New MN Breasties

Discover how pelvic floor therapy can transform your health.

Welcome to the latest issue of the New Minnesota Breasties Podcast, where we dive deep into topics that resonate with young moms and survivors navigating their health journeys. In this episode, we welcomed Molly Koch, a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in pelvic floor therapy. If this is a new term for you, don’t worry: you’re not alone.

Molly introduced us to the often-overlooked pelvic floor, a crucial muscle group that supports a host of bodily functions, from bowel movements to sexual health. "The pelvic floor is an internal muscle group that sits like a hammock at the bottom of your pelvis," she explained. This muscle group plays a vital role not only in basic functions but also in maintaining overall pelvic health.

Pelvic floor therapy is particularly important for those who have experienced significant bodily changes, such as during and after pregnancy. Molly highlighted that many women unknowingly suffer from conditions like stress incontinence or pelvic dysfunction, thinking it's just a part of motherhood.

Molly broke down three major concerns that pelvic floor therapy can help alleviate:

1. Urinary Incontinence: This can manifest as leakage during physical activities like sneezing or coughing. Molly explained the importance of building strength and managing pressure to combat this issue.
2. Constipation: Many don’t realize that pelvic floor therapy can also assist with digestive issues, helping to optimize function in this area.
3. Pain with Sex: This is a sensitive topic, but one that Molly assured us can be addressed through pelvic floor therapy, improving the quality of life for many.

An essential point raised during our conversation was the connection between breast cancer treatments and pelvic health. As Molly discussed, treatments can lead to significant changes in the pelvic region, making it crucial for breast cancer patients to consider pelvic floor therapy as part of their post-treatment care.

Molly's insights serve as a reminder that there’s help available and that no one should have to live with the discomfort or dysfunction that can arise from pelvic floor issues. As Abby and Stephani emphasized, this knowledge should be more widely shared among new mothers and cancer survivors alike.

If you or someone you know has experienced these challenges, consider seeking out a pelvic floor therapist. It could make a world of difference.

To hear more from Molly and explore the full depth of this conversation, check out the episode linked below.

In this episode, Martha shares her inspiring journey as a young woman diagnosed with stage four HER2 positive breast cancer at 33. She discusses her diagnosis, treatment, the importance of support systems, and how her perspective on life has evolved through her experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Martha’s story and diagnosis

02:14 Martha’s life before cancer and initial diagnosis

05:09 How Martha found the podcast and her connection to the community

07:51 Details of Martha’s diagnosis and treatment plan

11:55 Reactions to chemo and managing side effects

20:09 The emotional impact of diagnosis and scans

29:54 The significance of support systems and loved ones

39:59 Reflections on life changes and career decisions

50:00 Living with ongoing treatment and scanxiety

57:51 Advice for newly diagnosed stage four patients

Key Topics:

Martha’s diagnosis at age 33 with stage four HER2 positive breast cancer

Her treatment journey including chemo reactions and scans

The importance of mental health and support systems during cancer

The impact of diagnosis on her family and career

Her perspective on life and future after cancer

Keywords:

breast cancer, stage four, HER2 positive, cancer survivor, hope, treatment, mental health, support system, young women, medical journey

Trauma, survivorship, and learning to feel safe again. The Minnesota Breasties welcome licensed therapist and breast cancer survivor Corinne Nechalova for a candid conversation about what happens after treatment ends. They dig into trauma, fear of recurrence, people pleasing, guilt, identity shifts, and the body-based tools that can help survivors feel regulated again. This episode matters because it names the part of cancer survivorship that often goes unspoken: the emotional and nervous system aftermath. Corinne shares from both professional expertise and lived experience, offering language and practical support for survivors, caregivers, and anyone trying to rebuild life after diagnosis.

Key topics:

• In this episode, Corinne shares why she sees breast cancer as a whole person event, not just a medical one, because it affects the body, relationships, identity, and mental health.
• Corinne explains her background in therapy, somatic work, body work, and energy medicine, and how her own breast cancer experience shaped the way she supports survivors.
• The conversation centers on the “now what” after treatment ends, including the loneliness, uncertainty, and fear of recurrence that can show up when active treatment is over.
• Corinne describes common trauma responses after cancer, including hypervigilance, obsessive symptom scanning, panic, sleep disruption, dissociation, and feeling unable to relax or feel safe.

• Abby and Emilee reflect on how cancer changed their relationship with exercise, sleep, guilt, and time, especially as young moms trying to balance recovery with parenting.
• The episode highlights how survivorship can intensify boundaries and change patterns of people pleasing, overextending, and ignoring bodily signals.
• Corinne talks about caregiver strain and why spouses and family members often need support too, even when the focus is understandably on the patient.
• A major theme is identity reconstruction after cancer, including body image, invisible grief, post traumatic growth, and learning who you are now.
• The episode closes with a message of connection: survivors do not need to handle this alone, and there are many ways to seek support and community.

TNBC Warriors + their unique stories

Get to know two of our incredible guests - sharing the ins and outs of their experience with triple negative breast cancer.

The Untold Truths of Breast Reconstruction: Breaking Myths & Embracing Our Reality.

This episode is a raw, honest bounce between three fierce young moms navigating the chaos, the pain, and the unspoken truths of breast reconstruction after cancer. If you’re questioning, struggling, or just need to hear real stories, this is for you.

In this episode:

• The stark reality and emotional toll of reconstruction surgery
• Busting myths: free boob jobs, feeling your breasts, and the misconceptions about options
• The deep dive into different types of reconstruction — implants, flat, deep flap, and fat grafting
• The physical and mental complications of radiation and surgeries
• How post-surgery mom guilt and invisible mental tolls affect us daily
• The ongoing journey of survivorship — what no one tells you about the years after treatment
• The importance of mental health support and breaking societal taboos

• Breast Reconstruction Options - American Cancer Society
• Deep Flap Reconstruction - Johns Hopkins Medicine
• Fat Grafting for Breast Reconstruction - Mayo Clinic
• Book: "The Breast Cancer Survivor's Guide" by Allison M. Kessler
• Support for Young Moms Facing Cancer

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: The raw truth behind breast reconstructive journeys
02:22 - The emotional weight of being the youngest in cancer treatment spaces
08:29 - Choosing implants: why it’s more complex than you think
11:50 - Steph’s story: opting for deep flap reconstruction for medical reasons
16:36 - The realities of recovery, restrictions, and the physical pain
20:13 - Busting myths: it’s not a free boob job - the real costs and risks
23:00 - Unique incisions, variations, and the misconception of "easy" cosmetic surgery
28:10 - The potential of fat grafting and its limitations
30:52 - The physical toll: nerve pain, sensations, and cosmetic fears
34:46 - The emotional spiral: anxiety, health worries, and the invisible mental load
39:56 - The ongoing need for support: mental health, family, and systemic barriers
46:17 - The terrifying thoughts about the future and survivorship myths
52:39 - Money, work, and the hidden costs of recovery and caretaking
57:39 - The emotional impacts on motherhood, identity, and body image
61:00 - The hope on the horizon: creating communities, survivors’ stories, and breaking the stigma

This episode explores the ins and outs of radiation therapy for breast cancer, sharing personal experiences, side effects, and tips for managing treatment. Hosts Stephani and Abby discuss different types of radiation, the physical and emotional impacts, and the importance of informed decision-making.Chapters:

00:00 Intro to Radiation

10:53 The Emotional and Physical Toll of Radiation

15:37 Proton Radiation: A Different Approach

19:04 Symptoms and Side Effects of Radiation

24:46 Lingering Effects and Emotional Challenges

35:54 The Support System During Treatment

43:18 Making Informed Decisions About Treatment

Summary: In this insightful episode, we explore the vital role of physical therapy/OT and specialized care in breast cancer recovery. Our guest, Ingrid, a certified oncology and lymphedema therapist, shares her expertise on managing side effects, preventing lymphedema, and the importance of personalized, holistic treatment approaches.

Keywords: breast cancer, physical therapy, lymphedema, oncology rehabilitation, scar management, patient education, cancer recovery, lymphatic system, radiation effects, breast health program

Key Topics:

• The importance of early physical therapy intervention
• Managing side effects like lymphedema and scar tissue
• The impact of radiation on tissue and lymphatic health

In this episode of the New MN Breasties, the hosts discuss their personal journeys with breast cancer surgeries, focusing on lumpectomies and mastectomies. They share insights into the different types of surgeries, such as single and double mastectomies, lumpectomies, and the considerations involved in choosing each option. Emilee shares her unique experience of having both a lumpectomy and a double mastectomy due to a genetic mutation. The hosts discuss the emotional and physical challenges of recovery, including the impact on family life, particularly with young children. They emphasize the importance of making informed decisions in partnership with healthcare providers. The episode also touches on the mental health aspects of undergoing such surgeries and the ongoing journey of recovery. The hosts encourage listeners to share their own experiences and offer support to those going through similar challenges .The next episode will delve into the topic of plastic surgery, including expanders, implants, and other related procedures.

This episode provides an in-depth look at the chemotherapy journey for breast cancer patients, sharing personal experiences, side effects, and tips for managing treatment. Hosts: Abby, Emilee, and Steph discuss different chemo regimens, emotional challenges, and practical advice to support others through this difficult process.

Topics:

Different chemotherapy regimens (Taxol, Taxotere, Red Devil)

Managing side effects (neuropathy, nausea, hair loss)

Mental preparation and emotional support during chemo

Practical tips for chemo day (what to bring, hydration, rest)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Minnesota Breasties Podcast

00:52 Understanding Chemotherapy Regimens

02:39 Mental Preparation for Chemo

05:29 The First Day of Chemo: What to Expect

08:16 Pre-Medications and Their Effects

10:52 Experiencing Reactions During Chemo

16:21 Managing Side Effects and Adjustments

21:36 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

25:41 Emotional Support During Treatment

26:55 Navigating Chemotherapy Choices

28:28 The Impact of Side Effects

34:34 Oral Health and Chemotherapy

36:23 Nail and Skin Changes

37:27 Loss of Femininity and Identity

39:15 Understanding the Red Devil

42:24 Managing Side Effects of AC Treatment

44:10 Tips for Coping with Chemotherapy

49:17 Emotional Responses to Treatment

53:26 Closing Thoughts and Support