DJBreastCancer

Michelle is a mom of 3 amazing girls and a health psychologist by trade.  Michelle conducted research for underserved cancer survivors.  In a twist of fate, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in February of '21, 15 years after her research.  This was following a move to a new city, covid diagnosis with pregnancy (when Covid was just emerging and no protocols on pregnant women with Covid.  With a newborn, Michelle noticed a lump while breast feeding.  MIchelle describes her newborn as her angel.

Michelle describes leaning on others for help, giving yourself permission and the importance of connecting with a therapist.  Michelle also describes "toxic positivity" and how others only want to talk or share the positive stuff.  Michelle describes the importance of having a space for one's feelings.

IG:  i.am.mishy

Annette describes her family history with cancer, her mother is a 2 time breast cancer survivor, her father battled bladder cancer twice and maternal aunt and cousin also faced breast cancer.  Annette describes her cancer diagnosis and her deep fear of a recurrence, given her family's experience. 

Annette describes how her mental health concerns started in her 20's after a separation from her first marriage resulting in insomnia, medication and therapy.  Annette describes how she faces anxiety and sleeplessness still to this day.  Annette speaks of the breastie community and how she identifies herself as a breastie.

https://thebreasties.org/
IG:  netluna18

Natalie is a wellness and lifestyle coach, mom of 3 beautiful children, a public speaker and a faith filled servant.  After hearing on multiple occasions not to use a loofah for washing, Natalie noticed a lump while washing with her hands.  Natalie was diagnosed with Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma at the age of 38. 

Natalie describes complications with Taxol, despite being a fit and active person with expectations she would rock her chemo.  Natalie describes the season after her treatments, anger, sadness, loss, hope, joy, anxiety and guilt.  Natalie started Tuman Breast Cancer Foundation in order to help other women through their journey.   

Natalie is a podcast host of LifeWork, please check it out!   Natalie describes her relationship of mental health and the impact that Desire Taylor made on her life (link below), a therapist that specializes in cancer journeys. 

https://tumanbreastcancer.business.site/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lifework-the-podcast/id1501964748
https://doctor.webmd.com/doctor/desiree-taylor-890be5d9-e7a6-47a6-a802-c74f98e91eef-overview

IG @mythinkfit

Nikki was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago.  She discusses the impact of cancer on her husband and caretaker.  His fears of a recurrence and depression changed him. 

Nikki describes how she perseveres,  she is an self-proclaimed eternal optimist, but she lost the love of her life and then faced Covid shutdowns, causing her plans with friends to be delayed.  Nikki is looking to turn her pain into purpose by helping others.

Some books Nikki recommends are The Universe has your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein and Oprah's What I Know for Sure, links below.

https://www.amazon.com/Universe-Has-Your-Back-Transform-ebook/dp/B01GUIL13K

https://fourminutebooks.com/what-i-know-for-sure-summary/

IG:  just_bemore

Ann was the first person to reach out when I announced I was taking guests for mental health.  Ann experienced a series of events in 2012 starting with her mother's death from endometrial cancer in 2012 and then diagnosed 4 months later with Stage 2, Triple Negative Breast Cancer. 

Before breast cancer, Ann experienced mild depression with anxiety, however was recently diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.   Ann also describes manic episodes and the impact on her life.  Ann encourages others to take one day at a time and to not be afraid to ask for help.

https://www.nami.org/Home

IG @luckygirlbyann_2

https://www.kaansdesigns.com/

Kelly was diagnosed with breast cancer originally in 2012, with a double mastectomy.  Just recently, Kelly was diagnosed with a recurrence, this time Her2+.   Kelly describes the impact that breast cancer has had on her family (mom diagnosed in 1986, and sister diagnosed in 2020 with metastatic breast cancer). 

Kelly describes the faith journey and how Sister Mary, a nun from her aunt's funeral has been placed in her journey.  Kelly describes her favorite Bible Verse, Proverbs 16, "We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer."  Our lives are in God's hands.  

Kelly also describes cold capping and the importance of listening to yourself and listening to your body.

IG:  kelly_breast_cancer_journey
IG:  kellyogt

Pastor John Scott, is a devoted Cubs fan, an amazing father and husband and pastor to Crosspoint Lutheran Church.   Pastor John describes how God shows up in incredible ways and how faith is the foundation of hope to help in the difficult and dark days.

Pastor John reminds us that the Word of God advises us that there are hard times.  It states that in this world, YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE, BUT TAKE HEART! 

If anyone is wanting to know how to pray, 1) Give Thanks 2) Ask for something (yourself and others) and 3) Confess, open your heart
 

https://cplakewood.info/
https://bibleproject.com/

Trish co-hosts Hip Hop Happy Hour, an amazing community of Breasties that find love, fun and energy in hip hop music.  Trish reached out to Tina regarding this theme of faith as she describes how she lost religion along the way of life.  Her son's battle with leukemia, followed by a diagnosis of breast cancer made her question why a God would allow cancer to happen (especially to children).  Trish feels a calling to return to faith, explore her spiritual side and find her true calling in this life after cancer chapter. 

Trish discusses finding your personal theme song, along with advice to new breasties to seek community and create a second Instagram account, to create balance and help you separate the two worlds. 

IG:  trish_newyorkcity 
IG:  hiphop_happyhour

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/256-djbreastcancer-31138602/episode/season-5-episode-22-trish-75250610/

Gina of Rise Resolute is a positivity princess and a movement motivator (Every Woman has a Runner Within!).  Gina was impacted by the tragic loss of her mother, and is the host of Rise Resolute Podcast.  Gina is the founder and CEO of ARC (Active Resolute Connected) and is a doctor of Physical Therapy.  Gina describes how running boosts resiliency (even in the midst of a cancer diagnosis).   Gina describes her love for the Book of Psalms and how opening your heart to gratitude every day will change your life.

https://www.activeresoluteconnected.com/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tina-wake-up-and-live/id1451961407?i=1000513025937

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rebeka-stowe-pursue-every-facet-your-life-rigor-remember/id1451961407?i=1000461187016