Being diagnosed with the big C can be overwhelming and terrifying, not just for the patient, but for their family and loved ones too. There is also the chance of cancer spreading, returning, or occurring in other parts of your body. This week on the Chatting With My Amigas podcast we welcome our very first and very special guest, our good friend, Dori, who has survived multiple cancers and has learned a lot about herself and her body in the process. When Dori’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 60, Dori had already had multiple experiences with mammograms. But it was only after her mother’s diagnosis that she chose to get the BRCA genetic testing done. In our conversation, Dori recounts her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer and explains her reasoning for pursuing an aggressive approach through a double mastectomy, despite other options available to her. Dori’s pragmatism has been consistent. After being diagnosed with cancer a second time, the culprit this time being a mass on her ovaries, she opted to have a full hysterectomy. She goes on to share how that decision quite possibly saved her life since it meant doctors were able to discover that she also had uterine cancer. Dori shares how she has been able to remain energetic and positive throughout her treatments and why, for her, her breast reconstruction has been one of the most painful consequences of her journey with cancer. We also hear from Dori about survivor’s guilt, her unique experience with thyroid cancer, and why she has always trusted her doctors. It was such an honor and a joy having Dori on the show. Join us today for an expansive conversation, on life, friendship, navigating cancer, and more.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Get to know our first official guest, Dori.
• Dori shares her health journey and her experience with mammograms.
• What it meant for Dori when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Dori’s reaction when her BRCA test came back positive.
• The surprising amount of different specialists you need when you have breast cancer.
• Dori’s introduction searching for a surgeon.
• The options that Dori had for treating her breast cancer.
• Why Dori chose to have a double mastectomy.
• Why having a positive BRCA test result created a sense of guilt in Dori.
• Dori’s naturally positive demeanor and how it helped her remain calm throughout her journey with cancer.
• Dori’s complete trust in her team of doctors and how it prevented her from spiraling on a Google search.
• Some of the surprises Dori experienced during and after her surgery.
• Dori’s subsequent experiences with cancer and how she chose to have a hysterectomy.
• The iron infusions that Dori needed to prepare her for surgery.
• The mass that the doctors found on her uterus during surgery and the mass on her thyroid a few years later.
• Dori’s difficult experience with reconstructive surgery of her breasts.
• Why Dori’s reconstructed breasts feel like a reminder of her cancer.
• How the impact of thyroid surgery has been the most difficult consequence of cancer to live with.
• The challenge of knowing how to support a friend going through cancer treatment.
• The developments and innovations that are occurring in medical science
• Why it’s important to consult with a doctor who is aware of the latest developments.
• The important role that eating healthy has in supporting you when you’re ill.
• Why early screening is essential.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Chatting With My Amigas