In this episode, I share what the first six chemo sessions have really been like and how I’ve been keeping track of my symptoms and emotions along the way. I talk about the routines I’ve created to monitor how I’m feeling day-to-day, what patterns I’ve noticed, and how keeping track of symptoms has helped me stay grounded. I also get into the tougher parts, especially managing the deep bone pain from the Neulasta injection, and what’s been getting me through it.

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In this solo episode, Bisma opens up about her first 21-day chemotherapy cycle — the physical and emotional realities that don’t make it to social media. She shares what it was really like to lose her hair, how she’s managing fatigue and bone pain, and the mindset shifts that help her get through treatment days.

You’ll also hear her current take on nutrition and lifestyle choices to support her body through chemo — and what’s keeping her grounded in hope.

This episode is raw, honest, and full of small but powerful reminders that healing isn’t just about medicine — it’s about learning to listen to your body, trust the process, and find light in the dark days.

#chemotherapy #breastcancer #breastcancerawareness #cancersupport #cancerrecovery #cancerjourney #cancerawareness #selfadvocacy #integrativehealth

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In this solo episode, I open up about one of the hardest moments in my stage 4 cancer journey — starting chemo. I share how my cancer recently progressed to the pleura of my right lung, leading to fluid buildup and regular thoracentesis procedures just to breathe easier.I also walk through the four different oncologist consultations I had while trying to figure out my next step, what it was like to hear conflicting advice from top doctors, and ultimately why I chose to begin treatment in Austin surrounded by my family.This conversation is raw and real — I talk about my fears, my hopes, and the emotional weight of stepping into chemo after being on targeted therapies. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be in this place of uncertainty, or if you’re walking a similar path yourself, I hope this episode makes you feel less alone.

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In this episode of The Other C Word, I sit down with Dr. Sonya Bhole, Associate Professor of Radiology and fellowship-trained breast radiologist, about what patients really need to know when it comes to breast imaging.


We cover the big questions: Are mammograms enough? When should ultrasounds or MRIs be used? What’s the best approach for dense breast tissue? And how safe are repeated scans?

I also share my own recent experience—where imaging showed my original tumor was gone, but surgery revealed cancer cells—and Dr. Bhole explains how that can happen.


If you’ve ever felt confused or overwhelmed by mammograms, MRIs, or PET scans, this episode brings clarity and answers straight from an expert.

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#mammograms #breastimaging #breastcancer #breastcancerawareness #cancersupport #cancerrecovery #stage4breastcancer #stage4cancersurvivors #cancercaretaker #metasaticbreastcancer#breastcancerpodcast #cancerpodcast #cancersurvivorpodcast #podcast

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Most people think a mastectomy is only for early-stage breast cancer. So why did I, someone living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, go through with it? In this episode of The Other C Word, I share the deeply personal story of my mastectomy—why I made that decision, what the surgery and recovery were really like, and how it changed the way I see my body and my healing journey.

This isn’t just about the physical operation—it’s about weighing risks and benefits, listening to your gut, and navigating decisions when there’s no “one right answer.” Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or just curious about the realities of cancer treatment, this episode sheds light on a side of stage 4 breast cancer that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough.

Study Links:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26943635/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37700450/

#doublemastecomy #mastectomy #breastcancerreconstruction #breastcancersurgery #plasticsurgery #breastplasticsurgery #cancersurvivorship #breastcancerawarenessvideo #breastcancertestimony #cancerawareness #stage4cancer #cancermindset #metastaticbreastcancer #cancerdiagnosis #breastcancerfighter #cancerwarrior #cancerwarriorstory ##hormonepositivebreastcancer #caringforsomeonewithcancer #livingwithcancer #livingwithstage4 #stage4breastcancer #stage4cancersurvivors #stage4breastcancersurvivorstories #cancercaretaker #metasaticbreastcancervlog #breastcancerpodcast #cancerpodcast #cancersurvivorpodcast

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In this episode, I chat with holistic health coach, Lindsay Keosayian, about the power of nutrition in reducing inflammation and supporting long-term healing. We break down what an anti-inflammatory lifestyle really looks like—beyond trendy diets—and talk about how food can be a tool for nourishment, not restriction. Lindsay shares approachable, real-life tips for eating in a way that supports your body and your energy, and we get into how to make sustainable changes that actually feel good. If you’ve ever wondered what “anti-inflammatory” really means or how to clean up your diet without going to extremes, this one’s for you.

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In this special Q&A episode of The Other C Word, I’m answering your most frequently asked questions—raw, real, and unfiltered. From how I navigated my stage 4 diagnosis, to the lifestyle shifts that helped me heal, to what I wish more people understood about living with cancer—nothing is off the table.We talk cancer, keto, coaching, relationships, skincare, spirituality, and what it's really like rebuilding your life after everything changes. This episode is straight from my heart to yours—if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, curious, or just needed to hear someone say “I’ve been there,” this one’s for you.

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In this episode of The Other C Word, we’re diving deep into the science behind intermittent fasting (IF) and keto, exploring why they’re not just trending, but actually packed with health benefits—especially for cancer fighters and thrivers. Whether you’re new to fasting or looking to optimize your keto routine, this episode has everything you need to know!

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00:00:00 Intro

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#intermittentfasting #keto #cancerrecovery #healthylifestyle #metabolichealth #cancerfighter #cancerrecovery 

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Let’s be real—cancer treatment can wreak havoc on your skin, hair, and nails. 

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple board-certified dermatologist (and all-around gem of a human), to talk about how to care for your body’s largest organ and its extensions while you’re going through treatment. We cover everything from managing dry, itchy skin to preventing nail damage to navigating hair loss—plus which products are safe and effective when your body is extra sensitive. 

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or deep in the treatment trenches, this episode is packed with real talk, science-backed tips, and some much-needed TLC.

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• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bismalalji

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00:00:00 Intro

00:00:27 Dr. Mamina Turegano

00:05:56 Treating Side Affects from Treatment

00:16:28 Helping Hair Loss

00:28:53 Sunscreen & SPF

00:41:09 Skin Cancer: What to Look Out For

00:45:39 Outro

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#cleanliving #toxinfree #cancerprevention #cancerrecovery #breastcancerawareness #holistichealth #lowtoxlife #nontoxicliving #cleanbeauty #healthylifestyle #chemicalfree #cancersurvivor #wellnesstips #mindfulwellness

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Navigating a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, and often, the most important information isn’t handed to you upfront. It’s easy to feel pressured into quick decisions, but what if you took a step back and explored all your options? In this episode, I’m breaking down the essential things I wish I had known from the start—how to ask the right questions, understand your diagnosis, and take an active role in your care.

Beyond just medical treatment, we’ll also talk about the bigger picture: the role of nutrition, movement, stress management, and reducing toxic exposures. Because healing isn’t just about following a treatment plan—it’s about taking care of your whole self.

If you or someone you love is facing cancer, this episode is a must-listen.

Stay connected and follow socials:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bismalalji/

• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bismalalji

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00:00:00 Intro

00:02:30 Diagnosis Shockwave

00:04:36 Nutrition

00:06:14 Move Your Body

00:07:13 Detoxing Your Life

00:09:40 Nervous System Healing

00:11:37 Root Cause testing

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#cancerawareness #selfadvocacy #integrativehealth #holistichealing #cancersupport #breastcancerthriver #healingjourney #cancerrecovery #metastaticbreastcancer

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