This week I am so delighted to welcome my partner, Actor Warren Taylor to the podcast. As a heads up this is a very honest conversation containing details about cancer, the treatment that followed alongside my dad's declining ill health with dementia and his passing away at the same time at starting chemotherapy. There is real light and shade, both bittersweet and funny alongside brutal honesty about what it is like experiencing a cancer diagnosis as a family.
We explore the cancer diagnosis, treatment, and the emotional rollercoaster of facing mortality while maintaining family life. We talk about the importance of mindset, resilience, and the power of choosing calm amidst chaos. We also look at the power of acceptance and living life fully despite adversity. We hope our candid conversation offers valuable insights for anyone facing challenges or seeking to understand the transformative power of difficult experiences.
For clarity, as I hash up the specific diagnosis part, I was diagnosed with High Grade B Cell Non Hodgkin Lymphoma - Stage 1. I know not everyone has the same experience of cancer so this is not to ever compare experiences, more to share our unique experience. I had 3 rounds of chemotherapy (R-CHOP) and 15 sessions of Radiotherapy over 3-4 weeks.
I would love for this episode to help you see how much control you have even in moments where you feel out of control and to face any health concerns you have right now - or even deeper challenges personally too. Avoiding these things doesn't make them go away and when you have the courage to face them you will realise how much there is to take from the mere bravery in facing something that scares you. Also that life is short, please don't wait any longer to do what you want with yours! From a place of empowerment, rather than fear
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and guest introduction
00:03 Introduction to the journey and key themes
5138:51:42 Kate finds a lump and initial concerns
6638:51:42 Kate and Warren share their personal experiences with cancer
11583:18:22 Medical investigations and inconclusive results
16805:31:45 Lessons learned about resilience and acceptance
18138:51:47 Diagnosis of lymphoma and emotional reactions
24694:25:17 Balancing hope, fear, and acceptance
25444:25:17 The impact of adversity on personal growth and family life
33333:18:42 The impact on family and loved ones
33472:12:02 The importance of mental health and mindset during illness
41861:05:25 Decisions around treatment and fertility
41999:58:45 Reflections on living fully despite challenges
49972:12:10 The importance of mindset and choosing calm
50638:52:10 The role of support systems and community
58194:25:32 Handling uncertainty and emotional resilience
58944:25:32 Advice for others facing health crises
66888:52:22 Treatment process and immune system concerns
66916:39:02 The transformative power of difficult experiences
75222:12:29 Reflections on the year and personal growth
75333:19:09 Looking forward: embracing life after adversity
Kate Instagram - https://instagram.com/katestirling_
Warren Instagram - https://instagram.com/_warren_taylor
Podcast Instagram - https://instagram.com/whatitmeanstobehumanpod_
Kate's website: www.katestirling.com
Lymphoma Action website: https://lymphoma-action.org.uk
Macmillan Cancer Website: https://www.macmillan.org.uk
