Better Than Before Breast Cancer with The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach

When you listen closely to the voices of other breast cancer survivors, there's a shared theme that resonates deeply— the need to be heard , understood, and validated. Whether it's justifying your lifestyle choices, explaining side effects that others dismiss, or trying to articulate the long-term emotional and physical toll of treatment, the desire for others to  get it  runs deep. In this episod...

When it comes to breast cancer, few words strike fear more deeply than  metastatic disease . But what if the story doesn't end there? What if it becomes the beginning of something powerful? In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , you'll meet  Lesley Glenn , a metastatic breast cancer survivor who has not only defied the odds but is living her dream life  seven years  after her diagn...

In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we're joined by  Mary Ann Eller , breast cancer survivor and  Clinical Services Coordinator for Speech-Language Pathology  at Duke Regional Hospital. Mary Ann shares her personal journey through chemo brain, including how it affected her professionally and emotionally—and what she's doing to adapt, manage, and even thrive despite its ongoing c...

The  mind-body connection  is incredibly powerful—but it's easy to underestimate, especially after a breast cancer diagnosis. The emotional toll of treatment, recovery, and the search for a "new normal" can be just as challenging as the physical journey. And if your mind is working against you, healing can feel even more overwhelming. In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , you'll l...

Sometimes you need science. Sometimes you need strategy. And sometimes… you just need to feel good. In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we take a break from the research and recommendations to bring you something different— a little joy, a little peace, and a lot of inspiration . This episode is here to help you pause, breathe, and reconnect with the beauty and possibility alrea...

Relationships can be a source of deep joy—and deep pain. And when life throws something as life-altering as a  cancer diagnosis  your way, the people around you don't always respond how you expect. Some relationships grow stronger. Others fade, fracture, or fall away entirely. In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , I share one of my favorite perspectives on relationships, inspired...

When it comes to  healing after breast cancer treatment , gut health is often overlooked—but it shouldn't be. Research shows that chemotherapy, radiation, and medications can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to long-lasting side effects like inflammation, fatigue, and digestive issues. In this week's episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , I'm joined by  Lee Holmes , holistic nutritionis...

In honor of  National Happiness Happens Month , this feel-good episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer  invites you to explore how joy—and healing—can come from the most unexpected places… even your kitchen spice rack! We'll start with a quick mindset shift to help you  choose happiness , no matter what's happening around you. Then we'll explore the  medicinal power of two everyday spices  th...

How you present yourself in life greatly impacts your emotions, progress, and daily experiences. It's all too easy to get ensnared in negative self-talk and thinking patterns that deter you from the life you aspire to lead. The potency of your words and thoughts might inadvertently be amplifying your challenges, cementing feelings of stagnation and struggle. In this episode: Explore instances wher...

Social support is a lifeline during breast cancer treatment—but what happens when treatment ends, and the support you once leaned on begins to fade? In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we dive into the emotional and relational challenges that  many survivors face after treatment ends —including feelings of loneliness, abandonment, and the unexpected emotional shifts that come wi...

Metabolic syndrome signals an alarm: your body's blood sugar management and insulin resistance are off-kilter. This syndrome not only heightens the risk of developing breast cancer but, inversely, breast cancer treatments increase the likelihood of encountering metabolic syndrome. Recent research even suggests that chemotherapy can directly induce metabolic syndrome in women undergoing breast canc...

Setbacks are a part of life—but during and after breast cancer treatment, they can feel especially discouraging. Whether it's a physical flare-up, emotional overwhelm, or an unexpected roadblock, these moments can leave you feeling helpless, frustrated, or like healing is slipping out of reach. In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we talk about  five powerful steps  you can take...

Fatigue is one of the most common—and lingering—challenges breast cancer survivors face. It doesn't always end when treatment does. In fact, many women find themselves wondering why they still feel exhausted months or even years later. In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we dive into the  real reasons behind post-treatment fatigue  and why more sleep isn't always the solution. Y...

In honor of  National Chocolate Day , we're diving into one of life's most delicious mysteries— why we crave chocolate , and what science (and ancient wisdom) has to say about it. Is it the magnesium? The serotonin boost? Or maybe the emotional comfort? Tune in to hear what researchers think might really be going on. You'll also get my favorite resource for  plant-based, low-sugar chocolate treats...

One of the most challenging parts of breast cancer recovery isn't just the treatment—it's what happens  after  treatment ends. The emotional aftermath, the unexpected identity shifts, and the grief over a life that no longer looks or feels the same can leave survivors feeling unanchored and overwhelmed. In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we take a compassionate, science-backed...

Sexuality and intimacy are often the  unspoken  parts of breast cancer recovery—but they're just as important as physical healing. In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , I'm joined by  Dr. Angela Cooke-Jackson , a globally recognized expert in health communication, health behaviors, and human sexuality. Dr. Cooke-Jackson, an Associate Professor at California State University Los An...

Do you reach for coffee or an energy drink when fatigue hits? You might be overlooking your body's most powerful (and free!) tool for restoring energy and supporting recovery: water . In this episode of The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach , we dive into the essential and often underappreciated role of hydration in your health—especially after breast cancer treatment. You'll learn how chemotherapy, ra...

Self-image, self-care, and living a fulfilling life are all deeply connected—and for many women, especially  breast cancer survivors , rebuilding that self-image can be one of the hardest and most important parts of healing. In this empowering episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we dig into the  real impact of self-image , the negative self-talk that can hold us back, and a  simple dail...

This special  Mother's Day episode  of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer  is filled with love, laughter, and honest conversations about how cancer impacts not just us—but our families, too. I'm joined by two incredibly special guests: my  sister , a gynecologic cancer survivor, and my  daughter , who shares what it was really like to watch her mom go through treatment and healing. Together, we ref...

Cancer survivors are often bombarded with ads and promises from supplement companies and superfood product manufacturers. Powders, bars, drinks, and capsules all claim to support healing, boost energy, and prolong life—but are they really worth the cost? In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we break down  what a superfood actually is , whether pricey packaged versions live up to...

When life feels overwhelming—whether you're recovering from breast cancer, navigating personal stress, or simply trying to keep up with it all—the ability to bounce back with strength, peace, and purpose is essential. That ability is called  resilience , and the best part? It's something you can learn, strengthen, and build at any stage of life. In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer...

Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common—and frustrating—side effects of chemotherapy used to treat breast cancer. From numbness and tingling to pain, weakness, and balance issues, it can affect everything from your ability to walk to the simple act of holding a pen or buttoning a shirt. In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we take a closer look at  what peripheral neuropa...

Ketogenic diets promise benefits like fat loss, stable energy, brain health, and even cancer prevention. Meanwhile, plant-based eating is backed by decades of research for supporting longevity, reducing inflammation, and protecting against chronic disease. So which one is right for you—especially after breast cancer? In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we explore the strengths o...

As if going through breast cancer treatment isn't hard enough—many survivors are left wondering,  "Why did I gain weight, especially around my middle?"  In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we look at the  science behind body fat changes , chemotherapy, and breast cancer treatment—and how they impact your metabolism, hormones, and fat storage. Sometimes just understanding  why  y...

Hot flashes—those sudden waves of heat, sweating, and discomfort—are more than just an annoyance. For breast cancer patients and survivors, they can be a  side effect of treatment  or early menopause, and they often signal a major shift in hormone balance. But did you know that hot flashes may also have deeper  scientific significance  for breast cancer outcomes? In this episode of  Better Than Be...