Your Personalized Support to Navigate Cancer
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is often a devastating surprise and the most stressful event one ever experiences. Feeling overwhelmed, depressed, at a loss for explanations, and bewildered by how to navigate a complex healthcare system is a perfectly normal response.
Things seem to be moving at the speed of lightning while your mind is still trying to digest the words, "You have cancer". I remember when I heard those words in 2011. It was like the person on the other end of the phone was speaking another language that I did not understand. Then came the flood of emotions and questions.
Nobody understands what you are going through quite like another cancer survivor. This support is a critical part of your recovery. Cancer is a physical disease that can have a major impact on your mental health and social well-being.
If you want a partner and expert navigator who will walk with you and save you time, effort, and energy so that you can focus on healing...let's talk!
As your personal cancer doula, I can support you in 4 key areas:
HEALTH
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I will help you become the "gatekeeper" of your overall health and quality of life.
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Holistic Wellness - Together we will implement self-care and lifestyle changes to improve your outcome and quality of life.
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We will focus on nutrition and integrative approaches that may promote healing.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT & MINDSET
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I will help you move away from catastrophic thinking and focus on the things that you can control, which can lead to more productive ways of engaging with cancer.
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Together we will pinpoint how to make you feel empowered, confident, and in-tune with your wants, needs, and desires.
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I will help you understand the mind-body connection and how to use it to your advantage.
ADVOCACY
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I will help you navigate the healthcare system ensuring you understand your rights.
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I will help you prepare for doctor's appointments by providing appropriate questions to get the answers you need and optimizing time spent with providers.
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I will guide you in seeking a second or third opinion.
COMMUNICATION
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I will help you change the narrative and improve communication with your family, friends, health care team, and co-workers. Therefore, creating more meaningful, less awkward interactions.
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Words are important! They can have a positive or negative impact on your health. I will help you identify and be more mindful of the words you use to describe your cancer experience.
How is my approach unique?
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I help those diagnosed with cancer move away from thinking of themselves as powerless patients and start THINKING and LIVING as the gatekeepers of their overall health and quality of life!
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I am passionate about supporting the "WHOLE" person.
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I share what I know from my cancer journey and patient point of view.
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As your Cancer Doula, I am a problem-solver, who is very empathetic, resourceful, and a great listener. (P.E.R.L. Method™)
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I focus on what matters to you. I meet you where you are and help you get to where you want to be by providing support and practical tools that help to create peace of mind and a better quality of life.
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No cookie-cutter!
Different ways that I can support you 1-on-1:
It does not matter where you are located, I can support you remotely!
You don't have to leave your home. Support and services are offered:
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online via Zoom or Carepatron
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on the phone
Choose one or both. It is up to you and your level of comfort.
Other forms of support are available as well!
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Learn how Cancer Doula Pen Pal Support can benefit you.
What are the next steps to getting started with On the Other Side's cancer doula support?
Click below for your 30-minute Meet & Greet call.
Your call is the first step toward becoming the gatekeeper of your overall health and quality of life, and it's your opportunity to ask me questions and get my personalized support as we focus on what YOU need right now to overcome the challenges and barriers that you have faced while trying to navigate cancer.
Here is what we will achieve together:
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I will help you identify the biggest challenges and barriers that you are facing and causing you to feel overwhelmed.
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We will explore your "WHOLE PERSON" needs (physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually).
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We will pinpoint how to make your cancer journey easier to navigate by creating a personalized action plan.
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We will explore how I can best support you.
“Receiving support from Talaya helped me feel better about navigating the complexity of decision making and the emotional burden of living with stage 4 cancer. I feel relieved that I could fully open up emotionally with someone who has walked a similar journey. It is very important to be able to open up emotionally and authentically!
I gained so much from each session because I felt heard, supported, encouraged and that I wasn’t alone in my cancer journey. She is compassionate, kind, gentle yet bold in speaking truth. What a great gift that she turned her cancer journey into a purposeful mission to help others walking the scary journey of a cancer diagnosis. Thank you!” ~ Pathways Healing Center Participant & Cancer Patient
"I just want to express how grateful I am that we were matched. It is amazing how much you have a good influence on my actions. After our last session: 1. I started to make very detailed notes about my symptoms and my needs before visiting the doctor's office. 2. Taking regular breaks and making time for relaxation and rest is my new priority. My assistant started her duties last week. It is a huge help and I have more time to relax. 3. I will have another PET scan to see if the new chemo scheme is working based on my symptoms. 4. On my last infusion day, I had very clear communication with my doctor and I received the proper protection. Finally, NO VOMITING!!!!! :)
All is good and working well for me and the treatment. So happy to talk to you." ~ Mentee, UK
"I feel much better emotionally as I was able to talk through and process some recent events, and events from my past which still affect me mentally/emotionally. Having such a good listener and support is very meaningful. Thank you for being compassionate, patient, wise, encouraging, peaceful, supportive, and inspiring." ~ Pathways Healing Center Participant & Cancer Patient
"Before meeting with Talaya, I felt “heavy”. After meeting with her for three sessions I feel less “heavy”. It was very meaningful to get unconditional support and reminders that it is ok. The Cancer Doula Support sessions were extremely helpful.” ~ Pathways Healing Center Participant & Caregiver
Talaya's education and training include:
Certified Coach through Master Coach University
Mentor Angel Training through Imerman Angels
4th Angel Patient Mentor Training through 4th Angels
Cancer in Your Community Training through Minnesota Department of Health
Continuing Education (35 hours) through MHS
Adult Mental Health First Aid USA through National Council For Mental Wellbeing
Youth Mental Health First Aid USA through National Council For Mental Wellbeing
Board Certified Patient Advocate through Patient Advocate Certification Board
Cancer Doula Support Program & Investment
Calming Energy
The Logistics:
Two 60-minute 1-on-1 sessions per month
On-demand support and guidance for emergencies
We can hop on the phone or Zoom for 20 minutes to problem-solve or brainstorm between sessions. There is a maximum of 2 per month.
Minimum commitment of 3 months
When the three months are up, we can work together as long as you like, or you can cancel any time. If you decide to cancel, please provide 30 days advance notice.
Why three months?
It allows us to get to know one another and develop a trusting relationship.
You get engagement, support, and guidance consistently throughout your cancer journey.
It allows for consistent encouragement, motivation, and better planning and accountability.
Set shorter-term goals to create balance in your life, get clarity, and build sustainable habits that can help improve your quality of life.
Get results to help you confidently make decisions and move forward.
The Investment:
480 USD per month
Three monthly auto-debited installments of $480 until the cancer doula support relationship is canceled by the client or the cancer doula.
If ongoing 1-on-1 support isn’t what you need at this time, consider some of my other offerings here.