Imagine discovering a lump and being told, 'You’re too young to worry about this.' For Regina Casini and many other women, these words reflect the systemic challenges in advocating for our health. In this episode, I dive into the power of self-advocacy and early detection with Regina, who shares her journey through breast cancer and the importance of knowing and standing up for your body’s needs.

Hey ladies, welcome to the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast. My name is Veronica Cisneros, and today, we’re diving into something most of us choose to ignore—our own health.

Today’s episode is all about self-care, but not in the way you might think. We're talking real, foundational health, and how women—especially mothers and high-achieving women—often delay it, prioritizing everyone else first. This episode is close to my heart because our guest, Regina Cassini, opens up about her journey with breast cancer and her role at Michelle's Place, a breast cancer resource center that offers critical support. Let’s dive into why it’s so hard for us to make our health a priority and how we can change that.

Takeaways

• Health is often neglected by women, especially mothers.
• Regina's journey with Michelle's Place began with her own cancer diagnosis.
• Michelle's Place was founded to ensure no one faces cancer alone.
• Emotional distress and body image are significant challenges for women with breast cancer.
• Women often hesitate to ask for help during difficult times.
• Support systems are crucial for those battling cancer.
• Younger clients are increasingly seeking support for various cancers.
• Early detection of cancer significantly improves treatment options.
• Patients should advocate for themselves and ask questions during medical appointments.
• Michelle's Place offers a variety of resources and support for cancer patients.

Michelle's Place: A Place of Support and Healing

“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I walked through the doors of Michelle’s Place, not as a visitor but as someone whose world had been turned upside down.” - Regina Cassini

In 2017, Regina stumbled upon Michelle’s Place at a health fair and made a donation, never imagining that only a few months later, she’d be the one needing support. Diagnosed with breast cancer, she found a safe haven in Michelle’s Place, a resource center founded by Bill and Marilyn Watson in honor of their daughter, Michelle. At 19, Michelle discovered a lump in her breast, but doctors repeatedly dismissed her concerns. By the time she was finally diagnosed at 23, it was stage-four breast cancer.

“Michelle’s Place was her dream—a place where no one should face cancer alone.” - Regina Cassini

When Michelle passed away at just 26, her family opened Michelle’s Place as a sanctuary for those affected by breast cancer, fulfilling Michelle’s dream to create a space where people could find comfort and companionship.

Facing the Hard Truth: The Importance of Women’s Health

"She did everything right, yet still had to face this journey. I think about the moms listening right now who are constantly putting themselves last, delaying their own appointments.” - Veronica Cisneros

So many women push their health to the back burner. I can’t count the times I’ve sat across from a woman who can tell me the exact date of her child’s last doctor’s appointment but can’t remember her own. We take care of everyone else, but when it comes to ourselves, there’s always something else more important. The truth is, many women avoid check-ups, waiting until something is seriously wrong, rather than taking proactive steps.

The Toll of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

“Common struggles include emotional distress, body image issues, financial strain, and the hardest one—how to tell the kids.” - Regina Cassini

Regina described the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis. Beyond the physical battle, there’s an emotional weight, the fear of looking different, the financial burdens, and the terrifying responsibility of breaking the news to children. Regina has seen these struggles over and over at Michelle’s Place, and the hardest part is helping women realize that they don’t have to carry this alone.