Alone in a Room Full of People: Nancy's Story

Recorded live at the Healing Pen & A Mic journaling workshop in St. Paul, this episode brings you straight into the room.

Nancy stepped out of a afternoon of writing alongside fellow cancer patients and survivors to sit down with host Talaya Dendy. Diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia in 2018, Nancy speaks with quiet honesty about the specific kind of isolation that can follow you even in a crowded room. She shares what happened when treatment ended and the appointments stopped, how her perspective on healing transformed, and what keeps her grounded when disconnection creeps back in.

If you have ever felt isolated after a diagnosis or wondered what comes next when treatment stops, this conversation offers a space to process those feelings alongside people who understand.

✨ Episode Highlights:

01:32 Nancy shares her 2018 leukemia diagnosis and its sudden onset

01:45 What it feels like to write in a room surrounded by people who understand: "a freeing sensation and just a validation"

02:37 The reality of feeling alone even when supported by medical staff and family

03:33 Redefining healing as an ongoing practice rather than a quick fix

04:03 Practical advice for navigating isolation after a diagnosis

04:33 The abrupt transition after chemo ends and the quiet that follows

About the Guest: Nancy Tepley-Mimbach was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia in 2018. She joined the Healing Pen & A Mic workshop seeking the community connection that felt missing after her active treatment ended.

Take the Next Step

• Attend a Workshop (Twin Cities): Join us for the next Healing Pen & A Mic journaling workshop on Saturday, October 4th. Save your spot: https://bit.ly/healingpenwaitlist

• 🎧 Listen, Subscribe, & Share: Follow the podcast on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Your preferred podcast app

• Pass It Along: If Nancy’s story spoke to you, share this episode with someone who might need to hear it today.

Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by On the Other Side. I appreciate your support! It helps to bring these critical conversations to life.

Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy

Recorded live at Vera Fitness in St. Paul.

⚠️ Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.