Tandy Pryor
Our Superpower
My guest on this episode is Tandy Pryor. She was diagnosed with stage 1 lobular breast cancer in July 2019 at the age of 57. She talked about her gut feeling that something was wrong, diagnostic testing, and her course of treatments. Tandy stressed the importance of listening to our guts and maintain power over our own bodies and lives.
Tara Cohen
Lauren’s Hope Medical ID Bracelets
My guest on this episode is Tara Cohen, the Director of Marketing at Lauren’s Hope. She was diagnosed with a BRCA2 mutation through 23 and Me. After repeated diagnostic testing that left her in a constant state of fear and anxiety, she opted for a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy that resulted in complications. Tara also talked about the importance of medical ID bracelets specifically for those with breast cancer who have or may be at risk for developing lymphedema.
Emily Rich
Fertility Preservation
Emily Rich joined me on today’s episode to share her story behind the pink ribbon. In March 2019, at the age of 32, she was diagnosed with stage 1 encapsulated papillary carcinoma, a very rare form of breast cancer. Emily and her fiance had just moved cross country and were planning their wedding when diagnosed. Emily very openly and candidly shares her experience with in-vitro fertilization and the work that still needs to be done to protect cancer patients seeking fertility preservation.
Dr. Catalina Lawsin
Cancer and Dating
Dr. Catalina Lawsin. Licensed Clinical Psychologist, joined me on the podcast again to talk about cancer and dating. Dating and relationships are complicated in general but seem to be more so for those personally impacted by cancer. We talked about the pressure that cancer patients/survivors feel to disclose their medical information with potential dating partners, almost like a disclaimer. Dr. Lawsin provides insight on how to approach dating and relationships through the cancer lens.
Jennifer MacKenzie:
Never the Same
Jennifer MacKenzie, a 3-year breast cancer survivor, joined me on the podcast today to share her story behind the pink ribbon. Jennifer was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma at the age of 35. she talked about her diagnosis, treatments, and struggling with coming to terms that her life would not return to what it was before cancer. Jennifer also talked about the lack of support for parents who become the primary caregivers for young adult cancer patients/survivors.
Stephanie McLeod-Estevez:
Live Free
On this episode, Stephanie McLeod-Estevez joined me on the podcast. She is a breast cancer survivor and an art therapist. At the age of 40, Stephanie was diagnosed with stage 3, triple-negative breast cancer. She also has a BRCA2 mutation. Stephanie shared her story behind the pink ribbon. Following the loss of her mother to metastatic breast cancer, Stephanie became an art therapist, which was deeply healing for her as she learned how to support others through creativity.
Chris-Tia Donaldson:
Silent Hum
My guest on this episode is Chris-Tia Donaldson, the Founder and CEO of Thank God It’s Natural, which manufactures natural skin and hair care products. She is also the founder of the tgin foundation supporting underinsured women going through breast cancer. Chris-Tia was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 at the age of 36. She had a recurrence of breast cancer two years later. She shares her journey behind the pink ribbon and the lessons she has learned throughout her that journey.
Kimberly Schunn:
Hooked on Fly Fishing
Kim Schunn is my guest on this episode. She was diagnosed in 2016 at the age of 45 with stage 3B inflammatory breast cancer. Kim talked about her course of treatments, as well as the complications from her treatments, and being diagnosed with stage 4. Kim shared her experience of finding her passion in fly fishing during a retreat with casting for recovery and how she uses it not only to support her own well-being but sharing it with others to help them through a trying time. Fly fishing is a way for Kim to remember to live in the moment.