Mar 13, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce talks with guest Barbara Boone, who shares her journey with endometrial cancer and how gardening has helped her through the tough times. Barbara emphasizes the benefits of gardening, such as stress relief, a sense of achievement and being part of a nurturing gardening community. Even during her cancer treatment, Barbara stayed positive by focusing on daily achievements and supporting others.
Dr. JYP points out the need for cancer patients to take safety precautions in the garden, such as wearing a mask to protect against harmful microbes. They also discuss the value of enjoying nature and the impact of wildlife in gardens. Barbara learned to ask for help during her cancer battle and stresses the significance of support groups like the Sisterhood of Survivorship, which was created especially for GYN cancer survivors. The conversation concludes by recognizing the importance of emotional healing and the positive changes that can emerge during a cancer journey.
Enjoy the show!
3 Key
Takeaways
1. Therapeutic Benefits of Gardening:
Barbara Boone shares her firsthand experience of the therapeutic effects of gardening during her cancer treatment, highlighting how daily activities such as weeding and caring for her vegetable garden provided a sense of accomplishment and normalcy. Gardening has been shown to boost mood, promote immunity, and provide a healthy distraction for cancer survivors. Dr. JYP adds the importance of safe gardening tactics, especially for those with compromised immune systems.
2. The Importance of Community and Support:
Barbara’s journey underscores the significance of community involvement and support groups for emotional healing for those who are cancering. She discusses the importance of the Master Gardener program and the Sisterhood of Survivorship (SOS) support group, revealing how connecting with these communities helped her cope with her endometrial cancer diagnosis and treatment. Both Barbara and Dr. JYP emphasize the need for patients to seek out resources that can be helpful and supportive.
3. Adapting and Giving Back:
Throughout the episode, Barbara emphasizes how her
cancer diagnosis changed her, leading to an increased desire to
give back to the community. Even during her most challenging times,
she found ways to contribute, whether through the Master Gardener
program, compiling a newsletter or mentoring other patients.
Barbara and Dr. JYP discuss how such efforts to contribute and
support others can aid in a patient's own healing process and
foster a sense of purpose and positivity.
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