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 Remarks