Our guest is Vanessa Spurlock, a Breast Cancer Warrior, Notary, Advocate, and Author. She shares how her breast cancer journey changed her from being the one to take care of everyone to allowing others to care for her. This continual growth through her relationship with God and her inner self caused her to become vulnerable and transparent. Through transparency, Vanessa birthed her first book entitled "You Have Breast Cancer...So What Now?" which consisted of journal entries over the course of h...
Nov 19, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Our guest is Jaclyn, a BRCA 1 Gene Carrier, Previvor, Flattie, and Patient Advocate. She shares her journey about choosing a double mastectomy and aesthetic flat closure as a previvor. Also, Jaclyn explains how being Jewish is linked to being at high risk for breast cancer. Throughout the interview, she elaborates on the need to include all people of various reconstructions, especially flatties and men with breast cancer scars, in the media because the power of representation throughout society ...
Nov 10, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 32
Our guest is Dr. Leslie Waltke, a Cancer Physical Therapy Specialist and Founder of The Recovery Room on Facebook and YouTube. She shared information about lymphedema and what patients should know about physical therapy after various breast cancer surgeries. Additionally, Dr. Waltke stresses the importance of physical exercise before, during, and after treatment. Contact Information for Dr. Leslie Waltke: The Recovery Room: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesliewaltkept/ YouTube Channel: http...
Nov 02, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Our guest, Priti Shah, MD, Radiologist and Medical Director of Breast Imaging with VCU Health System, shared her passion for radiology, the latest information about breast imaging, and the meaning of specific terminology. Dr. Priti Shah further explained that patients have every right to advocate for themselves, and if they do not feel comfortable, they can seek a second opinion. Lastly, she stresses her belief in cultivating the patient and doctor relationship, especially when explaining inform...
Oct 26, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Our guest is a Media Producer, Collaborator of Project MTFM (Medical Tattooing Following Mastectomy), and Independent Documentary Filmmaker of "Ink Therapy," Valheria Sanchez. She shares how her passion for photography began while living in her homeland, Venezuela. Valheria explains her transition to the United States, obtaining higher education, and starting Hazelnut Production Agency. Also, she describes how she collaborates with Project MTFM to ensure the stories of breast cancer survivors/th...
Oct 24, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Our guests, René Bowditch and Mary Beth Gibson, Breast Cancer Survivors, Best Friends, Advocates, and The Founders of Here for the Girls, Inc., share their breast cancer journeys, how they became best friends, and what led them to form a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to meet the psychosocial needs of young women affected by breast cancer under the age of 51 from all diversities. Website: www.cminerllc.com Email Address: info@cminerllc.com Use At Your Own Risk Disclaimer: None of the authors,...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Tara Council, Breast Cancer Survivor, Military Wife, Educator of 3rd Graders, Mom, Aspiring Author, and Surrogacy Advocate, shares her breast cancer journey and what led her to become a fierce surrogacy advocate. Tara explains that at the time of diagnosis, she was in her early thirties with a one-year-old daughter and married to an active-duty Navy Officer preparing for deployment. However, Tara expresses gratitude for her support system during and after her husband's deployment, which was a si...
Oct 12, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Luan Lawrenson-Woods, DIEP Flap Recipient, Sydney, Australian Patient Advocate, and Podcaster of Rewritten Me, which is Australia's first podcast regarding reconstruction after mastectomy and Founder of BRA-va Art, shares her breast cancer journey and what led her to become a tenacious advocate. Luan explains that her unique breast cancer diagnosis and experience with certain medical professionals led her to speak boldly in hopes of helping others. Lastly, she explains BRA-va Art and their upcom...
Oct 03, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, MD, Board Certified Breast and Gynecologic Medical Oncologist and Podcaster of Interlude, shares her story of becoming a physician and what her title means. She provides consultation tips, treatment options, clinical trials, and the latest oncology news. Additionally, Dr. Teplinsky stressed the importance of advocacy and being vulnerable to receiving assistance. Website: www.cminerllc.com Email Address: info@cminerllc.com Use At Your Own Risk Disclaimer: None of the autho...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 25
Tonja Ancrum shares her breast cancer story as a 3-time breast cancer survivor, Retired Army Soldier(Master Sergeant), Gulf War Veteran, Patient Advocate, Author, Child of God, and co-founder of the Evelyn Ancrum Education Support Systems, Inc. (aka EAESSI). Tonja shares how she was first diagnosed at the age of 29 while she was serving in the military, married to an Army Soldier, and taking care of a toddler. She explains the other two diagnoses and the last one, which led her to have a mastect...
Sep 22, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Vanessa Cook shares her breast cancer story as a flattie, advocate, and Owner of Joyful Clayccessories. Vanessa explains how she was misdiagnosed with having cysts after her first mammogram, which led to an ultrasound. Shortly after that appointment, she began to experience symptoms. Later, she was diagnosed with Stage 2b breast cancer. Now, she is a proud flattie who advocates alongside Stand Tall Aesthetic Flat Closure (Stand Tall AFC), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Additionally, she is t...
Sep 14, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Kristin Sage shares her journey of being diagnosed at age 32 and having a misdiagnosis that gave her six months to live. Kristin is an advocate who stresses the importance of self-advocacy and seeking additional opinions if the person feels uncomfortable with their medical treatment. While undergoing testing and treatment, Kristin became the owner of Sage Counseling & Consulting. She is a licensed professional counselor and marriage and family therapist in Virginia, and she continues to educ...
Sep 07, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Mimi Frazier shares her breast cancer story and advocacy work that led her to be the founder of Linkage Beauty Movement, LLC. Mimi was diagnosed with breast cancer at stage 3b at 33 years old. She is a proud flattie who contended with the disease and body image issues within her treatment process. After working on inner healing and embracing her new village of people, she allows herself to speak about her journey as she helps other women heal. Mimi's inspiration led her to create Linkage Beauty ...
Aug 31, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Gina Lamanna, the founder of The Fondle Project and breast cancer thriver, shares her experience as an advocate for herself as she sought a second and third opinion after being told she did not have breast cancer. Also, she shares about deciding to have an explant after recognizing breast implant illness symptoms. Gina's life experiences sparked the vision for The Fondle Project to inspire women to self-exam, advocate, and love themselves as they remember they are resilient. Website: www.cminerl...
Aug 23, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 20
April Stearns, the founder of Wildfire Magazine and breast cancer survivor, shares her experience of HER2-positive breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, including an ultrasound, biopsy, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. Also, she shares the mental trauma she experienced through having breast cancer and how she utilized the power of journaling throughout her treatment plan. April launched Wildfire magazine to support others going through cancer and share their experiences. April supports ot...
Aug 16, 2023•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 19
Breast cancer survivor Bret Miller shares his story about finding a lump at age 17 but not being diagnosed until his early twenties. Peggy Miller is Bret's mother and was his caregiver during his treatment process. She shares her experience with aiding him with ensuring adequate medical treatment. Later, Bret and his family started a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called Male Breast Cancer Happens. Website: www.cminerllc.com Email Address: info@cminerllc.com Use At Your Own Risk Disclaimer: No...
Aug 10, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Tattoo Artist and Owner of Empower Tattoo, Stacie Becker, shares her journey to becoming an artist and an advocate with the breast cancer community. She will also share information about her collaboration with Project Medical Tattooing Following Mastectomy, also known as Project MTFM, a research being conducted by the Health Psychology Laboratory at the University of Central Florida. Additionally, she provides information about a future documentary about medical tattooing. Website: www.cminerllc...
Aug 03, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Dr. Corrine Ellsworth-Beaumont, MFA, PhD, shares her journey to becoming the Know Your Lemons Foundation founder. She explains how the deaths of loved ones with breast cancer caused her to educate herself more about the disease. This pursuit of expanding her knowledge about breast cancer allowed her to utilize her gift of art and creativity to develop educational tools to teach other people on a global level. Website: www.cminerllc.com Email Address: info@cminerllc.com Use At Your Own Risk Discl...
Jul 29, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Kimberly Bowles shares her breast cancer journey as a flattie and her advocacy work. She explains the journey to receiving aesthetic flat closure after being denied the first time. Kimberly shares how she founded the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization Not Putting On A Shirt. Website: www.cminerllc.com Email Address: info@cminerllc.com Use At Your Own Risk Disclaimer: None of the authors, contributors, administrators, vandals, or anyone else connected with Our Scars Speak and Christina Miner Enter...
Jul 26, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Breast Cancer Survivor Angela Hayes shares her journey as a patient and caregiver to her dying mother while contending with the COVID-19 pandemic. Angela shares how she was able to mentally deal with various challenges that she was experiencing at once. Website: www.cminerllc.com Email Address: info@cminerllc.com Use At Your Own Risk Disclaimer: None of the authors, contributors, administrators, vandals, or anyone else connected with Our Scars Speak and Christina Miner Enterprises, LLC, in any w...
Jul 21, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Jackie Mierle shares her breast cancer story as a Hispanic Woman and Real Estate Agent. Jackie allows herself to be vulnerable while conveying stories about her family and private self-discoveries throughout her breast cancer journey. Jackie is a tenacious advocate for all cancers and mental health. She is a calendar ambassador (Ms. July 2023) and a Here for The Girls, Inc. board member. Also, she is part of The Breasties as she continues to share her personal stories on social media. Website: w...
Jul 14, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Season 1Ep. 13
News Anchor Reba Hollingsworth with WTVR CBS 6 News, which covers Richmond and Central Virginia, shares her passion for bringing awareness about breast cancer and breast health as she continues covering stories on Buddy Check 6. Buddy Check 6 airs on the 6th of every month throughout the day on WTVR CBS 6. Buddy Check 6 covers stories regarding breast cancer awareness, survivor/thriver stories, and breast health. Website: www.cminerllc.com Email Address: info@cminerllc.com Use At Your Own Risk D...
Jul 11, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Donna Tucker shares her experience as a hospice chaplain. She provides her journey with ovarian cancer and caring for her mother after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Before her mother's transition, she underwent a traumatic hospice experience, leading Donna to explore the profession of hospice care as a chaplain. Website: www.cminerllc.com Email Address: info@cminerllc.com Use At Your Own Risk Disclaimer: None of the authors, contributors, administrators, vandals, or anyone else conne...
Jul 06, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Christina Miner shares her experience as a breast cancer survivor receiving care and her experience as a caregiver. She provides various tips that anyone can utilize to care for a loved one. Website: www.cminerllc.com Email Address: info@cminerllc.com Use At Your Own Risk Disclaimer: None of the authors, contributors, administrators, vandals, or anyone else connected with Our Scars Speak and Christina Miner Enterprises, LLC, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use of the informati...
Jun 30, 2023•46 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Robyn Towt is sharing her breast cancer journey and global advocacy. She co-founded the Global Patient Advocacy Coalition, also known as GPAC. GPAC works diligently to ensure patients receive adequate information regarding medical devices to guarantee they make the wisest choice for their overall health. Website: www.cminerllc.com Email Address: info@cminerllc.com Use At Your Own Risk Disclaimer: None of the authors, contributors, administrators, vandals, or anyone else connected with Our Scars ...
Jun 22, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Erin Parrish shares her journey with triple-negative metastatic (Stage 4) breast cancer recurrence at age 35. She explains in detail what life has been like as a thriver and advocate before, during, and now. Erin has decided to cast down fear and worry and live. Website: www.cminerllc.com Email Address: info@cminerllc.com Use At Your Own Risk Disclaimer: None of the authors, contributors, administrators, vandals, or anyone else connected with Our Scars Speak and Christina Miner Enterprises, LLC,...
Jun 09, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Tamika Baker shares her journey with triple-negative breast cancer before, during, and now. Her message consists of advocacy and hope. Tamika desires all breast cancer survivors to continue to live and remain hopeful. Website: www.cminerllc.com Email Address: info@cminerllc.com Use At Your Own Risk Disclaimer: None of the authors, contributors, administrators, vandals, or anyone else connected with Our Scars Speak and Christina Miner Enterprises, LLC, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible fo...
Jun 02, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Nakia Madison, LCSW is sharing how breast cancer can affect mental health, especially regarding PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Additionally, she shares her experience as a caregiver for her friends. Website: www.cminerllc.com Email Address: info@cminerllc.com Use At Your Own Risk Disclaimer: None of the authors, contributors, administrators, vandals, or anyone else connected with Our Scars Speak and Christina Miner Enterprises, LLC, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use ...
May 24, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Valerie Mitchell, a licensed professional counselor, shares her before, during, and now journey with breast cancer. She expresses how she navigated throughout her breast cancer treatment and what lessons she learned. Valerie wants everyone to know the importance of advocacy and having a joyful life. Website: www.cminerllc.com Email Address: info@cminerllc.com Use At Your Own Risk Disclaimer: None of the authors, contributors, administrators, vandals, or anyone else connected with Our Scars Speak...
May 19, 2023•54 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Our host Christina Miner shares tips for your first consultation with a breast surgeon. She shares her personal experience and information that should be provided during this first appointment. Website: www.cminerllc.com Email Address: info@cminerllc.com Use At Your Own Risk Disclaimer: None of the authors, contributors, administrators, vandals, or anyone else connected with Our Scars Speak and Christina Miner Enterprises, LLC, in any way whatsoever, can be responsible for your use of the inform...
Apr 26, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 4
