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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.
181 Episodes
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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.
From Survivor to Founder: Redefining Swimwear with Post Swim with Lauren Yerkes, Breast Cancer Survivor and Founder of Post Swim In this episode of Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful, host Melissa Berry sits down with Lauren Yerkes, a triple negative breast cancer survivor and founder of Post Swim, a new swimwear brand designed to solve the difficult challenges we face when finding the right swimsuit after a mastectomy. Lauren shares her personal journey through diagnosis, treatment, and how her struggles with swimwear post-surgery inspired her to create a line that combines comfort, style, and thoughtful features tailored specifically to breast cancer survivors. The conversation explores how difficult it can be to find swimwear that meets the unique needs of those who’ve had mastectomies. Lauren explains how Post Swim’s designs offer options for scar coverage, nipple smoothness, and implant rippling coverage, with removable waterproof molded cups to help even out nipple imperfections. Some styles are designed for those who have gone fully flat, ensuring a flattering fit without compromising comfort. Lauren also discusses how community feedback has played a vital role in shaping the designs and how the swimsuits help us feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful in our own skin. Lauren shares how Post Swim’s mission is about empowering us to feel strong, confident, and in control, offering options that make us feel beautiful during and after cancer treatment. This is one episode you won’t want to miss!
In this episode of Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful, we’re talking about beauty, confidence, and self-care with Karissa Bodnar, CEO and Founder of Thrive Causemetics and Bigger Than Beauty Skincare. Her mission goes way beyond makeup—Karissa has created a brand that champions clean beauty, uplifts those affected by cancer, and helps women feel like themselves again. As a breast cancer survivor, I know how powerful beauty and self-care can be during and after treatment. Karissa opens up about the deeply personal reason she started Thrive Causemetics: her friend Kristy, while undergoing cancer treatment, was advised by her oncologist to avoid wearing makeup. That moment sparked the creation of the now-iconic Kristy Faux lashes— perfect for women who’ve lost their lashes and want to regain a sense of confidence and normalcy. We’ll celebrate the 10-year anniversary of those lashes, talk about why clean beauty matters (especially for those of us going through treatment), how to spot harmful ingredients, and the incredible ways that Thrive Causemetics is giving back to the cancer community—including naming products after survivors. To learn more, follow: @karissabodnar @thrivecausemetics @biggerthanbeautyskincare Use code CANCERFASHIONISTA at checkout for 20% off your first Thrive Causemetics order.
In this special episode, host Melissa Berry is joined by Harjeet Kaur, a Stage 4 cancer survivor, patient advocate, speaker, influencer, and founder of Chai and Hope, a support community for South Asian cancer patients. Harjeet is dedicated to breaking the stigma around cancer, fertility loss, and hair loss due to treatment—especially within the South Asian community. After her cancer diagnosis and stem cell transplant, Harjeet turned her pain into purpose by breaking down barriers within her own family. While she received love and support, the topic of cancer was never discussed. Harjeet found a way to open up that conversation with her own family and now helps others do the same. We explore the emotional and familial challenges of fertility and hair loss—issues deeply significant in South Asian culture—and how Harjeet overcame these obstacles. She shares how founding Chai and Hope has created a supportive space for South Asian cancer patients. This conversation is about breaking stigma, overcoming family barriers, and finding strength through shared stories.
The Life Saving Power of Self Breast Exams with Jessica Baladad, Founder of Feel For Your Life In this episode, host Melissa Berry welcomes Jessica Baladad, a 6-year breast cancer survivor and passionate advocate for self-breast exams. After a practitioner dismissed a malignant lump as “normal,” Jessica discovered it herself during a routine self-exam—an act that may have saved her life. She went on to create Feel For Your Life, an app designed by a breast cancer survivor to educate and empower women with tools for self-exams, tracking changes, and getting screened. Tune in for a powerful conversation on self-advocacy, early detection, and why knowing your body and always advocating for yourself can make all the difference.
In this episode of Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful, we discuss an often-overlooked aspect of cancer care: oral health. Onco-Radioligist Dr. Abida Taher and Pediatric Dentist Dr. Robyn Lesser, the experts behind (un) cancer, join the show to explain why oral care is so important during cancer treatment, how to protect your teeth and gums, and their unique products designed to help maintain oral health. We explore the impact of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy on oral health, covering common issues like mouth sores, dry mouth, infections, and long-term dental complications. Dr. Taher and Dr. Lesser also discuss why oral health is frequently overlooked in cancer treatment and why that needs to change. They share their unique approach to preventive dental care and the science behind the products they have developed for cancer patients. Tune in for valuable information and practical tips on maintaining your smile, before, during and after cancer treatment!
In this episode of Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful!, I’m joined by Erica Deligne, style expert, breast cancer survivor, and creator of the Flat, Fierce, and Feminine guide. After opting for aesthetic flat closure,Erica became a passionate advocate for helping women embrace their bodies with confidence and style without reconstruction. Erica shares her personal breast cancer story, the decision to go flat, and the importance of being fully informed about all surgical options. She also offers fashion tips for those who have gone the flat aesthetic closure route, discusses the need for more clothing options, and highlights how style can be a beautiful form of empowerment and self-expression. We also talk about dating after going flat, how to build confidence in relationships, and the importance of advocacy for flat closure awareness. Tune in for an empowering and inspiring conversation!
In this special episode, I sit down with Ricki Fairley of TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance and Hayley Dinerman of the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation to discuss the latest advancements in TNBC research, including key takeaways from SABCS 2024, new immunotherapy and targeted therapies, and the impact of the AACR research grant. We also explore efforts to address racial disparities, upcoming awareness initiatives, and how you can get involved. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the future of TNBC treatment and advocacy. Thank you to Merck, Daiichi-Sankyo, Gilead, Pfizer, and Lilly for making this episode possible!
In this episode, I continue the "Your Voice. Your Health" series with a powerful conversation about step therapy, healthcare disparities, and patient advocacy. I had the privilege of speaking with Jamil Rivers, a metastatic breast cancer thriver, nationally recognized advocate, and founder of The Chrysalis Initiative. We discuss Jamil's experience from her breast cancer diagnosis to her groundbreaking work in educating healthcare providers through her Cancer Curriculum, which is transforming cancer care and addressing inequities in treatment access. We explore the flaws in the healthcare system that step therapy exposes, and discuss trustworthy resources and tactics that can empower patients to advocate for themselves and seek the care they deserve. Listen now to be inspired by Jamil's story and gain important insights into improving cancer care for all. Special thanks to Amgen for making this episode possible.
In this episode, I sat down with breast cancer advocate Rachel Marx—aka baesymmetrical—who proudly calls herself the Uniboob Unicorn. After choosing a unilateral mastectomy, Rachel has redefined beauty, confidence, and sexuality on her own terms. We explore body acceptance, the healing power of personal photography, and her experience modeling for AnaOno, a lingerie brand designed for those affected by breast cancer. She also shares insights on dating, intimacy after surgery, and The Rachel Bra, a game-changing piece named after her which celebrates unique silhouettes. A powerful conversation about self-love, resilience, and embracing your body unapologetically.
In this episode, I sit down with photographer Charise Isis, who helps breast cancer survivors rediscover their inner goddess through powerful imagery. Her work captures strength, beauty, and resilience post-surgery, guiding women to embrace their bodies with confidence. We explore the healing power of photography, how it transforms self-perception, and how you can book your own empowering photo experience. Tune in for a conversation about self-love, confidence, and redefining beauty.
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