Better Than Before Breast Cancer with The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach

Today I celebrate seven years of surviving breast cancer!

In this bonus episode, I'll share a special story with you. A story of how someone else's cancer changed my life and later helped me get through my own cancer diagnosis.

This is a show full of hope, encouragement, and celebration. A show to inspire you to live your fullest life and to never let cancer be a barrier to your dreams.

If you haven't heard the word microbiome yet, you will—because it's quickly becoming one of the most important areas of research in modern health and healing. In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer, we explore what the gut microbiome is, why it matters, and how it may influence everything from your immune system to your mood, weight, energy, and even your risk of disease.

You'll hear insights from the brilliant and entertaining Dr. Joseph Weiss, who offers a scientific (and surprisingly humorous) look at the gut-brain connection and the emerging role of microbiome research in medicine. We also explore the timeless Ayurvedic view of gut health, which has emphasized digestion and balance for thousands of years—long before science caught up.

This episode is for you if:

• You're curious about how your gut bacteria impact your health and healing

• You've experienced digestive issues, low mood, or inflammation after cancer treatment

• You want to blend modern science with ancient wisdom for a balanced approach to wellness

• You're ready to learn simple steps to support a healthy gut and a healthier you

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If not you're not familiar with your microbiome, you need to listen to this episode. You'll hear that term a lot more in the near future referring to the bacterial environment in your intestines. Western science is rapidly evolving in understanding the microbiome and how it affects our health, moods and resistance or susceptibility to disease.

For years, "chemo brain" was dismissed or downplayed by many medical professionals—but no more. In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer, we explore the now medically recognized condition known as chemo brain, including what it is, why it happens, and the symptoms that many breast cancer survivors experience long after treatment ends.

You'll also hear about a powerful new resource that challenges toxic weight-loss culture and embraces the concept of health at every size. If you've ever felt ashamed of your body or confused about what health really looks like, this episode offers a refreshing, compassionate perspective that supports both mental and physical healing.

This episode is for you if:

• You're struggling with brain fog, memory lapses, or mental fatigue post-treatment

• You want to understand the science behind chemo brain and how to support cognitive health

• You're tired of weight stigma and want a more empowering approach to wellness

• You're ready to release shame and embrace health in a way that honors your whole self

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"Chemo brain" was a controversial concept for many years. In this episode, you'll hear about why that is, what the symptoms of "chemo brain" are and why "chemo brain" is not only a proven and medically valid diagnosis but what help is available to you if you suffer from the symptoms of "chemo brain."

You'll also hear a valuable new resource that may change the way you view getting healthy and losing weight. It's time to put shame and labeling behind us and focus on health at any size.

Do scented candles give you headaches? Does the smell of air fresheners, cleaning supplies, or insecticides make you feel nauseous, dizzy, or lightheaded? You may be experiencing Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)—a condition that's becoming increasingly common as our exposure to everyday toxins continues to grow.

In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer, we dive into what MCS is, why it matters for your long-term health (especially after cancer), and how to reduce your body's toxic burden without giving up the comforts you love. You'll learn practical tips for detoxifying your home, safe alternatives to synthetic fragrances, and simple ways to create a healing environment that supports your immune system, nervous system, and overall well-being.

This episode is for you if:

• You experience headaches, nausea, or brain fog around strong smells or chemical products

• You're healing after breast cancer and want to reduce environmental exposures

• You're curious about fragrance-free or low-tox living but don't know where to start

• You want to enjoy your home and personal care routine without compromising your health

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Do scented candles give you a headache, do car air fresheners leave you feeling nauseous?  Do you feel clammy and lightheaded around the insecticide aisles at the hardware store?

You may suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). A condition that is becoming more prevalent as the toxic burden on our bodies continues to grow. 

Learn about MCS and what you can do to clean up your environment, lessen the load on your body and still be able to enjoy fragrance in your home and on your body.

You've likely heard of vitamin D, but did you know that maintaining healthy levels may actually reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence? In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer, we're talking all about the "sunshine vitamin"—how it supports your immune system, hormone balance, and overall wellness, and how to know whether you're getting too little… or too much.

But that's not all—we also dive into the powerful role of physical activity in long-term health. Are you meeting the minimum movement requirements to support recovery and prevent recurrence? You'll learn what the research says about walking speed as a health indicator, how much movement is recommended daily, and easy ways to stay active even when motivation—or mobility—is a challenge.

This episode is for you if:

• You want to understand how vitamin D plays a role in breast cancer recovery and prevention

• You're curious about testing, supplementation, and what "optimal" vitamin D really looks like

• You're struggling to stay active and want practical movement tips you can actually follow

• You're ready to build a lifestyle that supports both healing and long-term vitality

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Do you know that vitamin D could lower the risk of a cancer recurrence? In this episode, you'll hear about the benefits of vitamin D, how our bodies make it and how it can support a healthy lifestyle.

You'll hear about how much is good for you and how much too much.

You'll also learn about how much activity is recommended to stay healthy, what you can tell about your health based on how quickly you walk and some ways to overcome physical barriers that keep you from getting up and getting moving.

While the average age of a breast cancer diagnosis is 55, thousands of women under 40 are diagnosed each year—and many face challenges that are rarely talked about. In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer, I sit down with Janelle Linares, a mentor with Women Guiding Women and a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed at just 33 years old.

Janelle opens up about what it's like to face cancer in the middle of building a career, a family, and a future—and how navigating fertility, relationships, identity, and emotional recovery can feel especially overwhelming for younger women. We also discuss valuable resources and support systems created specifically for younger survivors, and how mentorship can make all the difference.

This episode is for you if:

• You're a young woman navigating a breast cancer diagnosis—or supporting someone who is

• You want to understand the unique emotional and physical challenges of early-onset breast cancer

• You're looking for community, support, and mentorship tailored to younger survivors

• You want to hear a raw, relatable story that reminds you healing is possible at any age

Referred to in this episode:

Women Guiding Women

Young Survivor Coalition

Janelle Linares

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