Janine's Journey: 15 Years of Sobriety and Cancer Survival
It doesn't matter what I use, when, with who, what time, what day. There's going to be a lot of packs, a lot of nips, a lot of substances that alter the way I think and feel, if I'm going to write that right, and then I'm going to be dead, in jail, or I'm going to be locked up somewhere because I'm going cuckoo.
Ever wondered how someone juggles the challenges of addiction recovery and battling cancer? In this episode of the Oct-sober Recovery Podcast, host AJ Butler sits down with his long-time friend Janine, who has not only been sober for 15 years but also survived breast cancer for the same duration.
Their conversation kicks off with a nostalgic look at how they met during one of AJ's first AA meetings, where Janine handed him his 'Big Book' with a firm instruction to read it. Janine shares her early days in recovery, built on the foundation of old-school speaker tapes and various fellowships, eventually finding her home in Alcoholics Anonymous.
She opens up about the parallels between managing her sobriety and her approach to cancer treatment, highlighting how avoiding certain foods and chemicals is as crucial as staying away from drugs and alcohol. The episode dives deep into how addiction and cancer have impacted Janine's life, including her relationships and mental health. Janine candidly discusses the importance of a strong support system and the role of service work in maintaining her sobriety.
She also touches on the stigma surrounding both addiction and cancer, emphasizing the need for honesty and vulnerability to achieve true healing. One of the standout moments is Janine's discussion on dealing with shame in recovery. She speaks openly about how confronting shame head-on has been a critical part of her journey. This episode is a powerful testament to resilience, community, and the healing power of connection.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that underscores the strength of the human spirit.