Carrie shared her experiences of first being a caregiver to her brother and then becoming a cancer survivor herself. She talks about the anger she still feels about losing her brother but how she has been able to channel that anger towards serving others. As a survivor who’s been in the shoes of a caregiver, she’s taken on the added responsibility of stay strong for her family members because she understands the trauma they have already gone through with losing her brother. 

I had so many thoughts about Carrie’s story, mostly because when I started recording the show, I didn’t really consider the dual experience some of us have to go through as caregivers AND survivors. I was so struck by how Carrie had to comfort her mother about her own cancer diagnosis even though it was no less scary for Carrie to think about. 

Also, I loved how she explained that while things are not always “sunshine, unicorn, and roses” as she says, she knew she would be ok. It’s a subtle difference in words but the difference in mindset is huge. This is also why I think Carrie is able to experience anger - as we vividly heard in her words and voice - but not be immobilized by it. 

Lastly, I couldn't agree with her more about the importance of not compare yours or your loved one’s cancer journey to other's. It is a destructive mental game for most things in life, and you are certainly not going to win when it’s about cancer. 

You can find Carrie at the following places: 

• Website: https://www.coachcarriev.com/
• Email: carriev@coachcarriev.com
• Linkedin: Carrie Verrocchio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarrieVerrocchio
• Instagram: @iamcarrievee
• Clubhouse: @carrievee

Please subscribe to the podcast if you would like to hear more stories from cancer survivors, caregivers, and family members. You can let me know which topics you would like to hear more about or share any feedback about the show by going to my Instagram page or email me at talkaboutcancerpodcast@gmail.com. 

Thank you for listening!