Cancer. Now What?

Confessions of an Aging Ingenue

How do you stay mentally and emotionally grounded during a life-altering diagnosis?

Welcome to another episode in Season 3 of Confessions of an Aging Ingénue with Jenni Tooley.

From the moment she woke up from a routine colonoscopy to hear the words "you have cancer," life took a major detour. For someone who’s been a pretty healthy human—ex-vegan, fitness enthusiast, conscious eater—this diagnosis was a shocker. But that’s life, right? It hands you lemons, and you learn to make lemonade.

Today, still on Cancer Chronicles, Jenni is going into the details—what it’s like navigating the medical system, dealing with insurance headaches, and putting together a care calendar for my fur babies. She shares the strategies that are keeping her sane and grounded, from finding the right healthcare advocate to making the most of the resources available, including grants and wellness support.

And hey, even if you don’t have cancer, there’s something here for you. We’re all dealing with our own chaos, and the lessons Jenni is learning and sharing about staying calm, advocating for oneself, and keeping high-spirits can be applied to any challenge. Plus, there’s plenty of rectal humor to keep things light. Because if we can’t laugh, what can we do?

This episode is not just about cancer—it's about dealing with life's unexpected twists and turns with courage, humor, and grace. Whether you’re battling an illness, facing a personal challenge, or simply looking for a dose of raw honesty and inspiration, this episode offers something for everyone.

If something in this episode resonated with you, take a moment to let it sink in. Remember, these insights are meant to move from your head to your heart. And if you want to support the podcast, head over to www.jennitooley.com. Join the Substack, or consider a financial contribution to keep the podcast going. You never know what else is in store!

Thank you for being here with me on this journey. Your support and love mean everything. Until next time, take care and keep your spirits high!

Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

Credits:

Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com.

A big shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our incredible sound designer, for crafting the intro and outro bumpers that set the tone for our episodes.

And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our amazing podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll catch you in the next episode!

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