Surprise! I've got cancer!

Confessions of an Aging Ingenue

Hi darlin!

I hope you were sitting down when you saw this- I happened to be lying down on a gurney coming out of anesthesia from a routine colonoscopy when the doctor told me I had rectal cancer. I almost laughed in his face…seriously. I thought he was kidding!

I won’t go into more written detail here because I don’t have to. I decided I was going to produce the s**t out of cancer (get it…I’ve got rectal cancer;). So not only am I project managing my healthcare and life, but I’ve turned this whole mess into an unexpected new season of the podcast. I call it: Confessions: “The Cancer Chronicles” (cue the loud echoey music). You get to listen to it here a day early because you’re one of my peeps!*

Where this idea came from and where it’s going

Here’s the dealio- I started talking to my phone on May 28- and then kept talking to it whenever the mood struck. Since then, I have recorded 16 episodes that follow my journey from diagnosis through the first round of treatment. It’s raw vulnerability at its best- the ups, the downs, how I’m finding peace in the midst of chaos, and some good old rectal humor.

With the help of the amazing Bruce Richardson, Holly Ragland(LEV in the Wild), Dalton James (Mr. James to you;), and Prettie Phillipa the first three episodes are scheduled and ready to go. However, I need financial support to keep us moving forward. Cancer treatments kinda define my life right now- the fatigue is real as is the wonky chemo brain- so I need to retain Prettie Phillipa, our fab podcast manager, to finish out producing the season.

What can you do?

I believe that sharing my story and how I am finding peace in the midst of chaos is not only cathartic for me but will serve many others. There’s so much cancer out there right now. “The Big C” strikes fear and silence into most- so let’s talk about it. It’s part of life. It sucks- but it doesn’t have to suck if we all stick together and find the joy in the gift it brings. That gift is presence.

Come be present with me and take a small action today that could change your life- or someone else’s. Listen to the podcast. Share it with your people. Donate to the production fund. Take out a paid subscription to this substack. Whatever helps you connect.

I know you’re rooting for me- just like I’m rooting for you!Love ya lots!Jenni

*You have the option of opting out of these letters and listening on your favorite podcast platform instead. But why would you want to do that? You’ll miss all the fun!

Get full access to Jenni Tooley Presents at jennitooley.substack.com/subscribe