Breast Cancer Stories

By: Kristen Vengler & Eva Sheie
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  • Summary

  • Breast Cancer Stories is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with breast cancer or love someone who has, this podcast is here to help you through the shock of diagnosis and treatment.

    After her mother died, Dr. Tita Gray found a lump and called her doctor at UCLA, but the earliest appointments were two months out. She frantically called around for a doctor who could get her in ASAP for a biopsy. Luckily, St. Mary's in Long Beach got Tita in right away, but the news wasn't good. When Tita later saw her oncologist at UCLA, they found more cancer than expected and recommended immediate aggressive chemo. In season 3 of Breast Cancer Stories, Tita shares her story in real time as she navigates a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis, undergoes aggressive chemo and immunotherapy, and ultimately chooses to go flat following a double mastectomy.

    Season 2

    The second season follows Natasha Curry, a palliative care nurse practitioner at San Francisco General Hospital. Natasha was in Malawi on a Doctors Without Borders mission in 2021 when her husband of 25 years announced in a text message that he was leaving. A few months later when she discovered an almond-sized lump in her armpit, she did everything she tells her patients not to do and dismissed it, or wrote it off as a “fat lump." One painful biopsy later, Natasha found out she had cancer; in one life-changing moment, the nurse became the patient.

    Season 1

    The first season of Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, double mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have.

    Connect with us

    Breast Cancer Stories is an all-time Top 10 Medicine podcast on Goodpods.

    Connect with us and learn more about the show at breastcancerstoriespodcast.com

    Follow Breast Cancer Stories on Instagram @breastcancerstoriespodcast

    Support the Breast Cancer Stories podcast by subscribing to our Substack or click to donate any amount via PayPal.

    Sponsorship opportunities available. For our media kit or to contact us visit breastcancerstoriespodcast.com.
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Episodes
  • Day 326: It’s a Reminder I’m Alive [Dr. Tita Gray]

    Day 326: It’s a Reminder I’m Alive [Dr. Tita Gray]
    Sep 17 2024
    Returning to life cancer-free hasn’t been easy, but Tita stays positive and isn’t letting anything take her spirit down.

    Her chest is healing, and she doesn’t feel like any less of a woman without breasts. Rather, it reminds her that she's alive and kicking.

    She continues with regular immunotherapy, and it's doing wonders. Feeling more like herself, she’s working out without any joint pain, and her hair is growing back.

    About Season 3

    After her mom's death and some family issues, Dr. Tita Gray found a lump in her breast, leading to a biopsy that confirmed breast cancer. In season 3 of Breast Cancer Stories, Tita shares her journey through a triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis, aggressive chemo and immunotherapy, and choosing to go flat after a double mastectomy.

    Consider becoming a paid subscriber to our newsletter (it’s $4/month)

    Reach out to bcs@theaxis.io if you want talk about sponsoring this season, which will include ALL episodes (this is called run-of-show in podcast ads lingo)

    Make a one time donation in any amount via PayPal

    This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time.

    Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie
    Co-Host: Kristen Vengler
    Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser
    Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment
    Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson
    Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt
    Assistant Producer: Hannah Burkhart

    Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis.

    PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS
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    27 mins
  • Day 233: ​​I'm the Most Happy & the Least Happy [Dr. Tita Gray]

    Day 233: ​​I'm the Most Happy & the Least Happy [Dr. Tita Gray]
    Aug 27 2024
    When she first looked down after her double mastectomy, Tita didn’t panic. But adjusting to life without a bra has been strange.

    Nothing could prepare her for the emotions of losing a part of her body. But her tumor is gone, and no cancer was found before it was removed.

    Tita reflects that while chemo saves your life, it takes a piece of your life with it. She finds peace by focusing on her spiritual side to heal.

    About Season 3

    After her mom's death and some family issues, Dr. Tita Gray found a lump in her breast, leading to a biopsy that confirmed breast cancer. In season 3 of Breast Cancer Stories, Tita shares her journey through a triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis, aggressive chemo and immunotherapy, and choosing to go flat after a double mastectomy.

    Consider becoming a paid subscriber to our newsletter (it’s $4/month)

    Reach out to bcs@theaxis.io if you want talk about sponsoring this season, which will include ALL episodes (this is called run-of-show in podcast ads lingo)

    Make a one time donation in any amount via PayPal

    This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time.

    Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie
    Co-Host: Kristen Vengler
    Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser
    Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment
    Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson
    Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt
    Assistant Producer: Hannah Burkhart

    Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis.

    PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS
    Show more Show less
    28 mins
  • Day 220: The Pizza and Pasta Phase [Dr. Tita Gray]

    Day 220: The Pizza and Pasta Phase [Dr. Tita Gray]
    Aug 20 2024
    Tita's finally starting to feel like herself again after six grueling months of chemo. With no more nausea, she can actually enjoy pizza and pasta without feeling sick.

    Her mastectomy is coming up soon, and her oncologist is calling for radiation. She's not exactly thrilled about it, but she’s determined to never have to deal with this cancer again.

    About Season 3

    After her mom's death and some family issues, Dr. Tita Gray found a lump in her breast, leading to a biopsy that confirmed breast cancer. In season 3 of Breast Cancer Stories, Tita shares her journey through a triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis, aggressive chemo and immunotherapy, and choosing to go flat after a double mastectomy.

    Consider becoming a paid subscriber to our newsletter (it’s $4/month)

    Reach out to bcs@theaxis.io if you want talk about sponsoring this season, which will include ALL episodes (this is called run-of-show in podcast ads lingo)

    Make a one time donation in any amount via PayPal

    This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time.

    Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie
    Co-Host: Kristen Vengler
    Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser
    Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment
    Production Assistant: Mary Ellen Clarkson
    Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt
    Assistant Producer: Hannah Burkhart

    Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis.

    PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS
    Show more Show less
    22 mins

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Profile Image for Melanie

Thank you for sharing your journey

I am 50 and also in this process. I am also almost an empty nester and I related to so many things. You have kept me company while I’m preparing mentally and physically for my own double mastectomy.
I don’t have my date yet, and sometimes it’s the waiting that is just so lonely…even when I have family support. Thank you for sharing your journey and helping me keep the “cup half full” attitude even while getting ready to have empty bra cups.
Sincerely
Melanie
melanie_kell@hotmail.com

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Profile Image for DEBRA WALTERS

The most relatable stories I've listened to.

I am about a third of the way into my journey. Thank you for providing this wonderful podcast. It validates so much for me and inspires me to persevere. You all speak my language so to speak. Again,, thank you!

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