In this episode of the Heallist Podcast, we explore how a cancer diagnosis can affect decision-making, emotional regulation, and the nervous system, with Dr. Manuela Kogon. The conversation centers on the immediate shock, fear, and urgency that often arise at diagnosis, and how those states can shape treatment choices in ways patients may not fully recognize at the time.
Drawing from clinical observation and patient experiences, Dr. Kogon discusses the importance of slowing down decision-making where possible, considering quality of life alongside length of life, and navigating conversations with both medical teams and family members. The episode examines how mind–body awareness and simple physiological practices may help individuals stay oriented during high-stress moments, without positioning them as treatments or replacements for medical care.
This episode is offered for educational and reflective purposes only. It does not provide medical advice or recommend specific treatments, but aims to add context to complex health decisions and highlight the value of informed, personalized care across medical paradigms.
Key takeaways include:
- A cancer diagnosis often triggers shock that can influence early decisions
- Urgency can narrow perceived options during treatment planning
- Decision-making is affected by nervous system state, not just information
- Quality of life and length of life can come into tension
- Patients often navigate conflicting personal and family expectations
- Holistic approaches are often used as supportive, not curative, care
- Collaboration across medical paradigms can support individualized decisions
Dr. Kogon is also the author of When Cancer Visits, which explores how patients and caregivers experience distress and decision-making during cancer care.
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