Claim OwnershipDear Cancer, I'm Beautiful
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Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful is the first podcast of its kind to bridge the gap between life-saving cancer treatment and fashion, beauty and wellness advice.
Host Melissa Berry is a veteran fashion and beauty publicist, eight-year Triple Negative Breast Cancer thriver and founder of CancerFashionista.com. She's on a mission to help you reclaim your inner and outer beauty, and welcomes you to listen in as she chats with nipple tattoo artists, post-mastectomy lingerie designers, clean beauty gurus and everyone in between, because cancer isn't beautiful…..but YOU are.
Host Melissa Berry is a veteran fashion and beauty publicist, eight-year Triple Negative Breast Cancer thriver and founder of CancerFashionista.com. She's on a mission to help you reclaim your inner and outer beauty, and welcomes you to listen in as she chats with nipple tattoo artists, post-mastectomy lingerie designers, clean beauty gurus and everyone in between, because cancer isn't beautiful…..but YOU are.
192 Episodes
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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.
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.
In this compelling episode, host Melissa Berry continues the series "Decoding Destiny: Navigating Breast Cancer with Genetic Insight" with a heartfelt conversation with Krista Brown, also known on Instagram as the Cancer Prevention Coach. Krista, an oncology nurse navigator and breast cancer survivor, shares her journey of living with an ATM gene mutation and the empowering role of genetic testing in her life. Together, they explore the importance of education, nutrition, and self-advocacy in managing hereditary cancer risks. Tune in to discover how Krista's personal experiences have shaped her mission to fill gaps in patient education and support others on their cancer prevention journeys. Special thanks to AstraZeneca for making this episode possible.
In this episode of, "Your Voice. Your Health", we take a closer look at step therapy but this time through a financial lens. I sat down with Monica Bryant, Esq., Chief Mission Officer of Triage Cancer, to talk about how step therapy can create unexpected financial obstacles—from rising co-pays and delayed treatment to challenges with insurance coverage and staying employed during treatment in your health plans, navigating appeals, and accessing financial aid. She also shares practical tips for choosing insurance plans, minimizing out-of-pocket costs, and using tools like Triage Cancer's new health insurance comparison calculator to make informed, cost-conscious decisions. If you or a loved one is facing treatment delays or financial stress related to step therapy, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance to help you take control. Special thanks to Amgen and Daiichi-Sankyo for making this episode possible.
In this episode of Decoding Destiny: Navigating Breast Cancer with Genetic Insight, I'm joined by Dena Goldberg, board-certified genetic counselor and founder of Malibu Genetics. We talk about the critical role genetic counselors play in assessing breast cancer risk, and how genetic testing can guide treatment and preventive care. Dena also shares how she supports patients through the emotional impact of receiving test results—and how understanding your genetic risk can be both empowering and life-saving. We also look ahead at the future of genetic testing, including the promise of population screening and the ongoing push for more equitable access. Listen now to learn how genetic counseling can help you and your loved ones make informed, proactive decisions about breast cancer risk. Special thanks to AstraZeneca and Merck for making this episode possible.
Host Melissa Berry sits down with LaToya Bolds-Johnson — Physician Associate, triple negative breast cancer survivor, and passionate clinical trials advocate. With her experience as both a healthcare provider and a patient, Latoya offers a meaningful and insightful perspective on clinical trials and how they can transform cancer treatment. In this episode, LaToya shares her personal journey navigating breast cancer treatment and the challenges of finding the right clinical trial. They discuss the critical need for greater diversity in clinical trial participation, and how her involvement created a "medical trust fund" for her daughters' futures. LaToya also discusses how we can shift the mindset around clinical trials from being seen as a last resort to a standard of care, helping patients advocate for themselves and make informed choices. If you're newly diagnosed, considering treatment options, or want to learn how clinical trials can offer hope and opportunity, this episode is a must-listen!
Host Melissa Berry sits down with Melissa Eppard, a triple negative breast cancer survivor and co-founder of Upstate Mary, a wellness brand focused on CBD-infused intimacy products. They talk about Melissa's personal breast cancer experience and the challenges many patients face with intimacy during and after treatment. Their conversation highlights the importance of addressing issues like vaginal dryness and the need for lubrication, which are often misunderstood, overlooked, and surrounded by shame. Melissa shares how CBD can help improve comfort and sexual wellness, while normalizing these conversations and taking the shame away. They also discuss the pressures both cancer survivors as well as their partners can feel around intimacy and the power of community support in reclaiming confidence and connection after cancer. This episode offers honest insights and encourages open conversations about sexual health for cancer survivors and their partners.
In this episode, we continue with a special series close to my heart: Decoding Destiny: Navigating Breast Cancer with Genetic Insight. I'm joined by Kathy Baker, patient advocate and founder of My Faulty Gene to explore the power of genetic testing—particularly cascade testing—and how it can help both you and your family take control of your breast cancer risk. Kathy shares her compelling personal story and how it inspired her to launch My Faulty Gene, a nonprofit organization that provides education, emotional support, and financial assistance for genetic testing. You'll learn all about the importance of cascade testing for families, how genetic knowledge can lead to proactive screenings and preventive health measures, and how advocacy is truly paving the way for more accessible care. Whether you're facing a BRCA-positive diagnosis, considering genetic testing, or looking for support navigating hereditary cancer risk, this is one conversation that you'll want to listen to - and share with your entire family. Thank you to Merck and AstraZeneca for making this episode possible!
Today is Clinical Trials Awareness Day, making it the perfect time to spotlight a powerful conversation about access, equity, and the future of cancer research. Host Melissa Berry is joined by Dr. Sara Horton, Strategic Clinical Trials Access and Partnerships Lead at Quantum Leap Healthcare to have an insightful and empowering conversation about clinical trials. Dr. Horton is deeply committed to improving access to clinical trials and ensuring diversity in cancer research—an essential step toward creating treatments that truly work for everyone. In this episode, we explore why representation matters in clinical trials, what barriers still exist, and how her work is helping to break them down. We also discuss the groundbreaking Wisdom Study, how to find and join clinical trials, and how they can be a vital part of improving treatment options. Overall, we talk about the importance of clinical trials and why they're so essential—not only to advance research, but also to getting an upgrade to your own care.
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