I was 28 years old. I didn't want to stop and talk about what was happening with Sam Megarry, Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer Survivor

In 2019, Sam Megarry went to the hospital thinking that she had appendicitis. She had no idea what she was about to encounter around the bend - a Stage 3 colorectal cancer and Lynch syndrome diagnosis. Her life was suddenly flipped upside down at 28 years old.

Carolyn and Sam met in group therapy at Gilda's Club Toronto where a small crew of young adults in their 20s and 30s at different stages and phases of their cancer experiences met on a regular basis. Even through some seriously frigid icy snow storms, they still met week-to-week. To some, it was the only time they felt truly heard, seen and understood in their every day lives.

As Carolyn and Sam continued through their 30s - they went on to experience more life changes. A few years later, Carolyn reaches out to Sam to invite her on to the pod. They catch up and candidly chat about going from therapy icks to making it a career, how cancer might have impacted their relationship with change itself, questionable wellness narratives, cancer as depicted and perceived in Hollywood, and of course - they answer your questions!

We're so pumped to hang out with you. Go ahead and hit that play button. 

(01:23)- Welcome to this conversation & an intro to Sam Megarry

(05:30)-Sam's first experience with going to therapy

(07:10)-Wellness, working in it, and the industry

(10:40)-Sam's relationship with therapy now

(14:30)-Our relationship with change itself

(17:00)-So...about that pandemic. How it was like from our seat in the house

(22:40)-The challenges of finding the right therapist as a persons experiencing cancer

(26:20)-When Sam encountered a therapist that was not the right fit

(27:50)-A therapists' lived experiences with cancer

(38:10)-Beyond the body. What about the rest of us?

(41:47)-Question From Pareetah

(45:41)-When they think you're being an alarmist

(47:40)-Question From Madison

(51:30)-Parenthood & genetic considerations

(57:10)-Question from Gideon

(59:35)-"But...you look and seem so healthy!"

(1:00:45)-When Chadwick Boseman passed

(1:07:57)-Question from Kim

(1:08:51)-When they go in for a hug

(1:11:27)-Question from Bree

(1:11:47)-Cancer plots in film and tv

(1:15:00)-Parting words from Sam

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Learn more about Sam Megarry ⁠here⁠. We’re thrilled to know that she's making her way through the professional psychotherapy world.

What did you connect with or enjoy most from this conversation? Drop us a comment or give us a rating!

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The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the moment of recording - and do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners. We are human and are constantly learning and evolving.  What is shared in these conversations is for consideration only. This podcast must not be in place of official professional research, medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.