Test Those Breasts ™️

Jamie Vaughn
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  • MEDICINE

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. 3D AGO

    Episode 111: Sheila Mikhail: When the System Fails Women

    In this powerful and eye-opening episode, I sit down with Sheila Mikhail, a biotech entrepreneur, breast cancer survivor, and fierce advocate, to discuss what happens when the system we trust fails us. Despite having access to top-tier medical care, Sheila’s breast cancer was missed by routine mammograms. What followed was not just a diagnosis, but a mission: to challenge outdated standards, fight insurance barriers, and push for life-saving changes in breast cancer screening. This conversation is raw, honest, and incredibly important. Because this isn’t just Sheila’s story… It’s happening to women every single day. In This Episode, We Cover:Why mammograms can miss cancer in women with dense breast tissueThe critical role of supplemental screening (MRI, ultrasound)The gap between insurance coverage and actual access to careHow insurance companies create barriers, and what that means for patientsThe reality of advocating for yourself when the system pushes backWhy physician education is still a major issueThe importance of understanding your breast densityWhat women can do to better advocate for their own healthKey Takeaway:Early detection only works if we’re using the right tools. And right now, too many women are not being given those tools. Follow Sheila: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcruckus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bcruckus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcruckus/posts/?feedView=all ResourcesBC Ruckus (founded by Sheila Mikhail): https://www.bcruckus.org/

    44 min

  2. MAR 31

    Ep. 110 Facing It, Feeling It, Moving Through It: Arianna Bennett (Part 2)

    In Part 2, Arianna Bennett shares what it really looks like to navigate cancer in real time—from treatment decisions like cold capping to the emotional reality of being seen as a cancer patient. We talk about support systems, what helps (and what doesn’t), and how to stay grounded through it all. This is an honest, human look at the parts of the journey people don’t always see. 💡 In This EpisodeWhy early detection and self-advocacy matterCold capping: what it is and why it’s more than “just hair”The emotional impact of looking like a cancer patientHow community support can make all the differenceWhat not to say to someone with cancerFinding grounding through routine, movement, and connectionReal advice for those newly diagnosed“The fear of the thing is almost guaranteed to be worse than the thing itself.” 🔗 Resources MentionedKnow Your LemonsConrad Breast CenterPaxman Cold Capping SystemMoms on the RunPeer support programs💬 Connect & ShareIf this episode resonated: Share it, leave a review, or reach out to share your story.

    36 min

  3. MAR 24

    Episode 109, Part 1: Arianna Bennett, Diagnosis & Knowing Your Risk

    In this episode, I sit down with Arianna Bennett, news anchor at Channel 2 in Reno, Nevada, who is currently going through breast cancer treatment. Arianna shares what it was like to receive her diagnosis, and opens up about almost not getting tested for the BRCA gene. One push from her doctor changed everything, and that decision led to early detection. This conversation is a powerful reminder that knowing your risk matters, and early detection can change outcomes. This is Part 1 of our conversation. In Part 2, we will talk about treatment, chemo, and how Arianna is navigating it all in real time. 💛 Connect with Arianna BennettLinkedIn Facebook abennett@ktvn.com 🔗 Resources Conrad Breast Center Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool Moms on the Run

    35 min

  4. MAR 17

    Ep. 108: Intimacy After Cancer: Sex, Libido & Relationships in Survivorship w/Claire Rumore (Part 2)

    In Part 2 of Jamie Vaughn’s conversation with intimacy educator and cancer survivor Claire Rumore, the discussion turns to a topic rarely addressed in cancer care: intimacy and sexuality after cancer. Jamie and Claire explore how cancer treatments, menopause, body changes, and emotional healing can impact libido, relationships, and self-confidence. Claire shares powerful insights on redefining intimacy, navigating mismatched desire, and helping survivors reconnect with their bodies and partners after cancer. This episode offers compassionate guidance for patients, survivors, and partners navigating life and relationships after cancer. Resources https://clairerumore.com https://cancerandintimacy.com Use code CAI20 for 20% off resources in Claire’s store. Instagram Substack LinkedIn Newsletter

    52 min

  5. MAR 10

    Ep. 107: Cancer Survivorship & Intimacy: Claire Rumore’s Cancer Story (Part 1)

    In this episode of Test Those Breasts, Jamie Vaughn talks with intimacy educator and cancer survivor Claire Rumore about her unexpected stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis and how survivorship reshaped her life and work. Claire shares how her experience revealed a major gap in cancer care: conversations about intimacy, relationships, and sexuality after cancer are often missing from the recovery process. Her journey ultimately led her to create Cancer and Intimacy, a platform supporting patients, survivors, and partners navigating life after cancer. Part 1 focuses on Claire’s diagnosis, treatment journey, and how her survivorship inspired her mission to change the conversation around intimacy and cancer. Resources Cancer and Intimacy https://cancerandintimacy.com Use code CAI20 for 20% off resources in Claire’s store. Instagram Substack LinkedIn Newsletter

    28 min

  6. FEB 25

    EP. 106: After the Bell: The Side Effects No One Warns You About W/ Zainab Sow

    Zainab Sow returns to Test Those Breasts to share how daily self-exams helped her find a 1.8 cm lump at 38 and led to a Stage 1 IDC diagnosis. We talk family history without BRCA, survivorship realities, and the side effects many women face after treatment, especially aromatase inhibitors and medically induced menopause. Zainab is a three-time author and founder of Melanin Breast Cancer Alliance, Inc., a nonprofit providing grants to newly diagnosed patients in the U.S. and West Africa, and shares why self-advocacy and boundaries matter. Find Zainab: Instagram @zainab_underscore_air to breast cancer | Heir to Breast Cancer Hope Beyond Hormones

    40 min

  7. FEB 9

    Ep. 105: DCIS, Advocacy & Finding Your Tribe w/ Jennifer Herrod

    Jamie sits down with Jennifer Herrod, a breast nurse navigator with nonprofit Project 31 and a seven-year breast cancer survivor, to talk about early detection, self-advocacy, and the power of community. Jennifer shares her diagnosis of DCIS (grade 3) at age 43, her treatment journey including mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, and why learning your “normal” and speaking up about breast changes, no matter your age, can make all the difference. She also explains how Project 31 supports and their podcast, Pink Ribbon Rollercoaster supports survivors and families through peer support, mentoring, education, and survivorship resources, reminding listeners that healing doesn’t stop when treatment ends. Project 31 on Instagram Project 31 on Facebook Project 31 on LinkedIn

    45 min

  8. JAN 27

    Ep. 104: When “All-Clear” Isn’t Enough: My Density Matters w/ Leslie & Susan

    In Episode 104, Jamie talks with Leslie Ferris Yerger (founder/CEO of My Density Matters and Susan LePlae Miller (VP of Partnerships & Programs) about why breast density matters, how women can better advocate for themselves, and why some cancers, especially lobular breast cancer, can be harder to detect on standard imaging. Leslie shares her story of being diagnosed with stage IV lobular breast cancer after an “all-clear” mammogram and ultrasound, and why trusting your intuition and pushing for answers is critical. Susan breaks down practical steps anyone can take, including using patient portals to read your actual reports (not just the letter) and asking questions, collaboratively, so you can be an active partner in your care. Save the Date: February 18My Density Matters’ annual awareness campaign, Find Out My Breast Density Day, takes place February 18. This year’s focus is “Did You Know?” featuring breast density education plus resources from partner organizations across the breast health journey. Leslie@mydensitymatters.org Susan@mydensitymatters.org Facebook LinkedIn Instagram My Density Matters Website https://mydensitymatters.org/programs/my-story-matters/ Find Out My Density Breast Day February 18, 2026 Love the Test Those Breasts! Podcast? Support this work by donating: 👉 https://testthosebreasts.org/donate/ Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Thank you so much for listening! Ratings, reviews, and shares truly help this podcast reach more people. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, and not all information shared on this podcast comes from qualified healthcare providers. This content does not replace medical advice. For personalized care, please consult your own healthcare providers and/or the qualified professionals interviewed on this podcast.

    46 min
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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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    112
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Jamie Vaughn
  • Show Website
    Test Those Breasts ™️