The Role of a Cancer Doula

Today’s episode shows how a cancer diagnosis is not the end of one’s life. We are joined by Talaya Dendy, a renowned cancer doula (and 12-year cancer thriver!) who in her daily life and work, goes above and beyond to provide guidance & support. Talaya discusses what she prioritized before and after her cancer diagnosis.  We learn about her diagnosis and how her view of her body has changed, how she processed the trauma of her diagnosis, how her lived experiences pushed her to become a cancer doula, and the ins and outs a cancer doula’s role and responsibilities. We also unpack the challenges that Talaya must overcome to serve those in need and what led to her podcast Navigating Cancer TOGETHER. Press play now for this thoughtful and insightful conversation about health, healing, and happiness!  

Key Points From This Episode:

•    Understanding Talaya Dendy: Her values before and after her cancer diagnosis. 

•    The stress of a corporate ladder pursuit. 

•    How she felt about her body before cancer versus how she feels about it now.  

•    Her approach to processing and accepting her diagnosis as a young, healthy woman. 

•    The ins and outs of being a cancer doula. 

•    The barriers that Talaya must overcome to reach the people who need her help the most.

•    Why she started her important and inspirational podcast, Navigating Cancer TOGETHER.

•    What you can learn from the Love Letters 2 Our Bodies Workshops. 

•    Talaya explains why Tabitha Brown is her current source of inspiration. 

•    The affirmations that help her navigate tough times. 

Quotes:

 “Like most women, you always find those things that you think are imperfect, but in reality, God made us perfectly. Being able to come to that realization took a lot of time, maturity, and self-love.” — Talaya Dendy [0:07:54]

 “As a cancer doula, I walk with my clients; I guide them and support them; I make sure that they are heard and seen; and I make sure that they have the information and resources that they need to make informed decisions about their care and become the gatekeepers of their health.” — Talaya Dendy [0:10:51]

“It doesn’t mean that you’re going to die because you get a cancer diagnosis.” — Talaya Dendy [0:11:16]

“It’s not the load that breaks you down; it’s the way that you carry it.” — Talaya Dendy [0:26:28]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Talaya Dendy | On the Other Side, LLC

Talaya Dendy on LinkedIn

Talaya Dendy on Instagram

Navigating Cancer TOGETHER  

I Survived Cancer and Here Is How I Did It

Greater National Advocates  

Tabitha Brown

Love Letter 2 Our Bodies Online Workshop – 19-20 October

Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation
Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn
MOYO Institute, Inc
instagram.com/moyoinstitute