Wine with Shelley and Shelly

Welcome back to Wine with Shelly and Shelley!

In this episode, we kick things off with a quick update on what's happening at Breathe Inc, including our excitement for the upcoming second annual golf outing to help ease the financial and emotional burdens of a cancer diagnosis.

Then, we sit down with the wonderful Kara for an incredibly honest and heartwarming conversation about her breast cancer journey. Kara takes us through the shock of her diagnosis and the overwhelming feeling of navigating a foreign medical system, sharing how leaning on her sister's medical background and utilizing symptom care clinics completely changed her quality of life during treatment.

We dive deep into the reality of "chemo brain," the challenge of learning to ask for (and accept) help as a fiercely independent single mom, and the most practical ways you can actually support a loved one facing a diagnosis—hint: skip the extra blankets and focus on financial or everyday practical support.

Finally, you won't want to miss Kara's "movie-worthy" love story. She shares how a simple Bumble swipe just weeks before her diagnosis brought her the dream guy who showed up and stayed when life got unimaginably hard.

Whether you're a patient, a caregiver, or just looking for an inspiring story of resilience and love, this episode is a beautiful reminder that you don't have to walk this path alone.

Resources Mentioned:

Breathe Inc & Sparkling Survivor: Support for financial toxicity, healthcare navigation, and emotional guidance during a cancer diagnosis.

(Don't forget to like, follow, and share so we can continue helping others find the resources they need!)

What happens when the industry that defined your value for 30 years is suddenly at odds with your survival? In this episode, Shelley (Sparkling Survivor) and Shelly (Breathe Inc.) sit down with international model, author, and "cancer disruptor" Christine Handy. Christine opens up about the "whiplash" of a breast cancer diagnosis at the height of her career, the grueling reality of 28 rounds of the "Red Devil" chemo, and how she eventually found her most beautiful self at age 50—without implants or a mask.

From literal highway collisions to life-altering diagnoses, this episode is all about the "hits" we don't see coming. Shelley (Sparkling Survivor) shares her harrowing morning encounter with a dump truck, leading into a deep conversation with their guest, Deb. Diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 50, Deb discusses the importance of following your gut when symptoms are dismissed as "just hemorrhoids." Learn how her "Mama Bear" instinct and unshakable faith helped her navigate radical surgery and life with a permanent colostomy with grace and a smile.

In this heart-filling episode, Shelly and Shelley explore the profound impact of "unconditional love on four legs." They are joined by Faith, a representative from the K9 Comfort Dog Ministry, to discuss how these specially trained Golden Retrievers provide a bridge for healing and emotional release.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Community Support: Local Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiatives, including "Putting the Brakes on Cancer" at Advanced Auto in Delavan and upcoming cocktail specials at The Abbey Resort.

• The "Fall Off the Train" Analogy: Shelly shares a personal story about recovery, the struggle of getting back into a routine after an injury, and the importance of being kind to yourself during the journey.

• Meet Mary and Rejoice: Discover the incredible work of the Comfort Dogs from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Janesville. These dogs aren't just pets—they are trained professionals with over 2,000 hours of experience.

• Healing Across the Community: From disaster response (like emergency deployments to Minneapolis) to visiting the Rock County Jail and sitting bedside with cancer patients at the end of life, learn how these dogs "walk side-by-side" with those in need.

• The Science of "Just Being": Why dogs are uniquely equipped to break through isolation and "plague" feelings often associated with a cancer diagnosis through their non-judgmental presence.

Whether you are a patient looking for a "furry bridge" to open up or a caregiver seeking a moment of peace, this episode highlights the beautiful synergy between animal companionship and the cancer journey.

What happens when life gives you more than your fair share of "The Big C"? Shelley (Sparkling Survivor) and Shelly (Breathe Inc.) sit down with Jim, a man whose spirit is as resilient as they come. From surviving the AIDS epidemic of the 90s and finding 22 years of sobriety with his partner, to his current battle with stage IV lung cancer, Jim shares why he chooses gratitude over the "rabbit hole." It’s a powerful conversation about the small gestures—like a cherry popsicle—that define a lifetime.

In this episode of Wine with Shelley and Shelly, the hosts share exciting updates from Breathe Inc., including the success of their recent golf outing and the launch of the new "Designated Cancer Fund" campaign, which allows donors to leave a legacy by directing funds to specific types of cancer research and support.

Then, they welcome special guest Rose Holland, a blogger and breast cancer survivor, to discuss a common but often overlooked side effect of breast cancer treatment: Axillary Web Syndrome, also known as "cording". Rose opens up about her personal experience, the importance of early physical and occupational therapy, and how she pivoted to a life of travel and joy after her diagnosis.

In this inspiring episode of Wine with Shelley and Shelly, we sit down with Leonard Simpson, a man whose resilience and unwavering faith have carried him through two miraculous cancer journeys. Leonard opens up about the shock of being diagnosed with male breast cancer—a diagnosis often overlooked in men—and shares how he navigated the emotional and physical challenges without ever asking "Why me?" Instead, Leonard leaned into a philosophy of trust, asking God, "For what purpose?"

Leonard also reveals a stunning twist in his health journey involving a stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis that left doctors baffled and his lungs "squeaky clean." Join us as we discuss the power of attitude, the importance of spreading joy even in the darkest times, and Leonard’s work with Revealing Christ Ministries. Whether you are a survivor, a caregiver, or just need a reminder that love is bigger than fear, this episode will lift your spirits.

Shelley opens the episode with a powerful metaphor about the value of taking the "scenic route" instead of the familiar road—a theme that sets the stage for a conversation that challenges conventional thinking.

After an update on Breathe Inc.'s new fundraiser to save a client's home from foreclosure, the Shelley and Shelly welcome guest Jeff (MyCancerCareStory.com). Jeff shares his truly remarkable and unconventional health journey. In 2019, after surviving heart attacks, diabetes, and obesity, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. When traditional chemotherapy failed and his tumor doubled in size, he took matters into his own hands.

Jeff details his personal research into pH balancing and his decision to use a bicarbonate mixture—including simple baking soda—to "hammer" his body's acidity. He claims that after six weeks, his scans showed the cancer was gone.

The group engages in a critical discussion about being your own advocate, the reasons "simple" solutions aren't scientifically funded, and the hard choices patients face. As an oncology nurse, Shelley provides a unique perspective, noting that patients sign consent forms full of risks and unknowns for traditional treatments, just as they take a chance on alternative paths. This is a must-listen episode about one man's story and the power of looking beyond the expected.

Shelley is back in the studio! 🥂 And in a twist of fate for a podcast called "Wine with Shelley and Shelly," we’re swapping our wine glasses for water and tea. Why? Because we both happened to be fasting!

In this episode, we dive headfirst into the world of fasting—a practice gaining attention for its potential benefits in wellness and even cancer care.

We share our personal experiences, discussing:

• The difference between intermittent fasting and prolonged fasts (from 12 to 72 hours!).

• The surprising surge in energy and mental clarity that comes with it.

• How to get started and the importance of listening to your own body.

• The emerging theories on how fasting may support cell regeneration and aid chemotherapy (with important disclaimers!).

The conversation then flows from fasting to a topic we’re both passionate about: self-care that doesn't cost a dime. 🧘‍♀️ If you think self-care means expensive massages and luxury retreats, this segment is for you. We share powerful stories and simple, free practices that can profoundly impact your well-being, including:

• Nature's Healing Power: Why 20 minutes outside can change everything. 🌳

• Grounding: The science and energy behind getting your feet on the earth. 👣

• The Power of Sunlight: How to harness the sun's free energy to boost your mood and health. ☀️

We want to hear from you! What are your favorite ways to practice self-care without spending a dime? Comment and share your ideas—you never know who you might inspire!

After a nine-week hiatus, Shelley is back and joins Shelly from the road! In this episode, catch up with Shelley's incredible adventures traveling through Baja, Mexico, in an RV. She shares the powerful story behind the decision to sell her dream home and most of her belongings to "feed her soul" and live a life of freedom and experience.

Listen in for a breathtaking, life-changing account of touching a whale, the terror of navigating narrow Mexican roads in a Class A RV, and the profound lessons learned from embracing minimalism. The conversation also explores how a cancer diagnosis can radically shift one's perspective on what's important, changing the view of cancer from a death sentence to a chronic illness that demands a new way of living. Finally, Shelly shares a moving story about a Spanish-speaking patient that highlights the critical importance of overcoming language barriers in healthcare. This episode is a potent reminder to live fully, check off your bucket list, and redefine life on your own terms.