Test Those Breasts ™️

Jamie Vaughn
  • 4.9 (17)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

This podcast by Jamie Vaughn is a deep-dive discussion on a myriad of breast cancer topics, such as early detection, the initial shock of diagnosis, testing/scans, treatment, loss of hair, caregiving, surgery, emotional support, and advocacy. These episodes will include breast cancer survivors, thrivers, caregivers, surgeons, oncologists, therapists, and other specialists who can speak to many different topics. Disclaimer: I  am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified health care providers,  therefore does 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.

  1. 5h ago

    Episode 130 (Part 2) Still Here, Still Becoming w/Krystal with a K

    In Part Two of my conversation with Krystal, we continue her breast cancer survivor story and explore what life after breast cancer can really look like, the plot twists keep coming.  Krystal opens up about dating after cancer, fertility, miscarriage, finding love, becoming a mom again, and the devastating experience of losing a dear friend to metastatic breast cancer. Then, what was supposed to be a breast reconstruction revision led to an unexpected discovery: remaining breast tissue and another breast cancer diagnosis. We talk candidly about breast reconstruction, DIEP flap surgery, body image, scanxiety, self-advocacy, and the emotional toll of being expected to stay positive or become a “beacon of hope” when you're struggling yourself. Krystal also shares why she eventually stepped away from nonprofit leadership, how Plot Twist: Still Alive became another way to connect through humor and honesty, and what she's creating next with Happily Epic After. This conversation is raw, funny, emotional, and very real, because surviving breast cancer doesn't mean you have to “get over it.” You may be changed by what happened to you, but you still get to decide what comes next. In this episode: Life after breast cancer: dating, fertility, motherhood and finding love Another breast cancer diagnosisDIEP flap reconstruction and body imageScanxiety, toxic positivity and self-advocacy after breast cancer Humor as a coping mechanismKnowing when it's time to choose yourselfPlot Twist: Still AliveHappily Epic AfterContent note: This episode includes candid conversations about cancer, miscarriage, grief, reconstruction, abuse, mental health and adult language. CONNECT WITH KRYSTAL & RESOURCES Plot Twist: Still Alive Website: www.plottwiststillalive.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/plottwiststillalive Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/1DDDaLCAQj/ Pink Warrior Advocates Breast cancer support, financial assistance, care kits, support meetups, and restorative tattoo assistance. www.pinkwarrioradvocates.org Dr. Chris Schneider | Austin Face & Body www.austinfaceandbody.com/our-providers/dr-chris-schneider/ Happily Epic After Retreats and adventures supporting women after cancer and other life-changing experiences. www.happilyepicafter.com Finding HER Again Retreat | October 23–25 | Texas Hill Country Applications for this retreat are closed, but cancer survivors can complete the Find Your Epic Profile to learn about future retreats and adventures. Sponsorships are also available to help warriors attend at no cost. Find Your Epic Profile: www.happilyepicafter.com/find-your-epic-adventure-profile

  2. Sep 1

    Episode 129 (Part 1): If I’m Too Much, Go Find Less! Cancer, Chaos & Krystal with a K

    Three-time cancer survivor. Nurse. Mom. Chaos coordinator. Podcast host. And a woman who is absolutely not interested in sugarcoating cancer. In Part 1 of Episode 129, Jamie sits down with Krystal with a K, host of Plot Twist: Still Alive, for a conversation that is raw, hilarious, emotional, occasionally profane, and very, very real. Krystal’s cancer journey began when she was just three years old. Decades later, at 32, newly divorced, raising two young children and fresh out of nursing school, she found a lump in her own breast. She would eventually learn that the radiation that helped save her life as a child may have contributed to her breast cancer years later. Krystal talks about the fear and anger, but also the absurdity and humor she found along the way—from BreastFest, where she shaved her head before cancer could take her hair, to $35 Amazon wigs with names, accents and entire backstories. Underneath the laughs is a powerful conversation about breast cancer in young women, using your voice, knowing your body, pushing back when something doesn’t feel right, setting boundaries around toxic positivity, and refusing to accept “you’re too young” as an answer. And perhaps the most Krystal line of the episode: “If I’m too much, go find less.” Because when it comes to your healthcare, sometimes you have to be too much. Part 1 closes with Krystal meeting Jen, a fellow young breast cancer warrior whose friendship would introduce her to advocacy, volunteering and a community she didn’t even know she needed. And that's where we leave you, because Krystal with a K has a whole lot more plot twists coming in Part 2. In Part 1Childhood cancer and the treatment that saved Krystal’s lifeFinding her own breast lump at 32Double mastectomy, Oncotype testing and chemotherapyBreast cancer in young women and why “you’re too young” isn’t good enoughLearning to use your voice and be “too much”Toxic positivity and boundariesConnect with KrystalPlot Twist: Still Alive Website: www.plottwiststillalive.com Instagram: @plottwiststillalive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DDDaLCAQj/ Email: plottwiststillalive@gmail.com ResourcesPink Warrior Advocates www.pinkwarrioradvocates.org Happily Epic After www.happilyepicafter.com Connect with Test Those Breasts®Website: www.testthosebreasts.org Support our work: www.testthosebreasts.org/donate/

  3. Aug 27

    Ep. 128: When Survivorship Isn’t a Straight Line: Myra Marangi’s Story

    What happens when breast cancer is found early, but the health journey is far from over? In this episode of the Test Those Breasts® Podcast, Jamie sits down with Myra Marangi, a DCIS breast cancer survivor, lifelong dancer and fitness instructor whose survivorship journey has included reconstruction, lymphedema, unexplained pain and mobility issues, inflammatory myositis, and most recently, a ruptured breast implant. Myra shares the years-long process of searching for answers and learning to advocate for herself when she knew something wasn’t right. Jamie and Myra also talk candidly about breast reconstruction choices, the importance of researching your options and your surgeon’s experience, and how overwhelming it can be to make life-changing decisions while newly diagnosed. Myra’s advice? “Do your homework. Do your homework thoroughly.” In this episode: Finding breast cancer because of a change in the other breastNavigating reconstruction and unexpected health challengesThe importance of researching reconstruction options and surgical expertiseSpeaking up when something doesn’t feel rightWhy survivorship isn’t always a straight lineMyra’s work giving back through Dance for Hope Connect with Myra: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love.life.myram/   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MyraSMarangi Find it early. Change the outcome.® This episode shares personal experiences for educational and awareness purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

  4. Aug 11

    Ep. 127 : Mara & David Langer - Part 2: Treatment, Partnership & Life After Breast Cancer

    In Part 2 of my conversation with Mara and David Langer, we continue their story by talking about what it really takes to navigate breast cancer treatment, and what happens when treatment ends. Mara shares practical advice from her own experience with chemotherapy, including the fear of that first treatment and the extraordinary experience of receiving chemotherapy while pregnant. David offers his perspective as a partner and caregiver, including the importance of communication, staying present, asking for help, and remembering that caregivers need support, too. We also talk about knowing your body, understanding your family health history, advocating for yourself, and seeking another opinion when something doesn’t feel right. And then we get into something that isn’t talked about nearly enough: life after treatment. Mara shares why survivorship can bring its own uncertainty, the importance of resources like Cancer Community Clubhouse, and why there isn’t always a return to “normal.” Sometimes it’s about learning to live in a new normal, and finding gratitude and presence along the way. Connect with Mara LangerFacebook: facebook.com/mblanger Instagram: instagram.com/mblanger2 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marablanger Resources MentionedCancer Community Clubhouse — A Northern Nevada cancer survivorship center offering support, connection, education, and resources for people affected by cancer, including survivors, care partners, and loved ones. Mara specifically recognizes Natalie and her team when discussing the importance of support after active treatment ends. Website: www.cancercommunityclubhouse.org Test Those Breasts — Find additional breast health and cancer resources under the Resources tab. Website: www.testthosebreasts.org Find it early. Change the outcome.

  5. Aug 4

    Episode 126 (Part 1): Twice the Battle – Mara Langer's Breast Cancer Story

    What would you do if you were diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant? In this powerful first installment of our two-part conversation, Jamie sits down with two-time breast cancer survivor Mara Langer and her husband, David, to share their extraordinary journey through not one, but two, breast cancer diagnoses. Mara opens up about growing up with a strong family history of breast cancer, how that shaped her decisions about screening and prevention, and the life-changing moment she discovered a new lump while pregnant with her second child, even after having a bilateral mastectomy. Together, Mara and David discuss the fear, uncertainty, and difficult decisions they faced, including navigating cancer treatment during pregnancy, leaning on one another through every step, and the importance of community support throughout their journey. This episode is a powerful reminder that breast cancer impacts more than just the person diagnosed, it affects entire families, and no one should have to walk through it alone. In this episode, you'll learn:Mara's incredible journey through two breast cancer diagnoses.Why understanding your family history matters.What it was like to undergo breast cancer treatment while pregnant.David's perspective as a husband and caregiver.How communication strengthened their marriage during one of life's greatest challenges.The importance of accepting help and building a strong support system.Why community can make all the difference during a cancer diagnosis.Be sure to join us next week for Part 2, where Mara and David share practical advice on early detection, self-advocacy, family health history, survivorship, and what they wish every patient and caregiver knew from the very beginning. Connect with Mara LangerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mblanger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mblanger2/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marablanger/ Connect with Test Those Breasts®🌐 Website: https://testthosebreasts.org 🎧 Subscribe to the Test Those Breasts® Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. 💗 Follow us on social media for breast health education, survivor stories, and resources that empower you to recognize warning signs, understand your risk, and advocate for your health. Find it early. Change the outcome.

  6. Jul 29

    Ep. 125: The Future of Breast Cancer Detection with Bob & Brendan Foley

    What role can technology play in helping detect breast cancer earlier? In this episode, Jamie sits down with Bob Foley and Brendan Foley to discuss the evolution of breast imaging, the importance of dense breast awareness, and how innovations like automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) and artificial intelligence (AI) are helping improve early detection. Together, they explore: Bob's role in developing groundbreaking breast imaging technologiesWhy dense breast tissue mattersThe limitations of mammography for some womenHow ABUS and AI support earlier detectionWhy younger women need to know their breast healthThe importance of self-advocacy and listening to your bodyWhy community education plays a critical role in early detectionGuest InformationBrendan FoleyEmail: brendan@myevewellness.comInstagram: @myevewellnessLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanmpfoley/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MyEveWellnessBob FoleyEmail: bfoley@qviewmedical.comInstagram: @QViewMedicalLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-foley-3738103/ResourcesEve Wellness www.myevewellness.comQView Medical www.qviewmedical.comEve Wellness in the PressABC: https://abc7news.com/post/san-francisco-ultrasound-clinic-using-fda-approved-ai-to-help-detect-types-of-breast-cancer-faster/14644197CBS: https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/ai-powered-breast-screening-helps-women-detect-breast-cancer-early/KRON 4: https://youtu.be/_nRvlAY3s6M?si=S_oRa3n76lzK9dlBFDA InformationQView Medical https://www.itnonline.com/content/qview-medical-announces-fda-pma-approval-3-d-automated-breast-ultrasound-cadGE ABUS https://www.itnonline.com/content/fda-clears-somo%E2%80%A2v-automated-breast-ultrasound-abus-systemLearn more about Test Those Breasts® at https://testthosebreasts.org.

  7. Jul 14

    Ep. 124: Breast Cancer Survivorship: Finding Purpose After Diagnosis | Kia Lee

    In this episode of Test Those Breasts, Jamie sits down with Kia Lee, a Stage III breast cancer survivor, author, speaker, and survivorship mentor who helps women navigate the emotional and psychological challenges of life during and after cancer. Kia shares her diagnosis at age 38, her treatment journey, and how cancer ultimately led her to a new purpose—helping other women heal beyond the physical. Together, Jamie and Kia discuss advocacy, survivorship, setting boundaries, finding purpose, and why healing is about so much more than finishing treatment. Whether you're newly diagnosed, in survivorship, or supporting someone you love, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and encouragement. In This EpisodeKia's Stage III breast cancer journeyAdvocating for yourself during treatmentWhy survivorship is more than physical healingFinding purpose after cancerSupporting women through the emotional side of survivorshipConnect with Kia Lee🌐 Website: kia-lee.com 📧 Email: Kia@Kia-Lee.com 📸 Instagram: @LighthouseSurvivor 🎵 TikTok: @kialee_lighthouse 💼 LinkedIn: Kia-Lee 📰 Substack: kialeelighthouse.substack.com Resources📖 Lighthouse: The Path Through Cancer – The Power of Becoming https://kia-lee.com/lighthouse-the-path-through-cancer-the-power-of-becoming/ 📝 Free Reflection Guide https://kia-lee-lighthouse.kit.com/259c635299 Connect with Test Those Breasts🌐 https://testthosebreasts.org 📸 https://www.instagram.com/test.those.breasts 🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@testthosebreasts ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@TestThoseBreasts

  8. Jul 7

    Episode 123:You Are Worthy of Feeling Good in Survivorship | with Crystal Yang, RN

    Surviving breast cancer is only the beginning. For many survivors, the emotional, mental, and physical healing continues long after treatment ends. In this episode, Jamie sits down with Crystal Yang, RN, Board Certified Nurse Coach and co-founder of Perky, to explore the often-overlooked challenges of survivorship. Crystal shares how nurse coaching provides a safe, supportive space for breast cancer survivors to process life after treatment, navigate identity shifts, improve relationships, prioritize their well-being, and create a personalized path toward healing. Whether you're struggling with loss of identity, intimacy, anxiety, lifestyle changes, or simply wondering, "What's next?" after treatment, this conversation offers hope and practical guidance. In this episode, you'll learn: What nurse coaching is and how it differs from therapyWhy survivorship can be one of the hardest parts of the breast cancer journeyHow coaching empowers survivors to take ownership of their health and well-beingThe importance of being truly seen and heardHow Perky is helping survivors not just survive, but thriveConnect with Crystal Yang & PerkyWebsite https://helloperky.com Book Your Complimentary Discovery Coaching Session https://helloperky.com/nursecoaching Phone (210) 712-9765 Email crystal@helloperky.com Instagram @weareperky Listen to Our Previous Conversation with PerkyIf you haven't listened to my first conversation with Crystal and Courtney from Perky, be sure to check it out! YouTube: https://youtu.be/2sIOeeAV_Hc?si=XJoGZILW4j0t54o2 ▶️ Watch the previous Perky episode on YouTube If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone navigating life after breast cancer. Every conversation helps bring hope, healing, and education to more survivors. Remember: Early detection saves lives. Healing doesn't end when treatment does.

See All (131)

Trailer

4.9
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

This podcast by Jamie Vaughn is a deep-dive discussion on a myriad of breast cancer topics, such as early detection, the initial shock of diagnosis, testing/scans, treatment, loss of hair, caregiving, surgery, emotional support, and advocacy. These episodes will include breast cancer survivors, thrivers, caregivers, surgeons, oncologists, therapists, and other specialists who can speak to many different topics. Disclaimer: I  am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified health care providers,  therefore does 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie Vaughn
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Jamie Vaughn
  • Show Website
    Test Those Breasts ™️

You Might Also Like