Getting Through It: Resilience Through Cancer

Join veteran journalist Helen Epstein and Professor of Psychiatry Ira Brenner for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation on what it takes to maintain resilience, community, and even a sense of humor during cancer. Key points will be taken from Helen Epstein’s new book, launching May 3, 2022, Getting Through It: My Year of Cancer During Covid.

Helen brings readers along on her journey through a medical steeplechase of surgery, chemo and radiation therapy led by an almost all-female team of doctors, nurses, techs and support staff. Her book is an investigation into the changing nature of the contemporary medical world and an affecting portrait of the psychological, physical and spiritual impacts of getting cancer.

The audience will walk away with a better understanding of some of the following topics:

• The critical importance of regular check-ups, even throughout the fraught and fearful Covid era; studies have shown that screenings for some cancers fell by 90% when the virus struck
• How to maintain communication with friends and family in your own way at your own pace
• The new realities of getting gynecological cancer in the 21st century
• The importance of laughter
• The pro-active approach to cancer treatments and connecting with the medical teams that can save your life