Hello love! Jenni Tooley here- I’ll keep my note to you brief today so we can dig into the episode. Thank you so much for your support. Without you this podcast would not exist which means you=amazing!
Now let’s dig in!
Welcome to another inspiring, insightful, and entertaining episode of Confessions of an Aging Ingénue. I’m your host, Jenni Tooley, and I’m excited to have you join me. This is season 3 - the Cancer Chronicles - where I share my journey and experiences with rectal cancer.
It's been a wild rollercoaster, and in this episode, I’m sharing about the subtle symptoms I initially brushed off as no big deal—like a bit of blood in my stools during perimenopause—only to later discover I was facing a stage 3 cancer diagnosis.
Finding out I had cancer was, of course, a massive shock. The experience has been intense, but I’m determined not to let it weigh me down. Instead, I’m embracing the lessons this journey offers and sharing them with you!
I realized that the small things in life—much like my symptoms—can build up and lead to big changes, so I'm embracing the power of acceptance. And in my own journey, I’ve realized that while cancer is undeniably challenging, it’s far from the scariest thing I’ve ever faced.
In this episode, I share my candid journey through treatment, approaching it with grace, humor (yes, even a few rectal jokes), and a surprising sense of calm. I’ll be sharing about my experiences with anemia, finding support in therapy, and the importance of taking proactive steps for mental health during tough times.
I have discovered that small actions, whether positive or negative, can add up over time. It's all about pausing, reflecting, and finding strength in the little things, no matter what challenges come your way.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing adversity, whether it's cancer or any other life challenge. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to laugh through the pain, and to keep moving forward with strength and grace.
Join me for an inspiring, heartfelt episode filled with honesty, humor, and an unbreakable spirit.
Your support means the world. Visit the Jenni Tooley Presents community on Substack, and find out how you can support the podcast. You never know what exciting content may pop up next!
Credits:
Special thanks to LEV in the Wild for the beautiful song "XYZ," courtesy of Holly Ragland. You can enjoy more of LEV's music at levinthewild.bandcamp.com.
A big shoutout to Bruce Richardson, our incredible sound designer, for crafting the intro and outro bumpers that set the tone for our episodes.
And a heartfelt thank you to Prettie Philippa, our amazing podcast manager, for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Dalton James of Mr James Workshop for providing us with amazing graphic design and branding elements.
And Nancy, Pam, Carol, Patricia, Linda, Jenny, Tess, and Tom for becoming paid subscribers to the substack. You’ve given us the ability to produce and publish 8 episodes so far!
Thank you for tuning in, and we’ll catch you in the next episode!
Connect with me:
Instagram: Jenni Tooley
Facebook: Jenni Tooley
Website: Jennitooley.com
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered or used as medical or legal advice.
Cancer Chronicles Ep 4: From Minor Symptoms to Major Shifts: My Cancer Story