I realized I had two choices - I chose to control my response to what was happening: words from an ICU Nurse, Young Adult Head and Neck Cancer Survivor Artwork

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I realized I had two choices - I chose to control my response to what was happening: words from an ICU Nurse, Young Adult Head and Neck Cancer Survivor

April 16, 2024 • Jill Squire, Oncology Certified Nurse

Former ICU nurse, certified trauma-informed wellness coach, current RN, and AYA cancer survivor Stephanie (Stef) Gayhart shares her story of diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancer, recovery from major surgery, and survivorship.

Stef is candid about how much harder her recovery from surgery and cancer journey are than she thought they would be.

Steph cultivates a positive attitude while acknowledging the reality of the situation, “Life is tragically beautiful.”

She emphasizes the need for compassion and empathy and the value of sitting with someone in their pain without trying to fix it. She highlights the importance of finding a community of other survivors and the need for comprehensive survivorship care that starts from the time of diagnosis. Stef also talks about her advocacy work and the importance of giving survivors a voice.

About Stephanie Gayhart:
Stef Gayhart is a registered nurse, certified trauma-informed wellness coach, and AYA cancer survivor. She has a Master's in Healthcare Innovation

Show Links:

Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-gayhart/

The Art of Happiness by The Dalai Lama https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/288630/the-art-of-happiness-by-dalai-lama/

The Book of Joy by The Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/533718/the-book-of-joy-by-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-and-archbishop-desmond-tutu-with-douglas-abrams/

Welcoming the Unwelcome by Pema Chodron https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/603849/welcoming-the-unwelcome-by-pema-chodron/

National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship https://canceradv

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Here is the link for the acclaimed cancer self-advocacy guide by Jill Squire, host of Everything Cancer Podcast
"Cancer Journey Guide and Journals: Empowerment in Diagno...