RA, Cancer, and Starting Over: Yasmin’s Story of Resilience
What happens when your symptoms are dismissed, your diagnosis is delayed, and you’re left to piece together your own path forward? In this episode, Cheryl talks with Yasmin, an artist and poet from Manchester, UK, about her 10-year journey with rheumatoid arthritis. Their conversation touches on the difficult road to diagnosis, periods without appropriate treatment, and the emotional toll of being brushed off in medical appointments.
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Show Notes
Yasmin also shares what it was like to navigate multiple major health crises at once, including serious GI symptoms and an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis, and how it all impacted her mental health and anxiety. Together, Cheryl and Yasmin explore the tools that helped her cope and rebuild: therapy (CBT/talking therapy), journaling, poetry, mindfulness, support groups, pacing, and learning to advocate for herself.
Yasmin’s message is clear and hopeful: life may change after diagnosis, but it doesn’t end. You can still pursue dreams, create meaning, and build a full, beautiful life.
Episode at a glance:
- 01:43 Misdiagnosis Then RA
- 03:32 Lockdown Flare And Meds
- 04:34 Why Early Treatment Matters
- 09:55 Breast Cancer Diagnosis
- 15:46 Therapy Journaling And Art
- 21:02 Support Groups And Pacing
- 24:52 Self Compassion And Boundaries
- 26:56 Learning Self Advocacy
- 30:24 Pushing for Imaging
- 33:48 Handling Dismissal
Medical disclaimer:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Episode Sponsors
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