* Encore* 34. Breast Cancer • Sex and (Self) Love After a Double Mastectomy with Amy Marcs – Jackie Shea Healing Out Loud with Jackie Shea

Amy Marcs, Sex and (Self) Love after a Double Mastectomy:







In 2009, Amy received a breast cancer diagnosis and intuitively knew that a double mastectomy was her best option—no easy decision for "a petite Jewish girl with great boobs." (No easy decision for anyone, ever). Marcs loved her breasts—her journey through the grieving process is heartbreaking, touching, inspiring and hilarious. It's a grieving process that many sick people can relate to as all of us lose a part of our identities we were once attached to. We get down to business in this episode, intimately discussing sex and (self) love after a double mastectomy.  Today, on the other side, Amy (and her new boobs) tours her one woman show, "Nice T**s," and speaks out about the specific pains of breast cancer and double mastectomies. (http://nicetitstheshow.com )







Weekly Challenge:







"Take your broken heart and make it into art" -Carrie Fisher







I love this challenge, my friends! Amy wrote as a way to move through her experience so it's only fitting that her challenge to you is to find a creative expression on your journey. I did it, and it worked wonder. Check out how creativity helped me heal in this blog post on my photo 365 challenge. You can do anything: Paint, draw, garden, take photos, write, sing, pick up an instrument, color, act, dance, knit, sew, make pottery, and the list goes on. There's no shortage on creative outlets, AND you have the time (and energy)! Commit to ten minutes a day if you can and if you're bed bound like I was then pick something low-impact. Keep me updated on my Instagram @sheajackie. I'll be looking for you #holweeklychallenge







Discussed in this Episode:







DCISBRCA genesHow Amy got diagnosed (when mammograms don't work)Amy's treatment protocolDouble MastectomyFinding a doctor right for youAmy's grieving process (goodbye parties for your boobs)The surgeryHow to save your nipple3D nipplesAmy's writing and performing processLosing parts of your identitySex after a double mastectomyDating after cancerFollowing your own truthHumor in the face of illnessHow creativity can save your life







Resources Mentioned:







DCISTamoxifenAware causes pink necklaceIyengar yogaVinni Myers/ 3D nipples







Other Episodes Like This:







Ovarian Cancer at 29 years oldHow to Navigate a Cancer Diagnosis







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Happy Listening, my friends!