35, Diagnosed, and Facing Death: How Scuba Dive Instructor Melannie Bachman Found Freedom In Breast Cancer (…and Became A Death Doula)

You're 35, living the dream. Scuba diving, love, adventure... Then the diagnosis hits: breast cancer. Terminal. Weeks to live, not years. Suddenly, those carefree Saturdays and date nights become your "best times ever." This is a raw and powerful story for every person who's ever felt the shadow of "what if?" with actionable advice when you’re faced with a terrifying cancer diagnosis. Face your greatest fear with Melannie Bachman's story – and discover how you, too, can find freedom in the beautiful face of death. 

Visit https://www.melanniebachman.com to order your copy of her book, "A Dive Through Cancer" (spoiler alert: it reads like the most terrifying, beautiful poetic thriller I have ever read. It cracked me wide open!!) 

To see the beautiful "Shedding Skin" short film we filmed of Melannie's hair shaving ceremony when she began chemo, watch here (makes me cry every freakin' time) : https://youtu.be/kynK7zeUEdc

Melannie holds experience as an author, dive instructor, published marine scientist, & yoga teacher. She is passionate about inspiring connections with each other, within ourselves, and with our planet. As a triple negative breast cancer survivor diagnosed at age 35, she carries the BRCA1 gene mutation.  

 

Jump To A Section

00:00 It’s The Most Alive I’ve Ever Felt In Death

03:06 Diving Deep: The Birth of a Book

06:09 Facing Cancer: A Personal Saga

09:01 Moments of Connection: Stories from the Oncology Room

12:01 The Weight of Words: A Profound Revelation

15:04 Advocating for Health: The Patient's Journey

18:14 Reconstructing Identity: The Choices We Make

21:08 Navigating Recovery: Life After Cancer

23:48 The Reality of Reintegration: Finding Oneself Again

27:10 Support Systems: How to Be There for Others

30:02 Death and Rebirth: A New Perspective

32:59 Finding Beauty in Life: The Gift of Awareness

38:41 Creating Sacred Spaces in Transition

50:46 Recognizing the Signs of Breast Cancer

01:01:48 Navigating the Healthcare System

01:02:17 “Don’t You Feel FIERCE, Bald?” The Journey of Losing Your Hair

01:09:58 Changing the Narrative of Cancer

 

#cancer #memoir #personal journey #advocacy #health #cancerrecovery #lifeaftercancer #lifeaftercancer #cancerdiagnosis #cancersupport #death #preparingfordeath #terminalillness #beauty #identity #death #healthcare #breastcancer  #breastselfexamination #chemohairloss #chemotherapy #emotionalhealing

 

Summary: In this conversation, Shelby Ring and her guest Melannie Bachman explore the profound journey of facing cancer, the process of writing a memoir, and the importance of advocacy in healthcare. They discuss the emotional and physical challenges of cancer treatment, the significance of personal stories, and the impact of community support. The dialogue delves into the complexities of identity reconstruction post-treatment and the transformative perspective on life and death that emerges from such experiences. In this conversation, Shelby Ring and Melannie Bachman shares their profound experiences surrounding death, cancer, and personal transformation. Melannie discusses the importance of creating sacred spaces during transitions and dying, recognizing the signs of breast cancer, navigating the healthcare system, and the emotional journey of losing her hair during treatment. Throughout, she emphasizes the power of changing one's narrative to foster healing and resilience.

 

TAKEAWAYS

• The importance of creating supportive environments during difficult times.
• Writing can be a powerful tool for healing and connection.
• Personal stories resonate deeply and can inspire others.
• Advocacy in healthcare is crucial for patient empowerment.
• The journey of cancer is not just physical but deeply emotional.
• Reconstructive choices can significantly impact one's identity.
• Recovery from cancer involves navigating a new reality.
• Community support is vital for those undergoing treatment.
• Experiencing death can change one's perspective on life.
• Finding beauty in small moments enhances the appreciation of life. Creating a peaceful environment is crucial during transitions.
• Witnessing death can be a deeply transformative experience.
• Trusting your body and instincts is essential in healthcare.
• Self-examination can lead to early detection of health issues.
• Changing the narrative around cancer can empower individuals.
• The journey of losing hair can be a sacred experience.
• Support from loved ones can enhance the healing process.
• Recognizing the signs of change in your body is vital.
• Emotional healing is intertwined with physical health.
• Finding strength in vulnerability can lead to personal growth.