I didn't want them to worry about losing their only parent with Aisha McClellan, Stage 4 Cervical Cancer Survivor & Patient Advocate

We are back to our regular programming answering your questions survivor-on-survivor style - this time with Aisha McClellan! Aisha was diagnosed with cervical cancer just as she was about to turn 32 years old. Shortly after, she was told that she could have 3 months to live. Spoiler alert: years later, she joins us on the pod - and we'd love for you to meet her! Carolyn and Aisha met and hit it off while travelling for work. Months later, while back in Toronto - Carolyn had a touching and tearful encounter with a stranger. It inspired her to appreciate the lived experiences of parenthood through cancer and reach out to Aisha via voicenote to go there with all of you.Carolyn and Aisha catch up and get in to it. From how getting cancer as a young mother changed her approach and outlook on parenting, shifts in identity, what's missing from the conversation, and of course they answer your - super thoughtful, might we add - questions! Parent-to-Parent, Friend-to-Friend, Survivor-to-Survivor. Hypewoman-to-you! Hit that play button while you're whipping up some magic in the kitchen, doing a deep clean, on a drive or stroll, or during your night time wind down routine. Either way, come get cozy with us and hang out with Carolyn and Aisha. Enjoy! (01:55)- Welcome To This Conversation (02:35)-About Aisha McClellan and Her Diagnosis (05:55)-A New Normal For Aisha? (10:20)-How Cancer Might Have Shifted Aisha's Approach To Parenting(12:40)-"Are My Kids - Too - Dependant On Me?" I Want To Be There For Them While I'm Here(13:35)-Processing The Diagnosis While Offering Life Teachings To Her Kids(15:25)-That Profound Moment With Her Daughter That Catalyzed Some Shifts(17:30)-Kids Have Sophisticated Wiring (18:45)-What Might Have Better Prepared Aisha For This (21:50)-Why Aisha Took A Beat Before Doing Advocacy Work(23:50)-What's Missing From The Conversation (27:40)-Surprising & Standout Lessons Learned (31:10)-Question From Kent (42:00)-Question From Huma(54:40)-Question From Janelle (1:05:15)-Parting Message From Aisha --Follow Aisha on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@aishatheadvocateWhat did you resonate with? We'd love to know! Leave us a comment or give us a rating! Share this with someone in your life who might also appreciate this episode. Subscribe to CANDIDLY WITH CAROLYN on Apple, Spotify, everywhere podcasts are found. Have a question for a future episode? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow @candidlythepod ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.candidlythepod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠__The views and opinions expressed do not represent the opinions of any podcast partners - but rather solely of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast at the very moment of recording. We are all 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.