Season 3 Episode 1 Welcome Back!

Reflecting on an incredible journey through the ever-challenging terrain of ovarian cancer, join me, Tami, your host and Cancer thriver. Four years into my battle, I'm sharing uplifting stories of resilience that emerged from both personal experiences and the inspiring community I've met along the way. This episode brings you to Camp Make a Dream in Montana, a magical retreat where 47 fellow ovarian cancer warriors and I found solace, strength, and shared laughter. As I remember my dear friends Rebecca Johnson and Lynn Naquin, I honor their impactful lives and the legacy of support they’ve left for all of us.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or a long-term survivor, this season promises guidance, hope, and a celebration of life. Discover how to apply to the ovarian cancer camp in 2025 and become part of this supportive network. I'm taking a brief respite from treatment to recharge and am eager to share stories of triumph and the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Subscribe, leave a review, and connect with our thriving community as we navigate the emotional mountain of cancer together. Let’s cherish memories, embrace new beginnings, and keep pushing forward with courage and joy.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:32

The Welcome to Season 3 of Cancer, the Emotional Mountain. I'm Tammy, your host and an ovarian cancer thriver. As I begin this season, I'm entering my fourth year of treatment and thriving with ovarian cancer. I think back to my diagnosis sitting in my truck in the Red Rocks of Utah and can't believe all that has happened and blessed my life to today. First, I'm alive, against all odds. I'm here Living and touching lives of those who have also heard the dreaded words you have cancer. I remember thinking at the time I'm dying, but that's not what it means anymore. We are so lucky to be alive now, in a time where research and medicine has lengthened our lives. Cancer is no longer a death sentence. It's becoming more of a chronic disease. But we still lose loved ones, friends, family. I've lost friends this year to this disease and I grieve, but more than the grief, I've celebrated those who continue to thrive and carry on a fulfilled and wonderful life. Second, I've recently returned from a magical trip to Camp Make a Dream outside of Missoula, montana, a camp that is devoted completely to those who are survivors and thrivers friends, siblings and family of cancer. I can't wait to share my experience and the interviews of the amazing women that I met there. So let's see what's happened since the last I spent time with you. Let's see what's happened since the last I spent time with you. I'm still a bionic babe. Dancers of hope dancing with my cancer survivor and medical staff, oncology friends, as we have made quite a busy fall, performing at numerous charities, all of which are great supporters of cancer and cancer research. We are having a ball. I'm pooped, but I'm having a ball.

Speaker 1: 3:16

Unfortunately, I have to share the news that my friend, rebecca Johnson, a fellow podcaster, passed from ocular melanoma, a very rare cancer that she battled for well over three years. Sadly, the cancer misacetized to her liver this summer. There is no one who's handled this disease with more grace and strength than Rebecca. If you get a moment, her podcast is still up and running. It is called Love Isn't Dead, just my Husband. Rebecca's views and strength throughout after losing her husband and being diagnosed with cancer is a wonderful ride into the magical person who Rebecca is and will always be.

Speaker 1: 4:20

Here in Louisiana, we lost an icon, lynn Naquin. Here in Louisiana, we lost an icon, lynn Naquin. Lynn was a proud supporter of ORCA and LSU Health Foundation. I met Lynn a little over a year ago when she graciously asked me and several of my ovarian sisters to model in her TLT, an annual event here in New Orleans that has supported women with ovarian cancer. She raised well over $100,000 in the last three years, with the help of LSU, to help women who could not afford things beyond their means during their treatment. I had the distinct honor of being on her committee this year for the T and it was the highlight of my year.

Speaker 1: 5:13

I am dedicating this season to Rebecca and Lynn, my fellow warriors, my friends, whose lights shine so brightly and will continue to guide me for the rest of my life. As I mentioned in the beginning, I'll be sharing with you stories of fellow ovarian cancer survivors I met this fall at Camp MegaDream. I attended the ovarian cancer camp. I will also share with you how amazing it was to sit with 47 other ovarian cancer survivors and will give you information on how you can apply to be a camper for 2025.

Speaker 1: 6:08

I'm on a break from my treatments. It's been great to just live and recharge my immune system and the good stuff that my body makes all by itself. I'm so grateful to have a medical team that allows me to take time to rebuild between treatments. So let's get ready for a great end of the year, holidays, celebrations and the promise of a new year. Please subscribe to my podcast, leave me a review if you're moved to Stop by the Facebook page I really need to get on that and start posting pictures from this summer or drop me a personal message at cemotionalmountain at gmailcom. I know there are so many of you that listen and I truly appreciate you and I'm here if you ever need to chat. So let's get started On to season three. Thank you.