Episode 71 - Navigating Life After Cancer: Mikaya's Journey
What can cancer survivorship a few years after treatment look and feel like for a person under age 50? In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, co-host Melissa Schenkman and Mikaya Franklin, a young cancer survivor, discuss her 'new' normal three years into cancer survivorship from a medulloblastoma (a brain tumor that affects the coordination and balance area of the brain).
Mikaya shares her experiences navigating life after cancer, including the challenges of staying up with almost daily physical therapy exercises, socializing with friends, traveling, and the impacts on mental health as she navigates, anticipating hurdles that could get in the way of regular activities. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy within the healthcare system and reflects on her aspirations for the future, including writing a book and pursuing a career in healthcare. The conversation highlights the unique challenges faced by young adults in cancer survivorship and the need for better support systems.
🎧 Tune in now to learn more about the unique and often invisible challenges of young cancer survivorship and let Mikaya empower you with her very active life in survivorship! To hear Mikaya's story of diagnosis to survivorship, check out YMyHealth Podcast episode 36 here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/d0663906
Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest, Mikaya Franklin
(00:56) Survivorship Journey: The New Normal
(05:41) Physical and Occupational Therapy Updates
(10:14) Mental Health and Support Systems
(16:38) Navigating Social Life as a Survivor
(20:56) Healthcare System Insights and Advocacy
(26:28) Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts
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Learn more about this episode's guest, Mikaya Franklin and follow her on Instagram @mikaya.renay and on TikTok @mikayafranklin
Have a question about one of our podcast episodes? Email us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com. We will be answering your questions in our upcoming Q&A.
Learn about YMyHealth's Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman
Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com .