Life After Cancer: The Emotional Reality of Remission and Recurrence feat. Dr. Elizabeth Kacel

When cancer treatment ends, many people expect life to return to normal. But for patients and families, the journey often continues in ways that aren’t always visible. Matti is joined by clinical health psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Kacel to discuss the emotional and psychological challenges that can follow a cancer diagnosis, including uncertainty, anxiety, identity shifts, relationships, and rebuilding a sense of stability. Drawing on years of experience supporting cancer patients, Dr. Kacel offers insight into how people adapt, grow, and continue living meaningful lives after diagnosis. This episode is dedicated in loving memory of Alayna Magnan. About Dr. Elizabeth Kacel: Dr. Elizabeth Kacel is a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of PEAR Health Psychology, PLLC, cultivating Purpose, Empowerment, Acceptance, and Resilience among people facing cancer and other medical conditions. Dr. Kacel uses evidence-based psychological treatment approaches to help patients to cope effectively and live meaningfully across all phases of cancer from new diagnosis through survivorship. She has worked with individuals and families with cancer and other medical conditions for more than 15 years. She completed her PhD in clinical health psychology at the University of Florida and a postdoctoral fellowship in psychosocial oncology at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. She has worked in top academic health centers and hospitals, contributed to 20+ peer-reviewed journal articles, and participated in numerous local and national conferences focused on cancer psychology. Dr. Kacel is a native Chicagoan and enjoys living in the city with her husband and two cats. She is an avid traveler, nature lover, yoga practitioner, and amateur photographer.