Building Your Unique Healing Journey: Insights from Glioblastoma Brain Cancer Caregiver and Viral Content Creator, Yuka California

Yuka Tanaka with her sister, Maki.

When someone we love is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness like Glioblastoma brain cancer, knowing where to turn or what to do next is challenging. Everyone's healing journey is unique, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. Yuka Tanaka, a Glioblastoma caregiver and viral content creator, has been healing since her sister Maki was diagnosed with the disease in 2015. Maki was an incredible GBM warrior who fought for almost eight years. Yuka, a certified yoga instructor and wellness advocate, has since used her platform on social media, @yukacalifornia, to share home remedies, lifestyle tips and her healing journey with thousands of viewers. Through touching clips of her and Maki, Yuka has sparked conversations about grief and gratitude, encouraging others to build their unique healing journeys. 

In this blog, we'll explore some of the insights and tips that Yuka has shared to help others navigate loss without losing sight of self-care.

Please tell us a little about your caregiving experience. What did your daily routine look like when caring for your sister?

Caregiving is not a glamorous experience by any means. It usually means you pour all your time and energy into your loved one instead of yourself. That is why it is SO vital to intentionally take time for yourself because you cannot pour from an empty cup. While my whole day revolved around caring for my sister, I did what I could to keep a positive mindset. When I couldn't always take the time to exercise or eat the healthiest, I worked on my mental health. Your mind is your foundation. I always did what I could, if that meant just enjoying my morning cup of coffee in peace or unwinding when I had the time/energy. Something that helped me tremendously was listening to American self-development author, Wayne Dyer every single night. His talks and books helped me stay motivated, inspired and supported. Really, I don’t know where I would be without him.

Losing a loved one is a challenging experience. How have you been coping with the grief, and what strategies have you found helpful for healing from within?

One of the most essential things about grief is to let it out in a way that supports you. That might be physically, verbally, energetically, or creatively. I always say never hold back from crying because every time you cry, you are healing. Especially since crying releases endorphins. Leading up to crying, it never feels good, but I know I will always feel better after. It is so important to release tension within your body. Intentionally moving the body with yoga, stretching, or working out has helped me greatly. Even getting a massage can help to release energetic tension. One positive that grief has opened me up to is my new found love for writing and expressing myself creatively. Whenever I wrote and shared the deep emotions of grief, I felt a release from within. 

We often hear about the importance of practicing gratitude, even during challenging times. Can you share how you've incorporated gratitude into your life and impacted your healing journey?

As I mentioned earlier, having the right mindset saved me and kept me clear through all of the ups and downs of this experience. Practicing gratitude helped me always see the silver lining or find something I could learn from; even through the challenging times. Being fully present every moment with my sister and not focusing on the future or past was huge. Another great way to practice gratitude is to ground in nature. You surely will feel absolute peace after admiring the earth and all the beauty it has to offer.

Many people find meditation a valuable tool for coping with stress and promoting emotional well-being. Have you tried meditation, and if so, how has it helped you on your journey?

Meditation has helped me in many ways. It can be practiced in countless ways, and you do not always have to sit in a quiet room with your eyes closed. That was not possible during caregiving for my sister. Sometimes "meditation" meant I was just fully immersed in the experiences of when I drove to the grocery store, cooked a meal, or took a shower. To entirely focus on the task at hand rather than letting my mind wander to anxiety. 

What would you say to someone on their grief journey who is discouraged by wellness and might assume it's not for them? 

Wellness and mindset practices are tools available to everyone. These topics do not discriminate and can be used to help empower you. There is no one size fits all. Everybody has their own wellness and positive mindset routines. It looks different for everybody. We all have different lifestyles and interests, so find what works for you and what makes you feel the most at peace. We often compare ourselves to what someone else on social media might be doing and then feel discouraged. Remind yourself that this is your journey, do what feels good in your body. Be open and have faith.

What advice would you give to other cancer caregivers going through similar experiences, and what resources or support systems would you recommend for those looking to heal from within? 

Caregiving can often feel lonely, as if nobody knows what you are going through. It is essential to take care of yourself in any way possible. Suppose that is physical, emotional, or spiritual. Do what makes you feel at peace. Give your heart, but also know that you are only human. Be easy on yourself and ask for help when you need it. 

What are the benefits of sharing one's journey as a caregiver, especially on social media, and how do you see it helping others who may be going through the same experience?

The benefit of sharing your story on social media is that you can connect with so many that have gone through a similar experience. You can connect with people across the globe that understand you on a different level than anybody else, which can help you feel heard and understood. I have met some fantastic, supportive, and loving individuals through sharing our story on social media! Maki was an extrovert and always loved sharing her journey with Stage 4 Glioblastoma. It only felt right to continue that on for her. 

Learn more about Yuka’s journey and subscribe to receive more of her content on TikTok, Instagram and on her blog. 

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Connect with more brave caregivers by reading our testimonials on our blog. Meet Sadaf Chaudhry, a Houston-based lifestyle blogger, accountant and former TV host, who experienced the challenges of being a caregiver when her husband, Rehan, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma brain cancer. Read more here. 

**Please note that the information provided on The Glioblastoma Research Organization’s blog is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or the care of a loved one. The opinions expressed by the interviewee are their own and were submitted with the written consent of Yuka Tanaka.