Breast Cancer Stories

After a fiasco in Escondido involving multiplying rodents and toxic air quality, Kristen's on the move again. The pulmonologist found ground glass lungs and an enlarged heart, then Dr. Ali found an enlarged lymph node between her liver and stomach and asked for a PET scan.With recurrence always lurking, we play the old, familiar waiting game.====Season 3 is coming soon and we need your help! Tita Gray's story is different, but the same. Listen for a preview of what's to come in June 2024. Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcastSubscribe to our newsletter This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time.Host and Executive Producer: Eva SheieCo-Host: Kristen VenglerEditor and Audio Engineer: Daniel CroeserTheme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of FigmentProduction Assistant: Mary Ellen ClarksonCover Art Designer: Shawn HiattAssistant Producer: Hannah BurkhartBreast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis.PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

About to turn 60, Natasha is in a dark place thinking of other things that can go wrong with her health if she'll have to go it alone. Even though a routine MRI is clear, she obsesses about cancer spreading to other areas that aren't being checked. Following her mother's recent lung cancer diagnosis, Natasha worries more for her than she did for herself. Staying close to her, she plans to visit and help her navigate the impossible decisions that come with having cancer.Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcastSubscribe to our newsletter here: https://breastcancerstories.substack.com/subscribe About Breast Cancer StoriesBreast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer.Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump."Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient.This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time.Host and Executive Producer: Eva SheieCo-Host: Kristen VenglerEditor and Audio Engineer: Daniel CroeserTheme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of FigmentProduction Assistant: Mary Ellen ClarksonCover Art Designer: Shawn HiattAssistant Producer: Hannah BurkhartBreast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis.PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

5 months after her DIEP flap reconstruction surgery, Alicia returns with an update. Although the original plan was to do a DIEP flap on both sides, it didn't turn out that way and she still has an expander on the other side.Still unsure what to do next, Alicia is taking her time to decide. If she had known things would go the way they did, she believes she would've just stayed flat. Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcastSubscribe to our newsletter here: https://breastcancerstories.substack.com/subscribe About Breast Cancer StoriesThis podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time.Host and Executive Producer: Eva SheieCo-Host: Kristen VenglerEditor and Audio Engineer: Daniel CroeserTheme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of FigmentProduction Assistant: Mary Ellen ClarksonCover Art Designer: Shawn HiattAssistant Producer: Hannah BurkhartBreast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis.PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

With the BRCA mutation and a family history of breast cancer, the “clock” started ticking for Alicia with biannual screenings at age 30. She tried to keep up with the screening schedule, but had young children and decided to go to nursing school. Nine uneventful years went by until she was diagnosed with Stage 2 HER2 negative hormone positive breast cancer in March of 2021.Although her mastectomy was over two years ago, Alicia's reconstruction had to wait because of the extreme damage done to her breast tissue by radiation. Her surgeon recommended the DIEP flap reconstruction, in which tissue and vasculature are taken from the stomach and reconnected into muscles under the breast. Days before Alicia's DIEP flap reconstruction surgery and 5 night hospital stay, she has her fair share of fears, but is hopeful that the outcome will be better than what she's going through now. About Breast Cancer StoriesBreast Cancer Stories is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Whether you've just been diagnosed with breast cancer or love someone who has, this podcast is here to help you through the shock of diagnosis and treatment.Host and Executive Producer: Eva SheieCo-Host: Kristen VenglerEditor and Audio Engineer: Daniel CroeserTheme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of FigmentProduction Assistant: Mary Ellen ClarksonCover Art Designer: Shawn HiattAssistant Producer: Hannah BurkhartBreast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis.PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Natasha's port is out and is huge, resembling a miniature computer mouse. She still believes getting a port was the best decision she's ever made and now that it's gone, she can wear her old clothes again. While she enjoys living alone and is back at work five days a week, advice from her oncologist has her rethinking her relationship with alcohol.Fatigue sometimes holds her back, but she still makes the most of life knowing she's not getting any younger and recurrence will happen someday. On a whim, she decides to take a trip to Saudi Arabia.Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcasthttps://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://breastcancerstories.substack.com/subscribe About Breast Cancer StoriesBreast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer.Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump."Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient.This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time.Host and Executive Producer: Eva SheieCo-Host: Kristen VenglerEditor and Audio Engineer: Daniel CroeserTheme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of FigmentProduction Assistant: Mary Ellen ClarksonCover Art Designer: Shawn HiattAssistant Producer: Hannah BurkhartBreast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis.PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

In this episode of Cancer U Thrivers, hear Kristen's interview with author, speaker, entrepreneur, and patient advocate Andrea Wilson Woods on her podcast Cancer U Thrivers.Kristen walks Andrea and her audience through her experience with stage 3 breast cancer, from finding her tumor in the shower, to chemo, her mastectomy and reconstruction, to radiation and beyond. Listen to more episodes of Cancer U Thrivershttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cancer-u-thriversSupport the Breast Cancer Stories podcasthttps://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://breastcancerstories.substack.com/subscribe About Breast Cancer StoriesBreast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer.Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump."Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient.This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time.Host and Executive Producer: Eva SheieCo-Host: Kristen VenglerEditor and Audio Engineer: Daniel CroeserTheme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of FigmentProduction Assistant: Mary Ellen ClarksonCover Art Designer: Shawn HiattAssistant Producer: Hannah BurkhartBreast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis.PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

After a hard fall, Kristen breaks several ribs and at a scan to check for a ruptured implant, the radiologist sees a Skittle-sized spot near her breast implant just in time for the two year anniversary of her diagnosis.On the heels of a brand new set of post-treatment horrors and indignities, Kristen returns to share the good, the bad, and the ugly, including why she moved *again* and how she ended up willingly living with roommates at the age of 58. Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcasthttps://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://breastcancerstories.substack.com/subscribe This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time.Host and Executive Producer: Eva SheieCo-Host: Kristen VenglerEditor and Audio Engineer: Daniel CroeserTheme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of FigmentProduction Assistant: Mary Ellen ClarksonCover Art Designer: Shawn HiattAssistant Producer: Hannah BurkhartBreast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis.PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Natasha adjusts to post-treatment daily life, continuing with hormone blockers and finally seeing a mental health professional. While working with less fortunate patients who don't have mittens or cold caps, Natasha looks back with gratitude on how privileged her treatment experience was.At work, she finds herself pushing patients much harder to advocate for themselves around symptom management and advises them not to accept puking and feeling like crap the whole time.Cold weather leads to cold feet which leads to worrying about the onset of neuropathy. She experiences a constellation of odd side effects including tingling, arrhythmia, jacked up taste buds, hot flashes that may or may not mean anything and wonders about the cause. Is it from the hormone blockers? Menopause? Aftereffects of chemo? In this final episode of Season 2, she finally gets in to see a therapist and wishes it had been possible from the beginning. Going back and listening to episodes of the podcast reminds her how far she's come and although she'll always be terrified, it has opened her heart in a way she's thankful for and there is a way it's made her softer. Thank you to all who have listened to Natasha's story. We hope her real-time story has helped you and welcome your notes, thoughts, and feedback. We'll be back soon with some special episodes, including a long awaited Kristen update and some incredible special guests. To stay in touch with what we're doing, the newsletter is the best place to get real time updates. Subscribe at at https://breastcancerstories.substack.com/subscribe If you have just been diagnosed, and are interested in telling your story from beginning to end on our podcast, send us a note on our website at breastcancerstoriespodcast.comYour support is crucial to continuing our mission, which is simply to help those with breast cancer and the people who love them through the shock of diagnosis and treatment. To support the show, you can donate directly on the website through PayPal at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate or become a premium subscriber of our newsletter at https://breastcancerstories.substack.com/subscribe **About Breast Cancer Stories**Breast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump."Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient.This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva SheieCo-Host: Kristen VenglerEditor and Audio Engineer: Daniel CroeserTheme Music: Them Highs and Lows, [Bird of Figment](https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902)Story Editor: Mary Ellen ClarksonAssistant Producer: Hannah BurkhartCover Art Designer: Shawn HiattBreast Cancer Stories is a production of [The Axis.](https://www.theaxis.io/)PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

After a scan shows a 1.2 cm nodule on her thyroid, Natasha goes for a biopsy which comes back with complicated results. Not wanting any more surgery or radiation right now means there's a difficult decision to make. Three and a half weeks of radiation end without any terrible burns or skin issues, but celebrating feels phony because it's never really over. Transitioning back into work is feeling good, and she finds the experience of having gone through cancer is immediately useful to her patients and fellow nurses.

The radiation oncologist sends Natasha to a psycho-oncologist (did you know that was a thing?) because her antidepressants aren't working, making self-care too hard. This forces her to confront the mental health struggles caused by the abrupt end of her time in Malawi, the surprise end of her 25-year marriage, and a cancer diagnosis all happening at the same time. Missing her old pre-cancer life, but not necessarily the marriage, she is engulfed in sadness and nostalgia but chooses to still show up. ==A special thank you to Doctors Without Borders for listening to the show and sending good thoughts to Natasha!

Natasha is given three options for radiation treatment, but it's a challenge since everyone has been making decisions for her up to this point. She decides on three and a half weeks of radiation to the breast and the lymph nodes in the armpit. Down to just 104 pounds, she feels like a scarecrow in her clothes. Hoping to gain 10 pounds by the end of the hormone blocker infusions, she finds high calorie meals, drinks shakes with over 500 calories, and chooses “Pepsi heavy” instead of diet. Now back to work with a new perspective, she feels guilty about getting upset over her own infusions when some of her patients are on chemo for life and frustrated with the stupidity of the disconnected healthcare system. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://breastcancerstories.substack.com/subscribe About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump." Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

It's been two weeks since Natasha's lumpectomy and because no evidence of cancer was found during surgery, she has been declared “cancer free” by her surgeon. The day of surgery was long and a little emotional from the anesthesia, but recovery has been less painful than expected. Food has flavor again and in her words, “it's about bloody time!” The road ahead includes more hormone blocker infusions every three weeks, radiation in two weeks, and going back to work next week. As she problem solves how to fit daily radiation into her work routine, she recognizes a new and deeper understanding of the fear and challenges her patients feel. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://breastcancerstories.substack.com/subscribe About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump." Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

After Natasha and friends travel to Mexico to celebrate the end of chemo, it's her turn to catch COVID which delays her lumpectomy surgery for a week. Her nerves are shot from constant fear of the unknown. Because there's nothing visible on her most recent mammogram, she worries they'll find all kinds of horrors during surgery and with chemo behind her she's scared the tumor will grow back. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://breastcancerstories.substack.com/subscribe About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump." Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Thanks to the incredible cold cap technology, Desert Essence shampoo, and seldomly using a brush, after six rounds of chemo Natasha still has her hair. Meanwhile, everything else is falling apart. Plans to celebrate at a fancy restaurant are wrecked when her date gets COVID and none of her friends can go. An insurance snafu just 2 days before her last chemo causes her to run out of Zofran and getting a refill requires some creativity. Natasha has another MRI to see if the chemo worked, and realizes only after reading the results alone that if it had been bad news she would have been in a dark place without support. As she reflects on chemo, she shares what could have been done differently. Links The End of Chemo, brought to you by DigniCaps cold caps (they didn't sponsor us but probably should now) Shop Desert Essence shampoos https://www.desertessence.com/hair-care/shampoo Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://breastcancerstories.substack.com/subscribe About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump." Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

With five sessions down, Natasha feels less like a nurse and more like a patient. Her final chemo treatment is next Wednesday, and the planned end-of-chemo celebration feels fake because surgery and radiation are still ahead. Because food tastes even worse than before, she lives off rice and beans. To keep the weight loss from further eroding her self esteem, she downloads an app to send her daily affirmations. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump." Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Dana Donofree & Kristen outline the essential shopping list for surgery and recovery, from what to bring to the hospital through the different stages of recovery. Support the podcast by ordering your AnaOno favorites through our links! As an affiliate of AnaOno, we earn a few dollars if you purchase any items and our listeners also get 15% off with the promo code STORIES15. Links Shop Ana Ono Intimates https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1388189&u=3242014&m=90154&urllink=&afftrack= Download the Mastectomy Pre-Surgery Shopping List https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iSOR_PIO-5JzTqvU8z6ggmgsUOMFsDrR64CGVKMbohE/edit?usp=sharing Follow Dana and AnaOno on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/daynadono/ https://www.instagram.com/anaonointimates/ Learn more about AnaOno https://www.anaono.com/pages/about-us Visit the METAvivor website https://www.metavivor.org/ Learn more about The Breasties https://thebreasties.org/ Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump." Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS Special Guest: Dana Donofree.

After her 3rd chemo, Natasha is too tired to eat. All food loses its flavor and only texture remains, so peaches and sushi taste the same. She becomes so dehydrated that she wins herself a trip to urgent care for fluids. Wondering if she metabolizes chemo more slowly than others, she plans to set a hydration date after the next infusion. She used to tell her chemo patients that they'd react to each chemo treatment the same way, but learns in yet another horrible discovery as the nurse-turned-patient that nothing could be further from the truth. On the bright side, her hair is so healthy from the cold caps that she needs to get a haircut, and gets a big discount for having cancer. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump." Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Natasha attempts a somewhat normal life by continuing to work and dating someone new. But behind the scenes, things are unraveling. She receives news about the alarming masses on her liver and thyroid. After her second chemo, unusual and disturbing side effects lead her to wonder how many other unexpected surprises are headed her way. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump." Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Horrific acid reflux is keeping Natasha up at night. None of the remedies recommended by her doctors make a difference, except for handy dandy marijuana. Radiology detects spots on her liver and thyroid and calls her in for an emergency MRI. The oncologist explains that if the liver lesions are looked at and she actually has stage four, her chemo treatment is completely wrong. When her doctors recommend 30 minute daily walks, Natasha adopts Pippa, who is already a light in her life as a companion blissfully unaware of her cancer. She feels as if she has an unfair advantage by getting the oncologist she wanted, changing her treatments, and wiggling out of a clinical trial she was pushed into. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump." Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

On the eve of her first chemotherapy infusion, Natasha hauls a pile of new prescriptions home and questions why so much harm must be done to be “healthy” again. After meeting her oncologist Dr. Chen, a specialist in HER-2 positive breast cancer, the clinical trial that originally sounded promising turned out not to be a good fit, leading to a much less invasive chemo recipe consisting of Taxotere, Carboplatin, Herceptin, and Perjeta spaced three weeks apart, but thankfully no need for Taxol. To save her hair from falling out, Natasha's dad graciously volunteers to cover the cost of cold caps (thanks Neil!) but the tradeoff is additional logistics, longer appointments on the chemo days, and no guarantee that it will work. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD Other Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump." Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

As a nurse, it was easy for Natasha to think of all the things the almond-sized lump in her armpit could be other than cancer, so she moved along with her busy life. When she realized it was not going away, her doctor sent her for a mammogram. It took six weeks to get there and then her busy schedule delayed it again. The mammogram saw nothing in either breast, but since they could see it and feel it, they sent her for an ultrasound. When the pathologist called, she knew it was bad news before she even answered the phone. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump." Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

While leading a Doctors Without Borders mission in Malawi, Natasha's husband of 25 years blindsided her by ending their marriage in a text message. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually with the help of her friends she pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump." Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had stage 2 breast cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient. Not just any ordinary nurse practitioner, Natasha was a journalist and then a clinical psychologist before becoming a palliative care specialist at San Francisco General Hospital, where her patients are often homeless or addicted. Like Kristen (our host, and the subject of Season 1), Natasha discovered her tumor in the shower, it wasn't caught by a mammogram either, and she navigated breast cancer treatment on her own. But as you'll see, that's about all they have in common. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Subscribe to our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, through her experience of going from being a nurse to a patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Persistent foot pain caused by chemo forces Kristen to spend hours each day on physical therapy, taping, and stretching her feet at home. Wowing her friends with her ingenuity, she reveals that flesh-colored socks with the toes cut out are the trick to wearing flip flops to a wedding. A few weeks before her final reconstructive surgery in a moment of darkness she candidly asks, “if this is what kills me, have I lived a good life?” Answering this question leads her to reflect on just how much her perspective has changed through this experience. If someone you love has cancer, or any chronic illness that transforms their life, Kristen's advice is an important reminder to give them grace and time, and don't forget to treat them like a normal person while remaining sensitive to what has changed. What's next for Breast Cancer Stories? SEASON 2 LAUNCHES AUGUST 25, 2022 While there are no more surgeries and no more treatment, our mission to help others going through the shock of diagnosis and treatment continues. Stay tuned for the launch of our 2nd season in August 2022 as Kristen becomes the host and a new story begins with Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital. While in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021, Natasha's husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually with the help of her friends she pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump." Months went by before Natasha finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient. Listen to the Season 2 trailer https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/season-2-trailer-natasha Other Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Win your own Kyte bamboo pajamas when you SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER! Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

On the eve of the final reconstructive surgery, which coincides with the 1-year anniversary of her mastectomy, Kristen reflects on how far she's come and how many things are different from what she expected. Finally relenting to the damage in her feet, she applies for a handicapped placard and shares her relief over no longer having to schlep across enormous parking lots while protecting her chemo toe and tolerating persistent pain in her feet. While looking forward to the final surgery and excited about the aesthetic part of the surgery, there's a lingering sadness over how far she still has left to go to return to “normal.” The process of letting those expectations go continues to be a challenge, mixed with joy and gratitude for the good that has come with so much bad. Other Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Win your own Kyte bamboo pajamas when you SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER! Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

The list of things to do before starting chemo includes the seemingly ordinary task of getting a port (sometimes called a medi-port). Get your blood work, pick up groceries, wash the car, get a port… But port placement is actually surgery and being unprepared for the procedure can result in some unpleasant surprises or unexpected pain. Interventional radiologist Dr. Aaron Fritts explains the procedure and answers our questions about ports, including a step-by-step walk through of the surgery, the options for sedation, and what you can and can't do with a port. Before you get a port, you'll want to hear Dr. Fritts' advice for advocating for yourself, preventing infection and how to avoid the complications he has seen when things go wrong. Links Away from patient care, Dr. Fritts leads BackTable, a medical education podcast network for doctors covering interventional radiology, vascular surgery, technology & innovation, and more. BackTable https://www.backtable.com/ Find Dr. Fritts at Texas Radiology Associates https://texasradiology.com/doctors/aaron-fritts-m-d/ Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Win your own Kyte bamboo pajamas when you SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER! Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS Special Guest: Aaron Fritts, MD.

Six weeks after the (evil) expanders are out and new 700cc “porn-star-sized” breast implants are in, Kristen shares what it feels like to be on the other side of the painfully long process of stretching her skin to make room for the permanent replacements. After falling into the bushes while climbing the path to her beloved apartment near the beach, she faces the harsh realization that her body is not going to be back to “normal” anytime soon. Because hormone blockers cause brittle bones, Kristen can't risk even the slightest injury and the challenges with the uphill driveway and steep steps to her apartment mean it's time to a new home for the 10th time in less than 4 years. Facing this unpleasant reality, she gratefully acknowledges that this apartment with its multi-million dollar view and serene surroundings was the right place to heal but not a long-term solution. For now, and hopefully forever, the breast cancer part of Kristen's story is nearly finished. One final reconstructive surgery with Dr. Pacella remains to complete the finishing touches on her reconstructed breasts. STAY TUNED FOR SEASON 2 BEGINNING AUGUST 2022 Join us for Natasha's story on the 2nd season of Breast Cancer Stories: Nurse Becomes Patient. Listen to the trailer: https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/season-2-trailer-natasha Other Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Win your own Kyte bamboo pajamas when you SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER! Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

As a nurse, you never truly understand the level of terror your patients are experiencing until you become one yourself. New York Times best-selling author Theresa Brown, RN, shares her breast cancer treatment journey along with details about her new book, “Healing.” Diagnosed with breast cancer in fall of 2017, Theresa underwent a lumpectomy and four weeks of radiation before starting Tamoxifen, which ruined her life for three and a half years before she quit. With our Season 2 Breast Cancer Stories co-host Natasha Curry, we uncover similarities and surprising differences in treatment as nurses-turned-patients. We were shocked to discover that like Kristen and Natasha, Theresa's breast cancer was missed by mammography and was only discovered because she was participating in a study in which women also received an ultrasound to see if it gave better diagnostic results. Theresa has been a contributor to the New York Times, and her words can be found on CNN.com, in the American Journal of Nursing, the Journal of the American Medical Association, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. She's also been a guest on MSNBC Live and NPR's “Fresh Air.” She received her PhD in English from the University of Chicago. Theresa lectures nationally and internationally on issues related to nursing, healthcare, and end of life. Links NY Times: A Nurse Finds Herself on the Other Side of the Equation — as a Patient https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/12/books/review/healing-theresa-brown.html Buy Theresa's book on Amazon https://amzn.to/3reeyPR Other Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Win your own Kyte bamboo pajamas when you SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER! Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS Special Guest: Theresa Brown.

Natasha Curry is not your everyday average nurse. As a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital, she cares for the poorest and most vulnerable at what is often the most challenging time of their lives. Many patients are homeless and also struggling with substance abuse and mental illness, in addition to cancer and other life-limiting diseases. It's tough and heart-breaking work. Last year, while leading a Doctors Without Borders cervical cancer mission in Malawi, Natasha's husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. She returned home, fell into bed for a few weeks, and eventually with the help of her friends she pulled herself together and went back to work. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump." Months went by before she finally got a mammogram, but radiology saw nothing in either breast. It was the armpit lump that caught their attention. Next step was an ultrasound, where the lump was clearly visible. One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient. This is Natasha's breast cancer story, told in real time. Other Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Win your own Kyte bamboo pajamas when you SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER! Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD About Breast Cancer Stories From breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler, Natasha Curry Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

When and if lymph nodes have to be removed in the course of breast cancer treatment, lymphedema is a persistent aftereffect that must be treated and cared for following surgery, sometimes for many years. Special guest and lymphedema specialist Christine Galione, MSPT, CLT is a physical therapist and expert lymphatic massage practitioner at Scripps Memorial La Jolla who has been helping breast cancer patients with lymphedema therapy since 2004. Christine helps us understand what the lymph system does, how it functions, and the issues that can arise after removing them, including: What cording is and how they treat it When to wear (and not wear) compression sleeves How to get back to regular exercise and weight lifting Helpful tips for with air travel Tips for ensuring your lymphatic massage is covered by insurance Although it can be very scary for some people, Christine assures us that lymphedema is treatable, and the sooner you can get to therapy the better. Links See the illustration of the lymph system mentioned by Christine in this episode https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/articles/the-lymph-system-in-women Other Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Win your own Kyte bamboo pajamas when you SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER! Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS Special Guest: Christine Galione.

To help make radiation go a little better, Kristen teams up with guest Jen Delvaux to talk about their radiation experiences and share the little things that made them more comfortable. Most women head into radiation not knowing the process or what to expect. Intimidating machines, tattoos, buzzing noises, orders about how to move (or not move) are overwhelming. Taking a backseat to treatment needs are ease and comfort—not that anything about radiation is particularly comfortable. If you're also recovering from surgery, motion is limited and dressing in ANY clothing is a challenge. Whether you're just starting or are in the midst of radiation, this conversation is meant to be a helpful guide to the little things you need to get through it based on real experiences. Jen Delvaux is the co-host of the podcast Not Today Cancer and author of a new book by the same name titled Not Today Cancer: A Non-Typical Survival Guide for the Girl Who Wants to Thrive, Not Just Survive. Links Ana Ono Favorites Leslie Bralette https://shrsl.com/3i8pa Rora Pocketed Front Closure Bra https://shrsl.com/3i8pc See all of our favorite things here https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/articles/things-you-need-for-radiation Jen Delvaux's book Not Today Cancer: A Non-Typical Survival Guide for the Girl Who Wants to Thrive, Not Just Survive https://amzn.to/3KzYXBi Hear Kristen on Jen's podcast, Not Today Cancer https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mammogram-ultra-sound-missed-stage-3-breast-cancer/id1436449587?i=1000558134923 Jen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jendelvaux/ Other Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Win your own Kyte bamboo pajamas when you SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER! Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS Special Guest: Jen Delvaux.

It's the day after Kristen's surgery to replace her expanders with permanent breast implants, and she's already feeling much better. For the last 33 weeks, Kristen lived with a constant 2-4 pain level from the uncomfortable and awkward expanders. Today her chest looks normal again, even if it will never feel the same. Kristen trusted her plastic surgeon Dr. Sal Pacella to choose the size and shape of implant that looked best in her body, and was amused to find out that she is the proud owner of Mentor 700cc high profile silicone gel implants, also known as “porn star boobs.” Since this was her 2nd major surgery, things went much more smoothly with the right surgery buddy and all of her favorite comforts in place ahead of time. She spent the night in her velcro surgery bra, Ana Ono robe, and pillow recliner, and woke up feeling like a different person. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Who makes a good surgery buddy? (https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/articles/who-makes-a-good-surgery-buddy)Get Kristen's need-to-knows about this important job on the blog. Win your own Kyte pajamas when you SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER! Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD Support the show by sharing online or writing a review. Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

It's the night before Kristen's implant exchange surgery. After 9 long months, the painful, lopsided tissue expanders will be replaced with silicone gel breast implants and her constant pain will come to an end. At her pre-op appointment with Dr. Pacella, Kristen imagines choosing the new boobs will be like walking into a candy store and exploring an array of breast implants. Adding to the already full plate of post-chemo and post-radiation health issues, a series of surprisingly bad effects from the Zometa infusion leave her wondering what's temporary and what's regular living now? At an appointment with her oncologist, Kristen learns there's a new pattern emerging of women who've had the vaccine experiencing bad reactions to the Zometa infusion in the past six to 12 months. Other Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Win your own Kyte pajamas when you SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER! Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD Support the show by sharing online or writing a review. Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Nobody told Kristen just how horrible the side effects from the hormone blockers would be. The neuropathy in her feet causes her to walk like an old woman and she struggles with simple, everyday movement like standing up from the couch or walking up stairs. To combat calcium loss from the hormone blockers, Kristen has a Zometa infusion which causes severe and prolonged side effects, prompting Dr. Ali to order a CT and setting off a cascade of anxiety while wondering if the cancer has returned. But you know Kristen. She's not giving up without a fight. Other Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Win your own Kyte pajamas when you SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER! Sign up here: http://eepurl.com/hX12YD Support the show by sharing online or writing a review. Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Kristen returns to Austin during the holidays to help a friend recover from surgery, clear out the last of her old things from the storage unit, and close the door on 26 years of her life. A stinky side effect leads us to invent a new dance move, and in honor of the 1 year anniversary of Kristen's diagnosis, we attempt a round of rapid fire questions which completely backfires thanks to “chemo brain.” Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Support the show by sharing online, writing a review, or donating at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

In part 2 of our conversation with plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella, we go behind the doors of the operating room to understand how the team functions and learn some surprising things about surgery. Looking back on Kristen's extraordinary pain in the hours following surgery, we get real answers about how and why her pain was so extreme and what could have been done differently. Dr. Pacella walks us through what to expect during the exchange surgery and subsequent nipple reconstruction coming up soon. LINKS Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Learn more about Dr. Salvatore Pacella https://www.drpacella.com/ Follow Dr. Pacella on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sandiegoplasticsurgeon/ Listen to Dr. Pacella's podcast, Three Plastic Surgeons and a Microphone: https://3plasticsurgerypodcast.com/ Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Support the show by sharing online, writing a review, or donating at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS Special Guest: Salvatore J. Pacella, MD.

Kristen's plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella joins us to deconstruct her breast reconstruction and help us understand his strategy for the multi-stage approach in which the expanders are placed at the time of mastectomy and replaced with breast implants following radiation. We ask all the unanswered burning questions, including whether he can even recognize Kristen with her clothes on and how the recent consumer trend of moving fat to increase the size of one's rear end has had a positive impact on reconstructive surgery. From the decisions made at the beginning of the process, to the ignorant things people say to women about to undergo breast reconstruction, we covered it all in this first episode of a two-part series. LINKS Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Learn more about Dr. Salvatore Pacella https://www.drpacella.com/ Follow Dr. Pacella on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sandiegoplasticsurgeon/ Listen to Dr. Pacella's podcast, Three Plastic Surgeons and a Microphone: https://3plasticsurgerypodcast.com/ Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Support the show by sharing online, writing a review, or donating at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS Special Guest: Salvatore J. Pacella, MD.

Two months after radiation, Kristen's chest isn't looking like such a hot mess anymore. But in mental health terms, we're in the valley now and nobody knows how deep or wide that valley will be. Kristen learns the hard way what happens if she misses a dose or two of her hormone blockers, and explains what her physical therapist is doing to prevent lymphedema. We wonder about past decisions like using birth control pills and estradiol patches and theorize about whether some dumb lifestyle choices combined with the traumatic events of 3-4 years ago caused her breast cancer. The only shoe that gave me relief from pain, these cushy Oofos slides https://amzn.to/3sqqZrM Stepping on this Sunbeam heating pad was heaven in the morning https://amzn.to/33cvuO1 Plugging the drain and soaking my feet in Epsom salts while I showered morning and night https://amzn.to/3uJMUgi Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Support the show by sharing online, writing a review, or donating at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Despite increasing pain and burns from the most recent round of radiation, Kristen manages to keep up with work and spend time with a friend at the beach. With only five days left until the end of radiation and “no evidence of disease,” surely there's a celebration in store? On one hand, yes, and maybe even a silly Halloween costume in the works. On the other hand, one does not just bounce back after breast cancer and Kristen is surprised to find that she's never going back to who she was before. We confront the hardest question yet… how do you know if all of this worked? Anyone with a loved one going through cancer will treasure Kristen's answer and her advice about what to say to someone who's reached the “end” of the cancer treatment journey. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Foam bandages (https://amzn.to/3KPWkfW) that were life saving over the blisters. (Your radiation doctor should give these to you) See if my favorite Ana Ono bralette (https://www.anaono.com/search?type=everything&q=leslie) is covered by insurance (https://www.anaono.com/pages/insurance-faq) Best fabric mask! (https://kinibands.com/collections/womens-masks/products/velvet-face-masks?variant=32990842028141) Thank you Kini Bands!! Connect with Kristen on Instagram (https://instagram.com/breastcancerstoriespodcast?utm_medium=copy_link) Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Support the show by sharing online, writing a review, or donating at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Weary and desperate for a break in the relentlessness of breast cancer treatment, Kristen makes the decision whether or not to proceed with radiation. While the medical team followed a tight protocol during chemo and surgery, suddenly now to receive advice, statistics, or data she has to ask the right person and the right questions to inform her next steps. Kristen describes the first radiation appointment, which is not a treatment but a team of “nerds” including a physicist who painstakingly measure and permanently mark her body with tiny dot tattoos. Like the laser dance scene from Oceans Twelve, the tattoos ensure the laser beam never misses its mark and only hits the cancer but can't avoid the bones beneath, which might randomly also cause a broken rib someday. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Miaderm (https://www.miaderm.com/product/miaderm-fragrance-free/?v=7516fd43adaa)used in the morning and after radiation treatments. Aquaphor (https://amzn.to/3trd7Q7) used at night. My favorite tank tops (https://amzn.to/33vjyGN). My favorite bra. (https://www.anaono.com/products/flat-soft-leisure-bra?variant=32106171138137) How I stayed hydrated. (https://amzn.to/3FtAOda) Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Support the show by sharing online, writing a review, or donating at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Kristen goes into the operating room hopeful that this milestone is the end of her cancer, but wakes up ten hours later realizing the number of drains in her chest means the worst possible outcome. The next morning she learns that 11 lymph nodes were removed for testing, which means it's probably not over and she went through chemo for nothing. Communication missteps, pain control issues, and brain fog added to the challenges of the hospital stay. While recovering and waiting two long weeks for those biopsy results, Kristen theorizes about what may have caused her cancer and discovers the bright side to chemo not working. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Incredible bed wedge (https://amzn.to/3pAOtKr) Courage angel (https://amzn.to/3eBYhxw) Camisole (https://amzn.to/319RMiz) Button up tank (https://amzn.to/3exbtUz) AnaOno Wrap Dress (https://www.anaono.com/collections/loungewear/products/kara-wrap-dress?variant=32267086463065) Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Support the show by sharing online, writing a review, or donating at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

How do you prepare to have a part of your body removed forever? What snacks do you bring to a double mastectomy? For Kristen, the list starts with a good pillowcase, her Anna Ono robe, her softest Kyte Baby jammies, slippers, her YETI cup, and shirts with places for drains. As her surgery date approaches, it's not the loss of her breasts that makes her fall apart sobbing, it's imagining herself unable to pick up the baby she nannies for the next 2 months. Now enjoy a haiku in memoriam of Kristen's original boobs: Kristen battles her fear In the deepest of trenches Can't stifle the sass Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Longhorn YETI mug (https://amzn.to/3dSgyGw) Ana Ono soft post-surgery bras & other items (https://www.anaono.com/)made just for those affected by breast cancer, breast surgeries or discomfort Kyte bamboo pajamas (https://kytebaby.com/collections/sets) Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Support the show by sharing online, writing a review, or donating at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Kristen readies herself for the impending double mastectomy and reflects on her original thought process in which the bad old boobs are swapped for good new boobs and that's the end. While watching Nightbirde, a young, single woman with cancer on America's Got Talent, she realizes that the absence of people or material things cannot control her happiness. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Watch Nightbirde on America's Got Talent (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZJvBfoHDk0) Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Support the show by sharing online, writing a review, or donating at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate . Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Kristen is exhausted and ready to be done with chemo. When Scripps' entire computer system goes down from a ransomware attack, her appointments come to a screeching halt. A chemotherapy session is delayed by a day, but the frustration is short-lived as she realizes her brother can be there to see her ring the bell. Chemotherapy comes to an end, and Kristen's attention shifts toward the looming double mastectomy and reconstruction. As she moves out of her beloved beach house while desperately ill, a friend comes to the rescue to help organize and finish the awkward transition. Even in the darkest valley, her thoughts return to helping others as she puzzles over how to advocate for women who might also miss detecting this kind of breast cancer. All she can think to do (for now) is warn us to “compare your nipples!” Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Read about the Scripps ransomware attack (https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/commentary/story/2021-06-10/opinion-scripps-ransomeware-attack-cybersecurity) See Kristen's cute beach house interior design choices, the cute storage cubes (https://amzn.to/3F6BpBt)and Nautical storage totes (https://amzn.to/3oqy6P8). Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Support the show by sharing online, writing a review, or donating at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate . Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

After 11 long weeks of chemotherapy we're at the clinic to see Dr. Ali, the oncologist. Kristen is hopeful because she can see her tumor and it appears on the surface like it's getting smaller. But the only true measure of whether the tumor has grown is the MRI, and Dr. Ali delivers the news. Kristen can't shake the question of why shrinking the tumor even matters if it's going to be removed with surgery in a few weeks. She forces herself into a different mindset about treatment. In this episode, we go with Kristen to the actual appointment and hear her conversations with the doctors. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Chemo mittens and booties shopping list: Best chemo cooler/backpack (https://amzn.to/3nXD4lT) Ice mittens (https://amzn.to/2ZQA7eu) Ice booties (https://amzn.to/3CLAOof) Ice booties refill (https://amzn.to/3H00SP5) Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Support the show by sharing online, writing a review, or donating at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate . Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

Kristen adjusts to Taxol, the drug used in the second phase of chemotherapy, which brings bizarre side effects requiring special booties and mittens to prevent permanent nerve damage in her hands and feet. Her beachfront living arrangement is upended, and while moving is stressful, her home is replaced with an even better beachfront home through the generosity of a friend. Being single, having cancer, and wondering if you're going to die alone is scary. As the days go by, it becomes clear who's really in her corner for the long haul. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Read about Taxol (https://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/taxol.aspx) Chemo mittens and booties shopping list: Best chemo cooler/backpack (https://amzn.to/3nXD4lT) Ice mittens (https://amzn.to/2ZQA7eu) Ice booties (https://amzn.to/3CLAOof) Ice booties refill (https://amzn.to/3H00SP5) Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Support the show by sharing online, writing a review, or donating at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

4 weeks after starting chemo, the “new normal” is here. Kristen describes what it feels like to have no hair and as the physical effects of chemo present new challenges, she realizes that breast cancer could be what ends her life. Kristen's ongoing determination to quickly learn as much as she can about her situation leads to weird facts about real hair vs. nylon wigs and practical information for navigating nonprofits to qualify for financial support. Ever the Pollyanna, she remains hell bent on approaching each day with positivity and courage as the chemo wears her body down. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Breast Cancer Angels (https://www.breastcancerangels.org/) Cancer Angels of San Diego (https://www.cancerangelsofsandiego.org/contact) Co-Pay Relief program (https://www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/copay-relief/)through the Patient Advocate Foundation Silicone Popsicle Molds (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QJC6QKD/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_glt_fabc_64Z1WTVYSSE6GF1X45T8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) Bamboo Sleep Caps for hair loss (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y37GH6B/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_glt_fabc_SQX4B4C5N3FTAEYV3A16?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Support the show by sharing online, writing a review, or donating at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

At the end of the day following Kristen's 2nd chemo treatment, she recalls her dream the previous night and describes how her hair hurts. Between the first and second chemo treatments, several surprise infections appeared along with disappointment over how quickly her formerly iron-clad immune system failed. While adjusting to all these strange happenings within her body, she decides to cut her hair before it has a chance to fall out, resulting in the comical realization that with short hair she looks like her son and a surprise boost of self-confidence. When a deeply meaningful gift from a dear friend (and two-time breast cancer survivor) arrives in the mail, the pink ribbon logo takes on a new and different meaning. Settling into the treatment routine, Kristen shifts her focus to the future by buying a beautiful new wall-sized garden calendar from Etsy to chronicle the journey that's about to unfold. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories San Diego hair stylist and short hair specialist Lael AnnMarie (https://www.instagram.com/laelannmarie/) Angio Dynamics Smart Port (https://www.angiodynamics.com/product/smart-port-ct-injectable-port/) Garden Planner Wall Calenda (https://www.etsy.com/listing/240697826/garden-planner-planting-calendar-sowing) Removable Transparent Mark It Dots (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003M6VQNY/) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

When Kristen noticed her right nipple felt different, her first thought was "what the F is this?" Her second thought was that her life was about to change. So she did what everyone does in this situation... she jumped out of the shower, went to Google, and diagnosed herself with a rare form of breast cancer called Paget's Disease. But Google's never right about these things, so a few days later when the radiologist suggested a biopsy for Paget's, shit got real. Overnight, life became a tightly-woven schedule of appointments wedged between work: a biopsy, an MRI, a colonoscopy, and a million different labs and scans leading up to the first chemo treatment. As a single woman with limited resources, Kristen had no choice but to advocate for herself, quickly figuring out the magic words to use with her healthcare providers to move the process along faster and start treatment sooner. In this episode recorded on her first day of chemo, Kristen tells us what's happened so far, including why her mammogram didn't catch the tumor, what made her cry and what made her throw up at the first chemo appointment, and how nearly taking her own life a year earlier prepared her to confront breast cancer with strength and courage instead of defeat. From the awful moment in the shower through the last day of radiation and beyond — this is Kristen's breast cancer story, told in real time. Links Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/breastcancerstories Meet Kristen's doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview),hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali, (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview) plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu) The most wonderful restaurant there is, Flower Child (https://www.iamaflowerchild.com/) About Breast Cancer Stories Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens. This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Support the show by sharing online, writing a review, or donating at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/donate Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie Co-Host: Kristen Vengler Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment (https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bird-of-figment/1434663902) Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis. (http://www.theaxis.io/) PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS