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Kommah McDowell shares her powerful journey surviving triple negative inflammatory breast cancer diagnosed at age 29 after months of doctors dismissing her symptoms as "too young for cancer." Twenty years later, she's transformed her experience into patient advocacy and authorship.

• Diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer at 29 after multiple doctors dismissed her symptoms 
• Received a 5% survival rate prognosis, showing how inflammatory breast cancer often gets diagnosed late
• Experienced medical gaslighting when symptoms including pain, redness, and breast growth were repeatedly dismissed
• Got married during treatment when she was bald and could barely walk
• Told she couldn't have children but experienced a "miracle pregnancy" between periods of treatment-induced menopause
• Founded a nonprofit to help cancer patients afford transportation to treatment and basic necessities
• Now an author of two books and professional speaker after celebrating 20 years of survival
• Emphasizes the importance of knowing your body, trusting yourself, and fighting to be heard
• Stresses that second opinions can be lifesaving, even with trusted doctors

If you're experiencing unusual symptoms, trust yourself. Know your body, and always fight to be heard. Remember that second opinions could be a matter of life or death, even if you trust your doctor.

Connect with Kommah:

[email protected]

http://linkedin.com/in/kommah-m-951662199

Www.kommahmcdowell.com

Instagram: @KommahMcDowell

Resources:

Silver Lining: Cancer was the best worst thing that ever happened to me. https://a.co/d/4VbMZz6

String of Pearls: Seeking God’s intentionality in our lives.
​​https://a.co/d/9X7d4Cx 

Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/

Where to find Jamie:
Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree
Jamie Vaughn in the News!

Thanks for listening!
I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!

I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .

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Jamie and Luan Lawrenson-Woods explore the long-term effects of breast cancer treatment and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare settings. They dive into personal experiences with cognitive challenges, identity shifts, and finding purpose after diagnosis.

• Luan shares how her podcast "Rewritten Me" emerged from the information gap about reconstruction options in Australia
• Both discuss experiencing "chemo brain" and cognitive difficulties post-treatment, including word-finding problems and anxiety
• Trauma from diagnosis creates lasting PTSD symptoms that aren't always recognized by others who expect survivors to "get back to normal"
• Luann's new podcast "Regarding Me" teaches cancer survivors self-advocacy skills for healthcare settings. Check it out for more on how to speak up, be heard, and put yourself at the center of your care.
• The Six Self-Advocacy Steps (SSAS) framework helps patients communicate effectively with medical providers
• Early detection saves lives – know your body, track unusual symptoms, and never delay getting concerns checked
• Resources like "Know Your Lemons" provide accessible education about proper breast examination techniques

📞 Contact Luan Lawrenson-Woods

• Phone: +(61) 432 731 743
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @luanlawriewoods
• LinkedIn: Luan Lawrenson-Woods
• Website: https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/

📚 Resources

• SSAS Guide: Six Self-Advocacy Steps – Free download: https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/self-advocacy-resources
• Blogs – More coming soon: https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/self-advocacy-resources 

Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/

Where to find Jamie:
Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree
Jamie Vaughn in the News!

Thanks for listening!
I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!

I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .

Send us a text

When Luan Lawrenson-Woods saw a raw TV interview about metastatic breast cancer, she had no idea it would save her life. At 46, she booked a mammogram she wouldn’t have been called for until 50—and learned she had an aggressive, rare lobular breast cancer. It had been silently growing, showing no lump and only a hidden dimple in her breast crease she never noticed.

In this candid conversation, the award-winning Australian patient advocate shares her path from diagnosis in 2017 through chemo, mastectomy, radiotherapy, and DIEP flap reconstruction, to becoming a fierce voice for women navigating healthcare systems. She opens up about ongoing PTSD, the power of self-advocacy, the role her marriage played in her recovery, and the full-circle moment of meeting the man whose TV appearance inspired her to get checked.

Check out Luan’s podcast Regarding Me for more on how to speak up, be heard, and put yourself at the center of your care.

📞 Contact Luan Lawrenson-Woods

• Phone: +(61) 432 731 743
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @luanlawriewoods
• LinkedIn: Luan Lawrenson-Woods
• Website: https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/

📚 Resources

• SSAS Guide: Six Self-Advocacy Steps – Free download: https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/self-advocacy-resources
• Blogs – More coming soon: https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/self-advocacy-resources 

Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/

Where to find Jamie:
Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree
Jamie Vaughn in the News!

Thanks for listening!
I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!

I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .

Send us a text

🗓️ Episode Summary:
In this fiery and inspiring episode, host Jamie Vaughn welcomes Anna Crollman—10-year breast cancer survivor, founder of My Cancer Chic, national patient advocate, and cause marketing manager at Cake Body. Anna shares her personal journey from diagnosis at age 27 to becoming a force for healthcare equity and empowerment. The two dive deep into survivorship, relationship dynamics, fertility preservation, the politics of healthcare, and why knowing your breast cancer risk today could save your life tomorrow.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

• Who Anna was before breast cancer—and how the diagnosis changed everything.
• How she discovered her lump, advocated fiercely for fertility preservation, and fired her first doctor.
• The real deal about young women and breast cancer—hint: yes, it happens, and it’s often aggressive.
• The healthcare system’s blind spots when it comes to young people, insurance gaps, and access to screening.
• Why healthcare is political—and why that matters to you, even if you’re healthy.
• Tangible calls to action that everyone—diagnosed or not—should take today.

🔗 Connect with Anna Crollman – My Cancer Chic

📍 Website: https://www.mycancerchic.com
📧 Email: [email protected]

📸 Instagram: @MyCancerChic
📌 TikTok: @MyCancerChic
📌 Pinterest: @MyCancerChic
📘 Facebook: @MyCancerChic
🐦 Twitter (X): https://mycancerchic.com/Twitter

▶️ YouTube: www.mycancerchic.com/YouTube 

🧬 Risk Assessment Tools:
🍋 Know Your Lemons Risk Assessment: https://knowyourlemons.org/risk-assessment
🌸 Bright Pink – Assess Your Risk: https://www.brightpink.org/assessyourrisk

🌼 Organizations Anna Works With:

• AIRS Foundation – Advocating for access and education on breast reconstruction: https://airsfoundation.org
• Cake Body – Cause-driven body care, where Anna leads cause marketing:

Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/

Where to find Jamie:
Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree
Jamie Vaughn in the News!

Thanks for listening!
I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!

I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .

Send us a text

In this powerful episode, Jamie sits down with Gail Menasco, a breast cancer survivor, insurance advocate, and founder of the BRA Society, to unpack how one woman’s relentless fight for access to care led to real legislative change.

Gail shares her deeply personal story of being diagnosed at 38 and navigating a broken insurance system that nearly denied her the muscle-sparing surgery she needed. Instead of giving up, she researched surgical options, challenged insurance denials, switched jobs for better coverage, and ultimately pushed through Senate Bill 1137 in Oregon to expand access to breast reconstruction procedures for others like her.

📌 What You’ll Learn

• Why many insurance plans are quietly switching from PPOs to EPOs—and what that means for access
• What led Gail to write a bill and how she got it passed unanimously in the Oregon legislature
• The hidden cost of “ghost networks” and the real risk of balance billing
• The rise of the BRA Society and how it’s helping patients nationwide
• A breakdown of Senate Bill 1137—and what it could mean for future federal legislation
• How you can take action in your own state

💪 Call to Action

✔️ Visit brasociety.org for resources, advocacy tools, and grant info
📞 Contact your state and federal representatives, your story matters
💸 Donate to the BRA Society to expand grants for women needing out-of-area care
🗣️ Share your story, because stories fuel change

🎧 Also Mentioned

• Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (New Orleans)
• DIEP Flap vs. MS-TRAM vs. Apex technique
• The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA)

Previous Interview with Gail 

Interview w/ Gail on Central Oregon Daily News 

Interview with Dr. Elizabeth Potter 

Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/

Where to find Jamie:
Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree
Jamie Vaughn in the News!

Thanks for listening!
I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!

I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .

Send us a text

Imagine receiving a life-altering diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 37. Gail Menasco, owner of "Menasco Consulting" and a fierce advocate for healthcare reform and health equity, shares her compelling journey from being an adventurous mom and business owner to navigating the shockwaves of a cancer diagnosis. Through her personal story, Gail underscores the critical importance of regular self-checks and the whirlwind that follows the initial discovery of a lump. She opens up about her mission to support others through the maze of information, insurance hurdles, and treatment decisions, offering invaluable insights for anyone facing similar challenges.

We delve into the intricate case of a 38-year-old woman diagnosed with high-grade DCIS, shedding light on the unique difficulties posed by being ER/PR negative. This narrative takes us through the emotional and logistical hurdles of deciding between mastectomy and radiation, and the painstaking search for a skilled surgeon for DIEP flap reconstruction. Her story is a testament to resilience and determination, highlighting the frustrating experiences with local surgeons and the eventual decision to seek out-of-state options. This episode provides a raw look at the arduous path of dealing with a rare and aggressive form of DCIS.

Gail's journey through the complexities of health insurance and employment changes reveals her strategic thinking and fierce advocacy.

Contact Gail:
Menasco Consulting Website 

Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/

Where to find Jamie:
Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree
Jamie Vaughn in the News!

Thanks for listening!
I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!

I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .

Send us a text

Breast cancer is a challenging journey shaped by personal stories and community support. Breast cancer survivor, Andrea Moulding 's story illustrates the power of humor in coping with diagnosis and survivorship while creating awareness and connection through her creative projects.

• Andrea shares her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment journey
• Discussion on the importance of humor in survivorship
• Role of community in healing and advocacy
• Andrea's creative outlets: books and podcast (Stay On The Bus  and Get It Off Your Chest
• Insights on living with lymphedema and osteopenia 
• Launching new initiatives for breast cancer support 

Contact & Resources: 

[email protected] 

Email for podcast [email protected]

Stay On The Bus Website

Stay On The Bus YouTube

Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/

Where to find Jamie:
Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree
Jamie Vaughn in the News!

Thanks for listening!
I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!

I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .

Send us a text

Kerry Kelly's journey from breast cancer diagnosis at age 29 through treatment to survivorship captures the essence of resilience and community support. She shares valuable insights on early detection, personal transformation, and the importance of connection during challenging times.

• Kerry’s lump discovery during pregnancy
• Transition from diagnosis to treatment
• Coping strategies during isolation
• Emotional toll of losing hair
• Challenges faced post-treatment
• Importance of community support and groups, such as Evoke Warriors and Cancer Community Clubhouse  

• Early detection as a key to survival 
• Kerry’s role in advocating for healthcare resources 
• The transformative power of sharing stories 
• Call for action: Connect and engage with communities

Contact Kerry:

[email protected] 

IG: kerry_ann_kelly 

Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/

Where to find Jamie:
Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree
Jamie Vaughn in the News!

Thanks for listening!
I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!

I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .

Send us a text

This episode focuses on empowerment through holistic healing in the face of breast cancer. Jamie Vaughn and Crissy Florio discuss personal journeys, the importance of preventative health, emotional recovery, and the role of community support, as well as the launch of Crissy's book, "For the Love of Jugs."  

• Emphasis on the importance of holistic healing  
• Discussion of preventative care before a breast cancer diagnosis  
• Importance of emotional and energetic healing during recovery  
• Role of yoga and personal practices in healing  
• Navigating support networks and community resources  
• Launch of C
rissy’s book, aimed at empowering women on their cancer journeys  
• Encouragement for women to reclaim their power and trust their intuition during treatment  
• Strategies for caregivers and support systems to assist loved ones through their journeys

Contact Crissy Florio:

Website Healing Harmony  

Email Email Crissy Florio 

Instagram Follow Crissy on Instagram 

Flo_withcrissyflorio 

Facebook Follow Crissy on Facebook 

YOUTUBE Flo With Crissy on YouTube   

Resources:

Heal Documentary- Heal Documentary 

Cancer Cartel- Cancer Cartel 

You Can Thrive- You Can Thrive

How Not to Die Book by Dr Michael Greger - How Not To Die 

Anti Cancer A new way of life by David Servan- Schreiber - Anti Cancer: A New Way of Life 

You are invited to For the Love of Jugs Launch Party! When: Feb 23, 2025 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/8Qt7EIbFTBmT8ncTbZ0yqg 

After registering, you will

Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/

Where to find Jamie:
Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree
Jamie Vaughn in the News!

Thanks for listening!
I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!

I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .

Send us a text

Sonja Zipser's journey through breast cancer reveals how adversity can catalyze transformation and self-discovery. By embracing spiritual healing and self-love, she has emerged as a mentor, helping others navigate their healing paths.
• Introduction to Sonja's story and background
• Diagnosis of breast cancer and the importance of self-advocacy
• Navigating metastatic cancer and personal loss
• Emphasizing the power of self-love and holistic healing
• Sonja's transition into a mentorship role for others
• Encouragement for listeners to nurture their own healing journeys

https://www.instagram.com/iamsonjazipser/

https://www.facebook.com/iamsonjazipser

http://www.youtube.com/@sonjazipser-ambitioussinglemom

https://linktr.ee/ambitioussinglemoms

www.sonja-zipser.de

[email protected]

Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/

Where to find Jamie:
Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree
Jamie Vaughn in the News!

Thanks for listening!
I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!

I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .