Surviving Surgery and Learning to See Yourself Again — Rachel Stone

A quiet call at a flower market marked the beginning of a life split into before and after—a swollen eye, a rare benign tumor, and the relief of survival shadowed by lingering trauma and guilt. In this episode of Change Happened, Then What?, Heather Holt sits down with Rachel Stone, an award-winning Canadian author and medical trauma survivor, to explore what happens when survival changes how you see yourself—and your life. Rachel shares her journey of living with facial asymmetry after a rare benign tumor, navigating multiple recurrences, invasive surgery, and the quiet pressure to “be grateful” and move on. As scans and surgery gave way to an impossible pause, Rachel found an unexpected sanctuary in writing. Together, Heather and Rachel talk honestly about trauma that lingers after the crisis passes, the emotional weight of being labeled “lucky,” and the healing that begins when we finally name what we’ve been carrying. Five years and many rejections later, The Blue Iris emerged—a testament to the messy, hopeful work of surviving, naming loss, and discovering the one thing that makes time disappear. This episode follows that arc with tenderness and clarity, reflecting on resilience, identity, creativity, and the question that lingers after everything changes: then what? If you’ve ever survived something life-altering, struggled to hold gratitude and grief at the same time, or wondered what your own then what moment might be—this story is for you. LinkTree Buy The Blue Iris Rachel Stone's Blog  Rachel Stone's Website Socials: Connect with Rachel on Instagram Connect with Rachel on Facebook   If you'd like to support the show, just click the link | Be a part of the Change Happened community Enter to win the "What Changed Me Community Challenge" | Enter to Win! To join our mailing list and learn more our guests visit | Changehappenedpodcast.com Get your discount on Pure Energy Apothecary products | 20% off PURE ENERGY NOW Start your Liminal Luna Journey FREE | code CHANGE at checkout | Liminalluna.com Looking for your customized Dear Sweet One lullaby find them here | Shop Now Dear Sweet One Follow along on Instagram @Change Happened  Got a story to share? Drop me a line at [email protected] and maybe your "Change Happened" moment will be next.