Show notes
On episode 11 of A Chat with Uma, inspired by my upcoming 4-year cancerversary and all that comes up this time of year - I share my full story + experience of living with cancer since I was 22. I talk you through the 6 months of misdiagnosis that led up to my diagnosis the day after my birthday, and I take you through the tumultuous journey of treatment that was shaped by further negligence, misdiagnosis, and mistreatment. I share the consequences of my delayed treatment on my prognosis, and I explain the reality of living with cancer rather than being in remission. I speak at length about the unique struggles of living with cancer as an AYA (adolescent + young adult patient), and I draw awareness to the experience of survivorship beyond treatment that is often completely overlooked by those in an AYA's life. I close with reflections about my experience, and a call to action + empowerment about sharing our true experiences in community with others - and allowing ourselves the chance to be truly seen + supported.Topics Covered + Timestamps:((00:09:44): Aspiring Scientists Coalition Presentation with Dr. Ben Rein THIS Thursday April 13, 9am PDT / 12pm EDT Sign up for free HERE(00:14:00): Breaking Convention Presentation April 20-22 | University of Exeter Register to attend HERE (in person or virtual)(00:17:05): Digital CancerCon Presentation April 16-30, virtual platform Register HERE for free( Events leading up to my diagnosis 6 months of misdiagnosis Being diagnosed the day after my birthday The role of my young age Going through cancer surgery Consequences and effects( Medical negligence after surgery Transitioning my care Highest risk of recurrence Radiation Discovery of distant spots of metastasis( Current level of monitoring "Cancer suppressed" vs. in remission The role of my young age( What AYA is: adolescent + young adult patients The worsened outcomes + prognoses for AYAs AYA awareness and self-advocacy( Isolation, fear, scanxiety Worsened mental health outcomes Toxic positivity and gratitude How to adequately support AYAs(Connect with me! My website: umarchatterjee.com Instagram: @UmaRChatterjee Twitter: @UmaRChatterjee TikTok: @UmaRChatterjee Email: [email protected]
