Episode 20: The Potential of Self-Awareness with Rick Czaplewski
In this candid and empowering episode of Investment of Self, host Kathy Washburn welcomes Rick Czaplewski, a 27-year cancer survivor and author of "Better Dirty Than Done," for an intimate conversation that traverses the rugged terrain of struggle, survival, and self-discovery. Rick delves into his collegiate cancer diagnosis, the secrecy that shrouded his early battle with Hodgkin's disease, and his arduous path through treatment that led him to drop out of college.
Rick's narrative is not just one of endurance; it is an exploration of connection, of finding solace in shared stories, and of the transformative impact of expressing vulnerability in the face of overwhelming adversity. Listeners are invited into Rick's world—the disconnection during treatment, the revelations that stemmed from his physical and emotional challenges, and the profound lessons cancer imprinted upon his life.
Through laughter and reminiscence, Rick and Kathy touch upon the significance of emotional storytelling within the cancer community, the comfort in knowing one is not alone, and the powerful acknowledgment that comes when embracing the entirety of one's journey.
In this episode, Kathy and Rick discuss:
Overcoming Secrecy and Shame
Recurrence and Resilience
The Catalyst for "Better Dirty Than Done
Self-Image and Body Acceptance
Timestamps:
[00:00] Excited to discuss book about self-awareness.
[04:22] Endured cancer treatment alone, didn't tell anyone.
[08:48] Young person feels out of place, matures.
[13:38] Struggling to share, emotional reaction, impactful silence.
[17:23] Realization of the body's deserving better treatment.
[21:32] Chemo side effects and smoking environment distress.
[22:17] Refusing to join chaos, remaining designated driver.
[28:21] Cancer treatment caused drastic weight changes.
[32:01] Recovery, self-compassion, and reconnecting with future self.
[36:14] Healthy habits can prevent long-term health problems.
[39:17] Book written for son, emotional stories shared.
[42:42] A hard leap with positive outcome, friend's revelation.
[46:54] Close bond with counselor during and after chemo.
[49:4]4 Story shows power of being seen, transforming.
If Rick was a pill, what effect would he want to have on someone?
Invading the body with a sense of clarity and a feeling that you're floating
Book Rick is reading:
Better Dirty Than Done (I'm reading it to prep it for an Audible release) and also The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
More About Rick Czaplewski
Follow @RickCzaplewski on IG/LinkedIn/Twitter/Threads
Buy Better Dirty Than Done: An Inspirational True Story
In his freshman year of college, Rick’s parents arrived unannounced at his dorm room door to tell him, “Son you have Hodgkin’s Disease, cancer.” That semester, he fought cancer in silence, while still attending college among his peers. Struggling to fit in, he told no one; Rick walked alone.
After a relapse, he dropped out of college to get ABVD chemo and nine months later, Rick’s doctor pronounced him cancer-free.
Now a 27-plus-year survivor, he graduated and took his second chance to climb Mt. Rainier, run the Boston Marathon, swim from Alcatraz to shore 12 times, and more. He has a college-aged son, Lance and has written Better Dirty Than Done, a book about survivorship. Professionally, he has worked as a CPA, project manager, manager, and senior director in several industries. Today, he is a motivational speaker and has spoken to large and small audiences including students, survivors, and physicians.
So buckle up! It’s time to hear why No One Walks Alone.
Connect with Kathy Washburn
To learn more about Kathy and her coaching services, head over to https://kathywashburn.net/
To schedule a free consultation with Kathy visit https://kathywashburn.net/contact
Follow Kathy on Instagram @kathywashburndotnet
Sign Up for Kathy’s On Demand Anchored Hope Course https://kathy-washburn.teachable.com/p/anchored-hope