Join Beth, Jess, and guest Meg for an honest and relatable conversation about the cringiest, most frustrating things people say to breast cancer patients—and how to handle them without losing your mind.

Meg, a 30-year-old mom of two, shares her recent diagnosis journey: from finding a lump while pregnant to fighting for a mammogram when doctors dismissed her concerns due to her age. She opens up about the loneliness of treatment, the exhausting "you're so strong" comments, and the infuriating "free boob job" remarks that completely miss the trauma of amputation and reconstruction.

This episode explores:

1. Why people say awkward things (spoiler: usually ignorance, not malice)
2. The strange burden of managing other people's emotions during your own crisis
3. How friendships shift when you face something this hard
4. The difference between pity and empathy—and why one feels isolating
5. Why your trauma brain makes everything feel more triggering than it actually is

Also includes practical advice on setting boundaries, educating well-meaning friends, and giving yourself (and others) grace when cancer conversations go sideways.

Perfect for anyone navigating cancer, supporting someone with cancer, or who's ever said something awkward and wants to do better.

Learn more or support Faith Through Fire at faiththroughfire.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Faith Through Fire
2. Thrivent Gateway Financial Group

Join Beth and Jess as they dive into one of the most emotionally complex parts of the breast cancer journey: how friendships change. In this candid conversation, the hosts explore why some relationships deepen while others fade after a cancer diagnosis.

Beth and Jess share personal stories about discovering which friends could handle the weight of cancer and which couldn't. They discuss the "Midwest nice" culture of keeping struggles private, the surprising people who stepped up (and those who didn't), and why emotional immaturity—not lack of caring—often explains why some friends disappear during hard times.

With their signature blend of honesty, humor, and heart, the hosts remind listeners that friendship changes aren't failures—they're opportunities for growth and finding your true people.

Perfect for anyone navigating relationships after trauma, loss, or major life changes.

Learn more or support Faith Through Fire at faiththroughfire.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Faith Through Fire
2. Thrivent Gateway Financial Group

Beth, Jess, and Jamie tackle one of the hardest parts of survivorship: looking in the mirror and recognizing the person staring back. This episode starts with a simple question—how do you feel about your body in one word?—and the answers reveal everything. "Accepting." "Strong." "Disappointed." From there, the conversation goes deep into the gap between who they were before cancer and who they are now.

They dive into the power of positive thinking—not the toxic "just be happy" kind, but the intentional practice of choosing gratitude and joy even when it's hard. The conversation explores how our minds and bodies work together, why negative self-talk can literally make us sick, and the delicate balance between acknowledging hard feelings and not letting them take root.

Tune in for a surprisingly honest discussion about what self-love even means when you can't separate it from how you look. This episode won't give you a five-step plan to love yourself. But it will make you feel less alone in the messy middle of trying.

Learn more or support Faith Through Fire at faiththroughfire.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Faith Through Fire
2. Thrivent Gateway Financial Group

New season. New Besties. New Topics.

When you're going through breast cancer treatment, finding voices that truly understand what you're experiencing can feel like discovering a lifeline. That's exactly what the Besties with Breasties podcast has been for so many patients and survivors—and this season, we're excited to introduce you to the new co-hosts who will be walking alongside you.

Beth Wilmes, founder of Faith Through Fire, with co-hosts Jess and Jamie, both young breast cancer survivors and moms, share their personal stories, discuss what inspired them to get involved with Faith Through Fire, and explore the dynamics of their friendship. The conversation covers everything from how they met at survivor retreats, to their different approaches, to life after cancer.

This season focuses on relationships after breast cancer, including topics like learning to love yourself again, dating post-cancer, and navigating life changes with partners and family.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, in treatment, or thriving in survivorship, this podcast offers community, laughter, and real conversations about life with and after breast cancer.

Learn more or support Faith Through Fire at faiththroughfire.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Faith Through Fire
2. Thrivent Gateway Financial Group

Hormone therapy is one of the most important—and challenging—parts of life after breast cancer. In this episode of Besties with Breasties, hosts Beth Wilmes and Jess Anderson welcome Dr. Katherine Clifton, board-certified medical oncologist at Washington University School of Medicine, for an in-depth conversation on hormone suppression therapy and survivorship.

This episode breaks down what breast cancer survivors need to know about Tamoxifen vs. Aromatase Inhibitors, how long hormone therapy should last (five years vs. ten years), and why treatment adherence is one of the biggest challenges in breast cancer care today. Dr. Clifton explains how personalized medicine—including tools like the Breast Cancer Index—is helping patients and providers make more informed, individualized decisions.

The conversation also addresses real-world side effects such as joint pain, cardiovascular health concerns, and quality-of-life issues that often lead patients to stop treatment early. With emerging research on lower-dose Tamoxifen and minimal residual disease testing, this episode offers both education and hope for the future of breast cancer treatment.

Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode provides practical insights and encouragement for navigating hormone therapy after breast cancer.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Hormone therapy can reduce breast cancer recurrence risk by approximately 50%
2. Tamoxifen is typically used for premenopausal patients, while Aromatase Inhibitors are for postmenopausal patients
3. Side effects such as joint pain and cardiovascular risks require proactive management
4. 20–50% of patients discontinue hormone therapy early due to side effects
5. Research into lower-dose Tamoxifen may improve tolerability
6. Minimal residual disease testing may lead to more personalized treatment approaches

Learn more from Dr. Katherine Clifton, MD: https://siteman.wustl.edu/doctor/clifton-katherine/

Learn more or support Faith Through Fire at faiththroughfire.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Faith through Fire
2. Washington University School of Medicine
3. Thrivent Gateway Financial Group

In this inspiring episode of Besties with Breasties, Beth and co-host sit down with Michelle, a young mom who faced the shock of an early breast cancer diagnosis and the unexpected emotional toll of a later recurrence. Michelle opens up about the fears, identity shifts, and challenges of navigating motherhood through treatment—sharing what it’s really like to balance caring for your children while trying to care for yourself.

With honesty and grace, Michelle discusses the heartache of losing breastfeeding, preparing for surgery, and processing the complex emotions that follow a recurrence. Her story highlights not just the difficulty of the journey, but also the strength that emerges when women lean on community, mental health support, and faith.

Throughout the conversation, the hosts explore how connection, vulnerability, and shared experience can transform the healing process. Michelle credits Faith Through Fire with giving her both meaningful support and a powerful sense of belonging—a reminder that no one has to walk this road alone.

As the episode closes, Michelle leaves listeners with a message of hope: even in the hardest seasons, light breaks through. Her story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the healing that happens when women lift one another up.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Breast cancer deeply impacts young moms emotionally and physically

• Community and faith play a crucial role in healing

• Motherhood during treatment requires extraordinary resilience

• Recurrence can spark fear, grief, and confusion—but support helps

• Therapy and support groups strengthen mental well-being

• Vulnerability with children fosters strength and connection

Learn more or support Faith Through Fire at faiththroughfire.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Faith Through Fire
• Thrivent Gateway Financial Group

In this powerful episode, hosts Beth Wilmes and Jess open up about one of the most common—and least discussed—challenges breast cancer survivors face: the fear of recurrence. From the emotional weight of scanxiety to the subtle ways anxiety influences daily life, they break down what this fear really looks like and why it’s so normal.

Beth and Jess share their personal stories, discuss how recurrence anxiety shows up in thoughts and behavior, and offer practical coping strategies, including distraction techniques, mindfulness, and breathwork. They explore the importance of community support, survivorship mentorship, and mental health advocacy—reminding listeners they never have to walk this journey alone.

Whether you're a breast cancer survivor, caregiver, or someone passionate about women’s health and wellness, this episode provides encouragement, validation, and tools for emotional resilience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why fear of recurrence is so common among breast cancer survivors
• How anxiety can affect mental health, relationships, and daily routines
• Practical strategies—mindfulness, breathwork, and peer support—to manage fear
• The power of community, survivorship programs, and mentorship
• How self-advocacy and structured follow-up care support emotional well-being

Learn more or support Faith Through Fire at faiththroughfire.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Faith Through Fire
• Thrivent Gateway Financial Group

In this deeply moving episode of Besties with Breasties, hosts Beth, Jamie and special guest Pastor Patti Kirkland, explore one of life’s most profound topics — death, faith, and the Christian belief in eternal life.

With honesty and compassion, Pastor Patti shares how her personal experiences with grief and loss have shaped her understanding of hope, eternity, and God’s promises. Together, the group unpacks the fear surrounding mortality and reveals how faith can transform that fear into peace, purpose, and perspective.

This episode speaks to breast cancer survivors, caregivers, and anyone walking through hardship or uncertainty — reminding you that you are never alone, and that there is strength in faith and community.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How faith reframes our understanding of death as a transition, not an end.
• The Christian perspective on eternal life and how it provides comfort in times of fear.
• Pastor Patti Kirkland’s story of loss and resilience through faith.
• Why community support is essential when facing grief or uncertainty.
• How to navigate doubt and spiritual struggle with grace.
• Practical ways to nurture your faith and emotional well-being during difficult times.

Connect with Pastor Patti Kirkland:

• The Crossing Church- St. Peters, MO https://thecrossing.church/about
• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattikirkland/

Learn more or support Faith Through Fire at faiththroughfire.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Faith Through Fire
• Thrivent Gateway Financial Group