For this season 3 finale, we've saved the best episode for last. Rosalina and Shauna explore the intricate relationship between cancer and personal identity. They reflect on how the perception of being a "cancer patient" evolved from diagnosis to different life stages. The discussion spans how others perceive them, the challenges of disclosure, and the balance of embracing cancer as part of their story while maintaining separate personal spaces.

Episode Timestamps:

[00:02:09] Is Cancer a Part of Your Identity

[00:10:25] From Cancer Patient to Advocate

[00:11:26] Cancer Labels

[00:13:28] Cancer Survivor or Cancer Patient?

[00:26:03] It’s OK to Take a Break

[00:28:56] Feeling Like a Cancer Veteran

[00:31:30] Who is Shauna and Rosalina?

You can follow us on Instagram @TYFTSpodcast and email us at tyftspodcast@gmail.com

Please consider donating to our “Buy Me A Coffee” page. Your generous support will greatly assist us in continuing to produce quality content for our listeners. Every donation will get a shoutout on our podcast, as well as a free TYFTS sticker.

www.buymeacoffee.com/tyftspodcast

If you want to submit a quote about your breast cancer journey, visit the link below: Submit A Quote

Shauna and Rosalina welcome Maddy Pollack and Shannon Cury, survivors of Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and the cohosts of the podcast "Cancer Actually Fucking Sucks." In this episode, Maddy and Shannon discuss their individual experiences with navigating an under-30 diagnosis, IVF, cancer survivorship, and the tools they used to reconnect their bodies and minds.

They share their personal reasons for starting their own podcast and the tough decision to end their show in early 2024. Although the podcast is ending, Maddy and Shannon are excited to expand their coaching careers and continue to help others in their health journeys.

Episode Timestamps:

[00:02:35] Maddy's Cancer Diagnosis

[00:05:38] Shannon's Cancer Diagnosis

[00:11:13] The "Good" Cancer

[00:12:34] Fertility Preservation

[00:27:56] Genetic Testing

[00:31:31] Finding Your Support Community

[00:37:45] Starting Cancer Actually Fucking Sucks

[00:46:47] Stopping the Podcast

[00:54:26] Cancer and Your Identity

[01:02:14] Lifestyle Changes

[01:14:59] Health Coaching and Breathwork

You can find Maddy and Shannon, their coaching programs, and their podcast on Instagram:

@maddypollak_health

@shancury

@canceractuallysuckspod

Website links can be found in their IG bios.

You can follow us on Instagram @TYFTSpodcast and email us at tyftspodcast@gmail.com

Please consider donating to our "Buy Me A Coffee" page. Your generous support will greatly assist us in continuing to produce quality content for our listeners. Every donation will get a shoutout on our podcast, as well as a free TYFTS sticker.www.buymeacoffee.com/tyftspodcast

If you want to submit a quote about your breast cancer journey, visit the link below: Submit A Quote

In today’s episode, Shauna shares the confusing, isolating, and difficult road that is survivor’s guilt. While she navigated how to continue on with her second chance at life, she was met with pockets of darkness when she felt she should be grateful for the light of remission. Rosalina shares the boundaries she created to protect herself and why she hasn’t experienced survivor’s guilt, while Shauna speaks on the spiraling grief she has felt watching members of the cancer community advance in their diseases and how it’s a stark reminder of mortality when members pass on. Rather than succumbing to a guilt-ridden existence, Shauna continues to learn how to balance holding space for others.

Episode Timestamps:

[00:01:39] Survivor’s Guilt

[00:06:54] When Guilt Sends You Spiraling

[00:18:38] Take Me Instead Mentality

[00:20:59] Getting Lost in Grief

You can follow us on Instagram @TYFTSpodcast and email us at tyftspodcast@gmail.com

Please consider donating to our “Buy Me A Coffee” page. Your generous support will greatly assist us in continuing to produce quality content for our listeners.Every donation will get a shoutout on our podcast, as well as a free TYFTS sticker.

.www.buymeacoffee.com/tyftspodcast

If you want to submit a quote about your breast cancer journey, visit the link below: Submit A Quote

Chiara, who faced stage IV breast cancer at 27, chats with Rosalina and Shauna about the misconceptions about cancer and the challenges of relationships after diagnosis. She opens up about the emotional and physical struggles of living with stage IV cancer, reflecting on how cancer changes who you are and what you want in life.

On dating apps, Chiara didn’t have much luck. She shares experiences of ghosting, judgment, and fetishization(yes, you read that correctly!), leading her to disengage from these platforms. But one day, at a friend’s party, she met David. After a few months, they hit it off and became more than just friends. However, Chiara shares how being in a serious relationship while dealing with a terminal illness is difficult for both her and David.

Episode Timestamps:

[00:02:58] You're Probably "Too Young For Cancer"

[00:05:30] We've Caught This Early, You'll be "Fine"

[00:09:33] I was Clueless About Breast Cancer

[00:13:17] Challenges of Living with Stage 4 Cancer

[00:16:17] The Nightmare of Insurance with Stage 4 Cancer

[00:21:36] Relationship Changes Due to Terminal Illness

[00:27:24] Dating with Terminal Cancer

Resources:

B-present.org

Metavivor.org - donates 100% of donation to Stage IV breast cancer research

You can follow us on Instagram @TYFTSpodcast and email us at tyftspodcast@gmail.com

Please consider donating to our “Buy Me A Coffee” page. Your generous support will greatly assist us in continuing to produce quality content for our listeners.Every donation will get a shoutout on our podcast, as well as a free TYFTS sticker.

www.buymeacoffee.com/tyftspodcast

If you want to submit a quote about your breast cancer journey, visit the link below: Submit A Quote

Rosalina and Shauna dive deep into the intricacies of managing careers while navigating a cancer diagnosis. Their conversation encompasses crucial aspects such as disclosing a diagnosis at work, handling treatment while maintaining a career, and understanding legal rights like the American Disability Act and Family Medical Leave.

They share personal experiences regarding returning to work, establishing boundaries, seeking accommodations, and addressing job dissatisfaction. Additionally, they explore transitioning jobs during treatment, post-treatment job challenges, and the essential role of self-care and prioritization. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of recognizing your rights, managing guilt, and accessing support from resources like Triage Cancer and Careers and Cancer.

Episode Timestamps:

[00:02:06] Our Jobs

[00:03:23] Approaching Employers About A Cancer Diagnosis

[00:07:56] Navigating Your Diagnosis While Working

[00:10:13] Paid Family Medical Leave

[00:13:20] Domestic Partner’s Insurance

[00:14:52] Domestic Partnership Insurance

[00:19:17] Advocate for Yourself by Creating a Work Plan

[00:26:58] When You’re Still Not Satisfied

[00:38:21] Should I Tell My Employer About My Diagnosis?

[00:41:58] Set Boundaries & Take Time For Yourself

[00:45:15] Learn About Your Rights

Resources:

https://www.domesticworkers.org/

https://triagecancer.org/

https://cancerandcareers.org/

You can follow us on Instagram @TYFTSpodcast and email us at tyftspodcast@gmail.com

Please consider donating to our “Buy Me A Coffee” page. Your generous support will greatly assist us in continuing to produce quality content for our listeners.Every donation will get a shoutout on our podcast, as well as a free TYFTS sticker.

www.buymeacoffee.com/tyftspodcast

If you want to submit a quote about your breast cancer journey, visit the link below: Submit A Quote

TW - Body Image

In this episode, Rosalina opens up about her struggles with body image for the first time. She begins by shedding light on the overwhelming influence of media and societal pressures on body image and critically analyzing society's unattainable standards.

Throughout the episode, Rosalina and Shauna discuss their personal journeys with body image, from their early childhood days to their experiences during and after their journey with cancer. They address a range of issues, including the constant struggle to place trust in their own bodies, the emotional weight of dealing with weight gain during treatment, and the profound effects on their self-esteem, quality of life, and overall mental well-being.

This conversation explores the path to healing and self-acceptance during survivorship and sheds light on how self-worth extends far beyond one's clothing size.

Episode Timestamps:

[00:02:08] Redefining Beauty

[00:06:27] Not Giving Yourself Some Grace

[00:15:41] Do You Trust Your Body After Diagnosis?

[00:19:53] I am a Work In Progress, and That is OK

[00:35:08] Love Yourself

You can follow us on Instagram @TYFTSpodcast and email us at tyftspodcast@gmail.com

Please consider donating to our “Buy Me A Coffee” page. Your generous support will greatly assist us in continuing to produce quality content for our listeners. Every donation will get a shoutout on our podcast, as well as a free TYFTS sticker..www.buymeacoffee.com/tyftspodcast

If you want to submit a quote about your breast cancer journey, visit the link below: Submit A Quote

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Join Rosalina and Shauna for this insightful episode as we sit down with Dr. Laila Agrawal, a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer at Norton Cancer Institute who runs a sexual health clinic for women with cancer. This episode addresses the taboo topic of sexual health that affects previvors, survivors, and thrivers, regardless of relationship status. We dissect important topics encompassing the intricate interplay of biological, physiological, and social factors. We dismantle misconceptions and equip you with insights into enriching your sexual well-being to rediscover pleasure and intimacy and gain guidance on communicating your sexual health concerns with medical professionals. At the end of the episode, Dr. Agrawal answers questions from our Instagram community.

Resources:-

Vaginal moisturizer / Vulvovaginal moisturizers - Good Clean Love (with hyaluronic acid), Hyalogyn, Revaree

-Water-based lubricants Good Clean Love, Luvena

-Silicone-based lubricants - Uberlube

Episode Timestamps:

[00:09:08] Why Is Women's Sexual Health Is Important?

[00:12:39] Bio-Psycho-Social Model

[00:14:15] The Effects of Your Sexuality For Previvors/Survivors/Thrivers

[00:21:53] How to Initiate Conversations about Your Sexual Health

[00:24:17] Questions to Ask Healthcare Providers About Sexual Health

[00:25:40] Debunking Misconceptions Of Vaginal Estrogen

[00:29:34] Non-Hormone Vaginal Moisturizer

[00:31:26] Vaginal Moisturizer vs Lubricants

[00:35:10] Sex Health Rapid Fire Round

[00:38:23] Rediscovering Pleasure After Diagnosis

[00:41:02] Pain With Penetration Is Not Always Caused By Dryness

[00:43:46] Sex Therapist vs Pelvic Floor Therapist

[00:46:26] Strategies To Maintain Healthy Relationships & Intimacy

[00:48:54] Sexual Health Takeaways

[00:50:36] Listener Questions Answered

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends. Help us reach more women by subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube.

You can follow us on Instagram @TYFTSpodcast and email us at tyftspodcast@gmail.com

If you want to submit a quote about your breast cancer journey, visit the link below to submit one: Submit A Quote

TW: Hair Loss.

Shauna and Rosalina share their respective experiences of hair loss, regrowth, and maintenance throughout treatment for breast cancer. Methods such as cold-capping are utilized to try and minimize loss, but with the inevitable fall-out, both Shauna and Rosalina resorted to additional measures outside of chemo treatment, such as hair extensions, trying out wigs, and wearing baseball hats. They discuss the traumas associated with losing hair during chemotherapy, how they coped, and how they feel about their hair growth and maintenance going forward.

Episode Timestamps:

[00:09:32] Embracing the New Chapter of Your Hair Journey

[00:17:26] Hair Pre-Cancer VS. Post-Cancer

[00:18:35] How's our Scalp Doing Since Cold-Capping?

[00:20:44] Trying Hair Regrowth Serums

[00:22:45] Where the Fuck Did My Lashes Go?

[00:25:46] Body Hair

[00:27:36] Eyebrows Post Chemo

[00:29:05] Hair Becoming Your Identity

[00:32:39] Was Cold Capping Worth It?

If you enjoy this episode, please share it with your friends. Help us reach more women by subscribing and rating us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube.

You can follow us on Instagram @TYFTSpodcast and email us at tyftspodcast@gmail.com

If you want to submit a quote about your breast cancer journey, visit the link below: Submit A Quote