Boobalicious: Breast Cancer and Beyond

What happens when you're told you're the picture of health—and then you find a lump 11 days after a clear mammogram? For Samantha Harris, former host of Dancing with the Stars and Entertainment Tonight, it was the beginning of a four month fight to be heard, a shocking diagnosis, and a complete transformation of what it means to be truly healthy. In this episode of Boobalicious: Breast Cancer and Beyond, hosts Chris Kushner and Jenni Rai, PT, CLT, sit down with Samantha Harris to talk about her breast cancer diagnosis at 40, dense breasts, why mammograms alone aren't enough, the power of self advocacy, and how a surgeon's gut instinct in the operating room saved her life. Samantha shares how she juggled a high powered television career, motherhood, Broadway performances, and multiple jobs while thinking she was doing everything right. She ate clean, worked out constantly, and appeared on the covers of health and fitness magazines. But just 11 days after a clear mammogram, she felt a lump that would change everything. The conversation explores the frustrating reality of dense breasts and why mammograms often miss cancer in women with dense tissue. Samantha explains how two different doctors dismissed her concerns, how she finally found a breast specialist, and why even an MRI, ultrasound, and needle biopsy failed to detect her invasive cancer. It wasn't until a lumpectomy and a surgeon's instinct to test healthy tissue that the truth came out: stage one invasive breast cancer. Chris and Jenni dig into Samantha's decision making process around treatment, including why she chose a double mastectomy, opted out of chemotherapy and radiation, and went on tamoxifen for seven and a half years. Samantha discusses the importance of second and third opinions, the difference between private practice doctors and teaching hospitals, and why asking questions doesn't make you a difficult patient. The episode also covers sentinel node biopsies, lymph node removal, and the long term challenges of lymphedema after breast surgery. Samantha opens up about how losing 11 lymph nodes affected her arm, the techniques she uses to manage swelling and heaviness, and why working with a physical therapist like Jenni was critical to her recovery. Samantha reflects on the wake up call that breast cancer gave her, the illusion of health she was living under, and how her diagnosis forced her to redefine what it means to take care of herself. She also teases her recurrence story, which will be covered in part two of this conversation. If you're navigating a new breast cancer diagnosis, struggling to get doctors to listen, or trying to make sense of treatment options, this episode is packed with validation, practical advice, and hope. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN ✅ Why mammograms alone aren't enough for women with dense breasts ✅ The importance of ultrasound, MRI, and thermography for early detection ✅ How to advocate for yourself when doctors dismiss your concerns ✅ Why you should see a breast specialist, not just a general doctor ✅ What a sentinel node biopsy is and why it matters ✅ The long term effects of lymph node removal and managing lymphedema ✅ How to get second and third opinions without offending your doctor ✅ Why private practice doctors and teaching hospitals may give different advice ✅ Samantha's decision to skip chemo and radiation after her first diagnosis ✅ The role of tamoxifen in breast cancer treatment ✅ How a surgeon's gut instinct saved Samantha's life ABOUT SAMANTHA HARRIS Samantha Harris is a television host, author, and breast cancer survivor best known for hosting Dancing with the Stars and working as a correspondent for Entertainment Tonight and Good Morning America. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 40, Samantha has become a passionate advocate for early detection, self advocacy, and redefining health beyond fitness and diet. She is the author of a book on wellness and shares her story to help other women navigate their own cancer journeys. Follow her journey and advocacy work online. RESOURCES MENTIONED Dr. Giuliano at Cedars Sinai, breast surgeon and part of the team that discovered the sentinel node Dense breast notification laws and supplemental screening Lymphedema management techniques: dry brushing, rebounding, self lymphatic massage The importance of second and third opinions ABOUT BOOBALICIOUS Boobalicious: Breast Cancer and Beyond is a breast cancer podcast for women navigating breast cancer treatment, recovery, and long term survivorship. Hosted by breast cancer survivor Chris Kushner and physical therapist and breast cancer rehabilitation specialist Jenni Rai, PT, CLT, Boobalicious combines lived experience with professional insight to talk about the things that don't always get enough attention during and after breast cancer treatment. We talk about breast cancer recovery, mastectomy recovery, lymphedema after breast cancer, menopause after breast cancer, exercise after breast cancer treatment, mental..

What happens when you find a lump at 38 weeks pregnant and doctors tell you it's probably nothing? For Mandy Geyman, it turned out to be stage three inflammatory breast cancer. Diagnosed at 31 while carrying her second child during COVID, Mandy's story is one of impossible decisions, dark humor, and fierce survival. In this episode of Boobalicious: Breast Cancer and Beyond, hosts Chris Kushner and Jenni Rai, PT, CLT, sit down with Mandy Geyman, founder of @WarriorMamaMandy on Instagram, to talk about pregnancy and breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer warning signs, chemotherapy while pregnant, genetic testing, the guilt of being a pregnant cancer patient, and how humor became her lifeline. Mandy shares how a pinkish discoloration and orange peel texture on her breast led to weeks of misdiagnosis as mastitis before a vigilant nurse caught what others missed. She explains the difference between inflammatory breast cancer and typical breast cancer, why there's often no lump, and how quickly this aggressive cancer can spread. The conversation explores the fear and uncertainty of starting chemotherapy while pregnant, the decision to do chemo every two weeks instead of three, and why pregnant people may actually tolerate chemo better than non pregnant patients. Mandy also discusses the emotional weight of wondering if cancer cells could pass to her baby, navigating a high risk pregnancy during a pandemic, and giving birth just 18 days before her mastectomy. Chris and Jenni dig into the mental load of being a pregnant cancer patient, the guilt of putting treatment before pregnancy, and the impossible task of caring for a three year old going through autism testing while fighting for your own life. Mandy also opens up about her BRCA2 positive genetic test results, the decision to test her young daughters, and what it means to carry that knowledge forward. The episode takes a turn into the power and pitfalls of sharing your cancer story on social media. Mandy talks about why she started posting, how humor helped her survive, and the unexpected criticism from someone close to her who accused her of seeking attention. Chris and Jenni validate the healing power of storytelling and community, especially for young breast cancer survivors who feel isolated and alone. Five years out from diagnosis, Mandy reflects on what gives her hope, why hearing from long term survivors matters, and how her husband is writing a book for caregivers who feel forgotten during treatment. If you're navigating breast cancer during pregnancy, inflammatory breast cancer, genetic testing, or simply trying to find your people, this episode is for you. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN ✅ Warning signs of inflammatory breast cancer and why there's often no lump ✅ How pregnancy and breast cancer collide and what treatment looks like ✅ The difference between mastitis and inflammatory breast cancer ✅ Chemotherapy while pregnant and why pregnant patients may tolerate it better ✅ The emotional weight of being a pregnant cancer patient ✅ BRCA testing, genetic results, and testing young children ✅ How to navigate criticism when sharing your cancer story on social media ✅ Why humor can be a survival tool during treatment ✅ Finding hope five years out from diagnosis ✅ Resources for pregnant cancer patients ABOUT MANDY GEYMAN Mandy Guyman is a breast cancer survivor, mom of two, and the voice behind @WarriorMamaMandy on Instagram. Diagnosed with stage three inflammatory breast cancer at 31 while pregnant during COVID, Mandy uses humor, honesty, and storytelling to connect with other survivors and share hope. She is BRCA2 positive and an advocate for genetic testing and early detection. Follow her on Instagram at @WarriorMamaMandy. RESOURCES MENTIONED Dr. Elyce Cardonick, high risk OBGYN and oncologist specializing in cancer and pregnancy (New Jersey) Registry for pregnant cancer patients Chemo Hates Kisses (children's book about cancer) Neulasta during pregnancy ABOUT BOOBALICIOUS Boobalicious: Breast Cancer and Beyond is a breast cancer podcast for women navigating breast cancer treatment, recovery, and long term survivorship. Hosted by breast cancer survivor Chris Kushner and physical therapist and breast cancer rehabilitation specialist Jenni Rai, PT, CLT, Boobalicious combines lived experience with professional insight to talk about the things that don't always get enough attention during and after breast cancer treatment. We talk about breast cancer recovery, mastectomy recovery, lymphedema after breast cancer, menopause after breast cancer, exercise after breast cancer treatment, mental health, survivorship, and life after breast cancer. Subscribe for honest conversations about what happens during breast cancer treatment and what happens when treatment ends but you still don't quite feel like yourself.

What if the final step of breast cancer reconstruction could help you feel whole again? In this episode of Boobalicious: Breast Cancer and Beyond, hosts Chris Kushner and Jenni Rai, PT, CLT, sit down with Crystal Yang and Courtney Delgado, the founders of Perky, a clinic providing medical grade aesthetic services including 3D nipple tattoos for breast cancer survivors. They discuss the healing power of nipple tattooing, the emotional impact of seeing yourself whole again, and why this final step of reconstruction often gets overlooked. Crystal and Courtney share how they transitioned from working in a breast reconstructive nursing clinic to becoming specialized 3D nipple tattoo artists. They explain the problem with nipple tattoos done in doctor's offices, why they wanted to create a dedicated, safe space for this service, and how proper training and technique can produce stunningly realistic results. The conversation explores the emotional moment when survivors look in the mirror and see color and dimension where there was once flatness and absence. Chris, Jenni, Crystal, and Courtney discuss why that visual completion can be profoundly healing and how it helps women reconnect with their bodies after mastectomy and reconstruction. They compare surgical nipple reconstruction versus 3D nipple tattoos, discussing projection, symmetry, scarring, sensation, and why many women choose tattooing over an additional surgery. The group also addresses how to tattoo over radiated skin, the importance of skin care and massage before tattooing, and what to expect during the procedure and touch up process. Jenni shares insight on the mind body connection after mastectomy, and Crystal and Courtney emphasize the importance of touching your breast to help your brain reconnect with your new body. They also discuss the surgeon's God complex, being told to be grateful, and why patient preferences sometimes get lost in the reconstruction process. The episode covers temporary nipple tattoos, a try before you commit option that Perky created in house with 12 different styles and color tones. Crystal and Courtney explain how these temporary tattoos can help women test how a nipple will make them feel, whether they're in the middle of treatment, waiting for radiation to finish, or simply unsure if permanent tattooing is right for them. Beyond nipples, Perky offers 3D eyebrows, scar camouflage, stretch mark camouflage, radiation marker tattoos, and 3D belly button restoration. The conversation touches on keloiding, who is a good candidate for tattooing, and how these services help survivors feel more like themselves. Crystal and Courtney break down insurance coverage for nipple tattooing, explaining that the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act requires insurance to cover the service nationally, but loopholes often prevent reimbursement. They share the resources they've created to help women navigate insurance, file for reimbursement, and appeal denials. The episode closes with a discussion of hope, community, and vulnerability in survivorship. Crystal and Courtney share details about The Third Nipple Campaign, a creative October fundraiser using temporary tattoos to spread awareness and raise money for the Perky Restoration Grant Program, which provides free nipple tattooing, scar camouflage, eyebrows, and nurse coaching to breast cancer survivors in need. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN ✅ How 3D nipple tattoos complete breast reconstruction ✅ The emotional impact of seeing yourself whole again ✅ Why nipple tattoos done in doctor's offices are often subpar ✅ Surgical nipple reconstruction vs 3D nipple tattoos ✅ How to reconnect mind and body after mastectomy ✅ Why touching your breast helps your brain adjust to your new body ✅ The surgeon's God complex and being told to be grateful ✅ How to tattoo over radiated skin ✅ Skin care and massage tips before nipple tattooing ✅ Temporary nipple tattoos and how to try before you commit ✅ Beyond nipples: eyebrows, scars, stretch marks, radiation markers, belly buttons ✅ Keloiding and who is a good candidate for tattooing ✅ Insurance coverage: the law vs the loopholes ✅ What to expect during the procedure and touch ups ✅ The Third Nipple Campaign and Perky Restoration Grant Program ABOUT CRYSTAL YANG AND COURTNEY DELGADO Crystal Yang and Courtney Delgado are the founders of Perky, a San Antonio based clinic providing medical grade aesthetic services to women affected by breast cancer. With backgrounds in breast reconstructive nursing, Crystal and Courtney specialize in 3D nipple tattoos, eyebrow tattooing, scar camouflage, and other restorative services. They are passionate about creating a safe, dedicated space for survivors and helping women feel whole again. Learn more at helloperky.com or follow them on Instagram @weareperky. RESOURCES MENTIONED Perky website: helloperky.com Instagram: @weareperky Perky Restoration Grant Program (through Pink Warrior Advocates) The Third Nipple Campaign...

Writing Through Breast Cancer: The Healing Power of Telling Your Story What if the most powerful part of your breast cancer story isn’t what’s in your medical file—but what never made it onto the page? In this episode of Boobalicious: Breast Cancer and Beyond, hosts Chris Kushner and Jenni Rai, PT, CLT, sit down with April Stearns, founder of Wildfire Magazine, and Dawn Amodeo, a Wildfire contributor, to explore the healing power of writing through breast cancer, processing trauma, and telling the stories that don’t fit neatly into treatment plans. After her 2012 breast cancer diagnosis, April went searching for stories that went beyond diagnosis details and treatment timelines. She wanted the real, raw, messy experience of living with and after breast cancer. When she couldn’t find it, she created it. Wildfire Magazine became a publication and writing community where people affected by breast cancer could tell their whole stories—not just the medical ones. Dawn shares her journey from being Jenni’s physical therapy patient after her mastectomy to participating in Wildfire’s writing workshops. She explains how writing helped her process trauma, quiet the noise surrounding her cancer experience, and uncover parts of her story that still needed healing. The conversation explores research on expressive writing and trauma, including the work of psychologist Dr. James Pennebaker, and why writing can be a powerful tool for emotional processing and mental health. April encourages survivors to explore “the story before the story”—the relationships, body image struggles, beliefs, fears, and experiences that existed before cancer. The group also tackles subjects often left out of traditional breast cancer survivor stories: death, sex, intimacy, money, medical menopause, marriage, and the complicated emotions of life after breast cancer treatment. Dawn reads an excerpt from her published piece, “The Morning of My Mastectomy,” taking listeners inside the hour before surgery—from affirmations and fear to a nurse holding her hand and the surgeon marking her chest. It’s an intimate look at a moment a medical record could never fully capture. April also shares practical writing prompts, including “What My Medical File Won’t Tell You,” and explains how focusing on small moments, decisions, and realizations can help survivors discover what they need to write—and perhaps heal. The episode closes with reflections on hope and breast cancer survivorship. April shares dropping her daughter off at college 11 years after diagnosis, while Dawn reflects on still being here nine years later—living with metastatic breast cancer, conquering fears, finding joy, and continuing to write her story. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ✅ How Wildfire Magazine became a storytelling community for breast cancer survivors ✅ The science behind writing as a tool for processing trauma ✅ Why your breast cancer story is more than your medical file ✅ Why survivors need space to talk about death, sex, money, intimacy, and body image ✅ How writing workshops create safe spaces for vulnerable storytelling ✅ Writing prompts for processing your cancer experience ✅ Why “the story before the story” matters ✅ Finding hope in life after breast cancer ABOUT APRIL STEARNS April Stearns is the founder of Wildfire Magazine, a publication and community dedicated to storytelling for people affected by breast cancer. Diagnosed in 2012, April created Wildfire to make space for the real, complex stories of cancer and survivorship. ABOUT DAWN AMODEO Dawn Amodeo is a writer, breast cancer survivor, and Wildfire contributor. Dawn is living with metastatic breast cancer and continues to share her story while embracing life, challenging fears, and finding joy. ABOUT BOOBALICIOUS Boobalicious: Breast Cancer and Beyond is a breast cancer podcast for women navigating breast cancer treatment, recovery, and long-term survivorship. Hosted by breast cancer survivor Chris Kushner and physical therapist Jenni Rai, PT, CLT, Boobalicious brings lived experience and expert insight to honest conversations about life after breast cancer.

What happens when you find community that doesn't just understand your diagnosis, but sees you as a whole person? In this episode of Boobalicious: Breast Cancer and Beyond, hosts Chris Kushner and Jenni Rai, PT, CLT, sit down with Yahira Torres, founder of Lioness Retreat, and Staci Tantum, known as @Metastaci, to talk about breast cancer retreats, the power of in-person community, and why finding your people can be just as healing as any medical treatment. Yahira shares how she was diagnosed with breast cancer during the pandemic in September 2020 and turned to social media to find others who looked like her. Isolated and overwhelmed by medical jargon, she realized she was getting more support from online community than from her own medical team. That's when she decided to create Lioness Retreat, a small, intimate retreat for breast cancer survivors that prioritizes healing, empowerment, and connection. The Lioness Retreat is not your typical cancer event. Every year, Yahira and her team carefully select 20 women through a thoughtful application and interview process, cultivating a group that will bond, support each other, and grow together. The weekend includes professional photo shoots, makeup sessions, art projects where participants create collages for each other, and deep conversations about life after breast cancer. Staci opens up about her own journey with breast cancer, her metastatic diagnosis, and how attending Camp Breasties and Lioness Retreat changed her life. She talks about leaving an unhappy marriage, learning to show up for herself, and discovering that cancer community isn't just about medical advice—it's about learning to live again. Chris and Jenni explore the emotional safety that Lioness Retreat creates, how these retreats differ from traditional support groups, and why women struggle to prioritize themselves. Yahira discusses the importance of diversity in her retreat groups, the challenges of body image after multiple surgeries, and how she uses fashion and self-acceptance to navigate constant physical changes. The conversation also touches on dating after cancer, the power of sharing your story on social media, and why saying yes to community can open doors you didn't know existed. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN ✅ How Lioness Retreat selects participants and creates intimate, healing experiences ✅ Why breast cancer community can be more supportive than traditional support groups ✅ How attending retreats and summits can transform life after breast cancer ✅ The emotional and physical challenges of adjusting to body changes after mastectomy and reconstruction ✅ How to find breast cancer retreats and community events ✅ Why showing up for yourself matters, even when it feels hard ✅ How social media can be a tool for connection and healing ✅ The difference between toxic positivity and authentic storytelling ✅ Resources for breast cancer survivors looking for community ABOUT YAHIRA TORRES Yahira Torres is the founder of Lioness Retreat, an intimate, empowering retreat for breast cancer survivors. Diagnosed with breast cancer during the pandemic in 2020, Yahaira turned to social media to find community and realized how powerful in-person connection could be. She created Lioness Retreat to bring survivors together in small, carefully curated groups where healing, empowerment, and community are at the center. Follow Yahaira on Instagram at @breastcancer_chingona and learn more about Lioness Retreat at @lion_ess_retreat. ABOUT STACi TANTUM (@METASTACI) Staci is a stage IV Thriver aka MBC baddie! Living her most authentic life, she is surrounded by family, friends, community, and her pup, Cato. She works in nonprofit writing grants and running out-of-school time programs. She expresses herself through writing and poetry, and Staci loves advocating for visibility and metastatic breast cancer research funding. When she’s not working or volunteering, you can find her traveling or shopping.  Find her on socials @Metastaci. RESOURCES MENTIONED Lioness Retreat Info/ Donate: www.prideretreat.org TheBreasties.org youngsurvival.org Breastofus.com MarysPlaceByTheSea.org (Ocean Grove, New Jersey) Diagnosis Anonymous (Chris Kushner's mentorship platform for newly diagnosed cancer patients) ABOUT BOOBALICIOUS Boobalicious: Breast Cancer and Beyond is a breast cancer podcast for women navigating breast cancer treatment, recovery, and long-term survivorship. Hosted by breast cancer survivor Chris Kushner and physical therapist and breast cancer rehabilitation specialist Jenni Rai, PT, CLT, Boobalicious combines lived experience with professional insight to talk about the things that don't always get enough attention during and after breast cancer treatment. We talk about breast cancer recovery, mastectomy recovery, lymphedema after breast cancer, menopause after breast cancer, exercise after breast cancer treatment, mental health, survivorship, and...