S3EP8 - Processing the Grief of Your Life Pre-Cancer

In our final Tit Talk episode for Season 3, Rosalina explores an intriguing (but small) study exploring how breast milk might aid early breast cancer detection using ctDNA. Published through Cancer Discovery, she discusses how this study uncovered a potential noninvasive screening method for pregnant and postpartum women. Rosalina unpacks the study's findings, discussing their implications for early detection and their possible influence on healthcare practices and insurance coverage. Join us as we uncover the fascinating potential of breast milk in breast cancer screening. Resources: The study: https://aacrjournals.org/cancerdiscovery/article/13/10/2180/729382/Early-Stage-Breast-Cancer-Detection-in-Breast Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky’s Instagram reel about this study: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0QRzeAgi9N/ Oncology Central article about the study: https://www.oncology-central.com/how-a-maternal-instinct-led-researchers-to-the-latest-breast-cancer-detection-tool/ Cristina Saura interview with Oncology Central: https://www.oncology-central.com/could-breast-milk-hold-the-secret-to-early-breast-cancer-detection-an-interview-with-cristina-saura/ VHIO article about the study: https://vhio.net/2023/09/14/vhio-discovers-potential-use-of-breast-milk-liquid-biopsy-for-the-early-diagnosis-of-breast-cancer/ 2020 cancer cell in breast milk study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7642166/

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?

In the third episode of Tit Talk, Rosalina guides us through a study featured in JAMA Oncology in November 2023. Examining data from nearly 50,000 women in the UK, the study investigates the potential link between vaginal estrogen therapy and breast cancer-related mortality. The study's findings reveal no evidence of an elevated risk. As always, Rosalina encourages listeners to stay informed, seek advice from healthcare professionals, and feel empowered to make decisions that align with their well-being. In this third season of the podcast, we had a dedicated episode on sexual health, where we spoke to medical oncologist and sexual health expert Dr. Laila Agrawal on a misconception about hormone-positive breast cancer and the use of vaginal estrogen. It's an episode worth catching up on, especially since discussions about women's sexual health are often overlooked.

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

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 [email protected]