Persistent Through Dismissal: Kathy Rhodes' Journey to Cancer Freedom

An unforgettable conversation about trusting your instincts.

In this powerful episode, host, Dr. Jodi Richardson, sits down with Kathy Rhodes, who shares her harrowing yet ultimately triumphant battle with stage 3 cervical cancer. When she sensed something was wrong with her body, doctors repeatedly dismissed her concerns — but her persistence saved her life, leading to a diagnosis that changed everything.

Kathy takes us through her extraordinary journey to becoming cancer-free, including her courageous decision to face treatment largely alone — a choice that transformed her people-pleasing tendencies into newfound strength. The topics covered in this episode include;

• Moving closer to the hospital to prioritise her treatment
• Confronting her mortality while managing anxiety, guilt, and self-blame
• Developing innovative anxiety management techniques, including her weekly "feeling all the feels" for 30 minutes
• Her fascinating "do-over" strategy for breaking cycles of overthinking
• Living with lasting effects like brittle bones and constant tinnitus
• Finding moments of laughter even in the darkest times of treatment
• Practical advice for supporting loved ones through cancer diagnoses

"Life beyond cancer isn't easy either," Kathy reminds us, offering rare insight into the ongoing challenges survivors face after treatment ends. She also shares the surprisingly fun and meaningful ways her friends showed up for her when she needed it most.

Content warning: This episode contains discussions of death, mortality, and serious health challenges.

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