Dr. Magdalena Naylor: Mindfulness Expert and Radical Remission Survivor
In this episode of Outperform Cancer, we are privileged to welcome Dr. Magdalena Naylor, MD, PhD. Her remarkable story exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of mindfulness. Join us as we explore the compelling journey of this distinguished psychiatrist and mindfulness expert who faced the ultimate test—her own stage 4 metastatic cancer diagnosis.
Dr. Naylor, who spent her career pioneering innovative treatments for chronic pain and exploring the brain's response to mindfulness at the University of Vermont Medical Center, became the patient in 2012 when she was given just six months to live. With cancer widespread through her uterus, lymph nodes, and lungs, she found herself grappling with the same fears and uncertainties she had helped so many patients navigate: pain, guilt, and the looming specter of death.
Yet in a pivotal moment—whether triggered by her deep-seated clinical knowledge, a profound inner acceptance, or divine intervention—a remarkable transformation occurred. Dr. Naylor's body began to heal, leading to a radical remission that defied medical expectations. Now, over 12 years later and cancer-free, Dr. Naylor shares her story publicly for the first time.
Listeners will gain unparalleled insight into her emotional and psychological journey, the practical applications of mindfulness in overcoming extreme adversity, and the science behind why it works. As a leader in the fields of psychiatry, neuroscience, and mindfulness, Dr. Naylor's unique blend of raw personal experience and empirical evidence makes this conversation both inspiring and enlightening.
Tune in to learn from Dr. Naylor’s moving, honest, and analytically grounded account of healing. Discover the deep connections between mind, body, and spirit that could inspire your own resilience and self-care practices.
This episode is not only a testament to Dr. Naylor’s legacy in the medical community—where she directed the Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit and led groundbreaking studies in fMRI brain imaging—but also an invitation to reimagine what is possible when science and mindfulness unite in the face of life’s greatest challenges.
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00:00:00 Intro
00:02:09 Welcome Dr. Magdalena Naylor, explanation of diagnosis
00:06:08 Feelings of shock and shame associated with cancer
00:10:20 My neighbor the radical remission survivor
00:10:50 Doses associated with successful clinical trials
00:12:38 Published work that showed less stress resulted in less pain
00:13:44 Personal feelings of fear associated with pain and death
00:15:10 Describing moment of change to radical acceptance: fear to acceptance to curiosity
00:25:19 How mindfulness works
00:26:18 Comparison of IVC side affects versus some experimental chemotherapies
00:30:30 Changes to Magdalena’s life; expanding experiencing through travel
00:39:02 Following the sudden death of Magdalena’s husband and soul mate, she travels to Tibet
00:45:50 Metastasis begin to shrink; she seeks a second opinion from MD Anderson to confirm diagnosis
00:51:30 Alternative treatments and living life fully
00:55:27 Summary of mindfulness; the importance of being present and nonjudgemental, and the difference between resignation and acceptance
01:05:13 Wrap-up, Important disclaimer information
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Black DS, Slavich GM. Mindfulness meditation and the immune system: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2016 Jun;1373(1):13-24. doi: 10.1111/nyas.12998. Epub 2016 Jan 21. PMID: 26799456; PMCID: PMC4940234.
Bower JE, Crosswell AD, Stanton AL, Crespi CM, Winston D, Arevalo J, Ma J, Cole SW, Ganz PA. Mindfulness meditation for younger breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. Cancer. 2015 Apr 15;121(8):1231-40. doi: 10.1002/cncr.29194. Epub 2014 Dec 23. Erratum in: Cancer. 2015 Jun 1;121(11):1910. PMID: 25537522; PMCID: PMC4393338.
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There are thirty-nine clinical trials associated with mindfulness meditation that are recruiting for patients or soon-to-be-recruiting. Please ask your doctor about a study that might be right for you.
For a complete list of clinical trials associated with mindfulness meditation visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.
The Outperform Cancer podcast provides health information and should not be viewed as medical, nursing, or other professional healthcare advice. Listening to or engaging with the content does not create a doctor/patient relationship. Any reliance on the information from this podcast or linked materials is solely at your own discretion. This podcast's content is not meant to replace professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or care. If you have a medical issue or question, consult with a healthcare professional without delay.