Rachel is a two-time ovarian cancer survivor, an 18-year veteran of the cancer journey, and the author of The No-Bull**** Guide to Dealing with Cancer (written with co-author Dr. Mercedes Castiel). She was 32 years old when persistent, progressing symptoms led her to an OB-GYN, an ultrasound, a CAT scan, and — three days after her first appointment at Memorial Sloan Kettering — surgery for a rare form of ovarian cancer. She went into remission, had a recurrence in 2017, and is back in remission today.

She wrote The No-Bull**** Guide because she couldn't find the book she needed when she was first diagnosed. Not a memoir. Not a cure book. A practical, honest guide to navigating every stage of the cancer journey — from the first moment something feels wrong, through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and remission.

In this episode, Dr. Randi Paynter and Rachel discuss:

-- Ovarian cancer symptoms — what Rachel experienced, why she delayed, and why she calls ovarian cancer "a sneak, not a killer"

-- Ring theory — the comfort in, dump out framework for the constellation of people around a patient in crisis

-- Cancer ghosting and blame — why people disappear, why patients blame themselves, and what's actually happening psychologically

-- Self-advocacy — why women in particular are conditioned to underadvocate, what the stakes are, and the story of a friend who pushed for a third biopsy and saved her own life

-- The Friday CT scan — a story about vulnerability, fear, and what happened when Rachel simply told a hospital desk clerk how terrified she was

-- Fertility — why it must be asked about immediately after diagnosis, and before treatment begins

-- Recurrence and survivorship — what 18 years of navigating cancer looks like, including a 2024 scare with co-author Dr. Castiel in the room

-- The CEO of your own care — how to build a crew, delegate effectively, and understand that the choices are always yours

More info about Rachel:

-- Book: https://www.nobullguidetodealingwithcancer.com/

Resources mentioned:

-- NCI-designated cancer centers: cancer.gov/research/infrastructure/cancer-centers/find

-- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: mskcc.org

-- Ring theory: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ring_theory_(psychology)

-- Dr. Mercedes Castiel: https://thecancercareconcierge.com/

-- Fertility preservation: fertilehope.org

-- CancerCare (free counseling): cancercare.org

-- Go to ChangedByCancer.com for show notes and episode links

Changed By Cancer is hosted by Dr. Randi Paynter, a cancer epidemiologist. This podcast shares personal experiences and systemic issues in healthcare. It is not medical advice. Please consult your own medical team for health-related decisions.