Wondering if cancer coaching is the right choice for you?
Maybe you’ve told a friend about your recent diagnosis, and they’ve mentioned a great cancer coach they know…
Or maybe you’re Googling how to get through this challenge and you’ve bumped into this concept for the first time…
Whether you’re a cancer patient, a cancer survivor, or are caring for someone with cancer, cancer coaching can help you.
Doctors –especially oncologists– have shared that after working with a cancer coach, their patients are more decisive and become more active in making decisions about treatments.
If you're feeling lost, scared, or overwhelmed by the challenge that you’re facing, cancer coaching might be exactly what you need.
When I went through cancer, there were no cancer coaches around!
I struggled to gather and pick out the right information, spent countless hours doing research by myself, and was left feeling confused and overwhelmed.
I also felt alone and misunderstood because even though my family did their best to support me, they had no experience around cancer patients.
When I finally beat cancer and achieved what I had wanted for months (being in remission)...
I found myself feeling radically different than I thought I would:
- Afraid the cancer would come back
- Uncomfortable with my new, post-mastectomy body
- Scared of wasting my life away now that I could finally appreciate the smaller things in life
It wasn’t until I reached out for help from different professionals that my life took a turn in the right direction.
That’s why I became a cancer coach.
Cancer coaching will help you feel more empowered, informed, and supported. Your coach is your best ally in providing you with the tools you need to make informed decisions and navigate the challenges ahead.
What is a cancer coach?
A cancer coach is a trained professional who provides support to cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Unlike doctors and nurses who focus primarily on medical treatments, a cancer coach focuses on helping you cope with the physical, emotional, and practical challenges of cancer.
We do this by offering guidance, resources, and tools to help you navigate the complex and often overwhelming world of cancer.
A cancer coach can help you in many ways, like:
- Providing you with clarity around your diagnosis and treatment options
- Helping you manage the physical and emotional side effects of treatments
- Offering strategies for coping with the emotional impact of cancer – whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or survivor
- Helping you choose the right doctor or treatment center for you
- Helping you communicate effectively with your healthcare team, so you always feel empowered in making decisions that affect your health
Additionally, a cancer coach will provide you with resources and referrals to other professionals that will make your journey lighter and positive, such as nutritionists, therapists, and support groups if needed.
How does cancer coaching work?
Cancer coaching is a personalized approach to cancer care that focuses on you as a whole person, not just the disease.
As a cancer coach, I work with patients, survivors, and caregivers to help make this journey easier, lighter, and more positive. This involves:
My Approach to Cancer Coaching
As a cancer survivor and coach, my goal is to empower you to take an active role in your cancer care and recovery.
I believe that everyone has the right to make their own decisions when it comes to health, and I am here to support you every step of the way.
My approach to cancer coaching is holistic, meaning that I take into account all aspects of your life and well-being.
After surviving breast cancer myself over 10 years ago, I developed my 10-step Resilience Coaching System to help women overcome cancer and feel like their best selves.
As your cancer coach, I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through at a time when there weren’t cancer coaches around…
I struggled! I spent a LOT of time searching for answers and getting frustrated. I had no idea how to handle my diagnosis, and that took a massive toll on my emotions. (Read my story here.)
Thankfully, the world seems to be opening up and there’s more information online today than ever.
However, that’s a double-edged sword that might waste your time unless you already know what works and what doesn’t.
Plus, the stigma still stands.
Cancer is viewed as a death sentence…
Cancer patients and survivors are still labeled ‘cancer’...
And the big C word brings up fear in those who haven’t experienced it. Which makes diagnoses that much shocking and bitter to process.
Some medical practitioners are tactless when it comes to communicating with patients, which often leads to feelings of helplessness and loss of hope.
A cancer coach is the exact opposite of that. So… Should you work with one?
Cancer Coaching For Patients
If you’re experiencing fear, guilt, sadness, anger, and shock, I want you to know that that’s normal. A cancer coach can help you move through that.
When you’ve just been diagnosed, cancer coaching can help you:
- Understand your diagnosis
- Understand your treatment options
- Find helpful information on your diagnosis and treatment
- Communicate your diagnosis to your loved ones
- Look for a second opinion
Search for complementary practitioners - Voice any concerns to your doctors
- Ask for support without guilt
A cancer coach can help you understand the medical jargon and explain the pros and cons of different treatment options. This can help you make informed decisions about your care and feel more in control of your situation.
If you’re already battling cancer, a cancer coach can help you tackle the physical and emotional side effects of your illness and treatments in a healthy way, such as:
- Managing stress and anxiety
- Expressing your emotions
Improving your treatment outcomes with the right diet - Lessening your treatment side effects through lifestyle changes
- Increasing resilience
- Dealing with physical changes
We can also connect you with support groups and other resources to help you feel less isolated and more connected to others who are going through similar experiences.
Cancer Coaching For Survivors
Cancer can be a traumatic experience for your body and mind. But it also opens your eyes to how precious life is and how little time we all have on this planet.
That’s why it’s important to not only get ‘back to normal’...
It’s time to embrace life like never before!
And that’s where cancer coaching can help cancer survivors.
Having a cancer coach by your side will help you:
- Deal with post-cancer anxiety and depression
Manage side effects from your treatments - Develop coping strategies
- Benefit from your new resilience skills
- Replace your limiting beliefs with encouraging ones
- Understand how to prevent cancer from coming back
There’s a lot to gain from working with a cancer coach.
In my practice, I offer a safe and supportive space for survivors to process their emotions and work through their feelings.
It’s important that by working with a cancer coach, you:
- Feel seen and supported as a cancer survivor
- Gain back your confidence and self-esteem
- Feel more like yourself than ever before
- Use what cancer has taught you to live your best life
- Set goals for the future
- Create an action plan to achieve them
My goal is that you’ll stop surviving and start living, just like I did.
Cancer Coaching for Caregivers
Looking after a loved one through cancer?
I know what you’re going through.
Unfortunately, I’ve had to witness both my parents go through cancer. And when I went through it myself, my loving husband was open about his own struggles as a caregiver.
I know how challenging it can be to balance your own needs with your loved one’s needs…
And to try and help them without being sure if what you’re doing is right…
As a caregiver, cancer coaching can help you:
- Feel comfortable setting boundaries
- Express your thoughts openly
- Better understand what your loved one is going through
- Save time when doing research about a diagnosis or treatment options
- Support your own well-being to better support your loved one
- Navigate the healthcare system with ease
- Connect with resources that will make your journey easier
- Find support groups to learn from other, more experienced caregivers
A cancer coach can also teach you the ropes when it comes to physical and emotional care for a cancer patient.
Learning how to cope with this situation and understanding your role in your loved one’s recovery will be beneficial for both of you.
In my practice, I help caregivers navigate the complex dynamics of family and relationships. I also provide them with guidance on how to communicate effectively with your loved one and other family members.
If you’re struggling to support someone you love through cancer, consider reaching out to a cancer coach or joining a support group to meet other people who are in the same boat.
Trust me when I say that there is NOTHING you can think, say, or do, that is wrong. You deserve support on this journey too.
How do I choose a cancer coach?
When it comes to choosing a cancer coach, there are several factors to consider.
You want to find someone who has experience working with cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, and who has the right training and credentials.
How do I choose a cancer coach?
When it comes to choosing a cancer coach, there are several factors to consider.
You want to find someone who has experience working with cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers, and who has the right training and credentials.
Want to work with a cancer coach?
I still have spots available for 1:1 coaching and my support groups are always open.
Claim your free discovery call with me to find out how I can help you.
