The Anniversary of My Cancer Diagnosis

In this deeply personal solo episode, Dr. Christina Zampitella opens up about the emotional weight of the two-year anniversary of her leukemia diagnosis. From lingering fears and disrupted sleep to a powerful reminder that grief and trauma don’t follow a linear timeline, Dr. Z shares how even after healing begins, the body and mind continue to carry echoes of the past.

Whether you're a survivor, a caregiver, or someone supporting a loved one through illness, this short but powerful reflection reminds us of the importance of compassion — especially toward ourselves.

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Introduction 00:49 – Remembering the gap in podcast episodes 01:10 – Cancer diagnosis, multiple losses, and memory triggers 02:00 – Signs of emotional and physical distress around the anniversary 03:00 – Lingering fear of symptoms returning 04:00 – Practicing self-compassion and facing mortality 04:52 – Reflection on hair loss, visual comparisons, and milestones 05:45 – Sharing as a way to heal 06:20 – Final thoughts: Navigating anniversaries with honesty and hope

💬 Let’s Talk

Has an anniversary ever hit you harder than expected? Do you feel your body remembering even before your mind catches up?

Drop your thoughts or questions in the comments — we’d would love to hear from you.

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