Family ChemoTherapy with Adriana Lewin

Introduction to Family ChemoTherapy

An introduction to Family ChemoTherapy: A Corner for Parents and Caretakers Fighting and Surviving Pediatric Cancer. A general overview of the purpose and the topics that will be addressed by Adriana Lewin, a Licensed Professional Counselor and momcologist.

 

 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/family_chemotherapy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/familychemotherapy

Twitter: www.twitter.com/familychemotherapy

Social Distancing

What is social distancing and how does it apply to families with pediatric cancer? And how do you adjust to social distancing after your child's diagnosis?

Coping with the Diagnosis: Part 1

This episode describes the initial diagnosis and what you may expect at the doctors office. It describes the stages of grief that parents and families of pediatric cancer experience. Adriana discusses what life changes you will experience, and how that can impact your mental health. She shares her personal experience of receiving her child's diagnosis. 

For more information on topics, visit the website : www.familychemotherapy.com

Coping with the Diagnosis Part 2

Make sure you listen to Coping with the Diagnosis Part 1!  Part 2 discusses the following about Pediatric Cancer: 

 

• Going to the appointment
• Discussing your options with your decision making partner/spouse/significant other/other adult.  
• Trust but verify by researching 

 

What to take to appointment:

• take a notebook to take notes
• Record on your phone

 

Be gentle with yourself and take help when offered

-You may not not what help you need until a little after the diagnosis 

-It’s okay to say, “I don’t know, can I get back to you”

-Talk to your social worker to find the resources that are available to you

-Food trains!   They are SUPER helpful!

 

Learning to take it one day at a time

Allow yourself to feel those emotions 

Give your best, not perfect. 

 

Discusses the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for cancer families. 

• Psychological Needs
• Safety Needs
• Love and Belonging
• Esteem
• Self-Actualization

I reference the article I wrote about being ghosted. To read that, go to https://www.familychemotherapy.com/post/ghosted

Make sure to check out the website! 

www.familychemotherapy.com

 

If you would like to guest on my podcast, or would like to invite Adriana to guest, please reach out through the website link!

 

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Talking to Kids About Cancer

Talking to kids about cancer can be intimidating. In this episode, Adriana Lewin interviews Dr. Candace Chuyou-Campbell about ideas on how to speak to kids about such a big topic at all age levels. 

The American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO)

This episode comes with a bit of a disclaimer: My audio malfunctioned so I sound a bit like a robot. But the content is golden! I interview Blair Scroggs with The American Childhood Cancer Organization, also known as ACCO. Blair shares a little bit of the history of ACCO which is mind blowing yet fascinating. She also shares all the resources available at no cost to pediatric cancer families. She talks about Gold Ribbon Heroes and Founding Hope.  All in all, if you haven't checked out ACCO's website, you definitely should! It is the largest childhood cancer organization in the US that is involved in all things Pediatric Cancer. 

 

Head over to https://www.acco.org to find and customize an order for resources that can be sent straight to your home! I highly recommend the books for children and the Oliver's Story for siblings. Looking to start a non-profit organization? They will hold your hand! Hop on over and donate to this amazing organization if you want to support their mission!

Interview with Laura Sobiech: Author and momcologist

Who is Laura Sobiech? She is the author to the book Clouds: A Memoir which has now been adapted to the movie Clouds now available on Disney Plus. 

But who is she really, beside an outstanding author?

Ever heard of Zach Sobiech? The teen singer/songwriter to the chart topping song Clouds that bared his soul to the world when he found out he was terminal with osteosarcoma?

Well, Laura is the mother to this amazing and inspiring warrior who gained his angel wings far too soon. She is also the mother to his three super siblings.

We cancer families understand that the cancer diagnosis of one child affects the entire family system.  This episode is a very candid interview on her story, Zach's story, and her families story on the behind the scenes of how they really coped with Zach's cancer diagnosis. 

Her book is now available to purchase on all major platforms and there is also the audiobook titled Fly a Little Higher on Audible. 

When Child and Mother Have Cancer: an Interview with Amy Sapien

It's hard to fathom that a child could have pediatric cancer, but there are times where both a child and a parent/caretaker have cancer at the same time.  

In this interview, Adriana with Family ChemoTherapy has the opportunity to interview Amy Sapien, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida, and the face to Pink_and_Gold_momma  on Instagram.  She helps raise awareness that cancer can strike more than once in a home and the physical, emotional and logistical challenges that it brings. 

Alexandra Neenan, Doctoral Fellow, Clinical Psychology

Alexandra Neena is a Doctoral Fellow in her 3rd year of Clinical Psychology at Eastern Michigan University. 

She is a childhood cancer advocate and passionate about mental health in the field of pediatric cancer. Her Instagram is @Alexandra.Neenan.  She is someone to follow on IG! She posts daily on mental health topics and research. 

This episode, she imparts some knowledge and tells us about how she got involved in advocacy.

Dr. Renee Exelbert - Child Psychologist and Author

Dr Renee Exelbert worked for several years as a Child Psychologist in Pediatric Oncology/Hematology. 

After working with children with cancer, she was faced with her own cancer diagnosis. 

Through her personal healing, she found a helpful therapeutic approach through exercise integrated with therapy to work through healing the body, mind and soul. She authored the book Chemo Muscles which is available on Amazon.  

To learn more about Dr. Renee Exelbert, visit her website: https://drexelbert.com

She shares about her experience working with children in pediatric cancer and imparts some wisdom. 

If you are or have a teen/ young adult dealing with cancer, this approach of therapy helps empower the survivor after feeling betrayed by their own body. For a parent, this helps work through the feeling of lack of control when faced with your child's diagnosis.