Baddie 2 Baddie Breast Cancer Podcast

Baddie 2 Baddie: Episode 8 Navigating Treatment as a Latina

Being Latina isn't a one-size fits all category - here at FTBOU we have voices that represent Columbia, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, to name a few. On this episode, you'll hear how some of the Latina's in our community viewed their culture as it affected (or didn't affect) them navigating breast cancer treatment. HOSTS Miranda Gonzales At age 39, Miranda found a lump in her breast and was told it was nothing, which lead to a new lump 6 months later and a diagnosis of Stage 3 hormone positive IDC. What followed was a year that included chemotherapy, a double mastectomy with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction, and radiation.  Being a young Hispanic woman, she often felt out of place among the mostly older non-Hispanic patients. Most support groups she encountered were populated with women who were mostly affluent, had retired or had adult children. A year after finishing active treatment, she began to volunteer at Houston Methodist Hospital on the infusion floor as a CanCare.org volunteer, visiting with patients while they go through chemotherapy infusions.  She also began to lead the HMH local support group, in conjunction with Reconstruction of a Survivor. She is a volunteer turned employee with Wig Out.org, which offers free wig kits to uninsured and underinsured women, out of Smith Clinic and LBJ Hospital, part of Harris Health Systems in Harris County. These three activities allowed her to meet women at the beginning of their diagnosis, helping her to seek out young Hispanic women that needed the support she did not have. She has attended Project Lead, is e a YSC RISE Advocate, as well as an Ambassador with For the Breast of Us, an online community dedicated to supporting women of color diagnosed with breast cancer. She now sits on their Community Partnership Board. Lastly, she’s recently accepted a position with SHARE Cancer Support, working with the “Our MBC Life” podcast, which is dedicated to amplifying the voices and sharing the realities of those living with metastatic breast cancer.  You can find her on IG @MirLorDehGon GUESTS Araceli Cortez My name is Araceli Cortes and I am 36 years old. My husband and I recently celebrated our tenth year anniversary and we have one child, Leonardo, who is 3 years old. My husband and I own a small business under the name of Tejas Insurance Agency and specialize in providing our customers with different types of insurance policies. In the middle of a pandemic in 2020, I felt a bump on my left breast and decided to schedule a second mammogram that same year. After more testing, I was told that I had breast cancer. I was given my diagnosis: Invasive ductal carcinoma, high nuclear grade 3, Her2+. Not knowing what my journey would look like ahead, I decided to focus on gathering information and researching more about the type of cancer I had. The more I learned and researched, the more confident I felt with my decisions along the way. I have completed my chemotherapy, had nipple-sparing mastectomy surgery, 30 rounds of radiation sessions, 14 cycles of targeted therapy, and am currently on Endocrine Therapy (hormonal therapy) waiting for my Reconstruction surgery in mid July 2022. I thank God for my family and friends, cancer support groups, and team of doctors every day as they all continue to support and cheer me on. This feels like it is far from over, but I take it one day at a time and just focus on making happy memories with those I love as tomorrow is never promised. You can find her at @chely048 Deb Ontiveros Deb Ontiveros is originally from Los Angeles but resides in Southern Utah. She is a Spanish/English Interpreter & Translator. Deb was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in April 2018. She spends her extra time advocating for breast cancer and mental health issues.  You can find her on IG, FB & Twitter: @deb4peace247    Vanessa Chapoy Vanessa ‘Baby Baddie’ Chapoy was diagnosed with Stage 2A Grade 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma at the age of 24. She is a LatinX baddie who is passionate about early detection and is an advocate for young women of color. She is currently going through advocacy training with The Tigerlily Foundation as well as Latinas Contra Cancer. Vanessa is excited to apply what she learns into action.   Natascha Vega Natascha Vega is a Group Business Director at an advertising agency in NYC. She loves the creativity that comes with what she does and the opportunity to impact different markets and consumer needs around the globe.  Natascha is the proud “fur mom” of an amazing 17-year-old pup who has been her right hand and best companion a gal could ask for.  When she isn’t deep into her work, you can find her running the streets of Manhattan, logging some miles as she loves to stay active.   On September 11, 2020, in the midst of an already chaotic year, Natascha got a call that changed her life forever after detecting a lump the month prior on her right breast: "Ms. Vega, you have  triple positive stage 2 breast cancer." Natascha underwent 5 months of chemotherapy, a failed attempt at the cold cap treatment to preserve her hair, 15 rounds of radiation and a lumpectomy surgery.  She just finished immunotherapy and is currently taking the proper medications to prevent this from happening again.   IG:  @gitana0930  www.nomelimites.net Make sure to follow us on social media: IG: forthebreastofus Twitter: thebreastofus Facebook: For the Breast of Us Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies Breastofus.com  Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)

Baddie 2 Baddie: Episode 7- When You See Us; My Reconstruction, My Choice

Baddie 2 Baddie Episode 7: When You See Us; My Reconstruction, My Choice”   Research shows that Women of Color aren't given many options when it comes to breast reconstruction. These Baddies are dispelling that myth and sharing their decision on the type of reconstruction they chose and why! If you are a breast cancer survivor with questions on which type of breast reconstruction may be right for you, then this episode is a must listen!  Hosts: Ginny was diagnosed with ER/PR+ HER2-, stage I, grade 2, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. After she completed active treatment in early 2020, she found the energy to focus on something other than herself and is now channeling her energy into advocacy and education – allowing herself to find some purpose from her cancer experience. Ginny is using her voice, her body, and her brain to bring attention to disparities in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes between white women and women of color, and to normalize flat closure options after mastectomy. You can reach her at @shudlucky Tandria was diagnosed with stage II IDC/DCIS ER/PR + Her2- breast cancer of the right breast on September 28, 2020, one month after her 30th birthday. She completed chemotherapy, double mastectomy, and radiation, and is now currently on hormone therapy. She's also a flattie! You can follow her at @tangie_e. Natascha Vega is a Group Business Director at an advertising agency in NYC. She loves the creativity that comes with what she does and the opportunity to impact different markets and consumer needs around the globe.  Natascha is the proud “fur mom” of an amazing 17-year-old pup who has been her right hand and best companion a gal could ask for.  When she isn’t deep into her work, you can find her running the streets of Manhattan, logging some miles as she loves to stay active.   On September 11, 2020, in the midst of an already chaotic year, Natascha got a call that changed her life forever after detecting a lump the month prior on her right breast: "Ms. Vega, you have  triple positive stage 2 breast cancer." Natascha underwent 5 months of chemotherapy, a failed attempt at the cold cap treatment to preserve her hair, 15 rounds of radiation, and lumpectomy surgery.  She just finished immunotherapy and is currently taking the proper medications to prevent this from happening again.  You can find her on IG @gitana0930. Niya was diagnosed with Stage IIb breast cancer in 2019 while 12 weeks pregnant at the age of 31. Niya's treatment consisted of single mastectomy, four rounds of chemo during pregnancy, four after giving birth, and radiation. Niye began sharing her treatment journey on social media to journal this difficult time in her life. Little did she know that she would connect with many young adults impacted by breast cancer. They would inspire her to advocate for women diagnosed during pregnancy, unilateral mastectomies, breast cancer body image, and financial assistance resources. Niya is a For the Breast of Baddie Ambassador, hosts support groups for parents with cancer in partnership with Smith Center for the Healing and the Arts and Bright Spot Network, and is the board secretary for the Still Standing Alliance. Breast cancer gave Niya a chance to start living the life she always desired. This self-discovery and healing journey helped Niya find herself and discover the magical moments every day.  You can find her on IG @niyaspurpose Our Guest: Natalia is a 37 years old with metastatic breast cancer, currently living in a suburb outside of Salt Lake City, UT. She is the mother of a 4 and 6-year-old. She was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2017 and metastatic breast cancer in 2019.  Before breast cancer, Natalia graduated with a Master of Public Administration from ASU and has a passion for public service and activism. Currently, Natalia is a host and senior producer for Our MBC Life podcast. Natalia advocates for breast cancer awareness and education, primarily in the Latinx community and for people of color.  Outside of her activism, Natalia enjoys the outdoors, traveling (when possible), cooking, and spending time with her family.  You can find her on IG @la_vida_natalia Make sure to follow us on social media: IG: forthebreastofus Twitter: thebreastofus Facebook: For the Breast of Us Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies Breastofus.com  Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)  

Baddie 2 Baddie: Bonus Episode “Woi! We reach!!” Caribbean Heritage Month

“Woi! We reach!!” When Baddies link up and “chat bout” cancer, Caribbean culture and everything in between. Baddie massive get your people dem. This is a must listen. Hosts: Shoni is a breast cancer thriver diagnosed in 2015. She is very passionate about educating others about health and fitness, lymphedema and being your own advocate. She wants women to not let cancer stop them. You can find her on Instagram at @brsuga Cynthia was diagnosed with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in 2018 one year before she was old enough to begin regular mammograms. After a lumpectomy, chemo, and radiation, Cynthia is currently undergoing hormone therapy. To cope, Cynthia shared her journey candidly on social media.  This led her to educate and advocate about breast cancer and health disparities. Cynthia lives by the mantra, "If you've got to go through it, GLOW through it."  An educator by day, at night Cynthia glows by volunteering her time as a Baddie Ambassador with For The Breast of Us, an Advocacy Ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Center for Public Policy, a certified global educator with the Know Your Lemons Foundation, a member of Alpha Kappa Sorority, Inc. and a proud Bajan Baddie! Cynthia knows that to do better, you must know better.  It is her hopes that by sharing her story she can arm women with the tools necessary to understand and advocate for their health while breaking down barriers to equitable health outcomes for people of color. Cynthia can be found online @cynserity @ourlikevibes Yahira Torres is 32 year old mother to 3 boys. Diagnosed in September 2020,  she discovered a lump on her right breast while on vacation. Upon returning home, she went to see her doctor and got the whole nine yards - an exam, mammogram, and biopsy. Yahira chose to have a double mastectomy after finding out she was positive for BRCA2 genetic mutation. After surgery, 1 out of the 17 lymph nodes that were removed was positive. Due to her age and that one positive lymph node, she decided to go through 16 rounds of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, soon after she finished chemo, Yahira needed another surgery to treat an infection in her right chest. The expander was removed, and a couple of months later, she had to remove the left expander because of a similar infection. She then completed active treatment after having 25 rounds of radiation. Currently, she is flat on both sides and waiting for her chest to heal before going into reconstructive surgery. She is also on hormone therapy for the next ten years and has recently had a preventative oophorectomy. Guests: Sandrea Perez is a mTNBC thrIVer, social worker, wife and stay-at-home mother of two from Jamaica, W.I. She currently lives in the Bronx, NY. You can connect with her on Instagram @thrivergal Melissa is a mom of two brilliant and kickass people Jeffrey 31 and Victoria 30.  Since leaving the military, she has been in the field of community service in one way or another.  Before working as a Congressional Aide, Melissa was an Outreach Specialist for a Community Based Organization.   She has sat on various local and national boards with missions spanning Tenant Rights in Federally Subsidized Housing, Puerto Rican Female Empowerment and Cultural Pride, Adult and Youth literacy, Youth leadership, Financial self sufficiency support programs and Community Service Award for Higher Education.  Her greatest endeavor was in the realm of Civics and Voter Education, as the First Woman of Color to hold the position of President to the League of Women Voters of NYC, in its 100 year history.   As a Breast Cancer thriver, Melissa is using all of these experiences and resources to launch a year round mission "Ready, Set, October" , that will celebrate and bring Women of Color to their yearly Mammogram screening.   Facebook: Melissa del Valle Ortiz  Mila Knight is a business operations leader who was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in 2019 at the age of 38. She has always managed to find solace through her profound love of music, which led to using music as therapy during her cancer battle. Mila turned her pain and passion for music into charity, and the pursuit to end disparities in healthcare. While going through chemo, Mila produced and headlined a fundraising concert, with all funds donated to breast cancer awareness and accessibility programs for women of color and immigrants. She is an advocate, continuing on her path to merge music, therapy, and service to others. She is of Trinidadian background and currently lives in the US East Coast area. You can find her on Instagram @milaknightsings @ofsongmindpodcast Trish Michelle is a cancer thriver, public speaker & advocate. She was in her 30s when she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer).  This was 2 years after her son was diagnosed with APML, a rare leukemia. Realizing that the second hardest thing after hearing “You have cancer”, was finding a strong community of peers in which to bond & support through difficult times. As such, Trish volunteers her time with numerous nonprofits & serves as an ambassador for the NY chapter of The Breasties.  She is also cofounder of the @hiphop_happyhour community which in one year has raised almost $30,000 for charity. Using humor and real talk, Trish has used social media to connect and advocate.  Her refreshing candor and unique voice has been featured on The Ellen Show, The Today Show, Fox5NY, News12, and recently on Healthline, to name a few. Trish works tirelessly to raise funds, awareness, provide representation & is actively fighting systems to create an inclusive and progressive movement toward equity, particularly in the cancer and chronic illness community. Follow along with her on Instagram @trish_newyorkcity Make sure to follow us on social media: IG: forthebreastofus Twitter: thebreastofus Facebook: For the Breast of Us Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies Breastofus.com  Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)

Baddie 2 Baddie: Episode 6 Transparent AF

Transparent AF A trio of baddies chit-chat about where they fall under the LGBTQA+ umbrella and what it's like being a member of that community as well as the cancer community.  Does sexual orientation impact care the way our skin color does?  How can a cancer diagnosis create an environment where we live more fully in our truths, from loving who and how we want to consider how medically necessary surgeries can be affirming to our identities?  What can everyone do year-round to improve the experiences of LGBTQ baddies?  Whether you're a member of the cancer or LGBTQA+ community or both, tune in to learn or be affirmed in your experience! Guests: Deltra is a Connecticut-based mama of five amazing girls who she strives to raise with cultural and health awareness. She's a chain tea drinker, wig hoarder, and lover of singing loudly and dancing unabashedly. Since being diagnosed with Triple Negative MBC de novo in 2019 she has focused on thriving through education, advocacy, connecting, and radical self-care. She is passionate about mental and emotional wellness, creative expression as a means of coping, community building, and connecting BIPOC women with people and spaces that can care for their whole selves. She is a member of Cactus Cancer Society's YAC advisory board, the inaugural class of For the Breast of Us Baddie Ambassador, the Our MBC Life podcast staff and serves as Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for Project Life MBC. You can follow her at:  @deltra_does_it Daniela Montoya-Barthelemy is a queer Chicana from a small town in northern New Mexico. In September 2020 Daniela was diagnosed with Stage III invasive lobular carcinoma. She lives with her partner and two children that were 3 and 5-years old at the time she was diagnosed. Though this breast cancer has been proven to run in her extended family, her mom died of breast cancer at the age of 45 when Daniela was almost 9-years-old.  Daniela’s business, Mama Sin Vergüenza, was born out of her first son’s birth and her passion for social justice as well as sexual, reproductive, and holistic health. The services offered reflect her gifts in balancing strategic health research with holistic modalities of care. Daniela is using the platform of her business to speak up about the arduous journey of breast cancer treatment, the health disparities in the medical industrial complex, and holistic and traditional ways to support one’s mind and body throughout treatment and after. You can connect with her on Instagram @mamasinverguenza9   Mariah A. Crenshaw is a 30-year-old Black queer woman who currently resides in Louisville, Kentucky. In 2018, Mariah was diagnosed with Stage II Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and BCRA2+ mutation. At the time, she was 26 years old, living abroad in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Her treatment path includes lumpectomy, chemotherapy, double mastectomy, and hormonal therapies. Mariah is a Criminal Justice Specialist at a local government entity. With a master’s degree in International Crimes, Conflict, and Criminology, she has always had a passion to be of assistance to others. Mariah is also a model who uses her craft to emphasize the importance of loving our bodies at every stage. Whenever possible, she enjoys traveling to different destinations, experiencing and immersing in the cultures. IG: @muhryuhkrenshaw Make sure to follow us on social media: IG: forthebreastofus Twitter: thebreastofus Facebook: For the Breast of Us Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies Breastofus.com  Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)

Baddie 2 Baddie: Asians Don’t Get Cancer Bonus Episode

Asian and Pacific Islanders don’t get breast cancer… except yes, we do!  A group of our AAPI baddies got together to share their stories and bust the myth that “AAPI people don’t get breast cancer.” We are asking the questions: What does it mean to not see yourself represented in the breast cancer community? Why does it matter? How did your cultural background effect your choices? And of course, what was your comfort food during recovery or treatment? Hosts: Shangrong Lee lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2017 at the age of 43. Her journey has been a blessing in helping her embrace the experience into a purpose greater than herself. She tells her story to learn, advocate, inspire/aspire, and connect with other women. You can connect with her on Instagram @shangrongs.vibes Ginny was diagnosed with ER/PR+ HER2-, stage I, grade 2, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. After she completed active treatment in early 2020, she found the energy to focus on something other than herself, and is now channeling her energy into advocacy and education – allowing herself to find some purpose from her cancer experience. Ginny is using her voice, her body, and her brain to bring attention to disparities in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes between white women and women of color, and to normalize flat closure options after mastectomy. You can reach her at on instagram @shudlucky Guests: Chandra is a Hmong American woman diagnosed with multi-focal DCIS in the left breast at the age of 38. After a lumpectomy came back with positive margins, she chose to get a bilateral mastectomy and opted for going flat.  As a higher BMI woman, she had to get a revision after her BMX to get an aesthetic flat closure, and that is what drives her advocacy. You can reach her at @hmongirlflattie Dr. Simran Malhotra is a Canadian-born South Asian triple board-certified physician and lifestyle & wellness coach. She is also a mama of two & a BRCA 1 previvor s/p bilateral mastectomy with aesthetic flat closure & total hysterectomy. You can reach her at: Instagram: @drsimran.malhotra  Website: www.coachsimranmd.com Laya Ballesteros is a Filipina-American, diagnosed at 40, stage II,  HR+Her2- breast cancer, with no family history. She is an Art Educator, ex-pat living in Vietnam. The Asian American experience is unique because we represent so many different cultures and places. Our stories of assimilating in America, leaving homelands for opportunity, are intertwined in our cancer stories. Our stories need to be told and if we don’t tell them, who will? You can reach her at: pantsonfiya17 Jess Miso was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2020 at the age of 43 and is now NED (No Evidence of Disease). She is a 4th-generation Japanese American from Hawaii/L.A. You can connect with her at: @jessmiso  Make sure to follow us on social media: IG: forthebreastofus Twitter: thebreastofus Facebook: For the Breast of Us Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies Breastofus.com  Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)

Baddie 2 Baddie: Episode 5 Mental Health is Real and We’re Talking About It...

Mental Health is real and we’re talking about it…..because that’s our business. Period. When you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, people only think about the physical effects it has on your body. But no one talks about the mental strain this diagnosis takes on you. Well, today we’re talking about it because that’s our business. Take a listen as these breast cancer survivors discuss how their cancer experience affected their mental health and how every day their taking steps to not only help themselves but other survivors/thrivers too.  Hosts: Shangrong Lee lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons. She was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2017 at the age of 43. Her journey has been a blessing in helping her embrace the experience into a purpose greater than herself. She tells her story to learn, advocate, inspire/aspire, and connect with other women. You can connect with her on Instagram @shangrongs.vibes Deltra is a Connecticut-based mama of five amazing girls who she strives to raise with cultural and health awareness. She's a chain tea drinker, wig hoarder, and lover of singing loudly and dancing unabashedly. Since being diagnosed with Triple Negative MBC de novo in 2019 she has focused on thriving through education, advocacy, connecting, and radical self-care. She is passionate about mental and emotional wellness, creative expression as a means of coping, community building, and connecting BIPOC women with people and spaces that can care for their whole selves. She is a member of Cactus Cancer Society's YAC advisory board, the inaugural class of For the Breast of Us Baddie Ambassador, the Our MBC Life podcast staff and serves as Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for Project Life MBC. You can follow her at:  @deltra_does_it  Guests: Tandria, but you can call her Tan, was diagnosed with stage II IDC/DCIS ER/PR + Her2- breast cancer of the right breast on September 28, 2020, one month after her 30th birthday. She completed chemotherapy, double mastectomy, and radiation, and is now currently on hormone therapy. She's also a flattie! You can follow Tan at:  @tangie_e  Whitney Rae” Hill is a breast cancer thriver at the age of, 31, and stage III estrogen and progestogen, (positive) and Her 2 (negative). She is on a mission to make individuals feel seen, heard, and loved, and through it, ALL know that their imperfections make them perfectly who they are TODAY! She currently offers one on one services and collaborative events and will be having group sessions to help individuals get over the HILL and turn their traumas into triumphs. You can reach Whitney at http://www.whitneyraehill.com/ Make sure to follow us on social media: IG: forthebreastofus Twitter: thebreastofus Facebook: For the Breast of Us Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies Breastofus.com  Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)

Baddie 2 Baddie: That’s My Baddie Mama!

Motherhood….it’s a hard and sometimes thankless job and there’s not a right or wrong way but someone has to do it! Breast Cancer Survivors Alexea, Miranda, Sharon, and Bhumika sit down to discuss how they shared their diagnosis with their kids and how their parenting has evolved since hearing the words, “You have breast cancer”. You don’t want to miss this so put in your headphones and listen. Guests: Dr. Alexea is a triple-board certified Infectious Disease sub-specialist, Internist and Pediatrician. She is, above and beyond this, a mother, speaker, author, coach and Breast Cancer Survivor-Thriver. Dr. Alexea invited the world into her life when she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the age of 37. Cancer has transformed her life and her worldview and she has been healing and transforming herself and others through her speaking, teaching, and writing. She utilizes these platforms to give hope and encouragement to Breast cancer survivors and their families through and beyond the treatment process. You can follow her at: @dralexea Miranda Gonzales was misdiagnosed around her 40th birthday then diagnosed 6 months later with stage III breast cancer. The youngest of her five children starting school coincided with the end of her active treatment, leaving her with free time to pursue a new path in life. For the past few years, Miranda has poured everything she has into connecting young women with support and resources, with a focus on under and uninsured women. You can follow her at: @mirlordehgon Sharon Kidd affectionately known as “Daisy May” is a mother and Metastatic Breast Cancer Survivor. She is the owner of “Table Talk Cleveland” an Empowerment Organization that seeks to share education and community resources. You can follow her at: @thriving_ms_da1sy Bhumika Nasta is an Indian-American breast cancer survivor and “girl-mom” who specializes in digital marketing and branding. She is an avid bookworm and Harry Potter fanatic. You can follow her at: @bhuminasta Lauren Tarpley is a HER2+ IDC breast cancer survivor diagnosed at the age of 34 and the author of Type A Guide to Cancer. She wrote the book as a one-stop shop for information. It’s the book she would have liked to use as a reference after her own diagnosis. You can follow her at: @typeaguidetocancer Make sure to follow us on social media: IG: forthebreastofus Twitter: thebreastofus Facebook: For the Breast of Us Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies Breastofus.com  Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)

Baddie 2 Baddie: The Category is Advocacy

One of the first things we explain to someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer is the necessity to learn to be your own advocate.  What exactly does that mean?  Advocacy is the power and actions of an individual or group that aims to influence decisions. Being your own advocate means voicing your concerns, and not stopping until you feel heard and satisfied. For many of us diagnosed at a younger age, our first introduction into the healthcare system is dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis. When you’re frightened and overwhelmed, you have no idea what you need and how to even ask for it! Our Baddie Ambassador Miranda enlisted the help of the amazing @Trish_newyorkcity, one-half of the lovely ladies of @HipHopHappyHour, to see if we could capture just a small bit of some of the wonderful nuggets she has on survivorship and being a cancer advocate.  This past October, Trish shared a break-up experience on Instagram that she had with one of her doctors (and everything that led up to it) and showed that getting what you need as a patient can be as simple as a community-wide “Yelp” review to your doctor. Guests: Miranda Gonzales was misdiagnosed around her 40th birthday and then diagnosed 6 months later with stage III breast cancer. The youngest of her five children starting school coincided with the end of her active treatment, leaving her with free time to pursue a new path in life. For the past few years, Miranda has poured everything she has into connecting young women with support and resources, with a focus on under and uninsured women. You can follow her at: @mirlordehgon You can catch Trish every Friday at 7PM ET on Instagram live with her partner in crime Tiff for Hip Hop Happy Hour where they play the jams, shoot the shit and even take a walk in the shame garden from time to time. Make sure to follow us on social media: IG: forthebreastofus Twitter: thebreastofus Facebook: For the Breast of Us Private Facebook Group: Breast Cancer Baddies Breastofus.com  Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)

Baddie Behavior: Episode 4 You Know What That Is? Growth!

What does Survivorship mean to you? Do you like or hate the term? Survivorship can look and feel different for everyone and surviving, in general, goes deeper than just cancer for Women of Color.  Guests:Keneene Lewis is a Support Services Coordinator with Living Beyond Breast Cancer. She was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma stage III in January 2019. Keneene is a proud Baddie Ambassador with For The Breast Of Us and focused on using her voice to speak for those who are unable to speak. It has become her mission to bring awareness to health disparities and biases that black women and women who represent the global majority once diagnosed with breast cancer.IG: @keneenebc     FB: keneenelbbc  Bre is a mom and a breast cancer thriver who beat stage IA ER-positive, HER2 negative breast cancer. She has a podcast - Mama Meets World where she discusses black motherhood. She has a mission to inform black women about breast cancer. Twitter - @_itsmissbre  IG - @bretastical  Tamika Hayes is an HR Professional who was diagnosed with Stage 1a ER/PR+ HeR2- invasive DCIS on September 16, 2021. Breast Cancer does not run in Tamika's family, so this came as a complete surprise! Thankfully, only surgery and radiation were needed. Tamika is currently on the "other side" of this diagnosis and is in the survivorship phase. Tamika hopes that her story can encourage women to be proactive advocates for their health and receive annual mammograms!IG Handle: noladiva75  Tova Parker (@pretty.sic) was diagnosed with Stage III IDC TNBC in Dec 2019 and one month after her annual mammogram at 41. During her journey, she shared her story deeply and broadly on her blog, which you can access at www.prettysic.com. These days, she still uses her words to help others impacted by breast cancer, but she has transitioned from written word to spoken word. Today, she is an executive in the energy industry by day and an Ambassador for For the Breast Of Us and Tigerlily foundation, and she also sits on a patient advocacy board at MD Anderson by night. In her free time, Tova loves to travel and make memories with family and friends. Instagram: @pretty.sic  @ms_tova   FB: prettysic Make sure to follow us on social media:IG: forthebreastofusTwitter: thebreastofusFacebook: For the Breast of UsPrivate Facebook Group: search Breast Cancer BaddiesBreastofus.com  Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)  

Baddie Behavior: Episode 3 Can You Pay My Bills

Can you pay my bills? Can you pay my medical bills? Can you pay my insurance bills? This is a question most breast cancer thrivers have so Baddie Ambassador Alexea rounded up Baddie Ambassador Veronica and Metastatic Thriver also known as the “Million-Dollar Wife” Myra and they dropped a few tips and tricks on how they were able to get their medical bills paid.    Resources to help with medical bills and supplies: Breast cancer financial assistance | Living Beyond Breast Cancer (lbbc.org) LIVE Today Foundation | Survivors - LIVE Today Foundation (live-today.org) Financial Assistance Grants for Cancer Patients and Survivors | Cancer and Careers Pink Fund - Donate Now: Breast Cancer Financial Assistance Financial & Co-Payment Assistance for Cancer Patients (cancercare.org) Home - Patient Advocate Foundation   Guests: Veronica Laurel FTBOU Ambassador, diagnosed at age 49 with IDC, ER/PR+, navigating the world of post-active treatment and living the flat life. Myra Camino is a Living Beyond Breast Cancer Young Advocate, Breast Cancer/MBC Advocate Make sure to follow us on social media:IG: forthebreastofusTwitter: thebreastofusFacebook: For the Breast of UsPrivate Facebook Group: search Breast Cancer BaddiesBreastofus.com  Baddie Behavior and Baddie 2 Baddie original theme music, podcast production, and mixing by Sincere529 (www.sincere529.com)