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Every moment counts. That's the lesson cancer taught me, and it's hitting home as I watch my son—now taller and stronger than me—prepare for his freshman year of high school.

Since transforming this into a cancer-focused podcast, something unexpected happened. My inbox floods daily with pitches from authors, people who have had cancer, and researchers eager to share their stories. While I never planned an interview format, these voices deserve to be heard. Meanwhile, I've found a new comfort in sharing my own cancer journey, even fielding interest about turning my story into a book.

But a simple phrase stopped me in my tracks: "You only have 18 summers with your children. Make them count." Before cancer, I consistently prioritized work over family. After facing mortality, I promised myself that would change. Now, with my main business Hike Like a Woman demanding attention—preparing for a Utah trip, another Kilimanjaro expedition, and managing website redesigns—something has to give.

Family and adventure are my core values. To honor them, I'm pressing pause on this podcast, at least until I return from Kilimanjaro. Then I'll either reinvent it or let it go entirely. Cancer taught me that time is precious, and sometimes the most powerful choice is knowing when to step back. What would you like to hear if this podcast returns? Your feedback matters as I contemplate this next chapter. Until then, cherish your summer moments with those who matter most.

Support the show

? Have a question about our group trips? Book a call with Rebecca here: https://calendar.app.google/6wYbYugTCvJfXiWZ8

💪🏽 Get our Kilimanjaro Coaching: https://calendar.app.google/QW5JywkMYUpGcbsa8

✨ Do you want to sponsor Hike Like A Woman? Fill out our form: https://forms.gle/sXTcn2P9bVZ53Sqc6

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TECH

▶️ Go-Pro: https://amzn.to/49yhSuq

▶️ DJI Wireless Microphone: https://amzn.to/49yhSuq

▶️ DJi Osmo Mobile Tripod: https://amzn.to/41q366E

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SHOP

🥾 Rockporch (if you’re shopping REI or Moosejaw): https://app.rockporch.com/Profile/hikelikeawoman

🥾 Amazon (because ya know, we’re all doing it): https://www.amazon.com/shop/hikelikeawoman

🥾 Buy rad HLAW swag here: https://hikelikeawoman.creator-spring.com/

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GROUP TRIPS

✈️ Join us for our next Kilimanjaro climb: https://trovatrip.com/trip/africa/tanzania/tanzania-with-hikelikeawoman-aug-2025

✈️ Join us for our group trip to Patagonia: https://trovatrip.com/trip/south-america/patagonia/argentina-with-rebecca-walsh-oct-2025

✈️ Book Tour du Mont Blanc Aug 16-22: ...

Send us a text

My biggest cancer treatment regret was stopping physical activity. I was diligent about mental health through journaling but abandoned exercise which had always helped me through difficult periods.

• Participating in a 9-month cancer exercise research study with structured fitness classes and group discussions
• Learning that our bodies adapt differently to exercise after cancer and require modified training approaches
• Discovering Dr. Kerry Cornia's profound statement: "If you've had cancer, you should be exercising like your life depends on it, because it does"
• Realizing that challenging physical activity—not just gentle movement—is crucial before, during, and after cancer treatment
• No healthcare professional discussed exercise throughout my entire cancer treatment journey
• Exercise might be as important as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and therapy
• Three recommendations for post-treatment exercise: consult your oncologist, establish a daily movement routine, and sign up for physical challenges
• Using accountability through classes, workout buddies, or scheduled events like 5Ks to maintain consistency
• Focus on increasing not just lifespan but also health span through regular physical activity

If you want to be part of a virtual workout group for accountability, head to hikelikeawoman.com and click the tab that says "join our training group" where we'll keep each other motivated.

Support the show

? Have a question about our group trips? Book a call with Rebecca here: https://calendar.app.google/6wYbYugTCvJfXiWZ8

💪🏽 Get our Kilimanjaro Coaching: https://calendar.app.google/QW5JywkMYUpGcbsa8

✨ Do you want to sponsor Hike Like A Woman? Fill out our form: https://forms.gle/sXTcn2P9bVZ53Sqc6

/-/-/-/

TECH

▶️ Go-Pro: https://amzn.to/49yhSuq

▶️ DJI Wireless Microphone: https://amzn.to/49yhSuq

▶️ DJi Osmo Mobile Tripod: https://amzn.to/41q366E

/-/-/-/

SHOP

🥾 Rockporch (if you’re shopping REI or Moosejaw): https://app.rockporch.com/Profile/hikelikeawoman

🥾 Amazon (because ya know, we’re all doing it): https://www.amazon.com/shop/hikelikeawoman

🥾 Buy rad HLAW swag here: https://hikelikeawoman.creator-spring.com/

/-/-/-/

GROUP TRIPS

✈️ Join us for our next Kilimanjaro climb: https://trovatrip.com/trip/africa/tanzania/tanzania-with-hikelikeawoman-aug-2025

✈️ Join us for our group trip to Patagonia: https://trovatrip.com/trip/south-america/patagonia/argentina-with-rebecca-walsh-oct-2025

✈️ Book Tour du Mont Blanc Aug 16-22: ...

Send us a text

What goes through the mind of someone who has had cancer when they return to the cancer center for routine follow-ups? For many, these visits trigger a complex mix of emotions that healthcare professionals might not fully appreciate. Drawing from personal experience, this episode offers critical insights for oncologists, nurses, and support staff about improving patient care beyond the medical aspects of treatment.

The psychological impact of cancer treatment lasts far beyond the final chemotherapy session or radiation treatment. Something as seemingly minor as conducting lab draws in the infusion room can trigger anxiety and traumatic memories for survivors. Similarly, measuring progress by hair growth rather than overall wellbeing can feel reductive to someone whose illness has affected every aspect of their life. These perspectives highlight how small adjustments in standard protocols can significantly improve patient experiences.

Mental health support often disappears once active treatment ends, yet many survivors experience depression and anxiety during recovery. When healthcare providers dismiss medication side effects or fail to coordinate care across specialties, patients feel unheard and overwhelmed. The episode advocates for a holistic approach that acknowledges the full spectrum of cancer's impact—physical, emotional, and psychological. For healthcare professionals, these insights offer a road map to more compassionate care that prioritizes health span over lifespan and treats the whole person rather than just the disease. If you work with cancer patients, these five recommendations could transform how your patients experience care at your facility.

Support the show

? Have a question about our group trips? Book a call with Rebecca here: https://calendar.app.google/6wYbYugTCvJfXiWZ8

💪🏽 Get our Kilimanjaro Coaching: https://calendar.app.google/QW5JywkMYUpGcbsa8

✨ Do you want to sponsor Hike Like A Woman? Fill out our form: https://forms.gle/sXTcn2P9bVZ53Sqc6

/-/-/-/

TECH

▶️ Go-Pro: https://amzn.to/49yhSuq

▶️ DJI Wireless Microphone: https://amzn.to/49yhSuq

▶️ DJi Osmo Mobile Tripod: https://amzn.to/41q366E

/-/-/-/

SHOP

🥾 Rockporch (if you’re shopping REI or Moosejaw): https://app.rockporch.com/Profile/hikelikeawoman

🥾 Amazon (because ya know, we’re all doing it): https://www.amazon.com/shop/hikelikeawoman

🥾 Buy rad HLAW swag here: https://hikelikeawoman.creator-spring.com/

/-/-/-/

GROUP TRIPS

✈️ Join us for our next Kilimanjaro climb: https://trovatrip.com/trip/africa/tanzania/tanzania-with-hikelikeawoman-aug-2025

✈️ Join us for our group trip to Patagonia: https://trovatrip.com/trip/south-america/patagonia/argentina-with-rebecca-walsh-oct-2025

✈️ Book Tour du Mont Blanc Aug 16-22: ...