Podcast Episode: Fear of Recurrence (Wellness Within Cancer Support)
- kristiehowlett
- Jun 22, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 8
A Conversation with Kristie Howlett, MS, CNS, NP‑C, AOCNP
In this impactful episode of Wellness Within Cancer Support, host Elizabeth Klein welcomes oncology and survivorship nurse practitioner Kristie Howlett to delve deeper into a critical concern for many post‑treatment survivors: fear of recurrence. Recorded on May 31, 2021, this discussion builds on their previous episode by exploring the emotional and psychological challenges that often persist long after treatment ends.
Drawing from her 20+ years of experience and integrative oncology training, Kristie explains how the anxiety of recurrence is not just a fleeting worry—it’s a deeply rooted, ongoing tension that impacts survivors’ lives in very real ways. She highlights that fear of recurrence can be triggered by every scan, physical sensitivity, or annual check‑up, and it’s influenced by factors like personality, support systems, and past trauma.
Throughout the episode, Kristie offers grounded strategies for transforming fear into proactive steps that nurture both mental and physical resilience. These include:
Mind‑body tools: guided breathwork, mindfulness practices, and journaling to help manage anxious thoughts.
Holistic health support: metabolic and nutrition‑based interventions to reduce inflammation and support long‑term vitality.
Empowerment through planning: crafting a personalized survivorship roadmap, with actionable steps like tailored screening protocols, lifestyle routines, and stress‑reduction techniques.
Community and connection: building emotional safety with support networks—caregivers, therapists, online groups—to normalize the fear and share coping practices.
Kristie emphasizes the importance of recognizing fear not as a weakness, but as an invitation to reclaim control and well‑being. By reframing fear as a signal, survivors can anchor themselves in meaningful self‑care, strengthening their resilience and sense of agency.
Listeners walk away with a sense of hope and renewed purpose, aware that managing fear is not just about emotional survival but about enhancing their “terrain” for lasting health. Kristie’s calming yet confident tone delivers reassurance and guidance that survivors can integrate immediately into daily life.
Whether you're newly in remission or navigating years beyond treatment, this episode offers a powerful toolkit for facing fear head‑on and cultivating long‑term wellness.
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