714: Viki Zarkin: The Only 12 Year Survivor of Stage 4 Metastatic Cancer

Viki Zarkin was diagnosed with cancer in 2011, has been living with Stage 4 metastatic cancer for over 10 years, and is the only person in the world alive with this aggressive illness. She was diagnosed in her 40s when her doctor first told her to go home and get her affairs in order and at the time, she had 2 small children at home. Viki spent the next several years fighting for her life, advocating for herself, navigating through the healthcare world, and following her gut. Today, Viki is a beacon of hope for others, she’s a motivational speaker and coach on a national level and a successful author. Viki inspires women to change the way they have been programmed to think and emphasizes the importance of starting with young women on how to believe in themselves, challenge the status quo, find their voices and listen to their hearts.  Listen in to hear Viki share: Her diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic cancer 12 years ago What happened when she grabbed her doctor by the neck when her doctor suggested she might not survive her diagnosis What it was like working through stage 4 cancer treatment with children ages 8 and 11 What her life is like being treated every 28 days with chemo to manage her cancer The side effects of long-term cancer treatments What it has been like to mother while also managing cancer for 12 years Her bargain with God and how that has played out  How to navigate power differentials in healthcare Links mentioned: Register for my Plan & Prep Pajama Party on January 23rd: shamelessmom.com/pajamaparty Connect with Viki: iamtheone.com/ Viki on FB Viki on IG Sponsor info and promo codes: Please find our sponsor information here: shamelessmom.com/sponsor/ Interested in becoming a sponsor of the Shameless Mom Academy? Email our sales team at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices