyhadalittlecancer@gmail.com
This episode is dedicated to Dionne Warwick. Happy 80th Birthday Dionne! A fixture in our household to this day! 1 day to go Dionne! When we make it to 80, we will be Tweeting just like Dionne.
In this episode we discuss:
Karlee baked a chocolate cake for a dear friend's birthday. And before you know it Angie and Karlee were talking about cancer support specifically during a pandemic. AstraZeneca reached out to Angie and shared their “Notes of Encouragement program that supports patients faced with lung cancer. They send note cards and emails with personal stories and other real, helpful info to support patients going through lung cancer treatment. The program has really benefited Angie as she has realised there are people like her on their journeys too with encouragement.
Karlee and Angie met at Mass Mentoring Partnership so mentoring support is always on their minds. Connections are key! Karlee took part in the 'Someone Like Me' programme by the charity Breast Cancer Now. Karlee was so thankful to learn about getting a port and to be encouraged along the way and so much more!
Angie is back in hospital and has started a new chemo and radiotherapy regime. Mom guilt really kicks in when away from their families. But, it is for the best as Angie has many ailments that need hospital attention.
Angie and Karlee discussed Angie's DIY ice packs and Karlee's attempt at sewing. There was a lot of laughter in this episode, but that is a good sign given the change in Angie's circumstances. She is loved. She is supported. And we are all thinking of her!
Happy 80th Birthday Dionne!
Amelia on Grey’s Anatomy was told by Richard,
‘If you don’t let them help you through this, you’ll hurt them a lot worse.’
Well, what if Amelia processed her feelings and her cancer journey on her own terms?
According to our special guest Ms. Jenny D. Brice, MFT, MPH of www.jennydbrice.com, there are coping tools for others. It is important to allow the cancer patient to feel and process their diagnosis.
Ms. Brice is not only Angie’s cousin, but a director at a Philly based health centre. Her vast experience professionally focuses on public and mental health. She literally showed up for Angie from the start of her healing cancer journey with her sister Annie in Geneva.
In this episode we discuss:
Learn more about Jenny Brice at: www.jennydbrice.com
Website and blog: mommyhadalittlecancer.weebly.com
Contact us: mommyhadalittlecancer@gmail.com
Insta: @mommyhadalittlecancer
Angie was kicked out of hospital! Why? one would wonder...A patient on her ward has COVID-19. That's a new one. How very 2020?! Angie has a huge lump/hump on her torso and the pain has been unbearable since having her drain out. Her drain has let out lung fluid for the past 6 months. Imagine trying to clean your body with a drain in. Not easy! She had enough and checked herself into hospital to get some rest and manage the pain to see what the hump was really made of. Well, that didn't go that well, but they figured out what the big hump was...Fibrosis Necrosis. Who knew? The challenge with being in hospital and going back home is there are things to do. And well, it never ends. But, returning home is the best feeling in the world. Spending time with the family and cuddling. And, enjoying the comforts of home. Coffee when you want it. And so on...Plus, it is nicer to be at home when on steroids and up all night. So long as you don't wake the kids! The ladies realise they have a lot of TMI discussions and SWEAT is now added to the mix. Angie went to pick up her morphine and had a hot flush/hot flash if in the US. And well, it was all a but much. First off, she was picking up pain meds which made her look like a druggie, but the sweat is out of control. This can happen during chemo, in the menopause or after chemo. And, it has a chemical sort of smell. Karlee is familiar with the hot flushes and has sort of got used to them. She had them during chemo and when in chemical menopause and now surgical menopause. She sweats at random time and she discusses how her right arm pit does not sweat. Possibly due to having all lymph nodes out or lymphoedema? The conversation ends on a self-care note and being able to relax. Angie is about to have relexology and a massage. Karlee feels self-care is a must, but also find it hard to relax. The only way to relax is to keep practicing. We will have to see if Angie is able to relax during her treatments on steroids. So long as she doesn't do a press conference, it should be ok! Pinky promise NO press conferenceson steroids, Angie?!?! In this podcast we discussed: Menopause Sweating: Hot Flush vs. Hot Flash Steroids and pain management Getting out of hospital Self-care: massage and reflexology Get in touch- Insta: @mommyhadalittlecancer Press /Sponsorship Opportunities: mommyhadalittlecancer@gmail.com
Pinktober is here! Do you love it or do you hate it? What is is it all about?
Karlee and Angie discuss their thoughts on breast cancer awareness month and gear up for Lung Cancer Awareness month in November. They break it down by talking about funding, education support and how effective these months can or can't be...If it saves 1 life the real work is being done!
Pink is everywhere, but why is Secondary Breast Cancer underfunded? What does secondaries/mets/metastatic (MBC) mean? Angie and Karlee are not doctors, but they are in the know to some extent. The discussion then leads to advocating as a patient and that in itself is a separate podcast. The ladies discuss Angie being in hospital now when COVID19 is on the rise. What is the difference? Is the treatment not as good? Is it better?
The conversation ends with keeping things as normal as possible in treatment and beyond. Halloween is coming up and how fair is it on the kids to do something differently? The ladies discuss control and what we can and can not control. You are your own advocate. You matter. We all do. Remember that!
Find us on Instagram: @mommyhadalittlecancer
Find out more about MBC:
breastcancernow.org
metupuk.org
secondart1st.org.uk
UK BAME Women Cancer Awareness:
blackwomenrisinguk.org
Angie is a ‘girl on fire’ and she is going through the fire as we speak. Her new Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma Lung Cancer (LCNEC) requires chemo in addition to the chemo tablet she is taking. These higher class drugs come with many side effects such as sweating profusely, digestive issues, mouth sores, and metallic taste in her mouth to name a few. The latest is hair loss. Angie didn’t realise she had so much hair and shaving it off is the way forward! Angie’s sister Annie joins in and they discuss how the perfect head shape has got to be hereditary! Karlee has passed on head scarves and the ladies talk about sticker earrings to switch up her looks with the scarves and wigs. Angie will be keep her looks fresh. Angie’s White Blood Cell count is low and she is staying at a friend’s house away from her family. Staying away from her family is challenging and her children are adapting. The ladies joke about having a portocath and somehow find the silver lining laughing about Karlee being called a vampire. With the side effects comes changes in appearance. Which of course, takes awhile for a younger cancer patient to get used to in their prime. The superficial silver lining is…Angie is at her high school weight now as she is losing weight, but needs to butter, oil and cream up her diet to keep it on! One day at a time is the way forward. And, it won’t be easy. Again, the ladies keep it real and remain optimistic. As hard as it is. Because, it is ok to let go and let other people take care. In this podcast, Angie and Karlee discuss: -Chemo-hair loss and side effects -Resiliency and children -Weight loss/Weight gain and nutrition -Donating fluid from lungs -Steroids -Angie’s sister is visiting to help out with the family and Angie -Lung cancer symptoms -The ups and downs of going through cancer again -Supporting a friend or family member in treatment Find out more or connect with Karlee and Angie on: anchor.fm/mommyhadalittlecancer Instagram: @mommyhadalittlecancer
A lot has changed since Angie and Karlee’s last show. Lockdown for one. COVID-19 is in full effect and both their countries got it on lock. Lock down that is. COVID-19 and cancer go hand in hand and the girls discuss life at home, life away from friends and family and what keeps them going. In every situation there is a silver lining. And well, Karlee and Angie keep it real by sharing how they feel and identifying the positives. TIME is a key component of the discussion and will be something to think about for years to come. Angie shares that she has gone through a harsh regime of targeted radiotherapy for a new primary lung cancer. Active treatment during COVID-19 is not easy for the faint-hearted and she even rode her bike to her radiotherapy sessions to avoid COVID-19 the best she could. Again, without a choice but a new route to carrying on. Karlee feels for Angie and reassures her that she is here for her. Cancer will not stop for COVID-19. Karlee was meant to be in ‘peak cancer period’ in April, but her appointments were cancelled. It’s a sense of relief as she was thinking about how she could get to the various hospitals safely. The peak period will have to wait until June and August. In this instance, Covid-19 puts cancer on hold. The ladies discuss the ‘new normal’ and how excited they are that Angie has a new job lined up! There is always a silver lining. Even when you have to dig a bit deeper to find it!
In this podcast, Angie and Karlee discuss:
-Lock Down and COVID-19
-New Primary Lung Cancer
-TIME
-Lockdown life
-The New Normal
-Hobbies
-TikTok
Find out more or connect with Karlee and Angie on:
anchor.fm/mommyhadalittlecancer
Instagram: @mommyhadalittlecancer
Series 1 Episode 8
World Book Day is a great day to celebrate reading as an adult and with your children.
Karlee’s girls went dressed as word ninjas today and each girl wore one of her headscarves from her lovely friends that she wore during chemo. Her eldest chose her ‘Warrior’ scarf sent from Japan from a Marine friend. Out of all the many scarves, her eldest chose the one that closed out Karlee’s radiotherapy treatment. Talk about a proud Mom moment.
Angie shared that she was on steroids the last World Book Day as she was awaiting her diagnosis also known as in her pre-cancer days. Angie read 3 of her relevant day nursery rhymes and the ladies talked about the importance of routines for children and how empowering the songs were for boys and girls. Karlee is working on a children’s book about trying and has put that on hold.
Being that it’s World Book Day, Karlee and Angie talked about books that have helped them. Both ladies are inquisitive and love information! Karlee has admitted that often times she is too tired and her reading level is not at an optimum level yet. Angie has read many books and is in the loop. Whereas Karlee has kept up to date in various online groups. Either way, the ladies discuss books that have added meaning throughout their Cancer journey.
Karlee then referred to various lines from The Dr, Seuss book, “Oh the Places You Will Go.” She bought that book for her cousin when she finished high school and it truly explains with beautiful rhyme the ins and outs of life. The story resonated with the cancer journey: the ups and downs, the waiting, and the not knowing. The key message is not to get stuck and keep moving on up being the best version of you.
Karlee and Angie end with the importance of reading and being in the know. They also talk about how important story time is and how wonderful books are for chill time and bonding.
Something as simple as reading a book can make great memories and also allow us Cancer Moms to relax with our children. And for that, we are big fans of reading books!
In this podcast, we discuss:
· World Book Day
· Angie’s Nursery Rhyme Book
· Steroids
· Bedtime Routine
· Books that have inspired us on our Cancer journeys
· Book for bonding time
· Dr. Seuss
Books we are not promoting, but have read that have inspired us:
· ‘Radical Remission’ by Kelly Turner
· ‘This Is Only A Test: What Breast Cancer Taught Me About Faith, Love and Business’ by Chris-tia Donaldson
· ‘The Art of Possibility’ by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
· ‘A Diary of Healing’ by Mary Ann Wasil (Mary you were so amazing and your legacy lives on through (https://getintouchfoundation.org/)
· ‘Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss
Contact us on:
mommyhadalittlecancer@gmail.com
Series 1 Episode 7
Angie was hanging out with her friend Carmen and in this episode of ‘Make New Friends and Keep the Old’, the girls talk about friends and serious illness. Carmen was Angie’s go to rock before and prior to her diagnosis. Carmen’s inquisitive nature helped Angie navigate the medical system and was fighting for her in her corner. Emotionally perfect.
Friends can sometimes find it hard when a friend is seriously ill. They show up and help when they can. Some people aren’t sure how to respond and some take a step back. Regardless, life goes on. For a cancer patient, life stops and as we recover we get back into it the best that we can.
Angie wanted to scream out she had cancer and told a random woman. Karlee was able to keep it quiet for a bit, but was more obvious when she lost her hair. Life as a Mom is challenging. Add cancer to the mix and child care needs are in full effect. Angie and Karlee are so grateful for the friends that helped them look after the children when at appointments, chemo, etc.
Shout out to Angie’s family. Shout out to Karlee’s family. And special shout out to friends that became family!
Karlee talks about having friends and her Mom over to shave her head. A breaking moment for her was when her friend took the earrings out of her ears to give Karlee when she first saw her new pixie cut. Karlee also wanted to normalise the head scarf experience for her eldest and asked friends to send her scarves. Wearing her Beyonce wig was not an option as babies pull hair! Thank you for the lovely scarves everyone! I’m still passing them on! And thank you for the lovely jewellery and special mementos. Special Shout Out to Mary, Tiffany, Blanka, Louise and my tribes!
Angie and Karlee talk about how they can’t hang like they used to because they have less energy. They would describe themselves as not as social. But of course, still look amazing! ‘You don’t look like you have cancer.’ Angie shares her weight loss secret….Wait for it….Cancer.
Carmen gives the friends perspective. She gets the recovery period and has an overview of the phases as her Mom had breast cancer. Carmen’s Top Friend Tips when serious illness happens to a friend are:
· Try not to freak out in front of your friend. Carmen freaked out behind the scenes. Thank you for that, Carmen!
· Carmen reminds us friends have to breathe too. Friends have to be strong and support you.
· She also shared it’s important to be real and true. And try to think of scenarios that aren’t happening.
-And do what you can. Whatever that is. If busy, take times to send a message that you’re thinking about your friend. It’s not all about big gestures.
Karlee’s that person. Angie’s that person. Still the same people. Thankful as ever for their friends and family.
Kale is not the answer. Friendship is.