Chemo Stories

Prior to her diagnosis, Tina was literally seeing signs to get checked for breast cancer. She saw a slew of “get your mammogram” signs plastered all over the NYC subway on her morning commute. After dropping her son off at camp she saw another sign, this time on the back of an old phone booth. “Get your mammogram.”

In part 2 of episode 1, Tina processes the dreaded call from her doctor. The lump in her breast was cancer. Early stage, but still cancer. Now what?Tina explores the struggle of telling family and friends, and the flood of responses that come with sharing this kind of news, some of which were well-intentioned, and some a little tone-deaf and oblivious. What is the right thing to say to someone with cancer?Resources/References:N/A

Tina openly ruminates on her biggest fear: Am I strong enough for this?She begins to examine everything about herself, things she didn't even know existed. What does it mean to be strong? She doesn’t feel strong. But why? Tina digs into her childhood, remembering all of the mixed messages she received as a woman. Do these messages early on affect us as adult women?

How do you even begin to prepare for Chemotherapy? How do you keep your mind and body as healthy and trauma free as possible during the process? Tina gives tips on some of the more practical and natural alternatives that have been making the process of preparing for Chemotherapy smoother, including “microblading” her eyebrows, creating a “hair halo,” and trying medical marijuana.Resources:Evertrue Microblading SalonMed Men

With one week left to go until her Chemotherapy begins, Tina continues to dive deep into alternative, holistic ways to prepare, including medical qigong and acupuncture.In this episode, Tina hilariously retells the story of participating in a unique exercise class, which tests the benefits of exercise on women going through Chemo. Let’s just say it involves wearing a mask with a tube on your head and walking on a steeply-inclined treadmill, all while people watch and cheer you on in lab coats. Resources:Paul Fraser Qigong | Medical Qi Gong Teacher & HealerMSKCC Integrative Medicine: Exercise & Mind-Body ClassesDr. Mao - MSKCC

The day finally came. Chemotherapy Round 1. For those wondering what the first day is like, Tina gives a play-by-play: What is the process? How long does it last? What exactly do the doctors and nurses do? What can you do to stay calm? https://www.mskcc.org Sandy Ames Hypnotherapy

Chemotherapy can wreak havoc on your body, but what does it do to your mind? If you’re someone who naturally craves control, what happens when you’re suddenly placed in a situation where you have absolutely no control?In episode 6, Tina reflects on the mental impact of Chemo and breast cancer, openly discussing her “inner demons.”

In episode 7, Tina shares the best advice she received from another survivor and how it prompted her to dig deeply into herself. She also continues her quest for alternative medicine with a visit to a “medical intuitive,” who opened Tina’s eyes to the struggles of the women in her lineage, as well as the power of her own voice.

In this episode, Tina discusses how she balanced her career with the challenges of breast cancer, and “coming out” publicly with her diagnosis.

In this episode, Tina tells an edge-of-your-seat story about a “bad reaction” to a particular drug and what to look out for when taking a medicine known as Taxol.

In this week’s episode, Tina talks about the need to “find the funny,” even when it’s downright terrifying.Tina shares some of the strangest/funniest realizations she’s made along this journey, including a moment out in public where she realizes she may no longer have a filter.Tina also shares some of the podcasts, t.v. shows, books and music that have inspired her and kept her going along the way. Resources:Absolutely Not on Apple PodcastsTara Brach on Apple Podcasts

Tina bravely opens up about the day her son, Jack, discovered she had cancer.She explores watching her son’s resilience, and the highs and lows of family dynamics during Chemotherapy.

What is “Chemo fever”? And what can I expect to happen if I get it after a round of treatment? In this episode, Tina describes a bout with “Chemo fever” that lands her in the emergency room. Like many other times during her journey, this experience reveals the goodness in people – in this case, a good friend who doesn’t leave her side.

Tina discusses the strength of female friendship, and shares stories of all the strong “warrior” women who have shown up for her in different ways throughout the Chemo process.For those going through Chemo, or those wondering where to look for support and tips along the way, Tina shares her recommendations.Resources:In Kind Space Manhattan BirthThe Moms NetworkGrace & EaseMy Cancer Chic

Tina gives a play-by-play of her last day of Chemotherapy and the rush of feelings— both mental and physical—that come along with it.As she prepares to leave the treatment center for the last time, Tina feels something she never expected: thankful for the “gift” of fear.

Five months out of treatment, Tina describes life after Chemotherapy, and a completely unpredictable twist to her story—a global pandemic.Just as she thought she was ready to begin healing, Tina, along with the rest of the world, is now in quarantine. Oddly enough, she realizes that going through breast cancer and Chemotherapy truly can prepare you for a global pandemic.*Throughout the podcast, the names of some individuals have been changed to protect their privacy. * Special thanks to photographer Heather Swanson for photography