In this conversation, Sam and mindset coach/oncology mom Kayleigh Kennedy explore the emotional landscape for parents post treatment and the profound impact of trauma on our mental and physical health. Kayleigh shares her personal experiences and insights on mending the broken heart her son's cancer treatment left her with, and the ongoing process of healing, highlighting the significance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. One of the ways Kayleigh has approached her healing is through somatic therapy and integrated somatic trauma processing (ISTP).

She discusses the healing power of breath work, the importance of releasing suppressed emotions, and the journey of letting go of control. The conversation highlights the physical and emotional challenges faced during therapy sessions, including intense releases of energy and emotions. Kayleigh emphasizes the significance of trusting oneself and exploring personal healing needs, while also acknowledging the discomfort that comes with the healing process.

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My talk with Lily has really stuck with me. This is a mom who simply refused to let cancer define her family’s life. There was no way cancer was going to interrupt their normal, and there was no way it was going to interfere with her son’s growth and learning and development. Lily was determined to maintain Wyatt’s full and active life, and not only maintain, but better it. Cancer wasn’t something that would stop him, it was something that would make him stronger.

When Wyatt was 5.5 yrs old, he was diagnosed with T cell ALL, and like all parents, Lily was floored when she was told the news over the phone after some routine blood work, But you’ll hear her say Wyatt’s diagnosis completely shifted her perspective and made her even more optimistic and less concerned and worried about the things in life that don’t matter. I’ve had a lot of talks with parents who come to those realizations, maybe after treatment, but for Lily, it was right off the bat, and she harnessed this optimism and perspective into making Wyatt’s cancer treatment an opportunity for growth and something that wasn't going to define him.

One of the areas of our chat that will stick with me forever is when we talk about how Lily made treatment so positive for Wyatt that he legitimately mourned when it was over. This makes so much sense when you hear Lily’s story, but I mean, we can all agree it’s not the most common reaction coming from a little kid who’s just gone through 3 years of gruelling cancer treatment. But port removal and final lumbar punctures were devastating for Wyatt, and we go into how Lily is managing these really honest and deep emotions. We also talk about her other son Jack and how in many ways Wyatt’s cancer treatment was hardest on him. So much insight and deep conversations in this episode.

I love Lily, she is incredible and so is this chat. I know it will stick with you too. So, let’s dive deep with Lily.

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Sam Albert, a recreational therapist at Roger Nielson Children's Hospice, shares her experience supporting families and siblings through treatment and end of life care. Sam shares personal stories of growing up with a brother who had cancer, the impact of grief, and the importance of validating the sibling's experience. The conversation also emphasizes the significance of peer support among siblings and the creative ways they express their emotions.

Sam explores the profound experiences of supporting families in palliative care, emphasizing the importance of creating lasting memories, the privilege of holding space for families during their hardest moments, and the unique emotional journey caregivers undergo. The discussion highlights the beauty found in love amidst grief, the impact of personal experiences on caregiving, and also touches on the examination of belief systems and the diverse needs of families after the loss of a child.

https://www.rogerneilsonchildrenshospice.ca/

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