Lessons Learned

People experience many impactful lessons throughout young adulthood. Although a cancer diagnosis can change a young adult's life trajectory, it also provides learning opportunities and influential experiences. These lessons learned throughout a young adult's cancer experience can contribute to shaping their life journey and forming the person they become. 

Life on Pause is a podcast created by and for young adults living with cancer. In this episode, our speakers discuss the lessons learned from their cancer experience and their experiences as members of the Life on Pause community. Together, they share their thoughts and memories about the lessons learned from having cancer and the lessons they continue to learn today. 

Lessons Learned from Life On Pause (0:08)

On this episode of Life On Pause, our hosts and guest speakers share their thoughts regarding lessons learned from participating in the podcast and experiencing the cancer journey as a whole. The show begins with an email written by recurring guest Taylor sharing her experience with the podcast, followed by the episode’s present speakers introducing themselves and weighing in with their thoughts about how the series has impacted them.

First lessons from a cancer diagnosis (10:08)

The cancer journey begins with a diagnosis, followed by many different experiences of cancer treatments, symptoms, and other health events. From coping with humor to expecting the unexpected, today's guest speakers share the first lessons they learned as their cancer stories began and how they carried it with them throughout their treatment and until now.

Learning, Kicking, and Screaming (16:35)

The next theme of the episode surrounds the cancer lessons our guests learned while kicking and screaming. Today's speakers share the tough lessons that made them miserable -- but were a necessary or unavoidable part of their cancer journeys. Listen as they describe experiences that taught them appreciation, humility, and patience during difficult hours.

Constant Journeys and Lessons (19:04)

Even when treatment is over, cancer can continue to teach lessons. Today's speakers share the cancer lessons that they are still learning today. Together they share some of their own stories about the lessons learned and relearned regarding themes like accepting things they cannot change, relinquishing control, and pondering the universal meaning of life.

The Social Strangeness of Cancer (26:04)

Cancer becomes a regular part of life for those who experience it. But for others, the topic of cancer can still be a touchy one. Throughout both childhood and adulthood, conversations about cancer still carry heaviness and can be challenging to handle. The episode's speakers share their thoughts on the social awkwardness surrounding the subject of cancer and how they navigate conversations and interactions where cancer is discussed. 

The Life On Pause Community (34:03)

Life On Pause started as a project to help young adults with cancer interact, share their stories, and form impactful memories. Although the podcast's speakers came together throughout different stages of their cancer journeys, the show became a helpful resource to those experiencing cancer and everything that comes with it. The show concludes with guests sharing their appreciation for the Life On Pause hosts as well as the podcast's community as a whole.