Shows
The Caregiver Cup PodcastWhen Hope Feels Lost: How to Reclaim Your Strength as a CaregiverSend Cathy a text:)Have you ever found yourself in the chaos of caregiving thinking, "I can't do this anymore"? That feeling of wanting to give up is universal among caregivers, especially during prolonged challenges and setbacks.When I hit emotional walls during Denis' stem cell transplant journey, I discovered a powerful truth: our feelings, while real, aren't always factual. We might feel like everything is falling apart, but distinguishing between emotional reactions and objective reality can be our anchor in stormy times. I've developed a simple practice called "the what, the why, and the c...2025-06-1015 minThe Caregiver Cup PodcastNavigating Fear and Uncertainty: How to Embrace Your Emotions as a CaregiverSend Cathy a text:)Fear, worry, and uncertainty often feel like unwelcome yet permanent companions on the caregiving journey. After receiving a heartfelt message from a listener worried about her husband's upcoming bone marrow transplant, I knew this topic needed addressing – not just for her, but for all of us navigating these turbulent emotional waters.These powerful emotions aren't signs of weakness or failure. They're natural human responses that actually demonstrate how deeply you care for your loved one. The fear of medical unknowns, the worry about what recovery might look like, and the overwhelming se...2025-06-0350 minThe Caregiver Cup PodcastLifting Their Spirits Without Losing Yourself: Caregiver Motivation and Emotional Support/ PART 1Send Cathy a text:)Emotional support isn't just something we provide as caregivers—it's often the most exhausting yet invisible part of our role. When our loved ones are in pain, frustrated, or losing hope, we become their cheerleaders, their comforters, and their gentle push to keep going, sometimes when we barely have enough emotional energy for ourselves.This episode explores what emotional support truly looks like in caregiving relationships and how to provide it in ways that are sustainable for both you and your loved one. Drawing from my current experience supporting my husband De...2025-05-1346 minThe Caregiver Cup PodcastFinding Your Routine in This Caregiver SeasonSend Cathy a text:)Caregiving seasons constantly shift, and finding your rhythm during these transitions can make all the difference between barely surviving and maintaining your wellbeing. This episode explores how creating meaningful routines becomes your anchor when everything else feels unpredictable.Cathy opens up about her current reality as her husband Denis undergoes a stem cell transplant, sharing how she's had to completely reimagine her daily schedule. From juggling hospital visits to maintaining her own health, she walks through the practical challenges of adapting to a new caregiving landscape. Her vulnerability about feeling emotionally...2025-05-0629 minThe Caregiver Cup PodcastWhen Stress Takes Over: A Caregiver's ConfessionSend Cathy a text:)Have you ever felt your body physically react to stress before your mind could even process what was happening? That moment when your skin flushes hot, your heart races, and your shoulders tighten into knots—all while your thoughts spin "like a blender on high"?When an unexpected hospital notification arrived detailing fifteen pre-transplant appointments for my husband Denis across multiple locations—followed by a massive binder of medical instructions—my body's stress response kicked into overdrive. Despite years of teaching stress management techniques, I found myself overwhelmed by the physical and em...2025-04-0127 minThe Caregiver Cup PodcastCaregiver Strong: Cathy’s Personal Updates & Advocacy InsightsSend Cathy a text:)In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing some personal updates on Denis’ treatment journey—including the challenges, frustrations, and lessons learned along the way. From navigating the maze of health insurance approvals to advocating for timely care, I’m diving into the reality of what it takes to ensure our loved ones get the treatment they need. If you’ve ever felt stuck in red tape or frustrated by delays, this episode is for you. Tune in for real talk, advocacy insights, and a reminder that persistence is our greatest t...2025-02-1819 min