Better Than Before Breast Cancer with The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach

Emotional and Physical Pain Activate Similar Brain Regions

#83 4 Steps to Reduce the Affects of Emotional Stress on Your Brain Apr 11, 2020

Show notes

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis… going through treatment… living through a pandemic—each of these experiences takes a toll. But when they all stack up? It's no wonder your brain feels overwhelmed.

In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer, we're talking about the very real neurological impact of chronic stress—and why you might be feeling forgetful, unfocused, unmotivated, or just off. It's not that you're lazy or broken… it's that your brain is working overtime to protect you.

The energy your brain uses to manage emotional stress can steal from the energy you need for creativity, planning, and connection. And the truth is, your brain responds to emotional pain almost exactly the same way it does to physical pain.

You'll learn:

Why focus, motivation, and even simple tasks feel harder under stress
Four powerful yet simple steps to reduce the burden on your brain
How to feel more connected and harmonious in your relationships
Creative ways to give your home a "mood boost" that supports emotional wellness
What to do when isolation starts to chip away at your peace of mind

If you've been feeling like your brain is just tired, this episode will help you make sense of it—and give you real tools to start feeling like yourself again.

Resources:

Floracopeia

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Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection

#82 How to Overcome Loneliness, Boredom and Overwhelm in any Situation Apr 03, 2020

Show notes

If there's one thing that goes completely against our human nature, it's isolation. As social beings, we thrive on connection, feeling seen, and knowing we matter—whether we're extroverts, introverts, or somewhere in between.

In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer, we're talking about how to manage the emotional weight of loneliness, especially when you're navigating life after cancer or staying home to protect your health. I'll share practical ways to ease the fear, overwhelm, and vulnerability that often come with isolation—plus how you can safely stay connected and engaged even when you're physically apart.

You'll learn:

Why social connection is essential for your mental and immune health
Simple, doable actions that help ease fear and anxiety during isolation
How to reframe connection in a way that fits your comfort level and energy
Free tools and resources to help you feel more supported, stimulated, and engaged
Creative ways to give back and feel valuable—right from home

Technology doesn't replace human touch, but it can help us feel less alone. If you're struggling with disconnection or worried about your immune health during tough times, this episode offers calm, clarity, and compassionate solutions.

Resources:

Books:

Mindfulness: 25 Ways to Live in the Moment through Art

Articles

Loneliness can kill you

Could You Benefit From Boredom

Proper Breathing Brings Better Health

Websites:

Corona Virus Resource

Volunteer from home

7Cups.com

Joann's

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The American Cancer Society

#81 How to Navigate the Pandemic and Boost Your Immunity While You Recover From Breast Cancer Mar 27, 2020

Show notes

I bet you never thought about this... How waking up one day as a healthy, happy woman and going to bed a breast cancer survivor is eerily similar to waking up in your "normal" life and going to bed in a global pandemic.

But the truth is, there are some powerful parallels—like isolation, financial uncertainty, fear of the unknown, and that deep sense of powerlessness.

In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer, we're talking about how these two life-altering experiences overlap—and what you can do to navigate them with more resilience, self-compassion, and strength.

You'll hear:

How breast cancer and the pandemic triggered similar emotional responses
Why your immune system might need extra attention right now
Simple, practical steps to support your immunity and mental health
Gentle, effective herbs and practices to help your body and mind feel more grounded during uncertain times

This episode is all about helping you feel more supported—physically and emotionally—no matter what life throws your way.

Resources:

Breastcancer.org

Guduchi

Chyavanprash

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Maslow's hierarchy of needs

#80 8 Tips to Take Charge of Your Wellness in Challenging Times Mar 19, 2020

Show notes

In uncertain times—whether it's a global crisis or a personal storm—feeling powerless is something every breast cancer survivor knows all too well. But here's the truth: even when life feels out of control, you still have influence over what matters most—your mindset, your actions, and your inner peace.

In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer, I'm sharing 8 powerful things you can do right now to stay grounded, care for your body and mind, and keep building a life you love—even when the world feels unpredictable.

As a survivor, you've already walked through fear. Now, let's talk about how to apply that strength to stay well, stay connected, and continue growing—no matter what's happening around you.

You'll hear:

Simple mindset shifts that reduce fear and build calm
Practical ways to stay focused on what you can control
How to stay connected, healthy, and hopeful when life feels chaotic

This episode will remind you of the resilience you've already proven—and offer real-life tools to help you stay strong in body and spirit.

Resources:

Kajabi

Self Myofascial release

Zoom Video Conferencing

Amazon Flex

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Modulation of neuroimmune parameters during the eustress of humor-associated mirthful laughter

#79 How Choosing Fun Over Fear Supports Your Healing Mar 13, 2020

Show notes

Breast cancer treatment takes a huge toll—physically, emotionally, and mentally. And even long after treatment ends, your thoughts can stay stuck in what you've been through, what could happen next, or whether you made the "right" choices.

In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer, we're talking about something powerful: giving yourself permission to let go of fear and welcome more joy.

You'll learn why it's not only okay—but essential—to shift your mindset from fear-based survival to fun-filled living. I'll share how laughter, lightness, and peace can be healing forces in your recovery journey, and how to start focusing on happiness without guilt.

What we'll cover:

Why your brain gets stuck in fear after cancer—and how to gently shift it
The importance of making peace with your past choices
How choosing fun and joy is a brave act of healing

If you've been afraid to stop "watching your back" and start enjoying your life again, this episode will help you take that first step.

Resources:

Laughter Sunday

The Mayo Clinic- short term benefits of laughter

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The Breast Cancer Survivor Supporter Group

#78 5 Steps to Move You Out of Ruminating and Into Productive Thinking Mar 05, 2020

Show notes

After breast cancer treatment, staying positive isn't always easy—especially when your mind keeps circling around the same worries, regrets, or fears. You want to move forward, but sometimes you find yourself stuck in thought patterns that drain your energy and dim your joy.

In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer, we're talking about the difference between processing emotions and ruminating on them—and how to break free from mental loops that aren't helping you heal.

You'll learn:

What emotional rumination really is and how to recognize it
How to tell if you're stuck in thoughts that are hurting more than helping
5 simple and natural ways to shift your brain into healthier, more productive thinking
Why this matters for your emotional health, clarity, and long-term healing

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just mentally exhausted, this episode will help you reconnect with yourself and take compassionate steps forward—so you can live with more peace and more joy.

Resources:

Ruminating

Emotional Distress: The Sixth Vital Sign in Cancer Care

Assessment of Depression and Anxiety in Breast Cancer Patients: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Exercise for Mood and Anxiety Disorders by: Michael W. Otto

Diet and depression by: Dr. Monique Tello

Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man and Life's Greatest Lesson

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#77 How Three Women Recovered From Breast Cancer Through REVIVIFY Feb 27, 2020

Show notes

Breast cancer doesn't end when treatment does. In fact, for many women, that's when the real work begins—figuring out how to feel whole again, how to process the trauma, and how to rebuild a life that actually feels good.

In this heartfelt episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer, you'll hear from three incredible women—Mary Jo Wentzel, Mary Ann Eller, and Kelly Busch—who share how the REVIVIFY breast cancer recovery course has supported their emotional healing, physical wellness, and mindset transformation after treatment.

We talk openly about the often-overlooked reality of breast cancer recovery:

The emotional toll of survivorship and why "back to normal" isn't realistic
The frustration of feeling dismissed by doctors and loved ones
The healing power of community, connection, and tools that actually work

If you've felt lost, alone, or unsure how to take care of your body and mind after cancer, this conversation will remind you—you're not broken, and you're not alone.

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Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

#76 How Sitting with Painful Emotions Leads to Healing Feb 20, 2020

Show notes

After breast cancer treatment, it's common to feel lost in a swirl of emotions—pain, vulnerability, confusion—even as everyone around you expects strength and resilience. In this episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer, I'm opening up a conversation we don't have often enough: What if you're not okay after cancer treatment—and that's okay to admit?

We'll talk about why ignoring emotional pain can keep you stuck, how to recognize the disconnect between your inner world and outside expectations, and why allowing yourself to feel and name your emotions can be the most healing step forward.

You'll learn:

Why reactions to others' stories can reveal your own hidden pain
How emotional suppression shows up as anxiety, meltdowns, or feeling misunderstood
The science behind how the body stores unspoken emotions
How processing your experience moves you from cancer survivor to living fully again

Whether you're feeling emotionally stuck after breast cancer or just tired of pretending to be "strong," this episode will remind you that healing isn't about denying pain—it's about honoring it.

Resources:

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Denial: A Memoir

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Gasp!: Airway Health - The Hidden Path To Wellness

#75 The Healing Power of Sleep and What Happens when Sleep Goes Wrong-Part 2 Feb 13, 2020

Show notes

In this follow-up episode of Better Than Before Breast Cancer, we're continuing the conversation with Dr. Stephanie Green, a family medicine specialist who's seen firsthand just how vital sleep is as a pillar of healing and long-term health.

In Part 2, Dr. Green dives deeper into how sleep affects women after breast cancer treatment and during menopause—sharing practical tools, real patient stories, and the red flags that could indicate a sleep disturbance you might not even realize you have.

You'll learn:

What signs and symptoms could mean your sleep is quietly sabotaging your health
How proper sleep hygiene can ease hormonal symptoms and improve quality of life
Why even small changes to your environment can lead to big improvements in rest
The surprising role of dentistry in identifying airway issues that affect sleep
How the lack of collaboration between medical specialties may be keeping women from getting the care they need
What you should know about insurance coverage, the sleep study process, and modern treatment options
Common myths about sleep apnea and CPAP machines that may be keeping you from getting help

If you've ever blamed aging, menopause, or stress for your sleep issues, this episode will help you look at things in a whole new way—and give you hope that better sleep is possible.

If you haven't listened to Part 1 click here and do that now, you don't want to miss out!

Resources

Ageless: The Naked Truth About Bioidentical Hormones

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