Supporting a Loved One Through a Cancer Diagnosis

Caregiving can be a deeply meaningful experience—but it can also be incredibly challenging.

In this heartfelt episode of What to Know Down Below™, host Jannina Norpoth—a uterine and ovarian cancer survivor and GRAMMY-nominated violinist and composer—sits down with her mother, Barbara Barefield, a fellow uterine cancer survivor, and Bridget Gabbe, a clinical social worker at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Jannina and Barbara reflect on the unique experience of having cared for each other through their diagnoses, opening up about the emotional weight of shifting roles and the resilience it takes to support a loved one. Bridget offers expert insight into the realities of caregiving, along with practical advice for finding resources and maintaining self-care. 

tinaswish.org/whattoknow

Chapters

• 0:00 Welcome And Purpose
• 1:09 Guests And Lived Expertise
• 3:15 What Caregiving Really Involves
• 5:10 Barbara’s History And Delayed Diagnosis
• 9:20 Advocacy, Genetics, And Lynch Syndrome
• 14:40 Partner Vs Parent Caregiving Dynamics
• 18:20 Chemotherapy, Neuropathy, And Practical Support
• 22:00 Radiation, Side Effects, And Work
• 25:40 Early Menopause And Fertility Loss
• 29:20 Resources, Support Groups, And Asking For Help
• 32:40 Self‑Care For Patients And Caregivers
• 36:00 Gratitude, Resilience, And Closing