T**s Up - An AYA Breast Cancer Podcast

Hello Everyone! In case you missed it...we are taking a break! Not to worry, it is not a forever break. We are working on content and working to balance our personal lives' as well. We absolutely love the community we are creating here and can't wait to see what it blossoms into. Thank you for all of your loyalty and listens, please go back and listen to some of your favorite episodes or share them with a friend. From the deepest depths of the trenches, Megan and Sam

We are joined this week by the beautiful, honest, and raw Christina Miner. Christina explains her experiences and difficulties while going through breast cancer and reconstruction, and how she dealt with the ever increasing hurdles while keeping her faith and sense of humor at the forefront.   Christina also has a podcast called ‘Our Scars Speak' which you can find here: https://www.cminerllc.com/our-scars-speak-podcast Join us this week for a candid, straightforward, and touching conversation about our feelings, our past, our futures, and how to keep stability in unstable times. “Belief in oneself and knowing who you are, I mean, that's the foundation for everything great” - Jay Z. Megan and Sam Socials   Instagram: -       @titsup_podcast   Facebook: -       Tits Up – Podcast -       Tits Up – Podcast & Insider Support Group   TikTok: -       Titsup_podcast   Phone Number: 720-892-6669   Subscribe and leave a review on Spotify or Apple!

We are joined again by the lovely and brilliant Lisa Wingrove, our resident oncology dietician (@fearlessfoodeats) who explains to us the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and how it works with your body to keep cancer tamped down, or away completely. Lisa comes at her recommendations from a science based perspective, while also understanding and allowing for the fact that we are all human and we need enjoyment from what we consume. Lisa graciously provides a number of links below that were referenced within the episode for your research and viewing pleasure! We are always so grateful to Lisa for sharing her time and her knowledge with us all, and we can't wait to hear about the scrumptious and healthy meals that you are able to treat yourself to after this episode! Olive oil is your friend, Megan and Sam ______________ Subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, or Google Podcast! Also, please follow us on our social media platforms!

The hosts flip the script this week to discuss the other side of Sam's baby announcement…Megan's choice to have a hysterectomy and freeze her eggs. It is wild to have to make a life changing decision at 35 years old. We discuss whether or not Megan regrets her decision, what feelings she has around never being able to carry a child in her own body, and many other feelings and thoughts that many of you likely have had as well. Doing our best while feeling our worst, Megan and Sam Socials   Instagram: -       @titsup_podcast   Facebook: -       Tits Up – Podcast -       Tits Up – Podcast & Insider Support Group   TikTok: -       Titsup_podcast   X (formerly Twitter): -       @TitsUp_Podcast   Phone Number: 720-892-6669   Subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, or Google Podcast! Also, please follow us on the social media platforms listed above.  We would love to read your comments, stories, thoughts, feelings, and suggestions for future episodes!

This week on Tits Up, Sam gives us a life update and a big announcement. Takeaways from this episode are as follows: ⁃ Everyone's cancer experience is different from the next person's; ⁃ We don't always know what our bodies are going to do; ⁃ and Happiness comes at unexpected times and in unexpected ways. Keep living your life, sort out your individual priorities, and find ways to thrive in whatever shitscaped garden you are planted in! Stay positive and test negative, Megan and Sam

We are joined again by Heather Rasmus, occupational therapist, to dive deeper into lymphedema and other lymphatic issues that may occur during and after cancer treatment. The lymphatic system is an under discussed and under appreciated part of our bodies, but oh so important to our overall health and well-being. Heather discusses compression garments (www.lymphedemaproducts.com (http://www.lymphedemaproducts.com) and compressionguru.com (http://compressionguru.com)), how to keep your lymphatic system moving and healthy, lymphatic drainage massage, what should be concerning and what shouldn't be concerning during treatment, and she answers tons of questions we didn't know we had until talking to her! Please visit Heather at https://www.empowerlymphatictherapy.com/ (https://www.empowerlymphatictherapy.com/) and @empoweryourlymph on Instagram!

We are so lucky to be joined this week by Katie Doble. Katie may not have had breast cancer, but she was diagnosed as an AYA with ocular melanoma and has become something of a celebrity in the AYA cancer space. Katie talks to us about clinical trials, estate planning after diagnosis, marriage after diagnosis, what to say to a (young) cancer patient, setting boundaries, and her #cancerperks.   Below are a number of links that Katie either references in the episode or provided to Sam and I for our listener's reference, including her website/blog.   From the trenches, Megan and Sam   Follow Katie: https://www.liinks.co/katiedoble (https://www.liinks.co/katiedoble)   Katie's Website/Blog: https://futurehappyself.com/ (https://futurehappyself.com/)   Clinical Trials: HuffPost article (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/doctor-cancer-clinical-trials-advocacy_n_646515dbe4b0bfd6447f88df) written by Katie and Katie's suggestion of  Clinicaltrials.gov for those seeking clinical trials.

Megan and Sam take this week to ask each other a number of questions about their take on their cancer ‘JouRneY' and how their views and attitude regarding cancer treatment, recovery, scars, and their bodies have changed over time. Things change. We change. It all changes.   Doing our best, Megan and Sam Socials   Instagram: -       @titsup_podcast   Facebook: -       Tits Up – Podcast -       Tits Up – Podcast & Insider Support Group   TikTok: -       Titsup_podcast   X (formerly Twitter): -       @TitsUp_Podcast   Phone Number: 720-892-6669   Subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, or Google Podcast! Also, please follow us on the social media platforms listed above.  We would love to read your comments, stories, thoughts, feelings, and suggestions for future episodes!

No parent wants to have to tell their children that they have cancer, but how are you supposed to have those conversations in productive, informative, and healthy ways with your children who may differ greatly in age and development? How do we not screw them up?! Thankfully, we have Jane Irvine MA, LPC, NCC with us this week to discuss having these difficult conversations with your kiddos. Dr. Irivine walks us through how children process difficult news at different ages, how their processing can come across to adults, how to maintain your bond with your children through surgeries and physical changes, and how to engage the entire family unit to grow through change rather than be torn apart by it. Join us this week for a candid, straightforward, and surprisingly touching conversation about our favorite people (our kids) during our least favorite time (cancer). From the trenches, Megan and Sam Socials   Instagram: -       @titsup_podcast  

Ladies and Gentlemen...Friends and Family... Please excuse us the next two weeks as we get things prepared for you. We have so many exciting new episodes planned so please stay tuned. Self Care is important, Megan and Sam

We are joined this week by Daniella (@drdanig) who discusses significant hurdles throughout her cancer treatment including IVF, navigating disability insurance, and our AYA tale as old as time…doctors not listening to her. Daniella explains to the listeners how it is normal, and treacherous, when your body heals faster than your mind. May your outlook be positive and your scans be negative!!   Megan and Sam Find Dani's bio on our socials! Socials   Instagram: -       @titsup_podcast   Facebook: -       Tits Up – Podcast -       Tits Up – Podcast & Insider Support Group   TikTok: -       Titsup_podcast   X (formerly Twitter): -       @TitsUp_Podcast   Phone Number: 720-892-6669   Subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, or Google Podcast! Also, please follow us on the social media platforms listed above.  We would love to read your comments, stories, thoughts, feelings, and suggestions for future episodes!

Chiara is back with us this week on Tits Up to discuss a non profit that is near and dear to her heart, b-present. b-present is a phenomenal organization that is geared toward helping the caregivers, friends, and family of cancer patients. Since there is currently no ‘girlfriend's guide to cancer support', b-present fills that void! If you or a loved one is struggling with how to be the person that your cancer-y loved one needs, b-sure to check this fantastic organization out! We share what we wished others knew when we were diagnosed, how different people can fulfill different roles for us, and how badly we want to make sure those around us are caring for themselves as well. Please visit the links below, and share them, and this episode, with your closest circles. Stay classy, Cancerland!   Megan and Sam   LINKS: B-present Website: https://b-present.org/ Supporter Roadmap: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/8cd6ac77cb.html

We seem to always think of the big days: surgery day, infusion day, ‘shaved our head' day. But what about the smaller, consistent, and game changing therapies to help your body heal, clear your lymph system, regain range of motion, and calm your angry damaged little nerves? This week, occupational therapist, Heather Rasmus from Empower Lymphatic Therapy joins us to discuss occupational therapy after cancer treatment. Heather explains to us why someone would want/need to go to an occupational therapist during and after cancer treatments, and what treatment looks and feels like. Heather walks us through the myriad of cancer related side effects that can be worked on and healed through consistent work with an occupational therapist and where to find an occupational therapist in your area.   Our Loudest Message: Find and meet with your occupational therapist BEFORE treatments so you don't struggle as much AFTER treatments. All the breast,   Megan and Sam empowerlymphatictherapy.com

This week, we are joined by the vibrant and ever lovely, Chiara! Chiara walks us through her experience over the last 3.5 years living with Stage 4 breast cancer. We discuss self advocacy within the medical realm, navigating other's emotions surrounding your diagnosis, National Parks, dating, and the greatest gift of all…love. That must be why Megan says “I love it” 4,586 times throughout the episode *eye roll*    Loudest Message: Until you're dying, you're still living…so go LIVE!!! Chase the things that bring you joy. Below are links to topics discussed and organizations to contribute to.   Talk soon, lovelies,   Megan and Sam    LINKS: Oligometastatic: https://www.breastcancer.org/types/metastatic/oligometastatic (https://www.breastcancer.org/types/metastatic/oligometastatic) Metavivor: https://www.metavivor.org/ BCRF: Bcrf.org ABCD (After Breast Cancer Diagnosis): https://abcdbreastcancersupport.org/ Young Survivors Coalition: https://youngsurvival.org/

Have you heard of MDMA therapy? What about Ketamine? EMDR? Psilocybin? Have you wondered if you are a good candidate for these alternative therapeutic methods to overcome depression and trauma? Are you scared of drug assisted therapy? All the questions you have about these alternative therapeutic methods and more are discussed today in our episode with Dr. Sarah Long, Psy.D., CEDS.    Sarah Long is a licensed clinical psychologist, and she has been working in the world of alternative methods of therapy for some time. She guides us through how these alternative methods work on the brain, what outcomes to expect, who is a good candidate, and what to look for in a provider.   Our loudest message, You are already outside of your comfort zone after being diagnosed with cancer. Might as well stay on the outside of it and pursue ways of healing you never dreamed of.   Flashing that Cancer Card every day,   Megan and Sam Subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, or Google Podcast!

We are back this week, by popular demand, with friend of the show and LPC, Blair!! Blair walks us through the basics of trauma. Apparently there are big 'T' and little 't' traumas. Who knew?!  We discuss symptoms of trauma, triggers, how it affects us and those around us, and how to start working through the mess that is our lives after/during cancer. Just…so much helpful info. Blair directs us to the following resources:     0.    National Suicide Hotline - 988     0.    National Hope Hotline - 1-800-442-4673     0.    The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van Der Kolk, M.D.     0.    Great places to start looking for therapists are PsychologyToday.com (http://PsychologyToday.com), calling your insurance and asking for a list of providers that take your insurance, and calling your primary care physician to give you referrals or to discuss medications.   Our loudest message from this episode: Work on your box breathing, damn it!!   The horrors persist…but so do we,   Megan and Sam

This week on ‘Tits Up', Megan and Sam invite the lovely and hilarious, Sara McKinney. We discuss friend groups, pets, having young children during cancer treatment, job changes, and much more! Sara leads us down a winding path of thoughts, emotions, realizations, and every day implications that cancer has on your life. Also, Sara introduces us to two amazing non-profits (links below); Casting for Recovery and Fostering Love Rescues! https://castingforrecovery.org/ (https://castingforrecovery.org/) https://fosteringloverescues.org/ (https://fosteringloverescues.org/) Our loudest message from this episode: Friend groups are essential, pets are the best, and nature is healing. So, love on your friends, cuddle your pets, and get your ass outside…even if you are just staring at the sky and trees. Surviving…holding out for thriving, Megan and Sam ***

Ahhhhh…Feelings. This week on ‘Tits Up', Megan and Sam have a bit of a bitch session regarding body image, dramatic meltdowns, regrets about decisions we made, and many other thoughts that you all have likely had as well. Megan's menopause forgets basic things like the name of the movie ‘Inside Out' and her favorite author, Oscar Wilde. Sam explains the difference between a ‘new normal' and becoming a completely different person after diagnosis. We also learn that NO ONE is good at taking their tamoxafin/aromatase inhibitors. As always, it is a raw, uncensored, and somewhat salty view on the lives we now lead as AYA cancer survivors.   Our loudest message from this episode: All paths through cancer are valid paths. We're all just doing our best. No matter how big of a mess you are, you are normal. Not Dead Yet, Megan and Sam ***

First, a *trigger warning*. We will be discussing end of life planning.   This week on ‘Tits Up', we meet with Courtney. Courtney is a mama to three kiddos (all born post-treatment) and still on maternity leave for her 3rd! She is a two time breast cancer survivor, and a hell of a good attorney. Courtney specializes in end of life planning. We discuss wills, trusts, tax evasion (jk…sorta), and advanced directives. She explains everything you need to know about getting your affairs in order whether it is necessary immediately, or it is just something on your mind. She also shines a light on a myriad of issues that are usually not considered by people prior to creating end of life documents. Our loudest message from this episode: You don't know what you don't know!…and don't be afraid of attorneys! They can be pretty helpful and nice, sometimes. Benignly, Megan and Sam ***

This week on ‘Tits Up: Lisa Wingrove from Fearless Foods joins us this week to debunk a lot of the myths out there regarding food and cancer occurrences. We ask as many questions as we can regarding sugar, vegetarian diets, organic vs. non organic foods, alcohol, and many others that have been plaguing our minds since our diagnosis. Hot take: Sugar does not cause cancer! You can find Lisa on instagram at @fearlessfoodeats and on her website at fearlessfood.health. Our loudest message from this episode: Be careful where you get your information!! Stay hydrated, Queens, Megan and Sam If you would like to be featured on an episode, please leave us a voicemail with a story or anecdote of your own personal cancer experience, a request for topics to be discussed during upcoming episodes, advice for other listeners, or a general suggestion for the podcast. Our phone number is: 720-892-6669. Follow us and leave a review on Spotify and Apple! Please follow us social media!

This week on ‘Tits Up: Megan and Sam discuss Cancerversaries. Is it morbid to ‘celebrate' something like cancer milestones? How does one properly commemorate accomplishments like staying alive? We come up with ideas for tattoos, yummy things to eat on your Cancerversary, and   ways to check in with yourself year after year. Our loudest message from this episode: There is nothing wrong with memorializing a difficult time in your life by eating cake, alone, in the dark, while watching your favorite movie. From the trenches, Megan and Sam If you would like to be featured on an episode, please leave us a voicemail with a story or anecdote of your own personal cancer experience, a request for topics to be discussed during upcoming episodes, advice for other listeners, or a general suggestion for the podcast. Our phone number is: 720-892-6669. Follow us and leave a review on Spotify and Apple! You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

This week on ‘Tits Up', we meet with Jess. Jess is a new mama to a beautiful baby girl and currently going through active treatment. She walks us through her struggles, her joys, and her advice regarding being a new parent, keeping a tiny human alive, and trying to remain healthy and sane herself. Our loudest message from this episode: Build your village! Just over here doing our best, Megan and Sam If you would like to be featured on an episode, please leave us a voicemail with a story or anecdote of your own personal cancer experience, a request for topics to be discussed during upcoming episodes, advice for other listeners, or a general suggestion for the podcast. Our phone number is: 720-892-6669. Follow us and leave a review on Spotify and Apple! You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook, where we would love to read your comments with your own stories, thoughts, feelings, and suggestions for future episodes!

This week on ‘Tits Up', we invite our husbands on to discuss their feelings, routines, advice, and sometimes failures, as a caregiver. It's a healthy mix of couples therapy, self deprecating humor, and insightful comments from the comfortable perch of hindsight. Our loudest message from this episode: Caregivers - Find a routine, no matter how mundane, communicate until you can't communicate any more, show up to the doctor's appointments, clear the drains (and measure!), and try to find an outlet for your own feelings and emotions before they catch up with you…and they will… Furiously bailing water while the ship goes down, Megan and Sam If you would like to be featured on an episode, please leave us a voicemail with a story or anecdote of your own personal cancer experience, a request for topics to be discussed during upcoming episodes, advice for other listeners, or a general suggestion for the podcast. Our phone number is: 720-892-6669. Follow us and leave a review!

This week on ‘Tits Up', we take a step back and discuss comments that people make to cancer patients/survivors that often just…hit the wrong way. We also hammer home some gnarly statistics that reinforce the need to stay on top of your health and on top of the health of other young women around you. Our loudest message from this episode: Deep breaths, people often do not understand the weight their words have, and be annoying to all the other breast owners in your life regarding regular screenings. *Here's* to the ‘free boob jobs' from those always enviable, and cost effective, tumors!, Megan and Sam If you would like to be featured on an episode, please leave us a voicemail with a story or anecdote of your own personal cancer experience, a request for topics to be discussed during upcoming episodes, advice for other listeners, or a general suggestion for the podcast. Our phone number is: 720-892-6669. Follow us on social media and leave a review on Spotify & Apple!

This week on ‘Tits Up' we are joined by the baddie flattie herself, Miss Emily! Emily chose to have an aesthetic flat closure for her reconstruction and she walks us through the considerations that went into her decision to go flat and life after treatment. Thank you, Emily, for sharing with us what it means to feel ‘whole' again after feeling broken. Our loudest message from this episode: Find a surgeon that respects your wishes and who trusts that you know your own mind. https://standtallafc.org/ (https://standtallafc.org/) https://notputtingonashirt.org/ (https://notputtingonashirt.org/) https://www.flatclosurenow.org/ (https://www.flatclosurenow.org/) Keeping the existential dread at bay…for now, Megan and Sam Follow us and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, and Google Podcast! You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook where we would love to read your comment with your own stories, thoughts, feelings, and suggestions for future episodes!

This week on ‘Tits Up' we are joined by the lovely and talented, Miss Blair! Blair shares her story with us and we discuss the trauma of cancer, what self care looks like (not just bubble baths), and demanding answers to your questions.    Our loudest message from this episode: It feels like it but, you are not alone. Do not self isolate. Reach out. You aren't a burden. Stay hydrated. *Chef's kiss*, Megan and Sam If you would like to be featured on an episode, please leave us a voicemail with a story or anecdote of your own personal cancer experience, a request for topics to be discussed during upcoming episodes, advice for other listeners, or a general suggestion for the podcast. Our phone number is: 720-892-6669. Please follow us and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, and Google Podcast! You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook where we would love to read your comment with your own stories, thoughts, feelings, and suggestions for future episodes!

This week on ‘Tits Up' we discuss the different types of chemo, side effects, expectations and failures of chemo, and how to combat the side effects. We also discuss *womp womp* ports.   Our loudest message from this episode: Use your outside voice to ask for the pain meds.   If you would like to be featured on an episode, you can leave us a voicemail with a story or anecdote of your own personal cancer experience, a request for topics to be discussed during upcoming episodes, advice for other listeners, or a general suggestion for the podcast. Our phone number is: 720-892-6669. Please follow us and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, and Google Podcast! You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook where we would love to read your comment with your own stories, thoughts, feelings, and suggestions for future episodes! Chasing the dopamine, Megan and Sam

This week on ‘Tits Up' we discuss reconstruction options and the speed bumps we hit with our individual reconstruction experiences. We also cover the world of flaps, expanders, and the ever coveted - direct to implant. Please follow us on Spotify, Apple, and Google Podcast and leave a review! You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook. Leave a comment with your own stories, thoughts, feelings, and suggestions for future episodes! Our loudest message from this episode: When it comes to reconstruction, not going according to plan…is the plan. Stay positive and keep testing negative!! Megan and Sam _______________________________ As promised: Types of reconstruction: https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/reconstruction-fact-sheet Nipple Tattoo information: https://aboutyourfaceandbody.com/2023/03/02/accessing-insurance-benefits-for-nipple-tattooing-what-you-need-to-know/#:~:text=Can%20You%20Use%20Insurance%20to,many%20women%20undergoing%20breast%20surgery.

This week on “Tits Up” we discuss our surgery options and the aftermath. We talk about recovery from double mastectomies, the ‘pain drains', options for reconstruction, hyperbaric oxygen chambers, and helpful items and ideas to ease the pain and provide comfort during the healing process. Please follow us on Spotify, Apple, and Google Podcast and leave a review! You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook. Leave a comment with your own stories, thoughts, feelings, and suggestions for future episodes! Our loudest message from this episode: rent a zero gravity chair! Slay, serve, survive, Megan and Sam Below are the links we promised:     ⁃    Amazon Wish List (you can find these items on Etsy and other online stores):     ⁃    https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2VGJ4MEOXW0A6?ref_=wl_share     ⁃    Give In Kind website for patient updates, food trains, gift cards, etc.     ⁃    https://www.giveinkind.com/

In our second episode, we discuss a number of different topics that pop up in your first few weeks after a breast cancer diagnosis. We discuss surgery options, gene mutations, treatment plans, ports, first appointments with oncologists and surgeons, cancer types and subtypes, and a myriad of other *cough cough* fun and exciting topics! Please follow us on Spotify, Apple, Instagram and Facebook and comment with your own stories, thoughts, feelings, and suggestions for future episodes! Our loudest message from this episode: Don't be a hero. Advocate for yourself, for your comfort during procedures, and for your mental health. From the trenches, Megan and Sam ______________________ Below are a couple links to some of the topics discussed: Insurance Codes for Egg Freezing: https://www.anthem.com/dam/medpolicies/abc/active/guidelines/gl_pw_d056804.html Port Implantation: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/your-implanted-port

In this inaugural episode of ‘Tits Up' we introduce ourselves by way of discussing our own diagnosis, treatment plans, and experiences as AYAs (Adolescent/Young Adult) women with breast cancer.   Throughout this podcast, we will be speaking directly to those young women (and their support systems) that have been diagnosed with breast cancer. We will tackle all areas of cancer from the physical to the emotional toll it can take. Our loudest message: YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! Links to issues discussed: Susan G. Komen Educational Resources: ⁃https://www.komen.org/support-resources/tools/komen-education-materials/ Genetic Testing Information: ⁃ chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.komen.org/wp-content/uploads/806-371a.pdf ⁃chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.komen.org/wp-content/uploads/Research-Fast-Facts-BRCA-4final.pdf