Leukemia's Life Lessons: Overcoming Cancer, Fear, and Victim Mindset | The Proof Podcast EP

Two years ago, Axel Schurawlow was finishing his fifth round of chemotherapy. Today, he sits down with me in Episode #303 to share the lessons he’s learned from staring death in the face. Axel often refers to his cancer as his “teacher”, and as you’ll hear in this episode, he certainly experienced some profound growth during this time. From reckoning with the delicate nature of our existence to making the most of the time we have left, Axel has a lot to teach about reframing your mindset to live a full life.
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You’ll learn about what it’s like to hear that you have five days left to live, and how Axel found the strength to fight. Axel explains how your life will change when you lean on the people you love, set goals, and step out of the victim mentality. Regardless of whether you’ve lived a fulfilling life or are just getting started, Axel’s perspective on life might just change yours.
We discuss:
00:00 - Intro
01:33 - Understanding Cancer Diagnosis: Immediate Reactions
06:52 - How to Stay Motivated During Recovery
11:33 - The Importance of Therapy and Support from Loved Ones
19:19 - How a Life-Threatening Diagnosis Can Teach You About Fear and Purpose
25:53 - How Do Relationships Contribute to Healing and Growth?
30:26 - Why Gratitude and Perspective Matter in Appreciating Life
37:43 - Re-evaluating Life's Priorities After a Major Health Scare
43:03 - Setting Goals for Health Recovery: Axel Schura's Journey
51:26 - The Role of Love and Connection in Leading a Fulfilling Life
57:43 - Axel Schura on Embracing Responsibility After Beating Cancer
01:02:03 - The Benefits of Positive Reframing and Taking Self-Responsibility
01:10:22 - Building Resilience: How to Overcome Life's Difficult Moments
01:20:13 - Nutritional Guidance During Cancer Treatment
01:26:46 - Addressing Fertility and Planning for Family After Treatment
01:33:41 - Hope and Perseverance: Key Takeaways from Axel Schura's Experience
Connect with Axel:
- Instagram: / axelschura
- Website: axelschura.com/
- KZbin (English): / @axelschura
- Podcast (German): open.spotify.com/show/74iA9UL...
Axel is offering The Proof's listeners three months of free access to his online community. To claim, just send a direct message with the keyword “SIMON” to Axel on Instagram.
If you have any additional questions you would like answered in the future, let me know in the comments.
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Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)
Creator of theproof.com theproof.com/ and host of The Proof with Simon Hill theproof.com/podcast/
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[@gabriellemerritt8161]

This conversation is a gift. Overnight (it seemed) I became a 24/7 caregiver for my mom as she became ill and was ultimately diagnosed with cancer. She continues to fight and we fight together. I’m grateful I can be with her and support her and try to ease her way through this, at many times, overwhelming battle. My perspective on many things has changed because of this experience and I hope to take that forward with me always. Life and ‘your people’ are precious and oh so easy to take for granted.

[@wallyrbc]

Cancer is what I fear most in life. I made myself listen to this interview because I fear it so much - I have full blown health anxiety. But this interview was incredibly inspiring and I’m thankful to Axel for generously sharing his story. My mindset has changed and I know I’ll listen again in the future because I know I’ll need a refresher!

[@axelschura]

thank you for your kind words!

[@astridthomassen8474]

Even with cancer your life is still worth ❤ I know the fear but bin through it and the fear is worse then dealing with it.

[@shelbydietz3482]

I had the same experience at age 35 with Luekemia (AML). 6 months of Chemo, blood transfusions, antibiotics and steroids. Friends and family by my side...a new appreciation for life and health! ❤

[@HDN2MTB]

Thank you for this opportunity to hear his story ❤

[@Randy22124]

So helpful to me as I am 74 and fear deteriorating physically. Thanks so much. ❤

[@suzanbak1]

Medical care Heroes supporting this degree of illness and recovery!!! Amazing testimonial!!!!

[@TheProofWithSimonHill]

Agreed!

[@suesbent]

Such an honest and human conversation. Thank you and best wishes to you both. As a relatively fit and healthy 64 year old woman I recently became lame in one leg out of the blue. Maybe a soft tissue injury in my hip caused by a yoga pose I don’t usually do. But losing the ability to walk, drive, cycle, and stand without pain was confronting and showed me how much I take for granted. I’m on the mend but still waiting for the day I can go for my daily walk and do my morning yoga.

[@jocelynd3317]

Omg Simon. How did I not know about Alex. I am not even halfway through the episode and had to stop and look up his instagram and can’t stop. Can’t wait to listen to the rest. Thanks for bringing Axel and his message into the lives of people who need to hear his story ❤

[@axelschura]

aw thank you so much!!!!

[@Randy22124]

Also, thanks so much for all of the insights. 🌈

[@aquie4d999]

Really cool overview of overcoming cancer 🎉❤

[@HeibesHealth]

Wow. Just an amazing episode. Thank you for having him on to share his story!

[@axelschura]

thank you for listening :)

[@HeibesHealth]

@@axelschura Thank you for sharing your incredible story with all of us!

[@arjungupta3095]

Amazing interview!

[@axelschura]

Thank you brother!!!

[@carnismiscancer2108]

Great interview!

[@suzanneoneill8102]

Fantastic interview. I want to congratulate you both for sharing your perspectives and your vulnerabilities. Many of us find it difficult to do this with each other let alone with a very broad audience. It is so refreshing to see this. I think our society and, in particular, the way we raise boys, means many of us don't share and reveal ourselves to this extent. I applaud you both. Thankyou.

[@lulitmelake7534]

Great gift of stopping to reflex And ceasing the moment that matters most. Thank you

[@bonniek7228]

So much wisdom and inspiration in this interview! Thank you for sharing this wonderful young man with us!

[@TheProofWithSimonHill]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@markkerryfinney5608]

This conversation was such a beautiful reminder to enjoy the precious gift of life & choose to tell those we love how much! Also would like you both to know how awesome it is to hear you both be real with your emotions for those who have crossed your path in life whether they be current or ex girlfriends, family or friends. This is real conversation. Most enjoyable! Thank you both! 🙏

[@eatnourishgo3794]

Thank you - what a gift x

[@TheProofWithSimonHill]

You are so welcome

[@vwlisa]

Great episode 💚

[@axelschura]

thank you!