From Oncologist to Patient: Dr. Hwang on Breast Cancer, Survivorship & Finding a New Way Forward

What happens when the woman who has spent years treating breast cancer suddenly finds herself sitting on the other side of the diagnosis?In this deeply personal episode of The She Believed She Could™ Podcast, Allison Walsh sits down with Dr. Catherine “Sue” Hwang, a board-certified radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer, who knows the cancer journey from both sides—as a physician and as a patient.After more than 15 years of caring for women with breast cancer, Dr. Hwang never expected to become a breast cancer patient herself. A routine mammogram revealed calcifications, followed by the discovery of multiple masses and an abnormal lymph node. Suddenly, the physician who understood the treatments, side effects, complications, and statistics was forced to experience the fear and uncertainty of being the patient herself.Dr. Hwang shares what she learned about the patient experience, breast cancer treatment, motherhood, vulnerability, hyper-independence, and accepting support. She talks honestly about how her community rallied around her, from bringing meals to helping with her children, and how the experience completely changed the way she thinks about community and caring for others.But one of the most important lessons came after treatment.Dr. Hwang explains why the end of chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation doesn't necessarily mean the end of the cancer journey. For many women, survivorship can bring an unexpected emotional and physical transition—a period where treatment ends, medical appointments become less frequent, everyone assumes you're okay, and you're left wondering, “What now?”That realization inspired Dr. Hwang to advocate for better breast cancer survivorship care and to help patients understand that struggling after treatment is not a failure. It's part of the journey.She also shares practical advice about mammograms, breast exams, knowing your body, recognizing potential breast cancer symptoms, and becoming your own healthcare advocate. Her message is especially powerful for women who have ever been told they're “too young” to worry about breast cancer or who feel uncomfortable pushing for additional answers.Dr. Hwang's story ultimately comes back to one powerful idea: you don't have to know how you're going to get through the entire journey. Sometimes, you simply have to take the next step.And then the next one.And eventually, you may look back and realize just how much you were capable of all along.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat it’s really like when a breast cancer oncologist becomes a cancer patient herselfWhy the period after breast cancer treatment can sometimes be harder than treatment itselfHow to navigate the emotional and physical challenges of cancer survivorship and finding a new normalWhy accepting help and leaning on your community and support system can be a powerful form of strengthHow cancer can change your perspective on motherhood, identity, work, and what truly mattersThe importance of mammograms, knowing your body, and paying attention to changes or symptomsWhy women need to become their own healthcare advocates and seek answers when something doesn’t feel rightHow to cope with the fear and uncertainty surrounding cancer recurrenceHow Dr. Hwang’s experience as a patient changed the way she now cares for and communicates with breast cancer patientsWhy you don’t have to know how you’ll get through the entire journey—you can simply take the next step, one day at a timeIf you or someone you know needs support on their cancer journey, visit: http://adventhealthcancerinstitute.com This episode is sponsored by AdventHealth for Women. Learn more about their Women's Health Navigation Team and how they're making healthcare simpler for women and their families at AdventHealthForWomen.com.Join Us at Iconic ImpactReady to create your next incredible chapter?The She Believed She Could™ ICONIC IMPACT takes place November 5, 2026, in The Center for Health and Wellbeing |  Winter Park, Florida, bringing together ambitious, accomplished women for meaningful conversations around leadership, visibility, business growth, wellbeing, purpose, and impact. 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