The Big C: Breast Cancer and Mental Health

We have the pleasure of talking with filmmaker and journalist, Traven Rice, about her experiences with Breast Cancer. We talk about how she discovered she had cancer, her treatment, the effects breast cancer can have on your mind and body, and the importance of community.   We discuss how breast cancer can impact your view of your identity and how a mastectomy is not just a "boob job." We also talk about seeing the experience of Breast Cancer on screen and why Traven wanted to create a comedic film about having a memorial for her left breast called Lay Lefty Down, which she is currently raising funds for at LayLeftyDown.com.   Content warning – today we discuss terminal cancer and death.   Listen to our conversation on breast cancer representation in film and TV: https://braaainspodcast.com/episodes/breast-cancer-representation   DOWNLOAD TRANSCRIPT HERE: https://braaainspodcast.com/s/Braaains-Podcast-Transcript_-Episode-58-The-Big-C_-Breast-Cancer-and-Mental-Health.pdf   Contact us: BraaainsPodcast.com   Follow: @BraaainsPodcast   Music: @_Deppisch_   Support this show: Patreon.com/BraaainsPodcast   00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgment 00:36 Exploring Traven Rice's Experience with Breast Cancer 06:18 The Emotional Impact of Discovering Breast Cancer 08:37 Navigating Treatment Decisions and Medical Team 10:54 Camp Breastie and the Importance of Supportive Communities 13:41 The Need for Open Conversations and Awareness 19:26 Creating a Comedic Film about Breast Cancer 23:08 Emotional Journey and Healing through Filmmaking 26:30 Breast Cancer Myths and Realizations 29:25 The Importance of Sharing Experiences 30:22 Addressing the Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Breast Cancer 31:17 Finding Support and Building a Community 34:35 Utilizing Resources for Support 38:55 Advocating for Comfortable Medical Care 43:15 The Power of Laughter and Sharing Stories 44:13 Lay Lefty Down: Starting Conversations and Providing Support with Film 49:17 Sarah Received a Grant for a Personal Film Project -- Hoorah! 51:46 The Need for Diverse Stories and Voices