In today's episode, Sharon talks about something that often goes unnamed in the breast cancer journey: Emotional Burnout!  It's not just being tired; it's a kind of soul weariness that settles in after months or years of being brave, strong, and battling breast cancer. Burnout can feel like waking up already tired, fatigued, and feeling disconnected from who and where you were before a cancer diagnosis.  You feel like you're having difficulties making decisions and completing small tasks, as well as a loss of interest in things that once brought joy. So, let's listen to today's episode.

In this episode of the Cancer Cipher Sharon Speaks podcast, Sharon has a special guest joining her, named LaLa. She is one of Sharon’s very close friends, but she did not want to be on camera while sharing her story. LaLa was diagnosed with stage two b, ER/PR+, her two negative invasive lobular carcinoma in situ after four biopsies, a lumpectomy, and the removal of two cancer-affected lymph nodes. LaLa explains why she decided to have a double mastectomy due to her cancer diagnosis. Sharon is grateful that her close friend is doing as well as can be, especially after her surgeries, and is trying to move on with her life while encouraging other women about cancer.  Please subscribe, listen, like, share, and comment.

Welcome back to the podcast. I’m Sharon, and today we’re stepping into a space that’s tender, powerful, and deeply human. If you’ve ever wondered what kindness really looks like in the face of cancer—not the kind that’s wrapped in clichés or quick fixes, but the kind that sits quietly beside someone in their pain—this episode is for you.
I’ve seen firsthand how the smallest gestures can carry the most significant weight. A warm meal. A silent hug. A text that says, 'I’m thinking of you. These moments don’t cure cancer—but they do something just as important. They remind us we’re not alone.
So today, we’re exploring the elements of kindness that genuinely matter to cancer patients. Not just what to say—but how to show up. How to honor their humanity. How to be a steady light in a storm that no one chooses.
Whether you’re a caregiver, a friend, or someone walking this journey yourself, I hope this episode offers comfort, clarity, and maybe even a little healing.
Let’s begin.

Welcome back to The Cancer Cipher Sharon Speaks podcast.  Sharon has taken the time to create her next episode, Embracing What Matters Most After a MBC Diagnosis. She thought about living fiercely instead of giving in to the elements of the metastatic disease, which is incurable and only treatable.  She asks the question, What happens to you when life becomes finite? You could wake up one day and be fine, and the next day you could be in the hospital.  So, while you can do those things you've always wanted to do, do it! Don't put life off. Do those things while you can.

The Cancer Cipher Sharon Speaks podcast takes a twist, and Sharon discusses how she has regained her joy, but at the cost of realizing, "What is Your Excuse?" Sharon breaks down some of the reasons she has given excuses and how they affect her while living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, spread to her bones. People often give excuses for various reasons, and these excuses usually reveal something more profound than just an attempt to avoid responsibility. She strategically adds biblical references that elevate the podcast to a whole different level. Please like, subscribe, follow, comment, and share this podcast. Now let's join Sharon.

Welcome back to the Cancer Cipher Sharon Speaks podcast.  Sharon is grateful to be able to start a second season after a much-needed rest and refresh.  Going forward, she will have guests joining the podcast to share their stories, but this episode is a continuation of episode 1, How to Apply for Your SSA Permanent Disability.  It is a topic of discussion for anyone dealing with a chronic to death illness, notably, on how to apply correctly and deal with the frustration of being denied.  Sharon is sharing her experience and resource, www.SSA.gov, to help her listeners with the process. Let's listen!

Welcome back to Season 2, episode 1 of the Cancer Cipher Sharon Speaks podcast. Now that Sharon has gained the courage to talk about living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, spread to bone, the mission of this podcast is being fulfilled. A doctor told Sharon that she should be dead by now, but she is still alive, so she is sharing her story to help other people. No one gives you a handbook telling you what to expect when you have cancer, so it is her mission to help people learn to be their own advocate and learn how to survive this brutal disease. Now, let's join Sharon!

My name is Sharon, and I have finally gained the courage to talk about living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer spread to my bones. A doctor told me that I should be dead by now, but I am still here, so I am sharing my story to help others. Moreover, I named the podcast The Cancer Cipher, Sharon Speaks, because no one gives you a handbook and tells you what to expect when you receive a breast cancer diagnosis. Therefore, my mission is to help people learn how to be their own advocate and learn how to navigate this brutal disease.  All stories are of my personal journey and experiences, and I desire to take fear out of the word cancer while empowering people to live.

In this episode, Sharon continues sharing her story and cancer experiences. Additionally, she discusses the various cancer risks you should know. I am not a physician, but we all understand that our environment, the food we eat, and risk factors beyond our control all contribute to a cancer diagnosis even in the most healthy people. My source for this podcast is the BCRF Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  Always do your research and gain an understanding if you have been diagnosed with cancer. Please like, subscribe, follow, comment, and share this information to continue to build this community and help people.

Welcome back to the Cancer Cipher Sharon Speaks podcast.  Sharon is living with stage IV metastatic breast cancer spread to many areas of bone. She is on a mission to help people gain a better understanding of cancer by discussing different terminology and how to set expectations concerning treatments, diagnosis, and decision-making.  Sharon has a passion for research and sharing good sources. Sources used today are from Breastcancer.org, the National Cancer Institute, and an article written by Jamie DePolo | Reviewed by Jennifer L. Armstrong, MD & Brian Wojciechowski, MD.