What Happens When Biography Becomes Biology? A Survivor Explains Artwork

Cancer Connections

Cancer Connections is the podcast for anyone who has been impacted by a cancer diagnosis. Each episode, host Hillary Theakston and her guests have the conversations about cancer that don't always happen, but maybe should, on topics like stress and wellness, clinical trials, "exceptional" patient responses, and more. We will not have all of the answers, but we hope you’ll connect with ideas and inspiration that you need for life with cancer on your own terms. Cancer Connections is brought to you by Clearity, an organization that provides services and support at no cost to people whose lives are impacted by ovarian cancer. Learn more about Clearity at clearity.org.

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Cancer Connections

What Happens When Biography Becomes Biology? A Survivor Explains

June 11, 2021 • Episode 4

In our first three episodes, we heard from expert physicians about the connection between stress and disease, people who have defied the odds in exceptional ways, and how addressing death thoughtfully may bring unexpected joy. But how do these ideas about the connection between stress and disease square with someone who is actually living with a cancer diagnosis every day?

In this episode of Cancer Connections, we talk with Cissy White, a journalist and advocate for PTSD and abuse survivors, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2019. Cissy shares her experience living with cancer, including how her work to heal from PTSD has helped inform how she manages stress today, and taught her how to authentically advocate for herself when choosing treatment options.

Cissy also talks about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how the health impact of childhood trauma can linger into adulthood and even across generations. For more information about ACEs, check out these sites:

ACES Too High - https://acestoohigh.com
PACES - https://www.acesconnectioninfo.com

You can find out more about Cissy and the work she's doing at her website, Heal Write Now.

About Clearity

Cancer Connections is produced by Clearity, which provides free support and services to people impacted by ovarian cancer. You can learn more about Clearity and the topics we've discussed today by visiting clearity.org. Or, feel free to email us your questions or comments at podcast@clearity.org. Thanks!