Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful

If you or someone you love is navigating metastatic breast cancer, this episode of Your Voice. Your Health is a must-listen. Abigail Johnston, a metastatic breast cancer advocate and legal expert, shares powerful strategies to overcome the life-threatening delays caused by step therapy policies.

Known as "fail first," step therapy can block access to critical care for stage 4 patients—when every minute counts. Abigail offers actionable advice to help patients break through these barriers, which can lead to financial strain, unnecessary side effects, and delays that jeopardize both quality of life and survival.

Special thanks to Amgen for making this episode possible!

In this third episode of Empowered Intimacy: Getting Your Sexy Back After Breast Cancer, join Melissa and her dear friend and co-host Deltra as they explore the realities of dating after a breast cancer diagnosis. 

Building on their previous discussion about navigating intimacy in marriages, the duo reflects on their personal journeys through divorce and re-entering the dating scene. Melissa and Deltra share their experiences of meeting new people, highlighting both the uplifting moments and the challenges they faced along the way. They provide insightful tips on identifying red flags in potential partners and offer advice on what to seek in a supportive relationship.

Tune in for an empowering conversation to help you embrace the world of dating after a breast cancer diagnosis with confidence and clarity. Thank you to Daiichi-Sankyo and AstraZeneca for making this episode possible!

If you’re a breast cancer patient or survivor facing challenges with intimacy and sexual pleasure, or if you’re curious about how vibrators can help you feel sexy again, this episode is for you! I’m excited to introduce my new friend Shay Martin, President and Owner of Vibratex.

As a breast cancer survivor, Shay shares how her experiences shape her innovative approach to intimacy. We explore her role in creating iconic products like the ‘rabbit’ vibrator and the Magic Wand, which have transformed the sexual wellness landscape.

Shay also offers valuable tips for reconnecting with your body and partners after cancer. Join us for an inspiring conversation that emphasizes the importance of intimacy as a vital aspect of wellness—reminding you that you deserve pleasure and connection in your life no matter what you’re going through!

In this episode of Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful, we continue with a special series close to my heart: Decoding Destiny: Navigating Breast Cancer with Genetic Insight. I’m thrilled to be joined by Sue Friedman, Founder and Executive Director of FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered).

Sue’s journey with hereditary breast cancer, combined with her tireless advocacy, has made her a powerful voice in the world of hereditary cancer support. In this episode, we explore her personal story, the incredible work she's doing through FORCE, and the essential role advocacy plays in navigating the complexities of hereditary cancer.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about empowerment, support, and the importance of understanding your genetic risks.

Thank you to AstraZeneca and Merck for making this episode possible!

In the second episode of "Empowered Intimacy: Getting Your Sexy Back After Breast Cancer," Melissa Berry and Deltra take a deep dive into the difficult challenges they faced in their marriages after their breast cancer diagnoses. They explore how to navigate intimacy, reflecting on their biggest struggles and breakthroughs. Join them as they share personal stories and offer valuable advice for those seeking to rekindle intimacy with their partners after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Thank you to our sponsors, Daiichi, AstraZeneca, and Lilly, for making this series possible.

I’m thrilled to introduce Dr. Elizabeth Comen, a leading breast oncologist and USA Today bestselling author of “All In Her Head.” Dr. Comen is passionate about empowering patients to advocate for themselves throughout their breast cancer journey.

In this episode, we discuss the complexities of breast cancer care, and how to talk to your doctor during breast cancer treatment to get the care you need and deserve. Join us as Dr. Comen shares valuable insights to help you navigate your experience and ensure the best possible outcomes for your health.

In the debut episode of "Empowered Intimacy: Getting Your Sexy Back After Breast Cancer," hosts Melissa Berry and Deltra share their personal breast cancer journeys, discussing their lumpectomies, reconstruction surgeries, and the emotional challenges of hair loss and scarring. 

This candid conversation covers the deeply personal steps they've taken to rebuild their self-esteem and embrace their new bodies. Melissa and Deltra explore how to love yourself again after the physical and emotional changes, offering practical advice on boosting confidence and reclaiming your groove. 

Tune in as they reveal the importance of accepting and celebrating your new self before fully embracing intimacy, setting the stage for a powerful series ahead.

Thank you to  Daiichi-Sankyo, AstraZeneca and Lilly for making this episode possible!

In the debut episode of "Empowered Intimacy: Getting Your Sexy Back After Breast Cancer," hosts Melissa Berry and Deltra share their personal breast cancer journeys, discussing their lumpectomies, reconstruction surgeries, and the emotional challenges of hair loss and scarring. 

This candid conversation covers the deeply personal steps they've taken to rebuild their self-esteem and embrace their new bodies. Melissa and Deltra explore how to love yourself again after the physical and emotional changes, offering practical advice on boosting confidence and reclaiming your groove. 

Tune in as they reveal the importance of accepting and celebrating your new self before fully embracing intimacy, setting the stage for a powerful series ahead.

Thank you to  Daiichi-Sankyo, AstraZeneca and Lilly for making this episode possible!

In this deeply moving episode of "Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful," I sit down with Dr. Liz O'Riordan, a former breast surgeon who has faced breast cancer three times and emerged as a powerful voice in the community. Dr. O'Riordan shares her personal battle with depression during her cancer treatment, a struggle that many patients face but few openly discuss.

Learn how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) became a beacon of hope in her darkest hours. Dr. O'Riordan explains how CBT provided her with the tools to manage her fears, process her emotions, and ultimately reclaim her life. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of mental health support for those battling cancer.

This episode sheds light on the mental health challenges of breast cancer and offers valuable insights for those facing similar struggles.

In this episode of the new series "Decoding Destiny: Navigating Breast Cancer with Genetic Insight," host Melissa Berry and her mother share a heartfelt conversation on the profound impact of genetic testing. From the decision to undergo BRCA testing to the discovery that both Melissa and her brother Matt carry the BRCA gene, they explore the power of knowledge, the strength of family, and the vital role of early intervention. This episode underscores the importance of proactive healthcare and family support in navigating life-changing decisions. Thank you to Merck and AstraZeneca for making this episode possible!