Test Those Breasts ™️

Ep. 100: Rising Above-Transformation Through Writing w/ BC Sisters - Gillian, Melissa, Sarah, and April

Send us a textFor our 100th episode, we explore how storytelling helps us reclaim body, mind, and spirit after cancer. Gillian Lichota, April Stearns, Melissa Andersen, and Sarah Zsak share how writing transforms fear into agency, supports embodiment, and creates space for healing and connection.Featured book: Rising Above: Our Transformational Journey to Wholeness After Breast CancerGillian Lichota – Founder/CEO of iRise Above Foundation, breast cancer thriver, adventure traveler, and lead author of Rising AboveApril Stearns – Founder/Editor of Wildfire Magazine; breast cancer survivor guiding expressive writing workshops. editor@wildfirecommunity.org IG: @wildfire_bc_magazine FB: facebook.com/wildfirecommunityMelissa Andersen – Former teacher turned nonprofit advocate; HER2+ survivor focused on healing, nature, & creativity. Substack: @melandersen IG: @ms_happyturtle FB: Melissa AndersenSarah Zsak – Speech-language pathologist, mom of four, Peace Corps alum, and Stage III survivor centered in faith, connection & hope. ResourcesPersonal Ink (P.ink Day): https://p-ink.org/p-ink-days/ ACS: Breast Cancer Facts & Figures: https://www.cancer.org/ Ohio State article on early signs of breast cancer: https://cancer.osu.edu/news/most-breast-cancers-dont-start-with-a-noticeable-lump Hopkins Reconstruction Surgeons: Dr. Lily Mundy – https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/lily-mundy/2700651 Dr. Nima Khavanin – https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/provider/nima-khavanin/3052769Support the show Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/ Where to find Jamie:Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree Jamie Vaughn in the News! Thanks for listening! I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .

Ep. 99: How A Diagnosis Sparked A Purpose-Driven Life & A New Way To Heal w/ Veronika Bubenickova

Send us a textYou can feel perfectly fine, hear the word cancer, and watch your whole life tilt. For Veronika Bubenickova, a seasoned product leader, that moment redefined how she approached work, wellness, and what it means to heal. We talk about the HER2+ whirlwind, the shock of chemo, the fatigue that steals sleep, and the mindset shift that turned treatment from a threat into an ally. Veronika shares the simple tools that helped her stay grounded through it all: nourishing food, gentle movement, intentional laughter, and anchoring herself in nature to restore joy and normalcy.Her greatest act of strength came through self-advocacy, asking hard questions, seeking the right specialists, and making choices that honored both her body and her future. Beyond the medical journey, Veronika opens up about the emotional and spiritual recovery that follows survival: naming the trauma that lingers, finding peace in uncertainty, and learning how to live fully again.Through Lotus Journey, she now helps other women navigate that same in-between, after treatment, before life feels steady again. Her book, Diary of a Soul Reborn, offers her hard-earned insights and a gentle path toward rebuilding identity, trust, and purpose. If you’re ready to move from doom-scrolling to genuine healing, this conversation is your invitation.Contact Veronika:Socials: http://www.lotus-journey.com/ https://veronika-bubenickova.com/linksLinkedInYouTubeFacebookInstagram Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/ Where to find Jamie:Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree Jamie Vaughn in the News! Thanks for listening! I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .

Ep. 98: From Fear to Facts: Taking Action Against Hidden Barriers w/ Dr. Cari Croghan

Send us a textReal talk, no ribbons, no fluff. Dr. Cari Croghan and Jamie Vaughn dig into the tough barrier topics: fear, cultural dismissal, bias, the absurd hoops we must jump through just to access care, and cultural barriers. From breast changes to insurance denials, we’re done whispering about it. This one’s about knowing your body, trusting your gut, and refusing to be brushed off. Listen in and share it with someone who needs that nudge to speak up and push back, perhaps with a little help!Episode Summary (Real Talk)We get honest about what it takes to advocate for yourself in a system that too often says “wait and see.” Dr. Cari, an ER-vet turned telehealth advocate—joins me to talk about the barriers women face every day: lack of education, fear, access, bias, and insurance run-arounds. You’ll hear practical advice on getting the right tests, when to demand a diagnostic mammogram, how to appeal denials, and where to find care even without insurance. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s here to help you move from fear to action.Contact Dr. Cari: 775-745-9239dr.croghan.ffs@gmail.comWebsite: drcariffs.comInstagram: @dr.cari.ffsFacebook Dr. Cari FFSDr. Cari on LinkedInSupport the show Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/ Where to find Jamie:Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree Jamie Vaughn in the News! Thanks for listening! I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .

Ep. 97: Finding Hope and Joy in Cancer: Amanda Gunville on Humor, Healing, and Resilience

Send us a textAmanda Gunville, a mom, entrepreneur, author, and cancer thriver, shares her personal journey with breast cancer and how it led to writing her new book "Finding Hope and Joy in Cancer." Her story illustrates how humor, self-advocacy, and mental resilience can transform the cancer experience from purely traumatic to a journey with moments of unexpected beauty and growth.• Amanda's pre-cancer life as a type-A perfectionist, new mom, and executive trying to be everything to everyone• The importance of counseling for couples facing cancer—how it enhanced Amanda's marriage• Taking control of hair loss by shaving her head before chemotherapy could take it and the humor she and her husband shared.• How writing became therapeutic during treatment and evolved into a book to help others• The struggle of balancing positivity with allowing yourself to feel grief and sadness• The power of self-care and prioritizing your own needs before serving others• Amanda's book drive initiative to donate books to newly diagnosed cancer patients• The unexpected connections and "angel moments" that happen during cancer treatment• The importance of allowing yourself to feel all emotions rather than forcing positivityTo support Amanda's book drive where $10 donations provide books directly to cancer patients, visit the link in our show notes. Amanda's book "Finding Hope and Joy in Cancer" launches October 1st.Amanda Gunville on Instagram Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/ Where to find Jamie:Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree Jamie Vaughn in the News! Thanks for listening! I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .

Ep. 96: The Doctor Said "Too Young" But Her Body Said Otherwise - Kommah McDowell's Story

Send us a textKommah McDowell shares her powerful journey surviving triple negative inflammatory breast cancer diagnosed at age 29 after months of doctors dismissing her symptoms as "too young for cancer." Twenty years later, she's transformed her experience into patient advocacy and authorship.• Diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer at 29 after multiple doctors dismissed her symptoms • Received a 5% survival rate prognosis, showing how inflammatory breast cancer often gets diagnosed late• Experienced medical gaslighting when symptoms including pain, redness, and breast growth were repeatedly dismissed• Got married during treatment when she was bald and could barely walk• Told she couldn't have children but experienced a "miracle pregnancy" between periods of treatment-induced menopause• Founded a nonprofit to help cancer patients afford transportation to treatment and basic necessities• Now an author of two books and professional speaker after celebrating 20 years of survival• Emphasizes the importance of knowing your body, trusting yourself, and fighting to be heard• Stresses that second opinions can be lifesaving, even with trusted doctorsIf you're experiencing unusual symptoms, trust yourself. Know your body, and always fight to be heard. Remember that second opinions could be a matter of life or death, even if you trust your doctor.Connect with Kommah:Koko@cleardx.iohttp://linkedin.com/in/kommah-m-951662199Www.kommahmcdowell.comInstagram: @KommahMcDowellResources:Silver Lining: Cancer was the best worst thing that ever happened to me. https://a.co/d/4VbMZz6String of Pearls: Seeking God’s intentionality in our lives. ​​https://a.co/d/9X7d4Cx  Are you loving the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? You can show your support by donating to the Test Those Breasts Nonprofit @ https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/ Where to find Jamie:Instagram LinkedIn TikTok Test Those Breasts Facebook Group LinkTree Jamie Vaughn in the News! Thanks for listening! I would appreciate your rating and review where you listen to podcasts!I am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers, therefore may not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers .