Better Than Before Breast Cancer with The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach

In this episode, I'm joined by two extraordinary women: Cheri Henderson, a two-time breast cancer thriver, and Monica Kasari-Desulme, a physical therapist who specializes in cancer rehabilitation and lymphatic drainage. You'll hear how physical therapy helped Cheri recover from life-limiting pain, chemo brain, lymphedema, and post-surgical complications—and how it gave her the strength to return t...

What if the worst day of your life became the one that opened your eyes the most? In this deeply personal episode, I share why I no longer call July 11th my "cancerversary" and instead honor it as my Awakening Day . Fourteen years after being diagnosed with breast cancer, I reflect on how that moment became the catalyst for a life of greater presence, purpose, and peace. We'll talk about what post...

So many women healing from breast cancer are told, "Just cut out sugar," as if that one step could control everything. But is that really the whole story? In this episode, we take a deep breath and go beyond the fear-based headlines to explore what's really happening inside your cells. From the basics of cellular fermentation to the Warburg effect, you'll learn how both glucose and oxygen play cri...

When you're recovering from breast cancer, you're bombarded with advice—some of it rooted in science, some of it based on personal stories. But how do you know what to trust? How do you separate what's promising from what's just popular? In this episode, I'll walk you through how to understand the evidence pyramid —from anecdotal stories to randomized controlled trials—and explain where therapies...

If you've ever found yourself hurt, frustrated, or emotionally drained because someone didn't do what you  thought  they should—especially after you asked—this episode is for you. In this conversation, I'm talking about a powerful concept I use with my clients all the time, called  "the manual."  It's the invisible rulebook we write in our minds about how other people should behave and what their...

In this episode of The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach , we'll dismantle three of the most common—and misleading—nutrition myths that many women encounter after a breast cancer diagnosis. Whether you're in active treatment or navigating life post-cancer, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and practical advice rooted in science, not fear.   You'll learn: Why not all carbohydrates are harmfu...

This episode is such an exciting one, and honestly, it might just change the way you think about what you eat—especially if you've ever felt confused or overwhelmed about what's "safe" or supportive after a breast cancer diagnosis. I'm talking about two powerful cellular processes that are important for us to understand: autophagy and angiogenesis . These are what researchers call hallmarks of can...

If you've ever looked at a wellness gadget and thought,  "Is this really going to help me?" —you're not alone. In this episode of  The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach Podcast , we explore the science behind a popular wellness tool:  vibration plates , also known as  whole-body vibration therapy (WBV) . Whether you're in recovery from breast cancer, managing post-treatment fatigue, experiencing bone l...

Have you ever found yourself standing in front of the pantry during a stressful moment, reaching for something sweet, salty, or crunchy—just to take the edge off? If so, you're not alone. In this episode of the  Better Than Before Breast Cancer  podcast, I open up about my own experience with emotional eating during cancer recovery and share gentle, compassionate strategies to help you understand...

In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we're talking about the concept of resistance — a natural, human response to discomfort, fear, and change. Resistance can show up in many forms, whether you're facing a difficult decision, trying to adopt new habits, or navigating life after cancer treatment. But here's the good news: resistance isn't something to fight. It's a powerful signal...

In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer™ , we're talking about a common and little-talked-about side effect of breast cancer treatment and day-to-day living: digestive changes . If you've experienced bloating, reflux, fatigue, or that uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating, this episode is for you. You'll learn why hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) is often misdiagnosed as hig...

Have you ever felt like you just  breathe easier  when you step outside? There's a reason for that—and it's much deeper than simply "liking" nature. In this episode, we dive into  why humans are biologically wired to crave nature  and what happens when we ignore that inner pull for too long. We'll explore the science behind  Nature Deficit Disorder , the powerful mind-body effects of spending time...

Do you think it's normal to feel discomfort in your body? Or do you recognize discomfort as your body's attempt to communicate with you? In this thought-provoking episode, I challenge the idea that our bodies betray us. We'll talk about how we've been conditioned to ignore discomfort, push through pain, and normalize symptoms like bloating, fatigue, inflammation, and poor sleep—until something mor...

In this episode of the Better Than Before Breast Cancer podcast, we're diving into how common post-treatment medications—like Tamoxifen, Aromatase Inhibitors (Letrozole, Anastrozole, Exemestane), Herceptin, Fulvestrant, and Bisphosphonates (like Fosamax and Reclast)—can deplete critical nutrients your body needs to feel good and stay strong. Have you ever wondered if the medications you're taking...

In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer , Laura Lummer dives into the real—and often overlooked—challenges of making and maintaining lifestyle changes after a breast cancer diagnosis. Starting with a powerful quote from Lao Tzu, "If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading," Laura reflects on the emotional weight, conditioned beliefs, and survival instincts tha...

Have you ever wondered why foods like bread or pasta don't sit quite right with you anymore—even though you've never had a problem with gluten in the past? In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we explore how gluten, gut health, glyphosate, and mood are deeply connected—especially after breast cancer treatment. You'll learn: Why gluten can affect your gut and brain even without ce...

In this eye-opening episode of the Better Than Before Breast Cancer Podcast, host Laura Lummer dives into the powerful connection between your body's natural rhythms and the timing of your meals. Have you ever noticed how aligned you feel when you live in sync with nature's cycles? Drawing from Ayurveda—an ancient system of medicine from India—and contemporary scientific research, Laura reveals ho...

Have you ever caught yourself waiting for permission to be happy? Saying things like, "I'll relax after this stressful phase is over," or "I'll treat myself once I hit that goal"? You're not alone—so many of us delay joy, saving it like a precious prize to be earned later. In this heartfelt episode, Laura invites you to explore the deeply-rooted mindset of treating happiness as something condition...

Did you know that  up to 90% of breast cancer survivors experience PTSD symptoms  after diagnosis? Many women struggle with anxiety, emotional numbness, and hypervigilance long after treatment ends—but they often feel like they  should  be "over it" by now. In today's episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , I'm diving deep into: ✅  How common PTSD is after breast cancer  (with real statist...

In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we're talking about the crucial role of magnesium in breast cancer recovery, metabolic health, and overall well-being What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why magnesium is vital for breast cancer survivors and how it supports healing ✅ How chemotherapy, aromatase inhibitors, and stress can deplete magnesium levels ✅ The best types of magnesi...

Many people believe that breast cancer is primarily caused by genetics, but did you know that only 5-10% of cases are linked to inherited mutations like BRCA1, BRCA2, and CHEK2? The truth is, your overall health and risk of recurrence are influenced by key biological processes such as  detoxification, methylation, and inflammation —and these are things you can actively support with your nutrition...

Did you know that your gut health plays a crucial role in your emotional well-being and recovery after breast cancer treatment? In this episode of  Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we explore  the powerful connection between gut health and brain function . Many breast cancer survivors struggle with  digestive issues, brain fog, and depression —but what if the key to feeling better lies in your g...

We all start the year with big goals and fresh motivation—but what happens when life gets in the way? Whether it's getting sick, traveling, or just falling into old habits, it's easy to feel like you've lost momentum. But here's the truth: Consistency matters more than perfection. In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer, I'm sharing how to stay on track even when setbacks happen. You'l...

In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we're talking about the emotional landscape of disappointment. We'll explore how unrealistic expectations, emotional attachment to outcomes, and projecting our own beliefs onto others can set us up for unnecessary suffering. Laura shares actionable strategies to reframe disappointment, embrace curiosity, and use setbacks as stepping stones to g...

In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer , we'll talk about the often-overlooked relationship we have with ourselves. Inspired by the upcoming season of love, let's explore how this foundational connection influences our health, healing, and overall well-being. From navigating the emotional weight of caregiving to reclaiming your power through self-compassion, this episode offers valuab...