Cancer Chronicles Ep 15: Thriving Against the Odds

Confessions of an Aging Ingenue

Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned, and that’s okay. What if instead of pushing against the flow, we embrace the change?

Welcome back to Confessions of an Aging Ingénue! I’m your host, Jenni Tooley. This episode is a quick catch-up, as we dive into the real-life struggles of navigating cancer treatment while still trying to enjoy life’s little pleasures.

I misplaced my glasses only to find them in the most unexpected place and it served as a reminder of how unpredictable life can be, especially when you’re dealing with the mental fog of chemo brain combined with menopause.

That’s exactly what I’ve been learning as I shift from the person I used to be to who I’m becoming now. Whether it’s learning to accept my limitations or simply following my intuition, I’ve discovered new ways to thrive—without forcing things.

For example, I started making upcycled baskets and holiday packages with things I found at thrift stores, even from boxes left out on the street. Stores in town loved them! It’s also fun for me and an excellenr reminder that I can still contribute in ways that bring joy to others—even if they’re small things.

This has all been part of a journey of acceptance. At first, it can feel like we’re letting go of something, like the activities we once enjoyed. But acceptance is powerful; it allows room for something new to unfold. And you know what? It’s okay to grieve what we’ve lost, but let’s also start looking for what still brings us joy. Sometimes it’s just about doing something fun and unexpected.

I have discovered that every time I stopped trying to control the outcome and simply followed the flow, good things happened.

Through my journey with cancer, I’ve made so much self-discovery, uncovering strength I never knew I had, learning to embrace vulnerability, and finding a deeper appreciation for the small, beautiful moments in life. The kindness and connections I’ve experienced have reminded me that thriving isn’t always about big achievements or plans; sometimes it’s showing up and allowing life to unfold naturally.

This is what thriving looks like for me now. Not doing it all or having everything figured out but embracing the little moments, staying open, and trusting that what’s meant for me will come in its own time.

If you've been following my journey, you know it’s not just about the treatments; it’s finding joy in the small things, like great food, simple moments of laughter, and the people who show up along the way. The Cancer Chronicles is for anyone dealing with difficulties and life-altering challenges. It’s the push you need to give yourself the grace to take things one day at a time and to enjoy the process.

If this episode helped you, or if you just want to hear more, don’t forget to visit jennitooley.com for more updates and ways to support the podcast. You can also check out the Jenni Tooley Presents community on Substack to stay connected and find out how you can get involved. Your support makes all the difference!

Thank you for journeying with me. Remember, you’re not alone in this!

Credits:Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com.

A huge shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our amazing sound designer, for creating the intro and outro bumpers.

And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our wonderful podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Thanks to Dalton James of Mr. James Workshop for providing us with amazing graphic design and branding.Also, thank you to Peggy, Daniel, Nancy, Pam, Carol, Patricia, Linda, Jenny, Tess, and Tom for supporting the podcast on Substack. You’ve made it possible to produce and share these episodes!

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Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.

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