Living for Myself Again, with Suzanne Marriott

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“Working together in a collaborative manner with my husband, based on love and trust, was one of the most important things.” – Suzanne Marriott

In this episode of “Cancer is a Stupid Jerk,” host Mike Carlon interviews Suzanne Marriott, who was diagnosed with colon cancer while caring for her husband, who was living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Suzanne shares her journey through cancer treatment, the challenges of being a caregiver, and the lessons she learned along the way. This powerful conversation highlights the resilience and strength required to navigate such life-altering experiences.

Key Topics

Life Before Diagnosis: Suzanne describes her active life with her husband before his MS diagnosis. They enjoyed hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and traveling together. However, their lives changed as his MS progressed, and they had to adapt their activities. About six years into his MS, Suzanne was diagnosed with colon cancer, shifting their dynamic as they both faced serious health challenges.
Fight with Cancer: Suzanne details her diagnosis of colon cancer, which initially presented as anemia. Her primary care physician ordered the correct tests, leading to the discovery of the cancer through a colonoscopy. She describes the intense and prolonged chemotherapy treatments she underwent and the physical and emotional toll they took on her.
Reciprocal Caregiving: During her treatment, Suzanne’s husband, despite his own health struggles, provided as much support as he could. They developed a reciprocal caregiving relationship, each taking care of the other as needed. Their deep bond and mutual support were crucial during this challenging time.
Spiritual Practices and Intuition: Suzanne emphasizes the importance of her spiritual practices and intuition in navigating her cancer journey. She utilized a combination of Western medicine and various spiritual practices, including Tibetan Buddhism, shamanic journeys, and active imagination techniques. These practices helped her maintain a sense of purpose and inner strength.
Lessons from Cancer: Cancer taught Suzanne valuable lessons about self-care and identity. She realized the importance of living her life for herself, not just as a caregiver. This shift in focus helped her develop a stronger sense of self and resilience, benefiting both her and her husband.
Advice for Those Newly Diagnosed: Suzanne advises those newly diagnosed with cancer to join support groups. She found these groups invaluable for sharing experiences, gaining knowledge, and feeling less isolated. Support groups can provide emotional support and practical advice from others who understand the journey.
Advice for Caregivers: For caregivers, Suzanne stresses the importance of developing a collaborative relationship with the person they are caring for, based on love, trust, and open communication. She also highlights the value of caregiver support groups, which can provide essential emotional and practical support.