Special Episode 0A: Radically Rooted

Have you suddenly found yourself transformed, yet distracted by old habits or routines that don’t align with your transformation? Are you striving to find the mindset for self-care, compassion for yourself, empathy for others? Do you find anxiety or calm when you consider caregiving to support yourself or a loved one through the HSCT journey? Have you found yourself transformed by HSCT, though not quite sure how to support continued healing?  

Consider this special episode a “check-in” on our progress, awareness of where we’ve been and where we’re heading, reminders to meet ourselves where we are to practice acceptance and empathy, and awaken our capacity to heal at the cellular level…

It has been quite an honor to connect with the inspiring journeys of so many incredible people and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and help illuminate the invisibilities of autoimmune disease. Having reached nearly 4,000 people from at least 15 countries around the world, it is exciting to imagine the possibilities when we find growth and connection in our shared experiences.  

I’ve received feedback and requests for an episode to explain in detail, ‘What is HSCT?’ (quite simply, obliteration of a diseased immune system by chemotherapy followed by the introduction of one’s own stem cells that “reboot” the body to develop a new immune system free from diseased cells, understood further through research)… or episodes to explain what to expect when you show up for evaluation, or even mobilization…  

We hear these requests and while the protocols around the world for HSCT are unique, we acknowledge that uncertainty and unpredictability can be a tough experience for people to navigate. We hope to offer more specifics – developing new episodes with a panel of Warriors to answer your questions from multiple perspectives later this fall – and remain mindful that an underlying goal of this podcast is to develop collective intelligence. In order to develop collective knowledge and understanding of HSCT, it is imperative to keep communicating, listening, and sharing the unique stories that evidence strategies that work, and we hope to hear more from our listeners – always feel welcome to share your questions or feedback.  

I started this podcast to support individuals (veterans, hopefuls and caregivers) through the HSCT journey, lift up voices to illuminate invisibilities, and help us find commonality in our humanity along the journey of autoimmune disease. To lend a platform for HSCT Warriors to offer insights that create connections, reveal grace, promote wellness and cultivate well-being. To shine their light and share strategies that promote transformation, healing, and wellness. To help HSCT hopefuls and caregivers be inspired and know they are not alone. To inspire listeners to recognize the possibilities of a future free from disease progression, connect through our shared experiences, and advocate for an inclusive society…

Very much aligned with this vision, I am excited to announce the integration of various special episodes – this fall we will engage with a panel of HSCT Warriors to answer your direct questions, so be sure to submit any questions that you have about HSCT. We’re also introducing a series of intermittent new episodes designed to offer insight and connection by promoting radical healing and wellness.

Leading the way is Jessica Lichaa, founder of Solid Roots yoga studio in Lexington, Kentucky and creator of Radically Rooted: Embodied Yoga and Lifestyle, a training initiative offering a wealth of resources and practices to develop self-compassion and awaken the caregiving area of the brain; incorporate body-based self-care routines into daily life; awaken the somatic-sensory areas of the brain, and promote neuroplasticity to heal the damaged holding patterns of autoimmune disease.

Join us as Jessica shares more about her vision for Radically Rooted, how radical self-care practices can support HSCT veterans with continued healing, support HSCT hopefuls in their efforts to maximize health and wellness, and support HSCT caregivers to provide and nurture with compassion and empathy. Join us for a simple, guided self-care practice… tune in and expand your capacity to heal at the cellular level.

Take a moment to leave a review because your feedback will help to develop even better episodes, and your ratings will help other people find the show. Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to create the soundtrack, edit, and perfect the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

Stay tuned for another special episode highlighting another Radically Rooted embodied self-care practice… until then, be sure to listen next Wednesday for the journey of another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.

Be kind. Be well.

Hosted by: Dr. Jen Stansbury Koenig aka “Zen Jen”

Tags: #HSCT, #warriors, #RadicallyRooted, #radicaltransformation, #embodiedselfcare #snowflakes, #superpowers

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HSCT Warriors Podcast Ep. 06

Warrior: Ron

Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: May 6, 2017, Puebla, Mexico
Superpower: Advocacy for HSCT

Have you ever learned something that left you at a loss for words? Found yourself tied to the railroad tracks looking for a way to stop the oncoming train?

Meet Ron, a warrior who invested in the “short term pain for long term gain” of HSCT and found courage to face his fears, doubts, and misconceptions in order to commit to Clinica Ruiz in Puebla, Mexico. As an American citizen residing in Canada, he unexpectedly found an extended family and friends in Mexico.

Ron leaped into his journey without looking back, continues to grow his family by embracing a positive outlook, and focusing on the small things to appreciate in life. Tune in to hear Ron’s tips and tricks, encouragement to pursue objective research, and strategies to support a healthy outlook in recovery.

Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to create the soundtrack, edit, and produce the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

Take a moment to leave a review because your feedback will help to develop even better episodes, and your ratings will help other people find the show. Tune in next Wednesday for a brand new episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind. Be well.

Resources:

Ron’s blog: ronniesmstrek.mozello.com
Heavy Metal testing: https://www.doctorsdata.com/urine-toxic-metals/

Hosted by: Dr. Jen Stansbury Koenig aka “Zen Jen”
Tags: #HSCT, #HSCTwarriors, #autoimmunedisease, #RRMS, #HSCTsnowflakes, #HSCTsuperpowers

HSCT Podcast_Ep.06 Media

 

HSCT Warriors Podcast Ep. 05*

Warrior: Denise

Snowflake: Stiff Person Syndrome
HSCT: 9/12/17, Chicago
Superpower: Increased empathy

Have you ever found yourself distracted by concern for the people in your life that are stressed about your condition? Do you question whether the resources you find when researching your condition are of comparable quality to the resources your doctors can access? Have you learned how to embrace the courage to make your own decisions in healthcare?  

Be inspired to take charge of your health when you meet Denise, a warrior who tapped into her 35 years of service as a trauma-care nurse when diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome. Once she started researching the disease, eventual progression, treatment options (e.g. IVIG, plasmapharesis, valium) and their respective side-effects, she informed her neurologist that HSCT would be the only option forward she found to be acceptable.

Tune in to learn strategies for handling the logistics of HSCT, including the importance of building a strong support team, knowing your limits, and finding a purpose. Denise shares insights that help to promote her mental, emotional, and physical recoveries.

*Please forgive the muffled audio of the first few minutes… the home studio operator issues resolve at 8:40. Extra special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to create the soundtrack, edit, and produce the audio to make this podcast possible, as Jen continues to find her way with the studio equipment! You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

Take a moment to leave a review because your feedback will help to develop even better episodes, and your ratings will help other people find the show. Tune in next Wednesday for a brand new episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind. Be well.

Hosted by: Dr. Jen Stansbury Koenig aka “Zen Jen”
Tags: #HSCT, #HSCTwarriors, #autoimmunedisease, #stiffpersonsyndrome, #HSCTsnowflakes, #HSCTsuperpowers

Have you learned to embrace the courage to make your own decisions in healthcare?

HSCT Warriors Podcast Ep. 03

Warrior: Ellie

Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: 6/16/16, Chicago
Superpower: Tuning into the body

Do you know the importance of truly understanding your body? Can you get comfortable with letting go of expectations?

Meet Ellie, a warrior diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who received HSCT at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in June, 2016. Ellie initially found HSCT in 2003 but didn’t find herself ready for the procedure until 2015 after a relapse forced her to stop working.

Determined to “stay the course” and not rush into anything, hear more about the benefits of tuning into and getting to know your body throughout the recovery rollercoaster. Ellie shares some of the strategies she uses to tune in and focus on breathing, healing, and well-being.

Tune in to hear more about Ellie’s journey to embrace uncertainty, learn strategies to support the nervous and autonomic systems, and better get to know your body, nutrition, balance and well-being. Continue following Ellie and her abundance of gratitude on her blog: http://HSCTforMS.com

Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to create the soundtrack, edit, and produce the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

Take a moment to leave a review because your feedback will help to develop even better episodes, and your ratings will help other people find the show. Tune in next Wednesday for a brand new episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind. Be well.

Resources noted:

HeartMath: https://www.heartmath.com

Jiyo: https://jiyo.com/home

YogaGlo: http:www.YogaGlo.com

Hosted by: Dr. Jen Stansbury Koenig aka “Zen Jen”
Tags: #HSCT, #HSCTwarriors, #autoimmunedisease, #RRMS, #HSCTsnowflakes, #HSCTsuperpowers

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Learn from Dustin about the shifting realities of autoimmune disease (Ep. 02)

Warrior: Dustin
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: 4/19/16, Chicago
Superpower: Zen

Do you find yourself struggling to adapt with shifting realities of autoimmune disease? Are you looking to find peace in your life? Or get inspired by transformational journeys?

hsct ep 02 dustin

Meet Dustin, a warrior diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who received HSCT at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, four years after his initial diagnosis. His abilities were rapidly declining, he relied on a cane to walk, and was eager to find a “cure for MS.”

His resolve helped him let go of the need to be in control and stop trying to plan for future uncertain

ties. He was able to allow Dr. Burt to “take the reigns,” and completely trusted the nurses and staff throughout the HSCT process. Hopefully Dustin finds continued healing and someday soon he will be able to accomplish all that he feels ready for.

Tune in to hear Dustin’s journey with HSCT, his secrets to staying positive and strategies to cope during the two-week-plus long hospital stay where “you’re never alone, but you’re always lonely.”

Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to create the soundtrack, edit, and produce the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

Take a moment to leave a review because your feedback will help to develop even better episodes, and your ratings will help other people find the show. Tune in next Wednesday for a brand new episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind. Be well.

Hosted by: Dr. Jen Stansbury Koenig aka “Zen Jen”
Tags: #HSCT, #HSCTwarriors, #autoimmunedisease, #RRMS, #HSCTsnowflakes, #HSCTsuperpowers

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Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician immediately.

Uncovering faith with Ali Strong (Ep. 01)

Warrior: Ali
Snowflake: RRMS
HSCT: 11/6/17, Chicago
Superpower: Motivation

Have you ever found yourself on a road you’ve never been down before? Found strength to navigate a pathway that is far from straightforward? Uncovered faith where you never believed it could exist?

hsct ep 01 ali

Meet Ali, a warrior diagnosed with multiple sclerosis who “just doesn’t settle well for [being told] ‘there’s nothing left we can do’.” Before she received HSCT at Northwestern Memorial University, her biggest challenges with MS created extreme stomach issues that restricted her diet and for 11 years, she “couldn’t eat a single meal without getting sick.”

Through extensive research, Ali fought her fears of chemotherapy, connected with some beautiful souls, and found tremendous strength to power through an extraordinarily challenging HSCT experience. Her journey helped her shift from a life “which was just surviving” to embrace positivity, “what inspires and lights me on fire” without fear, and her unique law of attraction.

Tune in to hear Ali’s transformation as her story offers “hope to people struggling with autoimmune disease… to know that there’s an option out there… that [is] getting safer and safer all the time.” Ali offers brave inspiration in sharing a piece of the “bunnies and tiaras” warriors’ story, honoring her soul-sisters and the legacy of HSCT advocacy.

We all take the chance with HSCT because we believe that it is our only hope for a life free from progressive disease. This podcast is dedicated to all the warriors whose journey with HSCT ended too soon. We honor their advocacy, their legacies, and their spirits.

Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to create the soundtrack, edit, and produce the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

Take a moment to leave a review because your feedback will help to develop even better episodes, and your ratings will help other people find the show. Tune in next Wednesday for a brand new episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind. Be well.

Hosted by: Dr. Jen Stansbury Koenig aka “Zen Jen”

Tags: #HSCT, #HSCTwarriors #autoimmunedisease, #RRMS, #HSCTsnowflakes, #HSCTsuperpowers

Resources:
Kris Carr, Meditations

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Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician immediately.

 

HSCT Warriors Podcast Ep. 00

Welcome to the HSCT Warriors Podcast – bringing voice to the journeys of HSCT Warriors worldwide – I’m Dr. Jen Stansbury Koenig, or “Zen Jen” – moderator of meaningful conversations and convener of community.

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HSCT stands for hematopoietic stem cell transplant – a medical procedure developed by the research of Dr. Richard Burt out of Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. Autologous non-myeloablative HSCT uses high-dose chemotherapy to target and obliterate the blood cells that carry the negative messaging of autoimmune disease. Once the diseased cells are “too low to count” the return of a patient’s own stem cells then helps to boost the growth of a brand new immune system.

As an HSCT warrior myself, I started this podcast to portray personal narratives and expand the snapshots from social media – to highlight the snowflakes (individual experiences) and recognize our superpowers – because we are just as unique in our HSCT journey, as we are in our experience with autoimmune disease.

It is important to note that at the start of this podcast in 2018, HSCT is being practiced worldwide, with clinics in Sweden and the United Kingdom that offer protocols based on Dr. Burt’s research – and clinics in Canada, Germany, Mexico, Poland, and more that use their own HSCT protocols – you can find more information with links to research and resources on our website HSCTWarriorsPodcast.com or the nonprofit that evolved from these interviews at HSCTWarriors.org

So whether you are – or know someone – who is battling Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type I Diabetes, Scleroderma, Lupus, or any of the autoimmune diseases that HSCT can halt – or are simply inspired by transformational journeys – you are in the right place.

The interviews you will hear on this podcast are intended to offer insight and create connections, reveal grace and express gratitude, promote wellness and cultivate well-being.

As we continue to grow the HSCT Warrior community, illuminate the invisibilities of autoimmune disease, recognize the possibilities of a future free from disease progression, connect through our shared experiences, and advocate for an inclusive society… we’re so glad you’ve joined us.

We all take the chance with HSCT because we believe that it is our only hope for a life free from progressive disease. This podcast is dedicated to all the warriors whose journey with HSCT ended too soon. We honor their advocacy, their legacies, and their spirits.

Special thanks to musical genius Billy Alletzhauser for sharing his superpowers to create the soundtrack, edit, and produce the audio to make this podcast possible. You can find us both when you subscribe on SoundCloud, iTunes or wherever you find your podcasts.

Take a moment to leave a review because your feedback will help to develop even better episodes, and your ratings will help other people find the show. Tune in next Wednesday for a brand new episode, highlighting another HSCT Warrior. Until then, be a snowflake and embrace your superpowers.  Be kind. Be well.

Hosted by: Dr. Jen Stansbury Koenig aka “Zen Jen”
Tags: #HSCT, #HSCTwarriors, #HSCTwarriorspodcast #podcast, #autoimmunedisease, #HSCTsnowflakes, #HSCTsuperpowers

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Jen Stansbury Koenig and the producers disclaim medical influence and responsibility for any possible adverse effects from the use of information contained herein. If you think you have a medical problem, please contact a licensed physician immediately.