Can Caregivers Heal Too? Unveiling the Unspoken Trauma of Cancer Caregiving with Erin Copelan

Navigating Cancer TOGETHER

Erin is a speaker, best-selling author, and licensed massage therapist. In 2009, she was appointed sole Caregiver to her husband as he was diagnosed with cancer, underwent multiple surgeries, and had a successful liver transplant. With caregiving experience that spans over a decade in multiple states with multiple medical centers, Erin was called to share her stories with the underserved caregiving community. Erin is a UNOS Ambassador helping to spread the word about the importance of organ donation. She loves writing, the ocean, snuggling her kitty, and learning new ways to express her creativity.

✨Highlights from the show:

[00:10:09] Lack of support for caregivers.

[00:16:08] Adult coloring books and self-care.

[00:20:43] The importance of discussing sex.

[00:25:30] Organ donation misconceptions.

[00:31:09] The trauma of caregiving.

[00:35:07] Your body lets you know.

📰 Blog: https://www.ontheotherside.life/post/unveiling-the-unspoken-trauma-of-cancer-caregiving

Resources:

Support for Caregivers of Cancer Patients -

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/caregiver-support

Caregiver Family Therapy (CFT) - https://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/practice-settings/intervention/family-therapy

💆📙Connect and learn more about Erin:

Website: https://erincopelan.com

Book: Welcome to Caregiving: The Things Caregivers NEVER Talk About: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09W4DWJMJ?crid=HN2DPIY533KN&keywords=erin+copelan&qid=1647982255&sprefix=erin+copelan,aps,123&sr=8-2&linkCode=sl1&tag=kimbereldredp-20&linkId=70bd48e0b1e591207e88ea7aa94fb5e7&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

Link To This Episode On:

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-cancer-together/id1580570728?i=1000643631691

Other Episodes You'll Enjoy:

A Woman's Quest to Help Her Husband Overcome Stage 4 Cancer - https://smartlink.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/a-woman-s-quest-to-help-her-husband-overcome-stage-4-cancer-with-edna-ness

The Inspirational Caregiver - https://smartlink.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/the-inspirational-caregiver-with-dr-odell-glenn-jr

The Caregiver's Path to Soul Care and Self-Healing - https://smartlink.ausha.co/navigatingcancertogether/the-caregivers-path-to-soul-care-and-self-healing-with-dr-edward-smink

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🦄About Me:

In 2011, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, out of the blue. I did not have any prior health concerns or issues. Fast forward, the dreaded cancer diagnosis opened my eyes, introduced me to my purpose, and led me to where I am today.

As a Cancer Doula, I use my 12 years of experience with cancer to support and guide others diagnosed with cancer. Many people are not familiar with what a cancer doula is. Think of me as your personal guide and patient advocate. Schedule a 30-minute Meet and Greet call to confidentially share the challenges you are facing and learn more about how I can support you. https://bit.ly/OTOSDiscovery

Learn more about On the Other Side at https://www.ontheotherside.life/. Connect with me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/talayadendy/), or sign up for my bi-weekly newsletter (https://bit.ly/OTOSNewsletter) to get valuable information and resources that can help you navigate cancer.

🙏🏼Thanks for joining us for this episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER!

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Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.