What happens when your best friend has breast cancer, and that best friend happens to be your mother?
Today, you’ll hear the story of Matt Wallace.
Matt’s a writer and healthcare IT professional. He’s also the son of The Rose’s COO Jessica Duckworth, who was featured in episode twelve of season one.
He opens up about the balance of supporting his mother through her treatment while managing his own emotional journey. He sheds light on the significance of being present for loved ones, not just in health, but through the trials of illness. And his story serves as another reminder that breast cancer affects the family, too.
But it’s the gift he gave his mom that might move you to tears. 
Please consider sharing this episode with your family and friends at therose.org. Your action may save the life of an uninsured woman. 
Key Questions Asked
1.) How can you supporting a loved one with breast cancer?
2.) How do caregivers often carry their own emotional burdens during the fight against breast cancer?
3.) What ways does breast cancer affect the entire family and extended circles of people?
4.) How does the experience of breast cancer lead to changed perspectives and priorities?
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:26 Writing Horror and Children's Books
02:23 Matt's Role in Healthcare IT
03:23 Matt's Close Bond with His Mother
04:23 The Day of the Breast Cancer Diagnosis
06:35 Supporting His Mother During the Diagnosis
07:34 Telling Matt's Sister About the Diagnosis
08:02 Dealing with Breast Cancer During COVID-19
08:21 Processing the Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
09:49 Matt's Role as a Son and Caregiver
10:08 Supporting His Mother Through Writing
11:28 The Strength of Matt's Father
12:29 Mediating Family Support
13:39 Matt's Mother's Changed Perspective
14:09 Supportive Words and Actions
15:35 The Impact on Caregivers
16:04 Overwhelming Support from Family
17:47 The Impact on Extended Circles of People
18:18 The Isolating Nature of Cancer
19:14 Worries About the Future and Family History
19:42 Uncertainty and Milestones in Treatment
21:55 Witnessing the Struggles of Treatment
23:21 Recovery and Post-Treatment Challenges
24:54 Changed Perspectives and Priorities
26:49 Navigating Life Changes During Treatment
27:47 Concerns for the Future Generations
29:09 Advice for Others Going Through a Similar Experience
30:18 Closing RemarksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.