In this candid and empowering episode of Investment of Self, host Kathy Washburn welcomes Rick Czaplewski, a 27-year cancer survivor and author of "Better Dirty Than Done," for an intimate conversation that traverses the rugged terrain of struggle, survival, and self-discovery. Rick delves into his collegiate cancer diagnosis, the secrecy that shrouded his early battle with Hodgkin's disease, and his arduous path through treatment that led him to drop out of college.
Rick's narrative is not just one of endurance; it is an exploration of connection, of finding solace in shared stories, and of the transformative impact of expressing vulnerability in the face of overwhelming adversity. Listeners are invited into Rick's world—the disconnection during treatment, the revelations that stemmed from his physical and emotional challenges, and the profound lessons cancer imprinted upon his life.
Through laughter and reminiscence, Rick and Kathy touch upon the significance of emotional storytelling within the cancer community, the comfort in knowing one is not alone, and the powerful acknowledgment that comes when embracing the entirety of one's journey.
In this episode, Kathy and Rick discuss:
Timestamps:
[00:00] Excited to discuss book about self-awareness.
[04:22] Endured cancer treatment alone, didn't tell anyone.
[08:48] Young person feels out of place, matures.
[13:38] Struggling to share, emotional reaction, impactful silence.
[17:23] Realization of the body's deserving better treatment.
[21:32] Chemo side effects and smoking environment distress.
[22:17] Refusing to join chaos, remaining designated driver.
[28:21] Cancer treatment caused drastic weight changes.
[32:01] Recovery, self-compassion, and reconnecting with future self.
[36:14] Healthy habits can prevent long-term health problems.
[39:17] Book written for son, emotional stories shared.
[42:42] A hard leap with positive outcome, friend's revelation.
[46:54] Close bond with counselor during and after chemo.
[49:4]4 Story shows power of being seen, transforming.
If Rick was crushed up and put into pill form, what effect would he want to have on someone?
Invading the body with a sense of clarity and a feeling that you're floating
Book Rick is reading:
Better Dirty Than Done (I'm reading it to prep it for an Audible release) and also The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
More About Rick Czaplewski
Follow @Rick
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