Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful

For many families, cancer doesn't affect just one person. It can shape generations.⁣ When a parent is diagnosed with cancer, children often carry more than memories. They may inherit questions, uncertainty, increased risk, and life-changing decisions of their own.⁣ ⁣ In this conversation, Ashley Dedmon shares her experience of losing her mother to metastatic breast cancer, learning she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation, and ultimately making the decision to undergo a preventive mastectomy.⁣ ⁣ Together, we discuss hereditary cancer risk, genetic testing, prevention, family planning, and how understanding your family history can empower you to make informed decisions for yourself and future generations.⁣ Ashley also shares how her personal experience inspired her work as a national public health leader, patient advocate, and children's book author helping families navigate conversations about cancer and family health history.⁣ ⁣ Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that while we cannot change our family history, we can make informed decisions that help shape what comes next.⁣ ⁣ Resources Mentioned in This Episode:⁣ ⁣ To learn more about Ashley Dedmon's work, follow her on Instagram at @PinkLegacy5050 and explore her children's books, The Big Discovery and The Big Family Trip , which help families navigate conversations about cancer and family health history.⁣ ⁣ For additional education and support, visit Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) or follow @LivingBeyondBC on Instagram.⁣ ⁣ The information shared on Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual medical care and treatment decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Cancer Fashionista.

For many women, one of the most challenging parts of life after breast cancer isn't something they expected at all: menopause. Whether caused by chemotherapy, ovarian suppression, surgery, or hormone-blocking therapies, treatment-induced menopause can arrive suddenly and bring significant physical and emotional changes that impact nearly every aspect of daily life. Yet many survivors say they were never fully prepared for what comes next. In this conversation, Dr. Corinne Menn shares both her professional expertise as an OB/GYN and menopause specialist and her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor who has faced many of these challenges herself. Together, we discuss why menopause after breast cancer can feel so different from natural menopause, the symptoms that often catch us off guard, the confusion surrounding hormones after cancer, and how survivors can advocate for the support and quality-of-life care they deserve. This episode of the Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful Signature Series was made possible by Novartis and Daiichi Sankyo.

Divorce after breast cancer is rarely talked about openly, even though many people quietly navigate this reality, and that silence is part of what makes the experience feel so isolating. In this conversation, Asha Miller shares her experience of living through breast cancer within a long-term marriage and what it was like when that marriage later ended. Her story reflects a layered and often unacknowledged grief: the end of a relationship, the aftershocks of illness, and the process of rebuilding identity from both. Together, we discuss how breast cancer can affect communication, connection, and self-perception within a relationship, the challenges of starting over after divorce, and the strength it takes to rebuild a life after multiple losses. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone in starting over after everything changes.

When Elissa Kalver was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer just days before her daughter's first birthday, she was thrown into a reality no one is ever fully prepared for. Alongside the shock and fear came something many patients experience but rarely talk about: not knowing how to ask for help or what support actually looks like in real life. In this episode, Elissa shares what those early days were really like, raising a young child while navigating treatment and the emotional weight that comes with it. She opens up about the moments that felt overwhelming and the realization that there had to be a better, more human way for patients and caregivers to get the support they need. That realization led to the creation of We Got This, a first of its kind registry designed to take the guesswork out of asking for help. We discuss how the platform works and how it allows patients to request exactly what they need to make day to day life more manageable and enjoyable. This conversation highlights how "We Got This" helps patients and caregivers move beyond just getting through cancer and toward feeling supported, seen, and empowered. Elissa also shares the impact the registry is already having and what she envisions for the future, along with key takeaways from her book that offer guidance for anyone navigating cancer. This episode is for patients, caregivers, and anyone who wants to better understand how to show up in a way that truly helps.

Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful turns 5 this year! To celebrate, Dana Donofree joins me as guest host for this special milestone episode. Dana is a breast cancer survivor, fashion designer, and founder of AnaOno Intimates, creating chest-inclusive lingerie, loungewear, and post-surgery essentials that help women feel confident and supported after breast cancer surgery. In this episode, Dana and I reflect on the past five years of the podcast. We talk about why it started, unforgettable moments, lessons learned from incredible guests, and what's ahead. It's a heartfelt celebration of the community, stories, and strength that continue to inspire us all. To learn more about Dana and shop the AnaOno collection, visit AnaOno.com. To celebrate this milestone episode, use this link or enter code CANCERFASHIONISTA at checkout for an additional 15% off.

Breast cancer and its risk can dramatically disrupt hormones and often trigger early or surgical menopause, yet menopause care is still too often treated as an afterthought. In this episode, Rachel Frankenthal, PA-C and gynecologic oncology specialist, makes the case that menopause should be a non-negotiable part of every cancer care plan from the very beginning. She explores how survivors and previvors can navigate hormonal changes, manage menopause safely, and protect long-term gynecologic health. From understanding genetic risk and prevention options to taking control of your body and choices, Rachel offers clear, practical guidance and expert strategies to help women feel empowered, informed, and confident in advocating for care that addresses their whole health, not just the cancer.

Being diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer while pregnant is a reality few can imagine. In this episode, Allie Kubik, triple negative breast cancer survivor and creator of @allieaftercancer, shares her journey of undergoing chemotherapy at 11 weeks pregnant after previously completing IVF, long before she knew she would face cancer. She opens up about fear, grief, fertility, and fighting for both her life and her unborn child. Now years out from treatment, Allie reflects on survivorship and how she supports others facing aggressive or high-risk breast cancers through honest storytelling and community on Instagram. This conversation honors resilience, motherhood, and life after TNBC.

In this episode, guest Kia Lee shares her experience using scalp cooling during chemotherapy, keeping most of her hair while reclaiming control at a time when so much felt out of her hands. She talks about advocating for herself, navigating insurance reimbursement, and why representation matters for Black women and other underrepresented patients in cancer care. Kia also highlights the emotional and practical challenges of treatment, from hair regrowth to self-confidence, and how initiatives like Paxman's Simple Switch program and advocacy efforts are helping more patients access cold capping. This empowering conversation explores choices, dignity, and advocacy, and why every patient's story deserves to be heard.

In this episode, host Melissa Berry sits down with Paloma Soledad, a three-time stage IV melanoma thriver, designer, and founder of LuxCare, a fashion line dedicated to creating chic, functional garments for cancer patients. Paloma shares how her experiences during treatment inspired her to create clothing that blends luxury, style, and functionality. She opens up about her background as a designer, her journey as a survivor, and the process behind creating garments that are port-accessible, scan-friendly, and built for comfort, including elegant headscarves and built-in bralettes. Discover how her pieces help women feel confident and stylish during treatment and recovery, along with her vision for the future of cancer-friendly luxury fashion.

Join Melissa Berry as she welcomes Annie Bond, metastatic breast cancer thriver, advocate, and comedian, to share her first-time experience at SABCS 2025. Together, they explore the moments, conversations, and insights that matter most for metastatic patients and advocates, focusing on advocacy, representation, and the power of patient voices. This episode highlights the urgent need for more data and research in metastatic breast cancer and shows how patient advocacy can drive meaningful change. As part of the "Your Guide to SABCS" series, produced with the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation and TOUCH The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, this episode offers a patient-led perspective on SABCS, demonstrating that the conference is about more than science. It emphasizes advancing metastatic breast cancer research and elevating the voices of those living with the disease. Thank you to BioNtech, Lilly, Gilead, AstraZeneca and Pfizer for making this episode possible.

Life after a breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming with so many "must-dos," advice, and pressure to find a new normal. In this episode, Melissa Berry sits down with Jen Delvaux, breast cancer survivor and Certified Integrative Health Practitioner, to explore a practical, sustainable approach to resetting your lifestyle after breast cancer without burnout or overwhelm. Jen shares her personal story and the lessons she's learned about real healing after treatment. She discusses how to focus on what matters most, make lifestyle changes that are realistic and sustainable, and create balance in everyday life. She also talks about her podcast, "Not Today, Cancer" and her community work, designed to guide women through the post-treatment phase no one prepares them for. This conversation provides practical mindset shifts and guidance to help you live your life fully throughout your breast cancer experience while avoiding burnout.

This episode is part of the special series Empowered Intimacy: Getting Your Sexy Back After Breast Cancer, where getting your sexy back is about reclaiming confidence, connection, and desire after a breast cancer diagnosis. Melissa Berry sits down with Chelsey Pickthorn, a patient advocate living with stage four triple-negative breast cancer, and Dr. Don Dizon, Chief of Hematology and Oncology at Tufts Medicine and a national leader in sexual health and inclusive cancer care. They explore the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face with intimacy, dating, body image, and relationships after a cancer diagnosis. Chelsey shares her experiences navigating disclosure, reconstruction, caregiving, and connection, while Dr. Dizon highlights gaps in healthcare for LGBTQ+ patients. This honest and hopeful conversation offers guidance, empowerment, and advocacy for inclusive care. Thank you to Lilly, Merck, and Novartis for making this episode possible.

In this episode, Melissa sits down with Dr. Anne Peled, a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast cancer survivor, to answer the questions patients often wish they had asked before their mastectomy. Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal experience, Dr. Peled guides listeners through the emotional and physical considerations that can be overlooked before surgery. This conversation is essential for anyone preparing for a mastectomy, including patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, offering the insights needed to feel informed, confident, and ready for a consult. Don't go into surgery wondering what you didn't ask. Tune in to get the answers you need before your mastectomy!

Melissa sits down with Dr. Laila Agrawal, a board-certified breast oncologist who leads a sexual health clinic dedicated to the breast cancer community. As part of the "Empowered Intimacy: Getting Your Sexy Back After Breast Cancer" series, they talk about how to restore sexual comfort, pleasure, and connection after a breast cancer diagnosis. Dr. Agrawal offers practical guidance on vibrators, lubricants, vaginal estrogen, and pelvic floor therapy, while clearing up common misconceptions and stressing the importance of open communication with both partners and providers. This episode focuses on both the emotional and physical sides of intimacy and teaches listeners how to regain desire, comfort, and confidence in their sexual health after a breast cancer diagnosis. Special thanks to Lilly and Novartis for supporting the Cancer Fashionista Foundation and making this series possible.

In this episode, host Melissa Berry sits down with Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt, a dedicated and compassionate plastic surgeon and Assistant Professor of Surgery at Duke University to discuss the transformative power of breast pre-habilitation. Specializing in microsurgical breast reconstruction and certified in Functional Medicine, Dr. Knackstedt has cared for thousands of women preparing for breast cancer surgery. She is passionate about helping patients use evidence-based strategies, including nutrition, supplementation, stress management, and sleep optimization, to take an active role in their healing. Together, they explore how this powerful yet often overlooked step can significantly enhance recovery, improve outcomes, reduce complications, and provide a greater sense of strength and control during your breast cancer experience.

In this episode of "Empowered Intimacy: Getting Your Sexy Back After Breast Cancer," host Melissa Berry opens up an important conversation about dating, intimacy, and meaningful connection after a breast cancer diagnosis. She is joined by Dani Trops, breast cancer advocate, a young survivor and content creator known for her honesty, humor, and empowering approach to sharing life after cancer, and her husband, Aaron Myers-Walls, who offers the perspective of a partner navigating love, connection, and intimacy through survivorship. Together, Dani and Aaron talk about why honesty, communication, and trying new ways to connect are key to maintaining intimacy as a relationship evolves. They share real experiences and practical insights to show that after breast cancer, dating and building trust, confidence, and meaningful connection is absolutely possible — answering the question, "Am I even dateable after breast cancer?" Special thanks to Lilly and Merck for making this episode possible.

In this episode of, "Empowered Intimacy: Getting Your Sexy Back After Breast Cancer," we open up an important conversation about sexual health after a breast cancer diagnosis. Melissa is joined by her friend Deltra, a mom of five living with triple-negative metastatic breast cancer, and Dr. Laila Agrawal, a board-certified medical oncologist dedicated to putting sexual health at the forefront of cancer care. Many carry these concerns silently, but intimacy is an important part of quality-of-life care. Together, they share personal stories, explore why this topic is often overlooked, and offer practical tips for starting the conversation with your doctor, asking the right questions, and advocating for the support and resources that you deserve. Special thanks to Lilly, Merck, and Novartis for supporting the Cancer Fashionista Foundation and making this episode possible.

In this episode, Melissa sits down with Erin Bradshaw, EVP for Patient Services & Navigation at the Patient Advocate Foundation, to explore the complex world of insurance denials and step therapy. Together, they discuss the surprising ways AI is already impacting patient advocacy, from helping navigate appeals to streamlining the process of getting the care you need. They explore whether AI is a helpful ally, a potential challenge, or a true game changer for patients navigating insurance barriers. Erin shares expert insights, clarifies common misconceptions about AI in healthcare, and highlights the resources and strategies that can make a real difference for patients facing these obstacles. Thank you to Amgen Oncology and Daiichi Sankyo for making this episode possible.

In this inspiring episode of, "Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful," Melissa sits down with Ivonne Jimenez, Restorative Medical Tattoo Artist and Founder of Zyanya Beauty. Inspired by her mother's breast cancer journey, Ivonne helps survivors reclaim confidence through realistic areola tattooing. They discuss both permanent and temporary designs, the importance of consulting with plastic surgeons and researching artists, and how Ivonne's artistry supports healing, empowerment, and a sense of wholeness. Personal stories highlight the transformative impact her work has on clients.

In this very informative episode of Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful, Melissa sits down with Dr. Krystle Zuniga, a Board Certified Oncology Dietitian, to talk about a concern many breast cancer patients face: weight gain during treatment. Dr. Zuniga sheds light on why the number on the scale doesn't tell the whole story and shares why nutrition combined with resistance training is key to overall health and well-being. Tune in as they explore Dr. Zuniga's path into oncology nutrition, her research on diet's impact on cancer prevention and treatment, and practical tips to support muscle health and metabolism. Together, they debunk common diet myths and emphasize how proper nutrition paired with exercise helps patients take control of their recovery and quality of life. Join Melissa and Dr. Zuniga for a candid, hopeful conversation that goes beyond weight to what truly matters throughout the cancer experience.