Test Those Breasts ™️

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When Laura Carfang, survivor and beacon of hope, graced this podcast, she didn't just share her story—she gave us a masterclass in resilience. We traverse the highs and lows of her journey, from diagnosis at 34 to her tremendous work as the founder and executive director of https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/ Her candid conversation with me, Jamie Vaughn, reveals the mountains she has climbed, both in healthcare and in advocating for self-awareness, painting a vivid picture for all of us who have been touched by this disease or support someone who has.
We delve into the genesis of SurvivingBreastCancer.org, a platform that offers a lifeline to those navigating the murky waters of diagnosis and treatment. Our discussion is not just about the birth of a community but also about the importance of caregiver support and the profound impact each person can have through engagement, whether by volunteering, donating, or simply listening and sharing.

Contact Laura Carfang: 
Surviving Breast Cancer on Instagram

Surviving Breast Cancer on Facebook

Surviving Breast Cancer on Twitter

Surviving Breast Cancer Website
Resources: 
Breast Cancer Conversations Podcast

Surviving Breast Cancer Blog

Surviving Breast Cancer Events

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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Could regaining the sensation in your breasts after a mastectomy transform your recovery journey? Join me, Jamie Vaughn, and the esteemed Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo to explore how innovative surgical methods are offering hope to breast cancer survivors. In an engaging conversation, Dr. C, a pioneer in plastic and microsurgery, shares his insights on the emerging possibilities in sensory restoration. We tackle the nuances of the process, discussing both the life-changing potential and the inherent limitations, and why even a partial return of sensation is a significant victory for patients. Dr. C's expertise from PRMA Plastic Surgery shines a light on the DIEP Flap method and the role of patient empowerment in navigating the complexities of reconstructive choices and insurance coverage.

In our in-depth discussion, we underscore the value of nerve-sparing mastectomies and the critical selection of a proficient surgical team. Discover how the techniques of both breast and plastic surgeons during tissue removal can have a profound effect on the outcome. Dr. C emphasizes the collaborative approach required to maximize sensory preservation and how real-world factors, such as patient anatomy, can influence results. We provide a candid perspective on the challenges faced following a mastectomy, including the possible patchwork of numbness, and stress the importance of managing expectations with your healthcare providers.

[email protected]

Dr. C on Instagram
Dr. C's LinkTree 

Breast Advocate® LinkTree 

Breast Advocate® website 

Breast Advocate® on Instagram 

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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Imagine finding serenity amid chaos with just the reverberation of a gong. This episode of Jamie Vaughn's podcast is a deep dive into the world of sound baths, where the transformative power of sound waves brings healing and peace, especially to those affected by cancer and PTSD. We're privileged to be joined by Wyatt Smith, sound bath practitioner who shares his journey and the impactful stories of those he has guided through sound meditation.
Wyatt’s narrative is a story of passion and purpose, detailing his evolution from a gong master to an inspiring mentor within the cancer community. His dedication resonates as we explore how sound bath meditation can silence the clamor of the mind, ushering in a profound state of Zen.

Wyatt shares the philosophy of patience in finding the right healer and the importance of giving sound therapy sessions a chance to work their magic. Closing the episode, we're treated to the enveloping sound of his gong, a live demonstration of this ancient practice's therapeutic potential.

Contact Wyatt:

Phone: 775-313-5875  

E-Mail Wyatt Smith

Sound Bath By Wyatt on Instagram  

Sound Bath By Wyatt on Facebook

Sound Bath Calendar of Events  

Resources:

Cancer Community Clubhouse  

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 episode, my friend Kristin Gravatt sat down to recount her battles and triumphs as a stage 3B breast cancer survivor by peeling back the layers of her experience, balancing the demands of motherhood with the rigorous demands of cancer treatment. Kristin's journey is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability, and her candid recollections provide a beacon of hope for anyone navigating the stormy seas of a similar diagnosis. Revel in our celebration of life's brighter moments and the unyielding spirit that propels us forward, despite the shadows of our past struggles.

Our conversation navigates the intricate journey from diagnosis to recovery, highlighting the pivotal moments that define a survivor's path. We delve into the depths of breast reconstruction, with a focus on the transformative DIEP flap procedure, to underscore the importance of patience, resilience, and the right healthcare dynamics. .

Contact Kristin:
[email protected] 

Kristin on Facebook 

Resources:
Information on Lymphedema

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 Kim Maples was diagnosed with ductal breast cancer at 39, her world turned upside down. Now, she invites us into her life-altering journey, sharing the challenges of treatment and the power of self-advocacy. This episode is a tapestry of courage and wisdom, weaving together Kim's personal battle with invaluable advice for those facing a similar ordeal. Through her narrative, we uncover the generational shifts in cancer awareness, highlighting the importance of knowing your medical history in an age where health information is more accessible than ever. Her story serves not only as a beacon of strength but also as a reminder of the collective fight against this pervasive disease.

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 your world turns upside down after a breast cancer diagnosis, finding solidarity and strength within a community can be your lifeline. As your host, Jamie Vaughn, and my inspiring guest, Shannon Burrows—a beacon of hope for those navigating the turbulent waters of breast cancer—we unwrap her story and the deep-seated power of human connections.  We dissect Shannon's transformative journey as a survivor,  and podcast host, all while living her life with a deep belief that we can change the world one smile at a time. Together, we celebrate the resilience that comes from community support and the urgency of early detection that's essential for future generations.


Shannon on Instagram

Cozy Dwellings on Facebook  

Resources For Show Notes: 

Bustin' Out Of Breast Cancer with Guest: Jamie Vaughn

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

As your host, Jamie Vaughn, I share a connection with this episode's special guest, Dr. Ramon Garza of Dr. Garza Plastic Surgery, hailing from the heart of Texas with a scalpel as sharp as his insights into breast reconstruction. His mastery of microsurgery and compassionate approach to patient care echo my own philosophy, one deeply rooted in empathy and the shared journey of resilience in the breast cancer community. Together we discuss the emotional intricacies of the doctor-patient relationship, revealing how modern medicine is embracing shared decision-making and the transformative power of being well-informed.

Dr. Garza debunks the myths surrounding the DIEP flap procedure, laying out the facts for anyone considering this path to recovery. Our conversation navigates through the challenges and considerations of radiation's impact on reconstruction, stressing the importance of strategic planning and patient-specific approaches to phase 2 surgeries. 

Rounding out this episode, we tackle the complexities surrounding Silicone Implant Illness and the nuanced realities of breast reconstruction versus cosmetic surgery. I share a bit of my own path, including my upcoming journey to San Antonio for nipple tattoos with Perky, a testament to the sense of community and shared experiences that bind us. 

Contact Dr. Garza:
Dr. Garza on Instagram 
Dr. Garza Plastic Surgery

Resources:
American Society of Plastic Surgeons

PubMed is a free search engine accessing primarily the MEDLINE database of references and abstracts  

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 Tiffany Johnson brushed away tears and shared her first-hand account of triumphing over breast cancer, I knew it was a story that needed to be heard.  This episode unfolds Tiffany's narrative – from a routine mammogram's reveal to the emotional and physical transformation she and I both have experienced. As survivors, we wear our short hair with pride, symbolizing the strength and purpose we've reclaimed through our battles and the trauma-informed wellness practices that now guide us.

The road to recovery is paved with complexities, a truth Tiffany and I dissect with raw honesty. We share the intricate dance of undergoing chemotherapy and hormone therapy, bringing to light the scoring system that informs treatment decisions and the emotional release that comes with understanding and facing the procedures ahead. Our conversation is an open book on the solidarity and strength we discovered through treatment, and we pass along this knowledge, hoping to ease the journey for those walking a similar path.

Finally, we lift the veil on the aftermath of cancer – a topic often shrouded in silence. Our heartfelt discussion honors the caregivers' unwavering support and delves into the pursuit of joy and purpose post-survivorship. The 'Test Those Breasts' podcast emerges as a testament to this mission, aiming to educate and connect. It's about more than just survival; it's about thriving, seeking presence in the moment, and cherishing the deepened human connections that come from having stared down adversity.

Contact Tiffany:

Resources: 

https://www.cancercommunityclubhouse.org/
https://www.facebook.com/CancerCommunityClubhouse

https://www.facebook.com/Breathe4Change
https://www.breatheforchange.com/ 

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 Ashley Cartun, a Triple-Negative Breast Cancer thriver and advocate, began her journey with the disease, she couldn't have anticipated how her personal battle would transform into a beacon of hope for so many. Alongside her, we unravel the tapestry of emotions and insights that come with facing cancer head-on. From the echoes of her mother's diagnosis to Ashley's own proactive screening that caught her cancer at a critical moment, her narrative is a testament to the power of early detection. It's a conversation that stretches far beyond her roles as a mother, wife, and professional, into her impactful work with One Tough Cookie, where she fortifies the resolve of others navigating similar paths.

The perils of postponed screenings are a stark reality we can't afford to overlook, and this episode lays bare the emotional and physical toll they take. We share stories that reflect the life-saving grace of vigilance and the transformative nature of catching cancer early, illustrating the profound difference it can make. As we traverse the landscape of healing, I open up about the recalibration of life post-diagnosis and the invaluable role of family and partner support. The enduring strength of marriage, even—or especially—when tested by illness, is illuminated through our heartfelt discussion.

Our journey ends, but the conversation continues, as we delve into the healing process, embracing all the emotions that come with it. We celebrate the strength found in community, particularly for those facing the aggressive challenge of TNBC with resources like the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation offering support and solidarity. Though no one would choose to join the breast cancer community, we acknowledge its incredible members who offer unwavering support and strength, turning a difficult path into a journey of collective resilience and hope.

Contact Ashley Cartun:
One Tough Cookie on Instagram 

One Tough Cookie on Facebook

Other resources mentioned in the episode:
HER TOO NonProfit on Instagram 

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 episode, Crystal Yang and Courtney Delgado,  two remarkable nurses,  and founders of "Perky" in San Antonio, Texas, share their transformative journey and the strides they are making in the realm of breast cancer survivorship. Our conversation delves into the intimate process of nipple tattooing, a final step in breast reconstruction that embodies both empowerment and restoration for many women. Crystal and Courtney's personal experiences in oncology nursing have equipped them with a profound understanding of the complexities that survivors face, fueling their mission to advocate for individualized care and involvement in the healing journey. Further, the women in Crystal's own family who have battled breast cancer add value to her experience.

Championing the cause doesn't stop at the tattooing chair, as we learn from our guests' relentless battle for insurance coverage and their efforts to navigate the murky waters of healthcare bureaucracy. Their stories highlight the emotional and technical intricacies of the tattooing process, from addressing fears of pain to achieving natural-looking results. They underscore the crucial role of expertise, technique, and pigment selection in crafting tattoos that not only heal scars but also restore confidence. Survivors listening in will find solace in the fact that there are dedicated professionals like these two who understand the nuances of the journey and are fiercely advocating for their rights and well-being.
Correction from the last episode of Season 1: I will now be releasing my episodes every Tuesday, at 5 a.m. PST for Season 2!

Contact Crystal and Courtney at "Perky"
Perky

8042 Wurzbach Rd. Suite 110
San Antonio, TX 78229

Telephone: 210-712-9765

Hello Perky Website

We Are Perky on Instagram

We Are Perky on Facebook

Resources:
 The Breasties on Instagram 

Shay's Warriors on Instagram 

 Pink Warrior Advocates on Instagram 

Overcomers on Instagram 

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 .