My Breastie Says

10/07/2026

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boobalicious-breast-cancer-and-beyond/id1845992048

This episode is especially exciting as my dear friend Dawn reads an excerpt from her piece about the day of her mastectomy. I HIGHLY recommend you listen.
If you want to skip to where she reads it’s about 21 min in.

Medicine Podcast · Video · Updated Weekly · What happens after breast cancer treatment ends, and how do you move forward when you do not feel like yourself yet? Boobalicious: Breast Cancer and Beyond is a breast cancer podcast helping women nav…

05/27/2026

Unfortunately it is VERY COMMON to feel “tight” or “stiff” in the shoulder/ radiation field for quite a long time once radiation has ended.
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In fact, it’s a bit like that movie “Groundhog’s Day”- wake up, feel tight, do some stretches/move around- feel a lot better! Wake up tight all over again.
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It would be great if I could give a time line such as “and this will all end in 6 months” but it’s more complicated than that. I’m not sure it as much “ends” as gradually you notice it less, until eventually it’s no longer front and center in your mind.
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Now if your shoulder motion is really lacking compared to non-radiated side: go to physical therapy! If you can’t find anyone in your area make a virtual “coaching” session with me! That needs to be addressed.
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⭐️follow this account for more get your life back advice after breast cancer treatment! ⭐️
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Comment below if you noticed the Easter egg in the video! 😉
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05/26/2026

Recovering from breast cancer treatment is a process, and not always an obvious one. A big part of the problem is there often isn’t anyone to guide you. Once active treatment is over it’s just like, “Have fun storming the castle!!” (Please tell me my young Gen X/ Geriatric Millennial friends catch this reference!?!)👸👰‍♀️
It’s easy to just expect life will magically return to “normal” until that day you wonder “just what the heck IS normal now, anyway?!”
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Thankfully and beautifully, the breast cancer community is one that is full of support, with women often acting like guides to those who’s diagnosis came after theirs.
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And if you need medical advice, I’m here as a physical therapist for info on topics such as:
- mastectomy/ breast reconstruction pre and post op
- how to get your posture back
- radiation
- shoulder motion
- dealing with fatigue
- scar management
-lymphedema
- how to safely incorporate exercises during and after treatment
- pain
- pelvic health
- cording
- and lots other stuff too.
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I strongly feel that information should empower- not frighten- and I’m doing my best to combat 1) the lack of post treatment info out there and 2) all that wackaodoo info that is out there!
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I’ve posted on all of those topics in the past but if any of them sound interesting, mention in comments and I’ll do an updated reel about them! Follow so you don’t miss them!
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05/25/2026

Common quandary: You’ve had a surgery, say mastectomy, breast reconstruction or lumpectomy. Your surgeon says its ok to start moving your arms again. But when you move, it causes pain.
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How do you know If that’s ok?
As a physical therapist, this is something I help my patients with a lot. And there are some very distinct tells your body will give you to help determine if it’s “ok” pain or “dangerous” pain.
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If you’re really struggling with this, work one on one with a physical therapist. My best tip however is to expect some discomfort- that’s totally normal! Sometimes just knowing what to expect can make a huge difference in how we experience something. And feel free to DM me with more questions!
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And what I’m trying to say in the end of the video before I get cut off- is we have to try really hard to actually cause damage. Our body will stop us from doing something really dramatic like ripping open sutures. (FYI: I’m also on the tok where you can see this video uninterrupted!)

05/24/2026

This post is for you if you’re not feeling inspired, grateful, or transformed by your breast cancer diagnosis.
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So many breast cancer stories end up wrapped in inspiration:
“She’s so young and handling it with such grace.”
“She beat the odds and now helps everyone else.”
“Cancer helped her find her true purpose.”
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And truly — no shade to anyone who has found meaning or a bright side in all of this. That resilience is real and remarkable.
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But for everyone else who feels angry, exhausted, disconnected, scared, bitter, numb, or just plain over it… this post is for you.
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You do not owe breast cancer- or anyone else for that matter!- gratitude, grace, or a redemption arc.
Be authentically yourself.
And if you need to vent, do so in the comments! We’re here for it and we love you just the same. 💙💙💙

05/23/2026

The thought is that what everyone needs when breast cancer treatment ends is a huge party. Right? Like it’s over, hooray, let’s celebrate! At least that’s what your friends and family think.
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And perhaps that’s what you thought too. Like finally! Life can go back to “normal!” And then ALL the emotions appear as the realization sets in that you wouldn’t recognize normal anymore even if it not you in the nose.
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So while everyone is celebrating and expecting you to be doing the same, there is this unease of emotion monster just lurking, along with left over side effects. And not always a clear place to turn.
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If you are not already, PLEASE follow this account and let me be one of the places you turn! I am a physical therapist and certified lymphedema therapist who specializes in helping women navigate this crazy time. I also have lots of friends who do the same, but from different areas of expertise that I name drop often (for example, , my bestie and onc Nurse Practitioner/Functional Medicine Provider), so chances are if I don’t have the answer to your question, I know someone who does.
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And if you know anyone who has been diagnosed, please send this account to them! Tag them in the comments even so I can personally say hello and offer any support I can give. One of the most infuriating parts about lack of post cancer care is the fact there actually IS a lot of options for care, it’s just that our current health care system doesn’t include that part. My goal is to spread the word, and some solutions so no one has to live thinking they fought cancer to now be stuck with these horrendous side effects.
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05/22/2026

Oof I hope I didn’t make this too hard!
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Please comment your best guess below.
And if this felt relatable please share with a Breastie!!
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05/22/2026

There are so many sucky things about breast cancer (understatement) but one of the ones I think about is how you receive this devastating diagnosis, then you are told to make very important decisions while you’re still in this state of shock.
One of the decisions that has to be made early on is if you need a mastectomy, will you also do a reconstruction?
And if yes, what type?
There are so many variables including: what will your insurance pay, what is your relationship to your breasts, how much time do you have to recover…among a million other things.
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What factors were important to you when making this decision? What info do you wish you had more of?
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If you found this helpful or know someone making this decision, please share! Lets spread the love and support 🙏💙

05/18/2026

Recovering from a mastectomy or breast reconstruction always takes longer than you want it to.
But there are some things you can do to help your body during those first few days home from the hospital! Basically just be nice to yourself- get all the rest, drink all the fluids and eat all the protein.
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And if you don’t? That’s actually fine too.
We like to think we can get in there and “control” every outcome with enough effort, but sometimes it’s’ ok to just let your mind relax while your body does its thing and heal. *
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Please note its super important you check with your surgeon before starting anything knew. Even tho I’m a Physical Therapist, I’m not your personal one! (Altho I wish I was 🥰)
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If you know a Breastie who has surgery coming up or is recovering now, please share with them! Let’s support as many women as we can. 💙🙏