Our BC Life

In this episode, we meet Aastha Sagger, who was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal breast cancer at just 24, after what she thought was simply a pulled muscle. She shares the shock and confusion of those early days, navigating unclear appointments and a flood of unfamiliar medical terminology, before walking us through her treatment journey of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy with expanders, radiation, and the realities of chemo-induced menopause.Aastha opens up about the physical and emotional toll of facing cancer at such a young age, including body image changes and challenging side effects. Through it all, she leaned on a “brick by brick” mindset that was inspired by a video of actor Will Smith, that helped her stay present, grounded in gratitude, and taking each moment as it came. She also reflects on how choosing vulnerability deepened her relationships and strengthened her support system.Today, Aastha is the founder of Still Strength Wellness, where she supports people living with cancer and chronic illness through stillness, strength, nutrition, and gentle movement, helping them improve their quality of life.Resources: Founder & CEO, Still Strength Wellness www.stillstrengthwellness.comSocial Media:instagram.com/aasthasaggarinstagram.com/stillstrengthwellness

 More adolescents and young adults (ages 18–39) are being diagnosed with cancer, and having to navigate challenges that look very different depending on where they are in life.This episode coincides with the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Week, and we’re joined by Angelina Mangiardi Coulter, Senior Program and Partnerships Manager at First Descents, an organization helping young adults impacted by cancer reconnect with themselves and others through adventure in nature.We explore their three core pillars: life-changing, week-long destination programs; local community adventures that bring people together in nature; and Lifestyle Pathways, a suite of accessible online resources.First Descents creates space for young adults to process, connect, and heal, while building meaningful relationships with others who truly understand the experience.Resources:Website: www.firstdescents.orgFirst Descents Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@firstdescents1Community Adventures: https://firstdescents.org/community-adventures/ Submit an Inquiry: https://firstdescents.org/programs/programs-application/Browse Available Programs: https://firstdescents.org/programs/

Turia Goggins shares her journey through an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis while navigating the strain of a spouse’s severe, undiagnosed mental illness. After years of benign tests, an August 2024 biopsy revealed stage 1 invasive ductal breast cancer. She reflects on telling her close-knit West Indian, Catholic family, making treatment decisions, and managing the intense stress of a volatile marriage.Following surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, Turia opens up about the physical and emotional toll of treatment and her path toward healing through therapy, NAMI NYC support, and ultimately divorce. Her story is one of faith, resilience, and the deeply personal nature of surviving cancer.Resources: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

In this episode, Alexandra French of Atlanta shares her journey from a breast cancer diagnosis at age 31 to navigating surrogacy after treatment. A young mother with no family history of cancer, Alexandra was diagnosed with stage III, estrogen-positive, HER2-positive breast cancer and faced chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and urgent fertility preservation in a compressed timeline.During treatment, she and her family pursued surrogacy after learning it would be unsafe for her to carry another child. Alexandra discusses the emotional, legal, and financial realities of the surrogacy process, the vital role of her support system, and how her experience led her to found the Surrogacy Foundation, which provides grants to cancer patients. The episode closes with her advocacy win in Georgia, helping secure insurance coverage for fertility preservation. This is a powerful example of support, connection, and the joy of creating avenues of hope for others exploring surrogacy.Resources:www.thesurrogacyfoundation.orgSurrogacy Soiree February 21, 2026 - RSVP

In this final episode of the year, host Megan-Claire Chase reflects on a powerful Season 3 of Our BC Life, highlighting conversations on identity, caregiving, fertility, motherhood, and life beyond an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis. Megan-Claire also shares what’s ahead in Season 4, including deeper conversations on mental health, surrogacy, and the launch of Common Ground—a new series connecting voices across breast and gynecologic cancers.Because it’s about more than pink ribbons—it’s our BC life, and beyond. See you in 2026.Resource: https://www.sharecancersupport.org/our-bc-life/

In this episode, we hear a powerful caregiver story from a husband who stood steady as his wife faced both triple-negative breast cancer and heartbreaking fertility challenges. He shares what it looked like to support her emotionally, practically, and spiritually through each twist in their journey—while also navigating his own grief, fear, and hope. Their honesty offers a rare, compassionate look at partnership under pressure and the strength that can grow when two people choose to keep showing up for each other.Resources: Part 1: When Cancer Changes Everything: Lessons from a TNBC Survivor and Veteran

In the second half of our conversation, Brooks Nelson, ovarian cancer survivor, and Yee Won Chong, breast cancer survivor, return to share how their documentary “Trans Dudes with Lady Cancer” evolved into a tool for systemic change. This episode highlights what institutions can learn from lived experience, why representation matters, and how providers can advocate for systemic equity rather than surface-level inclusion.They outline four clear goals for improving transgender and gender-nonconforming healthcare from better language and policy reform to storytelling in medical education. They also talk candidly about navigating the medical system, tackling misinformation around hormones, advocating for systemic change, and protecting trans youth and families in today’s climate.Resources: Trans Dudes with Lady Cancer and Marsha P. Johnson and Micah Bazant, artist

What happens when gender, health, and identity intersect? Within the same month, Brooks Nelson and Yee Won Chong each received life-changing cancer diagnoses. Brooks was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and Yee Won was diagnosed with breast cancer. Instead of retreating, they picked up a camera, and faced it together. In the first half of this heartfelt conversation, we talk about gender, identity, privilege, frustration with the healthcare system, and the beauty of chosen family as they introduce their groundbreaking documentary “Trans Dudes with Lady Cancer.”Resources: https://www.transdudeswithladycancer.org/

In Part 2 of my conversation with Yanery Cruz, Director of Advocacy and Programs at the New York Transgender Advocacy Group (NYTAG), we examine the barriers trans and gender-expansive individuals encounter in healthcare and discuss effective strategies for true inclusion. Yanery offers valuable perspectives on topics ranging from OB-GYN care for trans masculine individuals to the need for a Trans Patient Bill of Rights, emphasizing the importance of safe, affirming environments.We also discuss the importance of allyship in advocacy, the impact of policy change, and NYTAG’s legislative priorities, including decriminalizing STI status and advancing prison reform that respects gender identity. Yanery’s experiences highlight that joy, education, and civic engagement are vital for community well-being and progress.Resources: Social Links:Instagram: @FollowTheQweenInstagram: @NYTransAdvocacyGroupWebsite: NYTAG.orgInfo on Layleen Polanco, 27-year-old Afro-Latina transgender woman who died at Rikers: Death of Layleen Polanco

In Part 1, I sit down with Yanery Cruz, Director of Advocacy and Programs at the New York Transgender Advocacy Group (NYTAG). Yanery, a transgender woman and fierce advocate, discusses NYTAG’s mission to dismantle outdated laws, protect and defend trans rights, and create spaces for healing and radical resilience in the trans community.We discuss why local, state, and federal elections matter for healthcare and policy, the importance of civic engagement, and key definitions to better understand the LGBTQ+ community. Yanery also highlights NYTAG’s TGNCNB Health and Wellness Summit and their Youth Advocacy Fellowship, both designed to center trans voices and prepare the next generation of leaders.This conversation explores the deep connection between our bodies, our laws, and our ability to thrive.Resources: Social Links:Instagram: @FollowTheQweenInstagram: @NYTransAdvocacyGroupWebsite: NYTAG.org

In this episode of Our BC Life, I sit down with the vibrant and resilient Kim Rumpf, an orthopedic registered nurse, a 23-year veteran of the Air National Guard, and a triple-negative breast cancer survivor. Kim opens up about her life before cancer, serving in the military, and the surprise discovery that her family history of breast cancer was on her father’s side.We talk about what it means to come through treatment and still feel changed mentally, emotionally, and physically. Kim shares candidly about her struggles with fatigue, depression, and anger, and how counseling gave her the tools to process those feelings. Together, we reflect on the reality that, much like deployment, cancer leaves you forever different. Kim reminds us that while the dark times are real, therapy, community, and humor can help carry you through.This episode is part one of our conversation, so stay tuned, because Kim’s husband, CJ, her biggest supporter, will join us next time to share what survivorship looks like through the eyes of a co-survivor, and we will discuss their fertility struggles before and post breast cancer. Thank you for listening to our bite-sized discussion today. This episode was produced by the host, Megan-Claire Chase, our executive producer, Christine Benjamin, Vice President of Patient Support and Education at SHARE Cancer Support, and special thanks to program assistant Miranda Gonzales.Thanks to Konner Kienzle for composing the original music and to Sydney Schmidt for the Graphic design of our logo and brand. For more information about upcoming webinars, support groups, and our helpline, visit sharecancersupport.org.New episodes drop monthly, so make sure to like and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and catch up on previous ones! Until then, thanks for listening to Our BC Life.

A cancer diagnosis can feel like a profound betrayal, but for many young adults (AYA), that betrayal deepens with an infertility diagnosis. In this deeply personal and informative discussion, we explore the unique fertility challenges faced by those diagnosed with cancer under 40 for both male-at-birth and female-at-birth individuals.Guests Megan Scherer, Executive Director & Co-Founder of the nonprofit Worth the Wait, and Kara Bendle, an RN and Program Manager for AYA and Fertility Preservation at the Cleveland Clinic, talk about the complexities of family building after an AYA cancer diagnosis. They also dive into the emotional and financial barriers of fertility preservation, the misconceptions surrounding male fertility, and how societal expectations impact female patients’ sense of self-worth.This conversation also sheds light on the unspoken anxieties of survivorship and parenting after cancer. Whether you’re a patient, survivor, partner, or advocate, this discussion offers valuable insights and key takeaways to help navigate fertility concerns in the AYA cancer community.Resources:Worth the Wait Charity: https://worththewaitcharity.com/SHARE’s AYA Cancer Support Groups Across Cancers We Support: AYA Breast Cancer Support GroupMBC Support Group for Young WomenYoung Women’s GYN Cancer Support Group

As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in May, listen to this heartfelt and enlightening conversation with my guest, Winnie Chung, Director of the ChineseSHARE Breast Cancer Program and former medical language interpreter, who discusses the unique challenges Chinese breast cancer patients face when coming to the United States for treatment and care. From her beginnings as an interpreter for Mandarin and Cantonese speakers to her current role leading the ChineseSHARE Breast Cancer Program in New York City, Winnie reveals how her work bridges patients and providers—improving communication, easing anxiety, and ending isolation. We explore how culturally aligned peer support groups empower women in every stage of breast cancer, and why representation in the healthcare workforce matters more than ever. This episode is a moving testament to the healing power of community, language, and culturally competent care.Resources: To learn more about our ChineseSHARE Breast Cancer Program, please email [email protected] or call theToll Free Chinese Helpline at+1 (800) 889-7280免费中文服务热线免費中文服務熱線

Our Breast Cancer Program Director and host of the Our BC Life podcast, Megan-Claire Chase, is not only an advocate in the breast cancer space but also an Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) breast cancer survivor. In oncology, AYA refers to individuals diagnosed with cancer under 40 facing unique challenges that set them apart from pediatric and older adult patients.To raise awareness of AYA Cancer, Megan-Claire is thrilled to be joined on the podcast by two incredible guests: Julia Laursen and Elena Ramsamy. Both are breast cancer survivors with rare subtypes and facilitators of SHARE’s AYA Breast Cancer Support Group. Together, they’ll discuss the distinct experiences of AYA patients, the need for specialized mental and financial support, and the importance of community in navigating life after diagnosis.Resources:SHARE's AYA Breast Cancer Support Group

Guest Haley Pollack knows the deep impact of cancer — first as a daughter, then as a mother. After her mom died of breast cancer during her 20s, Haley faced her own colon cancer diagnosis at 37, just months after giving birth to her second daughter. In this heartfelt conversation, she opens up about navigating motherhood and cancer, the pain of stopping breastfeeding due to treatment, and the loneliness of not finding resources for young parents like her. Haley also shares how a connection with another young mom with cancer led to co-founding Bright Spot Network, a nonprofit that creates a safe space for young parents navigating cancer while raising small children, including those diagnosed during pregnancy.Haley reflects vulnerably on how her mother’s cancer experience shaped her own, the unexpected ways grief evolves, and the long journey to forgiving her younger self for how she coped during her mom’s illness. Together, we explore grief, legacy, and the importance of being gentle with our past selves.Learn more about Bright Spot Network here. Resources: Bright Spot Network

French-born beauty restoration expert Delphine Breyne knows firsthand the power of appearance in self-confidence. As the youngest of eight in a family with a strong history of breast cancer, she underwent genetic testing and remains vigilant about her health. Her deep personal connection to breast cancer fuels her passion for helping others feel like themselves again.Born with a condition that prevents eyebrow growth, Delphine understands what it’s like when people assume you’re sick or tired based on your appearance. This experience, combined with her extensive training across Europe and the U.S.—holding over 22 certifications—led her to develop a technique called Restoration through Micropigmentation, a natural-looking alternative to microblading.In this episode, Delphine shares that eyebrows are more than just facial features—they symbolize communication and expression. She discusses how beauty restoration can be a powerful tool for breast cancer patients during and after treatment, offering them a renewed sense of confidence and self-care.Resources:  CEO and Founder of Delphine Eyebrow Couture and En Rose ParisFollow me on Instagram @delphineeyebrowcouture

Welcome back to Part II of our incredible conversation with Ash Davidson, a transmasculine nonbinary advocate who courageously shares their breast/chest cancer journey. In this episode, Ash opens up about the mental and emotional toll of navigating a cancer diagnosis while in the midst of their gender transition.We dive into the challenges they faced, including an experience about being misgendered at the oncologist's office—and the real impact and potential dangers this can cause. Ash doesn’t hold back as they share insights on how the healthcare system can become more inclusive and compassionate for the transgender community and all cancer patients.Ash also has a heartfelt and thought-provoking message specifically for the medical community. If you haven’t listened to Part I yet, be sure to check it out to get the full story.

In this first episode of season three, I talked with Ash Davidson. I am presenting their story as a two-part series to fully explore their experience as a transmasculine non-binary person navigating breast/chest cancer. In Part One, Ash shares their journey of self-discovery, gender transition, and the challenges transgender individuals face in healthcare. The conversation delves into feelings of euphoria post-top surgery and their emotional upheaval after getting an unexpected invasive ductal (IDC) diagnosis a few weeks later.Stay tuned for Part Two which will be released on Thursday, January 30th.

Welcome to the wrap-up of season two of Our BC Life! I can't believe we’ve already made it through another season. A huge thank-you to all our incredible guests for trusting me with their stories of survivorship, sharing their experiences to remind others they’re not alone.This special episode brings you highlights from all our previous episodes—offering a bird's-eye view into the diverse and complex world of early-stage breast cancer survivorship. Because as we know, it’s more than just pink—it’s our BC life.

In 2013, Bobbie Menneg was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and had 15 positive lymph nodes removed, but fortunately, did not develop lymphedema. With a strong family history of breast and kidney cancer, she hesitated to pursue genetic testing—until a doctor encouraged her to take the step. After falling down the "Dr. Google" rabbit hole, she realized it wasn't what she needed. Confident in her medical team, she fully trusted that they were providing the best possible care. Her message? Advocate for yourself, build a care team you trust, and always come prepared with questions for your doctors. Recognizing that many patients needed financial support beyond medical expenses, she founded Beyond the Ribbon. The organization helps ease the burden by covering everyday bills, providing medical equipment, and offering gift cards for groceries, gas, etc. She’s seen the stress visibly lift from patients’ shoulders as they receive much-needed support.

Our guest, Cathy Leman, MA, RD, is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a specialty in eating disorders and an invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) breast cancer survivor. At the time of her diagnosis, Cathy had just completed the Chicago Half-Marathon and felt at the peak of her health—she was a personal trainer in addition to being a dietitian. Cancer, especially breast cancer, was the last thing on her mind given her active, healthy lifestyle, making the diagnosis all the more shocking.After completing surgery and 20 rounds of radiation- her surgery didn't require a reconstruction option; it required skin grafting to "rebuild" the area from where the tumor was removed -Cathy felt compelled to combine her personal experience with breast cancer and her professional expertise as a dietitian to help others navigate life after breast cancer. She recognized the unique challenges survivors face, particularly when their cancer is hormone-driven, and this led her to create the Peaceful Plate program, designed specifically for breast cancer survivors looking to make lifestyle changes and adopt healthier eating habits.In our conversation, we also explore the key differences between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist, along with their distinct specialties and how they can complement each other in patient care.We are a podcast produced by SHARE Cancer Support. Be sure to check out the SHARE Website for any info or resources you may need.Thanks for listening!

Imagine being just eight years old and seeing your mother disfigured from a Halstead radical mastectomy due to breast cancer because reconstruction wasn't an option back then. That was Deb Hackenberry’s first introduction to the harsh reality of breast cancer. Later in life, Deb would face her own diagnosis—very early-stage invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)—largely due to her family history. But it wasn’t just her family history. Environmental factors such as living near factories in New York and being close to the World Trade Center during 9/11 also potentially played a role in her diagnosis.Motivated by her passion for research and compassion for others, Deb dedicated 14 years to volunteering at SHARE Cancer Support, leading a support group for DCIS patients, and assisting callers on the breast cancer patient support line. She also shares insights into where she is now on her advocacy journey.We are a podcast produced by SHARE Cancer Support. Be sure to check out the SHARE Website for any info or resources you may need.Thanks for listening!

When a family member is diagnosed with breast cancer, it can impact the whole family. Our guest, Barbara Spears (Barb), understands this well. Her diagnosis of invasive ductal breast cancer (IDC) changed the course of her daughter Chrissy's career from pharmacy school to becoming a genetic counselor. Barb shares how her diagnosis took her by surprise and how the support of her husband Bill and daughter helped her through the surgeries and treatments. We also discuss the importance of participating in breast cancer research, having a trustworthy medical team, and how the experience strengthened her bond with her daughter. You may recall her daughter Chrissy Spears, who was also a guest on our show this season. You can listen to her episode from earlier this year titled "Her Mom’s Breast Cancer Diagnosis Changed Trajectory of Her Career" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Buzzsprout, or any other podcast platform of your choice.We are a podcast produced by SHARE Cancer Support. Be sure to check out the SHARE Website for any info or resources you may need.Thanks for listening!

We all have some shared breast cancer experiences, but everybody’s walk is different. Invasive ductal carcinoma (ILC) survivor Dr. Michele D. Clark, LMSW, has a breast cancer experience with so many unexpected twists and turns that it will have you on the edge of your seat to hear what happens next. She survived two massive strokes and then was diagnosed with breast cancer all before she was 40 years old.  She had moments where she felt like her world was crumbling around her but soon realized it was actually falling into place. Listen to how she had to pause in her pain to pull out the passion and the purpose in her life that led to the creation of LIFT After Breast Cancer, LLC.We are a podcast produced by SHARE Cancer Support. Be sure to check out the SHARE Website for any info or resources you may need.Thanks for listening!

Breast/chest cancer can take away a lot, but it can also give a lot. Spencer Hayward, a transgender man and survivor of invasive ductal (IDC) breast cancer, shares his journey from diagnosis to experiencing surgical frustrations and what it is like to receive gender-affirming care. The weight that lifted after his double mastectomy was physical and Spencer shares an amazing moment where his nurse recognized him as a man. His life mottos are spreading joy, kindness, and grace to others. Spencer emphasized the importance of allowing individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community to live fully and authentically in their truth. The conversation turned philosophical as we discussed empathy and acknowledging one's struggles. In the words of Elton John, Spencer is still standing. We are a podcast produced by SHARE Cancer Support. Be sure to check out the SHARE Website for any info or resources you may need.Thanks for listening! MUSIC CREDIT:'Harmony' Prod. by MetzMusic

It is crucial to establish a strong partnership with your care team following a breast cancer diagnosis. In this episode, Doretha Burrell, a 17-year stage II invasive ductal carcinoma (ILC) survivor, emphasized the significance of the trust and rapport she built with her oncologist, which greatly contributed to her healing and participation in a clinical trial. She also shared a lighthearted anecdote about using the “cancer card” to get out of a speeding ticket. Doretha highlights the importance of sharing our stories because they bring hope to our loved ones and even strangers while helping to humanize us to our medical team.MUSIC CREDIT:'Peace' - Prod. by MetzMusic

In your 20s and 30s, you may not have had many interactions with the healthcare system besides visiting a family member in the hospital. There exists a group of people called Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA), who are underrepresented when it comes to being diagnosed with a serious medical condition before the age of 40. Our guest, Kelsey Litwin, was diagnosed with stage IIIB triple-negative (TNBC) breast cancer and the BRCA1 mutation when she was only 24 years old. If it had not been for her family, especially her mom who is a TNBC survivor, she wouldn’t have known what to do next after she felt a lump. Kelsey shares her story to emphasize the importance of health literacy, finding community for healing, and the need for a discussion around fertility preservation.MUSIC CREDIT:"Rise" - Prod. by MetzMusic

When someone in your family is diagnosed with breast cancer, it can affect the entire family. Our guest Chrissy Spears, knows this well because her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer her senior year of college. When she and her mother received genetic testing, she was impressed by their genetic counselor’s compassion and insight. It's interesting to learn how one experience can change the trajectory of someone's career. Chrissy had initially planned to attend pharmacy school after graduation but ended up becoming a genetic counselor instead. Today, she is an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and a Certified Genetic Counselor at The Ohio State University, Division of Human Genetics. Some of the topics we discussed include the intricacies of genetic testing and counseling, dealing with situations where one does not know one's family history, and gender-affirming care and training, as well as the criteria used to determine if a patient is a good candidate for genetic counseling.

Guest Gail May never missed getting her annual mammograms. At first, her doctor spotted something suspicious and originally diagnosed her with DCIS, and after a second MRI, her cancer had become invasive, and she was diagnosed with invasive ductal (IDC). The impact of getting a single mastectomy filled her with anxiety because she had to adjust to not being symmetrical when using the prosthetic. She learned to be comfortable in her skin again. Gail always used writing as a coping mechanism in the past. Writing poetry and short stories continues to help her cope emotionally and mentally as she processes her breast cancer experience.MUSIC CREDIT:"Sunrise" Prod. by MetzMusic 

Season one of Our BC Life is now available! We are grateful for the courage and strength of the survivors who have shared their inspiring stories with us. We encourage you to share this podcast with your friends and family who may also be interested in hearing about the world of early-stage breast cancer survivorship. This compilation of all 2023 episodes aims to give our listeners a bird's-eye view of the journey of a breast cancer survivor because it's more than just a pink ribbon; it's our BC Life. We hope you enjoy listening and find it informative and inspiring.MUSIC CREDIT:'Plant Pot' by MetzMusic 

Life can be challenging and sometimes knock you to your knees. Guest Karen D. Adams, Invasive Ductal (IDC), HER2+, ER+/PR- survivor, was put to the test as she mourned the death of her father and was diagnosed a few months later with breast cancer and then colon cancer a few years later. She also walks us through the changes of her relationship with food, especially soul food, in her survivorship stage.MUSIC CREDIT: 'Flow' by MetzMusic

Even with a strong family history of multiple types of cancers, guest Dawn Freeman, a DCIS with one recurrence survivor, was always into fitness and eating right. She was born with Addison’s disease, also called adrenal insufficiency, which is an uncommon illness that occurs when the body does not make enough of a certain hormone. She had been planning to leave her job and was getting all of her health screenings before resigning. Then she received the cancer call – no symptoms and was found on a mammogram. Dawn, who identifies as a Black lesbian, had many complications with her treatment and surgeries which caused her to experience body dysmorphia. Listen as she shares her holistic bag of tips on protecting your peace and calming the mind, body, and spirit. 

This episode includes our first-ever previvior! Guest Kellie Goss, a BRCA1 previvor, has a strong family history of breast cancer. Her mom and little sister were diagnosed with breast cancer and she knew it would only be a matter of time before she got the cancer call. Thanks to a persistent OB-GYN, she finally agreed to genetic testing and took a proactive approach for her health. Listen as she talks about her mental and spiritual struggles after receiving her results that were so significant (80% risk of getting ovarian cancer and 75% risk of getting breast cancer) that she opted to have a prophylactic double mastectomy and hysterectomy.MUSIC CREDIT:'Candle' by MetzMusic

She had a doctor with a plan, and now she needed to be the patient with a plan. Guest Andrea "Andi"  Gamble, an invasive lobular (ILC) survivor, comes from a family of breast cancer – her mother, herself, and then her sister. The plans Andi didn’t realize she would need were how to cope with implants, painful expanders, delayed exchange surgery due to COVID, PTSD, and the loneliness and isolation that can often come once in the survivorship stage. There was no roadmap to handle all of the overwhelming physical, mental, and emotional toll of breast cancer. MUSIC CREDIT:"Flower" by MetzMusic 

No one prepares for going from stage 0 to stage 4. My guest, Nancy Herard-Marshall, was diagnosed with DCIS in Situ in October 2013. She was hitting her five-year mark in survivorship and living life until she went mountain climbing in Haiti. She pricked her finger which later triggered lymphedema. From that moment, there would be more complications, and ultimately, a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis (MBC). Listen to Nancy’s story of her struggles, support group connections, microaggressions experienced by her medical team, how her subtype changed, and how she stood up for herself in the midst of the insanity.

It is essential to acknowledge the different breast/chest cancer experiences of those in marginalized communities, including the LGBTQIA community. My guest, Jamie Philips, an invasive ductal and DCIS survivor, is a queer person who experienced many alienating things throughout her chest cancer experience like being squeezed into a pink bra post-surgery to being given resources with no inclusive language. No one discussed or prepared her for the ramifications of menopause and how her dating life would be impacted, in a way that would resonate and honor the queerness of her journey.MUSIC CREDIT:"Cafe" by MetzMusic

Knowing your family history is essential to learn what you are predisposed to. In this episode, my guest Marissa Thomas, a triple-negative survivor with a Lynch syndrome mutation,  discusses learning of her family history and how she was diagnosed with breast cancer six months after her dad’s second bout with colon cancer. Marissa drops many gems of knowledge from the importance of genetic testing, knowing what your body’s “normal” is, and suggestions to help shift through the collateral damage of it all.MUSIC CREDIT: "Tea" by Metzmusic

There’s a lot of anxiety once you receive a breast cancer diagnosis. In this episode, my guest Erin Perkins, a triple negative survivor, discusses the unique way she knew something was wrong and the overwhelming feelings that came when it was time to decide on the best surgery option for her body; and why, after getting an Aesthetic Flat Closure, she wanted a revision.Music Credit: "Glow" by MetzMusic

A breast cancer diagnosis can cause a rollercoaster of emotions, especially when you are mentally prepared for a specific treatment plan but then feel blindsided by additional treatments. Guest Brenda Coronado, a stage IIB invasive lobular survivor, is fresh out of active treatment and sharing her bumpy ride of treatments and how navigating cultural differences and finding community in her native language are essential as she begins her survivorship stage. 

There are different sets of challenges when you’re originally diagnosed under 40. One of those challenges is how being surgically induced into menopause rather than nature taking its course affects the mind and sex life. That’s what guest Rachael Walker, an invasive ductal (IDC) survivor, discusses in this episode. Take a listen to how she’s learning to cope with the frustrations of survivorship and relearns how her body functions and its limitations.Music Credit: "Jazz Lofi Type Beat"  -  Prod. MetzMusic

When you get that initial breast cancer diagnosis, you often feel powerless because so much is unknown. This episode will discuss the power of asking questions of your medical team with guest Nancy Touhill, a triple-negative breast cancer survivor (TNBC). We discuss why the relationship with your oncologist is a partnership when determining the type of treatment recommended and the unexpected mental toll of entering the survivorship stage.Music Credit: "Jazz Piano Type Beat" by MetzMusic

Brought to you by SHARE Cancer Support, this is the Our BC Life Podcast! Join host Megan-Claire Chase, a breast cancer survivor and patient advocate, as she dives into the nitty-gritty of what you wish you knew then and what you know now about breast cancer. You'll hear bite-sized conversations from other members of the breast cancer community about their experiences and ultimately feel more informed, hopeful, and less alone. This is Our BC Life. The first full episode of Our BC Life drops on January 19th!  Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so that you don't miss an episode! https://www.sharecancersupport.org