survive + thrive ~ conversations young with breast cancer survivors

Survivor's guilt can be overwhelming, leading us to question why others and not ourselves. In today's podcast, we are joined by a special guest, Monica Brooks. The episode focuses on survivor's guilt, loss, and grief within the cancer community. We will share our experiences coping with the loss of two friends in the community and explore the challenges of dealing with survivor's guilt, as well how we keep ourselves in motion.

Shannon's story is one of resilience and perseverance in the face of life's challenges. Despite facing numerous hardships, including multiple bouts of cancer, she refused to give up. Instead, she found strength in her faith and the support of her community. Her story is sure to inspire and uplift you! Be sure to follow her on Instagram @the.shannon.show

Sami Rogers is currently a coach trainee at SPARK Relationship + Sexual Wellness. She specializes in singles on dating apps, self-exploration in relationships, and sexual well-being of patients navigating health issues. As an oncology nurse for seven years, Sami recognizes the fragility of life and the importance of strong relationships. Her approach to coaching is lighthearted and intuitive with a focus on self-reflection and emotional intelligence to bring your best self to your relationships. Having trained directly under Dr. Meghna Mahambrey, founder of SPARK, Sami will begin accepting coaching clients in early 2024. Stay in the loop by following SPARK on Instagram and learn more about SPARK coaching on our website.We're confident that you'll enjoy this open, honest, and fascinating conversation!Here's some products discussed on the podcast:BOOKS:Women, Cancer, Sex by Anne Jennifer KatzEstrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming, MD & Carol Tavris, PhDPODCAST:Sex and Psychology podcast with Justin LehmillerPRODUCTS:Lubricants - Uberlube, Astroglide, and Good, Clean, LoveVaginal moisturizers - Revaree and Replens

Meet Nikki from Wisconsin, a courageous breast cancer thriver who discovered her diagnosis through a breast reduction. In this episode, she candidly shares her journey, highlighting the challenges she faced with her body image, breast insecurities, eating disorders, and managing menopause while raising children amidst her diagnosis. Nikki also emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself, recounting how she took charge of managing her hot flashes. Her story is sure to inspire you.

Get ready to be inspired as you meet Elisa's cousin Annie, a young breast cancer thriver. Annie discovered a lump after Elisa raised awareness about self-breast exams and although she was juggling being a mom, student, and navigating a new job and relationship, she refused to let cancer get the upper hand. Annie takes us on her journey of diagnosis and treatment, from undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation to dealing with the financial and mental health aspects. Be sure to connect with Annie on Instagram , @anniieemarie.  We hope you enjoy this conversation!

Welcome back to the breastie headquarters where we take a deep dive into mental health, exploring the ups and downs of living with anxiety, depression, and ADHD. We'll also chat about the importance of catching those Z's and how it can make or break your day-to-day. And, let's not forget about the magic of THC! We'll share our personal journey with this wonder plant and how it's brought some sunshine into our lives.Plus, we've got some exciting news to share about our non-profit and how we plan to use TBBC to spread mental health awareness and support those who need it most. Tune in and let's get this conversation started!

Back by popular demand, unfiltered Elisa and Bess! On this unfiltered episode we discuss how cancer has affected our relationships, sexual health, and tips and tricks for surviving breast cancer action month. Grab your favorite dessert or beverage for this raw conversation. 

We are BACK at the breastie headquarters, more unfiltered than ever! Join us at we catchup on life during our six month hiatus from the show. Of course the heavy topics of sex, infertility, moderation, and alcohol will be discussed but we like to keep it real! Grab a treat and join us for such a beautifully unfiltered conversation.

We are back at the breastie headquarters to kickoff this new year! Join us as we catchup after the holidays and discuss what is in store for Survive & Thrive in 2023. We both have been dying to share this exciting news with our listeners, you won't want to miss this episode!

End your weekend at the breastie headquarters! On this episode, Bess & Elisa catch-up with all things in cancerland: scan-anxiety, fear of recurrence, and how we are taking steps to enjoy the precious holiday season. Grab your favorite holiday drink and join us for some unfiltered conversation. 

Welcome back to the breastie headquarters for part two of Chiara's episode where we continue our conversation regarding relationships during treatment, mental health, and restructuring our lives after trauma. We hope you enjoy Chiara's perspective as much as we do! 

Welcome back to the breastie headquarters, survivors & thrivers! Join us for another two part episode with one of our favorite friends from Instagram, Chiara Riga! She is an unstoppable stage 4 thriver who continuously inspires us by the way she harnesses her pain in order to move forward in the midst of chronic illness. Grab your favorite dessert or adult beverage and join us as we learn from Chiara's story. 

Welcome back to the show everyone! This week we are taking a break from "breast headquarters" to interview our friend from Instagram, Katie! Katie's husband Kyle is living with stage four liver cancer so we thought her perspective on co-survivorship would be beneficial for all of us to hear. Grab your treat and tune in to this unique episode!

Kick off your weekend right by listening to Elisa & Bess unfiltered! On this episode, we are catching up with one another and discussing the challenges we are currently facing. From uncomfortable sex due to hormone therapy to the financial burden of cancer,  we talk about it all on this episode! Grab yourself a drink or treat and join us for this fun episode. 

Grab your favorite dessert or beverage because Nicole's story is a treat! Our discussion with Nicole truly embodies all aspects of breast cancer. Specifically we discuss mis-diagnosis, the challenges of later stage breast cancer, and her perspective on survivorship. Nicole reminds us to not resist life and go with the flow! 

Join us as we continue our conversation with fellow breast cancer thriver, Sam Idan! In this episode we will discuss mental health and family planning after cancer. Sam finds a source of laughter in each phase of this journey,  join us as we share a few laughs alongside of her! 

Meet our second guest of the show, Sam Idan! Join us as we discuss the challenges of stage 4 breast cancer, the impacts on mental health, and how to thrive in the storm that stage 4 disease can be. Get your cocktail ready because this episode will have you laughing! The conversation was so good we decided to divide it up into two parts, enjoy part one. 

Meet our first guest of the show and sister in survivorship; Aisha Patterson! Join us as we unpack the complexities that breast cancer can bring to young mothers as we discuss navigating married life, mental health, and the emotional aftermath of treatment. The moral of this episode is that the world needs more Aisha Patterson's, time to get this show on the road!

Let's get this show on the road! Time to meet your hosts Bess Gossage and Elisa DiMeo. Learn about our individual journeys with breast cancer, treatment plans, what survive & thrive means to us. 

Welcome to the first official episode of survive & thrive, season 2! We are kicking off the podcast strong with the original hosts of the podcast, Dr. Lauren Miller and Pat Boury. Dr. Lauren Miller is a fellowship trained breast radiologist with eleven years of experience in practice. Pat Poury is a registered nurse with thirty-nine years of oncology experience and together they created survive & thrive! Join us as we interview Lauren & Pat for this transition episode and learn more about their desire and passion for starting this project just over a year ago. Thank you Lauren & Pat for all you have done for the breast cancer community!

We are excited to share the story of a truly remarkable woman, Jane Jacquemin-Clark. Because of her personal experience with cancer as well as the experiences of family members affected by cancer, she has made it her mission to live a life of giving to those in need. She, along with her wonderfully supportive husband, Kevin, had a dream of giving back to the cancer community and together they made that dream come true. They created Hope Hollow out of their own home. Hope Hollow is a non-profit place of peaceful respite, hospitality and support for persons with cancer and their families. Through the generous donations they receive, they are able to also provide various other services for those in need. Jane's life experiences with cancer turned into action, an action of true giving of oneself that would affect countless other families in need. She and her husband Kevin live a life of faith, of giving, and of sharing their special passion to live a life of gratitude, and of kindness, to others in need. Jane expresses this mission so well when she refers to herself as being the “heart” and Kevin as the “soul” of such a wonderful place. They are living a truly altruistic life, one that has touched countless families. What an honor to have gotten to know them. We are sure you will enjoy and be inspired by Jane's story!! 

Meet Phylis Donelson, who shares a story with a different twist. She is a breast cancer Previvor!A previvor is a term that can be used when an individual is seen as having an elevated predisposition to cancer due to a high occurrence in the family. She has been so kind in speaking about her own story in learning about her options in taking control of her health the best way that was right for her. She shares the story of her mother and two sisters, all with their own very different experiences with breast cancer. As we often say, “every story is unique, every story is worth hearing.”This amazing family has dealt with the multi layers of the path that cancer takes both physically and emotionally over many years, and additionally, it is one more thing that connects them all. As we also say, we are all connected parts of our “Family Tree.”In talking to Phylis and getting to know her and her family's story, we found her to be open, honest, and realistic in all she has learned from this experience over many years. It was a pleasure getting to know her and as you will see, her engaging  personality and wonderful southern accent shines through in this interview! We are sure you will enjoy hearing from Phylis!

Well, this may be one of the most heart-wrenching but also inspiring podcasts.  Elisa DiMeo tells her story of her breast cancer journey - Imagine being 25 years old, working on your career as a medical device rep, and hearing the words: “you have breast cancer.” And also imagine this is during a worldwide pandemic which has its additional stresses and barriers. Elisa explains her all too recent journey with breast cancer, surgery and the following treatment as well as the path to acceptance, much with the support of her mother, who was such a source of strength to her daughter. As a teenager, her mother showed her the importance and technique of performing self breast exam - emphasized due to a strong family history of breast cancer - which ultimately led to early detection for Elisa.  Elisa set two main goals shortly after her diagnosis:  safe her life and save her ability to have children.  She shows us a strength and maturity that defies her young age.   Her faith helped pull her through this strenuous journey, and she is living a “self-described” life lesson.  Elisa blows us away by her courage, strength, resiliency, and beauty!  We are sure you will be moved by Elisa's story!

Meet Wanda Brown!  Wanda is a force!  Many in our local community, when hearing about our podcast, reached out and said, “you have to talk to Wanda.”  She tackles advocacy for the underserved with a mission that is impressive. She is well known in our community and especially in the African American community for her selfless work educating women, and men, about breast cancer. She developed and is actively involved in The Sister's Network and Hope For US as she views her mission as a ministry to help others.  She recounts her own personal struggle with diagnosis and treatment for her breast cancer, and over the years since her diagnosis, she used her experience to learn all she could about breast cancer and its effect, particularly in the African American Community.  As she pursued educating herself about her unique journey, she worked diligently to find ways to break down barriers to access for mammography and be a constant advocate for those touched by breast cancer. Wanda Brown is a person who makes you sit up and take notice! She knows of what she speaks and has made a positive difference in this world. We were so fortunate to talk to a force like Wanda, who, in her words, sees her life as “too blessed to be stressed.”  We're sure you will be inspired by hearing Wanda's story! 

Meet Deb Kiser!  Deb is a strong woman who shares her personal experience in dealing with breast cancer. She recounts how she needed to manage a feeling of control throughout the unexpected ups and downs of her diagnostic process. There were a few roadblocks during a long and sometimes complicated diagnostic process and she, with her own self awareness, had to come to terms with the specifics of the diagnosis first. It was her way to take some control before involving a larger support system to help with the emotional aspect. Throughout her story she offers valid advice for health care workers who care for any ill patient, as well as those who will relate to receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. She offered a wise perspective in that she needed empathy, not sympathy, two very separate emotions. We thank Deb so much for sharing her story, and we are certain her story will resonate with so many women! 

Meet Diana Nawrocki! Diana is a wife, mother, businesswoman, Ironwoman, and an inspiring breast cancer survivor. She shares her journey navigating through her breast cancer diagnosis, along with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. For Diana, she emphasized the importance of pursuing ways to keep her body strong when fighting the side effects of treatment. Diana had been a triathlete before her diagnosis, and even completed an Ironman competition shortly after completing her therapy! She also explored Reiki and found it to be personally motivating as it is a technique using touch to channel energy to restore physical and emotional well-being. Her journey led her to learn more about herself and as she says, “I can calm myself in a storm.” Diana also learned that since “you only get one shot at life,” make the most of it, as you are stronger than you think.  We are so happy to share Diana's perspective on her experience as her positivity, strength, motivation and drive are inspiring takeaways from her journey through breast cancer and beyond! 

Meet Leah Huff! Leah is a breast cancer survivor. She is a wife, mother, practicing nurse and a woman of strong faith. She speaks of the importance of self breast exams at all ages and stages of life, as this resulted in seeking imaging that led to her diagnosis (7 months after a negative mammogram). Leah shares her journey through diagnosis, treatment and now into survivorship. She found encouragement and strong support from valued friends who were also part of the community of breast cancer survivors and appreciated their willingness to be there for her, now having the experience that they share together - and she also found support from a peer through the 4th Angel Mentoring Program. Leah also received spiritual support from her church community and felt "wrapped in love" from the kindness she received. Her story is one of finding self motivation when feeling particularly vulnerable, and the appreciation and willingness of those who want to help. Leah's story proves that you can find strength within yourself as well as from others when it is most needed. We are sure you will be encouraged and inspired by Leah's story!

Meet Dr. Deepa Halaharvi!  Deepa is a breast cancer surgeon, and she herself is also a breast cancer survivor!  We had the privilege of being part of Deepa's initial cancer diagnosis, but it was so meaningful to us to hear her entire story through breast cancer treatment and survivorship. Her drive to be her best in all aspects of her life is so very inspiring as she shares her path in her dream to be a doctor. Deepa's personal experience of “taking the road less traveled” in her struggles to get to her goal of being a physician is a powerful message that is relatable to life in general; and she also shares her strong relationship with her now late father, and how he taught her to “dream big and work hard.” Her breast cancer journey gave her a perspective that she can share with many of her newly diagnosed patients and also provides hope that they too can get through this adversity in their lives. Deepa's beautiful spirit shines through in this impactful story of her own breast cancer journey, and it is now woven into her life's work as a breast cancer surgeon. We know you will be touched by her emotion, her life lessons, and her evolution in her own recovery. We are so excited to share the journey of this remarkable woman!

Meet Jody Bruck! Jody is a wife, mother, educator and a breast cancer survivor. Jody shares her story of being given her breast cancer diagnosis after receiving a routine screening mammogram at age 42. We will hear how she managed her surgery and treatment with young children at the time, and how she “ called in the troops “ as she relied on her family and friends for support. There is such an emotional part of her story as she shares a beautiful speech written by her son as a teen that speaks to his mother's strength - and they both remind us: “don't give up, don't ever give up.” She recalls her 20 year journey of survivorship that has led her to acceptance and often offers support to anyone she encounters with a breast cancer diagnosis. Although it was definitely a journey, with ups and downs, she believes that there are some wonderful things that came out of her experience. Jody's positive outlook on life and her captivating personality is felt by everyone she meets. Join us as we hear from Jody, a truly joyful person and a true thriver and survivor!

What a force! This was such a great conversation with Anna - a breast cancer survivor herself, and one of the forefront leaders and advocates for young women with breast cancer. Meet Anna Cluxton! Anna is a horse lover, a licensed human and equine massage therapist, a former president of the Young Survival Coalition, a healthcare administrator, a podcaster - and she is a breast cancer survivor!  She has so many unique life interests, has such a wealth of breast cancer and breast health knowledge, and she is the epitome of a thriver! Anna shares her experience as a young breast cancer survivor, diagnosed right after getting married and returning from her honeymoon; she shares how she took her experience and helped revolutionize the resources, connections, and community for young women battling breast cancer, by helping to grow and develop the Young Survival Coalition, an advocacy group for young women with breast cancer.  We are so thankful to have the opportunity to talk with Anna, and we are sure you all will be informed, inspired, and energized by her!

Meet Lenore Cereghini!  Lenore is a breast cancer survivor. She is a Special Education Administrator, a mother to three, a grandmother to two who give her so much joy.  She shares how a chance discussion at work about self breast exams prompted her to follow that advice and led her to finding her own breast cancer.  She shares the real and emotional story of initial shock and disbelief and how she used her resources to work through her journey to survivorship.You will learn from Lenore how she empowered herself by taking so much effort into researching her cancer and her treatment, and educating herself as much as possible. She shares how the support of valued friendship was crucial to her treatment and recovery, also adding much needed humor along the way. Although not an easy path, she has managed to work through her struggles and work through not feeling the same as she did before her diagnosis - and she's figured out how to move on in life and move forward.  We are certain that Lenore's honesty in sharing her story will resonate with many women.  We are so thankful to hear from Lenore as she shares her journey through breast cancer and beyond!

Meet Erin Henry!  Erin is a breast cancer survivor.  She shares her journey in finding the appropriate care team for her individual needs, and how she did that during this novel and challenging COVID era.   Erin discusses re-living some of her own trauma that she had experienced when her mother was being treated for ovarian cancer, while also managing the stress and trauma of her own breast cancer diagnosis and treatment; she shares the wisdom and insight she has as a medical social worker and trained trauma clinician, which has helped her work through this process in a very thoughtful way -  and that which we can take and apply to many aspects of life!  She shows us how conventional “Western-medicine” type treatment and wholistic-type therapies can complement each other to achieve complete and optimal outcomes. Erin explains her plan of self motivation that provided control and consistency during treatment and kept her mind and body as strong as it could be - she calls it the "4 M's" which consists of movement, meditation, mindset, and meals. The wisdom and insight of the "4 M's" can translate to our lives in times of crisis as well as in our daily lives.It was such a pleasure meeting Erin, and we are so grateful she shared her unique journey on our podcast.  We are certain that our listeners will find her, as well as her breast cancer story, as interesting as we did!

This episode of survive + thrive takes a different but very important direction, as we hear from a close family member of a courageous woman who lost her battle with breast cancer.  Meet Lynn Guarasci!  Lynn shares the story of her sister Laurie's two year battle with breast cancer - so importantly demonstrating strength, family love and support, dealing with loss, and overcoming grief.  Lynn will share Laurie's story with insight that has evolved over the years - as she has evolved through anger, pain, and grief, to eventually acceptance.  Although Lynn still gets very emotional reliving Laurie's cancer journey, including how Laurie's life was way too short and how Lynn misses her everyday, she also shows us the strength to recognize what she herself has gained as a family member and co-survivor through such a devastating experience. You will see how Lynn's story is actually a tribute to her sister's courage and how their bond was strengthened during her illness.  Lynn also shares her own trepidation as she continues her own yearly screening mammograms, reliving Laurie's battle and the fear of the unknown. We are so grateful that Lynn is able to share her and Laurie's emotional story as it is unique and worth hearing. Having been by her sister's side throughout her illness, Lynn is also a survivor! 

Meet Elsie Young!  Elsie is a breast cancer survivor. She is an obstetrician and gynecologist, a wife, a mother, and a daughter.  Elsie shares her story of being diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, with two young children, and in a house with two physicians, herself just a few years into medical practice.  Elsie's perspective on her own journey, and its impact on her life and her family, is wise and thoughtful; she shares how her trust in her care team and her strong faith allowed her to have peace and perspective throughout her journey and beyond.  She also reflects on how her own diagnosis affected the way she then treated her own patients.  Elsie is such a kind, compassionate, and humble human being and physician!  We are so excited to be joined by Elsie today, as she shares her journey through breast cancer.  We are certain you will be moved and inspired by Elsie's story!

Meet Linda May!  Linda is a wife, a mother, daughter, grandmother to five beautiful children, and she is also a nurse. Linda is a proud breast cancer survivor, and she shares her emotional experience of participating as a survivor at the very first Race for the Cure in Columbus. She revisits her story of being diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age with two young daughters at home and is so grateful for the support of her husband and her parents throughout her journey. Linda also shares how a chance meeting with her chemotherapy nurse developed into a relationship that included patient and nurse, neighbors, co-workers, and lifelong friendship. Linda has cared for her own patients with the valuable perspective, full of hope as a long-term survivor.  Linda maintains many interests and is living life to the fullest and thriving!  Join us as we share her inspiring story of friendship, what she has learned about herself, and the value of giving back as a nurse in the care of breast cancer patients.

Meet Cortnee Phifer!  Cortnee is a breast cancer survivor.  She's a mother of four, a wife, an educator, and a woman of strong faith.  Cortnee shares her story of being diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age, shows the power of one random influence in helping lead to her cancer detection, and shares how a twist of fate grew her family by double! Cortnee is beautiful inside and out, is so insightful and resourceful, and has such strong faith and a commitment to family.  We are so excited to be joined by Cortnee, as she shares her journey through breast cancer!  We are certain you will be inspired (and surprised) by Cortnee's story!

In this episode, we are joined by Mary Cameron.  Mary is a two-time breast cancer survivor, a strong family woman, and very engaged and active in the community.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer first at age 42, and then again at age 45.  She shares how she was surrounded by so many friends, support systems, and other breast cancer survivors, and it was this village of people and friends who helped Mary get through her breast cancer diagnosis and journey -  Mary learned to "accept the help."  She is the epitome of beauty inside and out, has an energetic and electric personality, and uses humor and laughter to get through the tough times.  We are certain you will laugh and be moved and inspired by Mary's journey!

In this episode, we are joined by Pauline Russ.   Pauline is a breast cancer survivor, a mother, a daughter, a wife, a physical therapist, and currently the System Director for Surgery, Breast Health, Genetics, and Radiation Oncology for OhioHealth Cancer Care programs.  Pauline was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 34, while in her second trimester of pregnancy.  She shares the emotional journey of being treated for breast cancer while pregnant and post-partum, and how her little baby gave her the strength and the purpose to fight.  She also shares how her family (her big Greek family!) and strong faith were powerful support systems in her survival journey, and that her faith gave her hope in a greater purpose for the reason behind her breast cancer diagnosis.  We are certain you will be moved and inspired by Pauline's journey!

Welcome to survive + thrive  ~  conversations with breast cancer survivors!  This is the inaugural episode, where the co-hosts - Pat Boury, RN (oncology certified nurse) and Lauren Miller, MD (fellowship-trained breast radiologist) - share "the who and the why" of this new podcast.  Pat and Lauren will give insight into their personal and medical backgrounds, their inspirations for starting this podcast, and their hopes and goals for the podcast.  They share their medical experiences and knowledge that there are so many brave, strong, and courageous women who have fought the journey through breast cancer;  that this podcast will provide a voice for these women to share their raw, real, and emotional stories; and that these stories may offer hope and relatability to others.  Every story will be unique.  Every story is worth hearing.  

Welcome to survive + thrive!  This is the trailer episode introducing our new podcast, "survive + thrive  ~  conversations with breast cancer survivors."  Lauren Miller, MD (fellowship-trained breast radiologist) and Pat Boury, RN (oncology certified nurse) co-host this new podcast series, where they will share conversations they have with women who have been affected by breast cancer.   Every story will be unique.  Every story is worth hearing.   There are many emotional, relatable, powerful, heart-felt, and inspirational stories of women who have been through the breast cancer journey.  We remember that, although we still lose women to breast cancer - and we will hear from family members who have lived through that - by far, the majority of women experiencing this diagnosis survive! And they not only survive after breast cancer, but they thrive in living their best life.   We are honored to share the powerful stories of these amazing women with you. Welcome to survive + thrive.“