My breast cancer journey - optimistic and feisty!: Recent Episodes
Extraordinary-in-pink Podcast
This is a platform for sharing our breast cancer journeys and testimonies (for me and for every single one of my amazing invited resilient pink sisters) as a source of encouragement to anyone going through breast cancer. I’m praying it provides a testimony of God’s unwavering faithfulness as we navigate this trajectory. Thank you so much for listening
Thank you so very much, my dear sister Dekesha for being our most recent Podcast guest! Dekesha shares her incredible testimony of God bringing her through getting diagnosed with Stage 3B breast cancer in April 2021. She subsequently went through getting 21 of her lymph nodes removed (resulting in lymphedema), 11 rounds of chemo (starting just a week before her 45th birthday) and 32 days of radiation! Dekesha shared so many words of wisdom nuggets and I will always be deeply grateful for her words of encouragement and her testimonies of the Lord’s faithfulness! Her amazing nuggets (in the nutshell) were:1. Not knowing doesn’t change your outcome! Just get what you need to get done DONE!2. It’s mind over matter and we overthink a lot of things…3. Find something to believe in outside of yourself!
I wanted to say a HUGE THANK YOU to my most recent Podcast guest, Sherri Lee. I’ve had the tremendous pleasure of following Sherri’s postings on IG since the beginning of the year. My goodness, Sherri is an amazing Breast Cancer Survivor, Digital Creator and upcoming Author!!!! YES, SIS!!!! Sherri was initially diagnosed in 2022. She was very vigilant about doing her monthly self-breast exams!!! That was the basis of her journey. She was 38 years old at the time. She got the “you are too young speech twice”! Her first Provider felt what she felt but didn’t order any mammogram.
She sought a second opinion from another Provider, went in for that visit at the VA Med Center, and that Provider ordered the mammogram. She felt the lump was moving, but she wanted to know. Her mammogram was done and immediately, she knew they saw something. Next, she was told she would get a Breast Ultrasound, and Sherri could tell from the particular area of focus that there wassomething. She was told that there was a lot of uncommon findings, typically found in older woman or women with breast cancer. She ended up getting the biopsy scheduled for 2 weeks later. In the meantime, Sherri went on vacation in the Bahamas and the news comes on MyChart and she opened it said, “malignant carcinoma”. She didn’t hear the “cancer” word until she got the call 2 hours later while at work.
Sherri's initial biopsy showed DCIS (Stage 0), but because of the size of the lump, she didn’t have lumpectomy as an option. Subsequently, she had an MRI biopsy on her left breast. Needless to say, she ended up having a double mastectomy in November 2022, same week as Thanksgiving. BUT IT WASN’T OVER! The surgical pathology from the double mastectomy showed a second type of cancer – Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC). It was determined to be Stage 2 IDC, but with unclear margins. WHAT? She ended up having her second surgery at the end of December 2022.
At that point, the surgical pathology showed HER-2 positive AND Hormone (Estrogen and Progesterone-Receptor) Positive (i.e., TRIPLE POSITIVE Breast Cancer). She had her implanted port placed in January 2023 and had 16 weekly rounds of Taxol (with hair loss by the 4th treatment). She also had Herceptin every week with her chemo and just finished Herceptin on April 29th, 2024!!!!! She remains on Tamoxifen and is deeply grateful to God for continuing to preserve her life and create beautiful experiences from this trajectory! You got this, sis!!!!!!
Please don’t forget to check Sherri out as she continues to host the PODCAST @coffeestainedlips_podcast. My dear sister also has a BLOG (https://www.instagram.com/heybreastfriends/)where she continues to amplify the Voice of Black Women in the Fight Against Breast Cancer!
“Things You Could Never Figure Out on Your Own; Jeremiah 33:1-9. 1 “While Jeremiah was still locked up in jail, a second Message from God was given to him: 2-3 “This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’ 4-5 “This is what God, the God of Israel, has to say about what’s going on in this city, about the homes of both people and kings that have been demolished, about all the ravages of war and the killing by the Chaldeans, and about the streets littered with the dead bodies of those killed because of my raging anger—about all that’s happened because the evil actions in this city have turned my stomach in disgust. 6-9 “But now take another look. I’m going to give this city a thorough renovation, working a true healing inside and out. I’m going to show them life whole, life brimming with blessings. I’ll restore everything that was lost to Judah and Jerusalem. I’ll build everything back as good as new. I’ll scrub them clean from the dirt they’ve done against me. I’ll forgive everything they’ve done wrong, forgive all their rebellions.
My recent guest, Angelica (Angie) Valadez, was initially diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in 2020 then diagnosed with MBC in 2022. Angie was first diagnosed with stage 2B HER2+ breast cancer. She underwent chemotherapy, lumpectomy, radiation, hormone therapy, axillary lymph node dissection and oophorectomy at that time. Things got better! Subsequently, Angie was told there was No Evidence of Disease (NED) for the next 11 months after those initial treatments! BUT in April 2022, after having pneumonia for 8 weeks, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer (MBC) with metastasis to her liver. She had to go through multiple procedures, including pleural drainage and pericardial fluid drainage. For this recurrence, she has been treated with 3 lines of chemotherapy and most recently full brain radiation due to having 30 tumors in her brain.But, you know what? Her very palpable positive energy and belief in Jesus Christ radiated throughout our session!!!!! Angie, thank you so very much for being who our God created you to be - an inspiration and reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness!!!! Thank you very much for Standing Strong and Staying Deeply Grateful and Committed to Our God, sis. You remain a beacon of light to everyone who has the blessing of crossing paths with you🙌🏽!!!!!!
It was such an absolute pleasure having my dear sister, Silvia Garcia on the most recent Podcast episode!!!!!!! It was such a joy speaking with you and having you share your incredible testimony, sis!!!!Silvia was diagnosed with Stage IIB Triple Negative Breast Cancer in March 2020. She was just 31 years old at that time! What? And at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic! Silvia ended up going through 16 rounds of chemo and bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction! She is thankfully, now officially in remission. But wait! Her story continues with her love, self-service and relentless commitment to creating incredible support system for all cancer patients! For instance, in December 2020, with the help of several local businesses and close friends Silvia and her team put together over 30 care packages for cancer patients. It doesn’t end there! Her idea for selling her creations “Silvia’s Creations” was born. Half of all proceeds are used to fund her care packages! Please don’t forget to check her out at: * Website: https://www.silviascreations.com* Instagram: s_ilviascreations
My goodness! I'll always remain deeply grateful to God for Him intentionally placing my pink sister, Shalita Thrasher in my path! It was such an honor to have Shalita share her powerful testimony on the Podcast today. Shalita’s journey began in May 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she underwent a routine mammogram and breast exam. She was given an “all clear” at that appointment and asked to return for her regular annual appointment the next year.
Just shy of two months after the “all clear”, Shalita was in the shower doing her self-breast examination, and she found a lump on her right breast!!! What? This was also when the nation was at a standstill with COVID-19. I’m deeply grateful to God for His unwavering faithfulness and the Holy Spirit guiding her as she took multiple critical steps:
- continuing to do her self-breast examination routinely;
- advocating for herself, she took her health into her own hands by conducting a self-examination, and
- relying heavily on her personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit speaking to her as she traveled back to her doctor and requested a second opinion and numerous tests. Her doctor, rather than take heed to Thrasher’s request, asserted that it was a cyst. Shalita continued to persist, citing that God spoke to her and told her that the lump was cancerous just the day prior.
Eventually, her doctor ordered three additional tests to be conducted: a biopsy, a 3D mammogram, and an ultrasound of the area. The results were just as Shalita had thought: She was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Grade 3 Triple Negative breast cancer, which is considered quite aggressive.
Shalita, a black woman in her early 50s, recalls “Black women have very dense and fibrocystic breasts, and they (the medical team) are not going to always tell us (black women). You must ask questions. You can never be afraid of the medical team. If it doesn’t feel right, it’s not right!!!!” Shalita reiterated over and over again “Your breasts are not supposed to be leaking, swelling, or have redness or lumpiness. You must ask questions.”
Subsequently, Shalita began chemotherapy for the next six months, initiating her road to remission and recovery. She said “God was with me as I fought for my life, just as He had promised!” On Dec. 4, 2021, she completed her last round of chemotherapy, but her journey did not stop there. She recalls how God instructed her to continue her journey by assisting others like her with their own fight, both during and after her fight was complete.
She recalled that during her six months of chemotherapy, God spoke to her every single day. He stated that he wanted me to start a non-profit organization to help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Shalita was so obedient to God's word, she started her organization “Shine Through Me, Inc., 501(c)(3),” while still going through her chemotherapy treatments!!!!!!
Listen! Shalita used her journey, strength, and trials to allow herself to become a testimony and advocate for breast cancer patients, survivors, and loved ones of those who may have lost the battle.
Shalita continues to emphasize the importance of advocating for early detection, personal healthcare and wellbeing in all phases of life, regardless of the doctor or the healthcare team, because patients are their own best advocates.
Overall, Shalita has been through chemotherapy, double mastectomy with reconstruction and lift. Looking back at her journey, Shalita says she sees her nonprofit organization, Shine Through Me, Inc., as God’s way of allowing her testimony to radiate through her and touch those who may be embarking on a similar journey. It was such an honor to hear Shalita reflect back on how our faithful God turned her pain into purpose!
Please check out her incredible organization @ shineorganization.orghttps://shineorganization.orgShine Organization!
I want to say a HUGE thank you to Towina!!!! I had the pleasure of having her share incredible testimony, life lessons and words of encouragement and wisdom on the Podcast this week! She was so real, very relatable and just an ambassador of the Joy of the Lord in our lives!!! Thank you, Towina!
Towina M. Jones is an Ambassador of Christ (as His daughter), a Lover of Life and a Thriving Breast Cancer Survivor! Towina was diagnosed in February 2011 and her words with the Lord giving her foresight through the Holy Spirit into her journey (even before the diagnosis was made) are so powerful. She clearly heard our God repeat “I am with you and I will go through this with you!”Towina is a dynamic author, coach, counselor, and speaker with a distinctive message delivery. She operates in submission to the Holy Spirit and in the truth of the word of God. Towina is devoted to the cause of Christ and intentional in her efforts to glorify and magnify Him every single day she has breath in her lungs. As a breast cancer survivor, she recovered and reclaimed her passion for life. Towina eagerly awaits an opportunity to impart a wealth of grace and truth to those who desire to be blessed by her presence and benefit from her testimony. Please check out Towina’s coaching link @ Towina's Story - Coach ~Counselor and her books on Amazon, including “47 Affirmations of an Overcomer: Winning With Your Words”! Her links are Personal Coaching | Towina M. Jones, LLC (towinamjones.com)and 47 Affirmations of an Overcomer:... by Jones, Mrs. Towina M. (amazon.com)
I’m deeply grateful to have my dear sister, Adriana McCullouch chatting with me today. Adriana is a mother, life coach, breast cancer survivor and an avid animal lover! And she’s such an amazing trailblazer pink sister!!!!Adriana joins me today to recall the stories and lessons learned in her breast cancer journey from her routine screening (for the first time ever!) to her diagnosis, treatment plan including mastectomy, chemo, radiation and oophorectomy to her journey through survivorship. Since completing active cancer treatment in 2021, Adriana has spoken with numerous survivors about their experiences, difficulties, and fears. She recalls that they all had one thing in common: a lack of real, proper, individualized support for women in their age group. Adriana’s longtime passion and gifts for helping others has taken a front seat in her life. As a life coach for nearly 20 years, she has extensive training in helping others get the lives they want, and that skill has shined even brighter since working with breast cancer survivors and fighters over the last few years. She firmly believes in a person’s right and ability to find opportunity out of crisis and she remains grateful to be able to assist so many along their personal journey. Adriana’s words “Cancer sucks, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t take something from it. Women are strong and amazing creatures that hold endless possibilities for greatness. To be amongst so many shining lights is a true blessing!”Please check out Adriana’s website www.choicecoaching.orgInstagram ChoiceCoachingFacebook ChoiceCoaching
Talk with Dr. Morgan Mitchell For this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Morgan Mitchell. Morgan recalled how she was so incredibly elated to graduate with her doctoral degree, after tireless hours, days, weeks, months and years of working on her dissertation and eventually defending her thesis and earning her doctorate degree in Biochemistry in August 2020 from the University of Texas at the age of 36! But wait! Just a few weeks after graduation, she felt a lump in her left breast. This lump eventually got biopsied a few days later and it showed that her tumor was HER2-positive, ER-positive and PR-positive! She had literally just graduated with her Doctorate degree in August 2020, yet this devastating news also came in August 2020! One moment, she was really excited about starting her professional life, but the next moment, she’s trying to navigate this new diagnosis right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic! Her treatment plan included a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapy.Even though her faith was tested, she learned and still continues to lean on God completely. She learned to listen to her body and know her body as she did before the diagnosis, so that she knew what felt normal when performing her own self breast exams frequently. Wow!!!!!! Such an impressive representation of paying close attention to your health and advocating for optimal health! Thank you very much, Morgan!!!!!!! We know that our God has completely healed you in the mighty name of Jesus!!!!! Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus - Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
My goodness!!!!! Chalice and I are kindred sisters!!!!! I’m so amazed, in awe and deeply grateful to God for orchestrating my meeting with Chalice, just me reaching out to her to find out more about her Podcast titled “Breast Cancer, Mental Health, & Black Women Breast Cancer Disparities: Clinical Research Trials” LIVE on Monday, 10/16/23! Dr. Chalice C. Rhodes (formerly Jenkins) is a licensed and nationally certified Professional Counselor. Most recently, she was honored as the first designee of the American Psychosocial Oncology Society's Psychosocial Oncology virtual academy! This designation led to her becoming a certified Psychosocial Cancer/Oncology Behavioral Health specialist. This designation is near and dear to her heart, as she was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) or non- invasive breast cancer in September 2022. She had a lumpectomy to remove the cancer and completed radiation treatment in December 2022! By the grace and mercy of God, Dr. Chalice, as she is affectionately known, is a breast cancer survivor! As a Psychosocial Cancer/Oncology Behavioral Health Specialist, Dr. Chalice's increased knowledge and personal experience has sharpened her sensitivity and skill, while providing competent and effective care to the survivorship population. Join one of Dr. Chalice's online cancer survivorship therapy groups! Or enroll in her course, Thrive: Breast Cancer Survivorship, today!In Dr. Chalice's free time she enjoys spending time with her two precious sons! Gardening, exercising, singing, dancing, and participating in church activities are a few hobbies. Oh, and we cannot forget that Dr. Chalice loves ALL things water including swimming, aqua workouts, snorkeling, jet- skiing, and water- skiing! My favorite words from Dr. Rhodes were “I’m creating healthy boundaries and balance as I stand confidently and boldly in who God wants me to be!”Lastly, please check her out @ www.drchalice.com; Instagram and LinkedIn: Dr. Chalice C. Rhodes. Also, feel free to download the Dr. Chalice, Teach! APP in your Apple or Google Play Store to access her THRIVE: Breast Cancer Survivorship Course and upcoming course "Breaking Free From Emotionally Abusive Relationships."
In this episode, I had the tremendous privilege of chatting with Sonja Sulcer, who is a wife, mom, breast cancer survivor, Amazon best-selling author and remains a trailblazer deeply committed to her relationship with Jesus Christ!!!! Sonja was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer in November 2021, just after her routine mammogram, then biopsy. It was initially worked up to be Stage 0 (DCIS), but after surgery, findings from the surgical pathology upstaged it to Stage 1. Sonja ended up having a mastectomy with reconstruction and then went through chemo. Sonja was not a stranger to hearing about cancer. Her mom had died from uterine cancer in 2014. While she initially struggled with her fear of the treatment plan itself, being a person of faith, she delved into changing her own perspectives to align with her trust in God’s unwavering faithfulness and healing power. She decided to combat her fear of the process by creating affirmations!!!!! Omg! Sonja took words of various elements of her own treatment plan and started writing and publishing acrostic poems!!!!!! For example, she took the word chemo, and wrote “Call on our Holy, Everlasting, Magnificent God”. My goodness! Sonja also created an affirmation journal to share with other women, and now the I Am More Than A Conqueror Journal is a bestseller on Amazon. In addition, she developed a relaxation coloring book for cancer patients during treatments; a devotional called “Strengthen Your Faith: 15 Words of Encouragement: A Devotional For Cancer Treatment”. Lastly, please check out Sonja’s LucilMar Borsa (www.lucilmarborsa.com/) an inspirational bag line dedicated to the wellness of women!!!! Thank you so much, sis!
I’m deeply grateful to my dearest pink sister, Paris Smith for coming on yet another Podcast episode (it’s her third time here!!!!)! I had chatted previously with Paris on Episodes 8 and 15! Thank you so much for continuing to share your invaluable words of wisdom and reflections on your new normaland beauty, Paris! I continue to be in awe of how our God remains in control and remains faithful as Paris shares her Stage 2 breast cancer (Triple Negative Breast Cancer, TNBC) journey on every platform she can be on, and advocating for health equity strategies to address breast cancer in disproportionately affected populations. . TNBC accounts for up to 25% of all breast cancers, is hard to treat, fast growing, diagnosed later, and impacts the lives of Black, Hispanic and young women more frequently and there are less research and treatment options for TNBC. Thank you so much for continuing to share your extraordinary story of navigating TNBC and MS, sis!
In this episode, I had the awesome pleasure of chatting with Dawn Marone, my dear sister with so much knowledge and practice about healthy living in every way. I met Dawn on IG while looking into breast cancer survivors living their best toxin-free lives. My goodness, thank you much for being such a great advocate for toxin-free living!!!!!!!She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, had a double mastectomy later that year and had 32 lymph nodes removed on her right side. Recovery was very brutal and Dawn was very determined to look more into environmental factors and the role they played in her breast cancer, given no family history whatsoever. She subsequently started a ToxinFree Wellness Group in 2020 (with her amazing daughter’s encouragement!) and still remains deeply passionate about helping others live toxin-free, just as her daughter helped her!!!!!!!! Please check out Dawn’s INCREDIBLE platform @ https://activecleangreen.com/
For this episode, I had the awesome pleasure of chatting with Dr. Sally Knox, who shared so many of her remarkable thoughts and words of wisdom so incredibly well. Dr. Sally Knox, MD FACS is a surgical oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of breast cancer. She practiced for 30 years at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in downtown Dallas with a team of breast cancer specialists who are passionate about stamping out breast cancer.Sally had so many, many thoughts and words of wisdom, including quite a few notable words, including the following: 1. If you just diagnosed with breast cancer and want to know why, recognize that there is nothing that you did or didn’t do; risk factors are population studies - those are determinant, based on general population trends, so know that it was not something you said, did or did not do; pondering about the whys distracts your energy; focus instead on things that will bring life to you; rest that question 2. Again, for a recently diagnosed man or woman, the truth of the matter is most likely you’ll get treated; take a deep breath and look at your options and proceed at a pace where you can walk in peace; there’s time to ask questions3. Your medical team is there to serve you. What I like to see is women taking ownership of their own lives; I encourage patients with their families to be the ones having the final say and making final decisions; the medical team is there to serve you
Camille Lewis’ words “What is this Cancer trying to teach me? Start with doing your “ME-SEARCH”, recognize that are rewards in obedience…” still resonate with me. I had the amazing privilege and honor of having Camille Lewis here for this brief episode. Camille was and still is an anti-bias early childhood educator and preschool teacher in the Denver, Colorado Jewish community. Camille is an African-American woman working in a religious minority community.Since her diagnosis with aggressive stage 2, grade 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in 2019, she has continued to advocate for health equity priorities and highlighting what survivorship looks like for breast cancer survivors and thrivers she encounters. We were both trained Tigerlily Advocates and have continued to change our perspectives and passion for reaching out to our pink sisters and families.
Thank you so very much, Angela for chatting with me about your breast cancer testimony. Had the privilege of chatting with Angela a few days ago. She walked me through the miracle of her eventual diagnosis, after an initial MISdiagnosis of mastitis! I also had mastitis during each of my 2 pregnancies. Angela eventually sought a second opinion, then lo and behold, needed a diagnostic ultrasound, then a biopsy. She was diagnosed with breast cancer just in 2020. She went through double mastectomy, then radiation and hormone therapy. Angela amazingly stayed at NED (No Evidence of Disease) until just a few months ago. Her CT scan in July 2023 showed new recurrence on her lumbar spine. My prayers remain with her as navigates through this journey again. Angela, I know without any doubt that our God who healed you before WILL heal you again and you got this already covered by the blood of Jesus, sis. 1 Peter 2:23-2423 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
I was really honored to have my dear pink sister, Dionne (Dee) Phillips, talking through her breast cancer testimony. My goodness! Many of her reflections so resonate with me. She’s an amazing Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Registered Nurse, so she just had that gut feeling that something was just not right, despite her Provider’s initial dismissal. In her “Dionne-ish” way, I’m so happy she insisted on getting heard, imaging and biopsy because her breast cancer diagnosis came on 9/28/22. Here we are over a year after her double mastectomy with clear margins, she continues to spread her testimony! She had so many words of wisdom and closing remarks still resonate with me. She said “embrace gratitude, faith and perseverance” and “if you don’t make your wellness your priority now, you’ll have to deal with it later”. Wow Dionne! Thank you so much for continuing to be a trailblazer, sis!!!!!
In this episode, I had the awesome pleasure of chatting with Jeanelle as I learned so much from her sharing her story and it continues to resonate with me! Jeanelle talks through her story of just noticing something wasn’t right as she noticed multiple abnormal symptoms with her breast, but her doctor maintained that everything was normal and insisted that was too young to worry. As Jeanelle recalled, her daughter was 6 years old and she hadn’t breastfed in years. For over a year, Jeanelle tried to convince her doctor that something was wrong.Fifteen months later, Jeanelle felt a lump in her breast, as it continued growing and felt heavy. Subsequently, a series of diagnostic tests (mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy) occurred. Jeanelle was diagnosed with stage 3 ductal triple negative breast cancer at age 33. Jeanelle started treatment in September 2022. It took so long for Jeanelle’s concerns to be addressed by her doctor. And that has altered her perspectives in every single of her life. The fact that it took so long for Jeanelle to get someone to listen to her concerns has altered how she lives her life. Jeanelle’s powerful words of wisdom “live every day and don’t live with regrets” continue to resonate with me. Thank you so much, sis for sharing your very powerful story.
In this episode, Kiki (Kiana) Wooten recalls the amazing testimonies (I repeat, testimonies!) of her traumatic journey starting at age 34 from her initial mammogram, then ultrasound, followed by her shocking breast cancer diagnosis in October 2019. Things got much worse from her first surgery, then subsequent multiple emergency surgeries, sepsis two different times, chemo and hormone therapy! My goodness! Many thoughts Kiki brought up really resonated with me, including her words “Close your eyes and breathe. Know that you are NOT alone” and “Even in the craziest of times and the darkest storm, light still rises”. Kiki is such an amazing pink warrior and published author (of her awesome book, The Breast Decision). Please check it out on Amazon!!!!!! Thank you so very much, my dear pink sister Kiki, for sharing your story. It continues to inspire me every day! And thank you, SheRa (Karla) Sandifer for introducing me to Kiki!!!!!
This episode with Tiffany was so incredibly motivational and so real, at the same time! Thank you so very much for sharing your amazing testimony of your journey, sis! Tiffany shared her testimony about navigating her diagnosis with breast cancer at such a young age (of 39)! Tiffany shared her testimony of the Lord continuing to carry her throughout every part of her journey. She talks about her process of coming to terms with the diagnosis, treatment plan and embracing her new normal, as a living proof of our God’s faithfulness. Tiffany also shares excellent tips about being in the present, remaining thankful about every opportunity and self-care. My goodness, Tiffany, your story really so continues to inspire me! Thank you so much for continuing to serve your family and every single person around you so beautifully. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. (Galatians 6:9)
This episode features an amazing discussion with my dear pink sister, Michelle Miller. Michelle is such an amazing source of inspiration to me and I’m sure to thousands of breast cancer warriors. Oh wow! I was blown away by Michelle’s recount of her journey, from diagnosis, to every single part of her treatment journey for the Stage 4 breast cancer she was diagnosed with. Michelle kept dropping her incredible knowledge and tips about different strategies for thriving through the treatment plans she was offered. Her closing words “hold on because your story is NOT done yet and there’s still more to come!” still continues to resonate so deeply with me.
This episode features an amazing discussion with Pixey, my pink sister from another mom. Pixey is a breast cancer advocate, and such a wonderful aesthetic flat closure advocate and I had reached out to her on social media about her sharing her story. My goodness! This episode with Pixey was so empowering as she reiterated our need to be empowered to lead and be that change agent
For this latest Podcast episode, I had an amazing time speaking with my beautiful pink sister, Paris Smith!!!!!! Paris and I were in Tigerlily’s Angel Advocacy training cohort 10! My goodness, what an extraordinary privilege I have of getting to know and be inspired by Paris’ testimony! I have also had the pleasure of reading through Paris’ blog posts titled “Embracing the Journey-Susan G. Komen” and “Finding beauty during a difficult time” on LBBC’s platform. Paris will also be sharing her journey and tips with living out her God-given purpose so beautifully in her journeys with multiple sclerosis, then breast cancer. Paris is a true epitome of a beautiful power woman and she’s incredibly inspiring by just being herself! Thank you so much for sharing your story, sis.
For this episode, I’m joined by my pink sisters, Patrice Exantus and Isabella Milan. We have all had the extraordinary blessing of walking through our breast journeys, only by the grace of God. I met Isabella while reaching out to American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program right after my diagnosis in 2021. Isabella was our Podcast guest on Episode 4!!!!! I also met Patrice while going through LBBC’s blogs a few months ago and I had reached out to her as soon as I could. She promptly responded and we’ve been chatting like sisters since then. Patrice was also our Podcast guest on Episode 11!! Patrice and Isabella have been such a true blessing to me and every pink sister listening in
This episode includes awesome conversations with our guests, Allanda Christenson and Thandi Montgomery. Allanda was in Tigerlily Foundation’s Angel Advocate Cohort 10 with me. Her testimonies have been such a huge blessing to me and I’m so happy she’s back in the podcast to talk about what’s next for her after being on Episode 7!!!! Allanda is joined by Thandi, my other sister from another mama. I met Thandi through the AMAZING Young Survival Coalition (YSC) family I’ve had the awesome pleasure of being a part of. My sister, Thandi was also a guest on Episode 5.
For this episode, Brittany (an awesome YouTuber and Podcast host, also known as “YourFavoriteP.O.) will be sharing her breast cancer journey in such a powerful way, with so many lessons learned and words of wisdom. I first came across Brittany’s YouTube channel documenting her real-time experience from her diagnosis, initial treatment, recurrence and treatment again! She’s such as awesome powerhouse of positive energy and real talk. Please tune in to listen to her beautiful story!!!!!!
For this latest Podcast episode, I had the tremendous pleasure of speaking with Patrice Exantus. I reached out Patrice after reading her amazing blog on Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC). Here’s the blog link - https://www.lbbc.org/blog/the-worry-factor-in-breast-cancer-treatment-when-the-concerns-are-more-than-medical. I was blown away by her candor and optimism with her breast cancer journey. I am excited and honored to have her share her journey and great tips for being intentional about every aspect of healing. Thank you much for your words of wisdom, Patrice. Corinthians 5:5 Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
I had the wonderful pleasure of chatting with tonight’s guest (Tenaira Layton) on this Podcast. Tenaira and I were both in Tigerlily Foundation’s Angel Advocate Cohort 10 earlier this year. Tenaira will be sharing her amazing words of wisdom and testimonies in her breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent journey since last year. Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Today’s episode captures my talk with SheRa Sandifer, my sister from another mother through Young Survival Coalition (YSC) and Tigerlily Foundation. I had the awesome privilege of meeting SheRa at YSC and also found out that she had Tigerlily Foundation’s Angel Advocacy Training program ahead of me!!!!!! Please listen in as she shares her great testimony about her breast cancer journey, as a reminder of God’s healing power and faithfulness. (1) Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (2) I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (3) Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. (4) He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:1-4 NIV
Today’s episode captures my talk with Paris Smith, my dear Tigerlily Foundation sister. Paris and I met while we were going through Tigerlily Foundation’s Angel Advocacy Training program. Please listen in as she shares her amazing testimony about her breast cancer journey. She always loves to find joy, peace and yes, laughter as she navigates this journey. Proverbs 17:22 NKJV - a merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.
I had the amazing pleasure of meeting our guests today, Allanda Christenson and Shakisha Davis through Tiger Lily Foundation’s ANGEL Advocacy training throughout the month of June 2022. We were in the same ANGEL Advocate Cohort 10 and it’s been a true blessing getting to know them. I’m especially grateful to have them share their breast cancer journeys today.
I got to meet Kim during my radiation treatments. She was and still is an amazing source of encouragement and inspiration every day of radiation, as we navigate this journey together
Our very special guest and sister, Thandi Montgomery will be talking about her journey with breast cancer and testimonies of God’s unwavering faithfulness and healing power. I first met Thandi at Young Survival Coalition’s Virtual Hangout a few months ago and it seems like we met years ago! Thank you so much, Thandi
Today, October 1st 2022 is the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this year. I am deeply grateful to God for allowing me to cross paths with Isabella Milan by reaching out to American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Reach to Recovery program. Isabella was the very first peer-to-peer ACS mentor I had reached out to at the beginning of my breast cancer journey. Isabella is our amazing guest on Extraordinary-in-pink Podcast today