In the depths of darkness, when hope seemed but a distant dream, one woman's journey took an unexpected twist. A tale of survival and resilience, where the familiar flavors of love and laughter intertwined with the bitter taste of fear. As her heart poured out, the world listened, captivated by the strength of her spirit. But little did they know, this was only the beginning...

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the power of faith and mindset in overcoming adversity and finding strength during challenging times.

• Gain valuable insights into the different treatment options available for various breast cancer diagnoses, empowering you to make informed decisions.

• Learn about the resilience and personal growth that can arise from facing and navigating through difficult circumstances, inspiring you to embrace your own journey of transformation.

• Understand the importance of support systems and self-care in creating a nurturing environment for healing and well-being.

• Find inspiration and guidance from real-life breast cancer experiences, raising awareness and fostering a sense of community and solidarity.

I was more scared the first time because it was the unknown. But the second time, I was angry. I wasn't as fearful because I knew what was to come, but I was upset that I had to go through it again. - Essie Dodson

Gain valuable insights into treatments Understanding various treatment options, especially the importance of participating in clinical trials, is critical for breast cancer survival. Active participation in trials allows patients to access potential cures and contributes to broader scientific knowledge about treating ailments. It's important to educate oneself about the trials, enabling patients to make informed decisions thereby enhancing their health journey.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Check your emails and make sure your notifications are on for updates on the next season of Broken Graciously in January.

• Visit Chanalt Real Estate to learn more about Essie Dodson and her real estate services in Philadelphia, Delaware County, and Montgomery Counties.

• Explore different cuisines and try Thai food, Essie's favorite cuisine.

• Practice regular breast exams and be aware of any changes or lumps in your breasts. If you notice anything unusual, seek medical attention.

• Consider getting genetic testing for breast cancer if recommended by your healthcare provider.

• If diagnosed with breast cancer, educate yourself about the different treatment options available and ask your healthcare team about personalized treatment plans.

• Remember that breast cancer can affect anyone, regardless of race or ethnicity. Stay informed and advocate for yourself during your treatment journey.

• Celebrate milestones and achievements in your cancer journey, whether it's ringing a bell or creating your own ceremony to mark the end of a treatment phase.

• Embrace faith and positivity to help navigate the challenges of a breast cancer diagnosis.

• Cherish life and appreciate every day. Remember that you are here and capable of overcoming any obstacles that come your way.

In the black community, breast cancer survivors face numerous challenges, from a deep-rooted mistrust of medical professionals to the dismissive behavior that often leads to delayed diagnoses. But when a breast cancer survivor discovers she has dense breasts, it opens up a whole new world of risk and uncertainty. Will she be able to overcome the barriers and receive the care she needs? Stay tuned to find out.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the power of breaking the silence: Learn how openly discussing breast cancer in the black community can help break down barriers and save lives.

• Overcoming cultural barriers to breast cancer diagnosis: Uncover the unique challenges faced by black women in accessing early detection and explore strategies to overcome these barriers.

• Rebuilding lives after breast cancer: Gain insights into the journey of breast cancer survivors in the black community, from navigating emotional healing to rebuilding relationships and pursuing new dreams.

• Prioritizing self-care and support: Understand the importance of prioritizing self-care as a breast cancer survivor and discover practical strategies for finding support and maintaining overall well-being.

• Genetic testing and family communication: Learn about the role of genetic testing in understanding breast cancer risk within families and explore effective ways to communicate this sensitive information with loved ones.

We are challenging the culture of brokenness holistically with candid conversations, transparency, and practical tips. - Tenishia B. Lester

Overcoming Cultural Barriers to Diagnosis Black women, often caught in a cycle of self-neglect, must realize their worth and prioritize self-care. There's a deep-rooted mistrust towards medical professionals, often created by incidents such as the Tuskegee experiment. Overcoming this distrust, advocating for oneself, and seeking the right healthcare professionals can mitigate delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit the website cancer.org to access more information about breast cancer and her2-positive breast cancer.

• Explore the skincare beauty company Maribel By, founded by Darlene Higgs Hollis, by visiting their website or social media platforms.

• Consider purchasing one of Darlene's books, such as Divorced Suddenly Single Moms Devotional or Rebranding My Life Anthology, to gain insights and inspiration.

• Learn more about the Rebranding My Life International Coaching Academy and how you can become a certified life and business coach by visiting their website.

• Check out the media outlets that have featured Darlene, including Courageous Women Magazine, Bahamaslocal.com, Native Stew, and The Bahamas Weekly, to read more about her and her work.

• Schedule a diagnostic mammogram and make sure to check under your arms and other areas around the breast for any lumps or abnormalities.

• Educate yourself about the different types of breast cancer, such as her2-positive breast cancer, and the treatment options available.

• Consider becoming an advocate for breast cancer awareness by sharing your own story, supporting organizations, or participating in fundraising events.

• Encourage others to prioritize their health.

Have you heard these common myths about breast cancer diagnosis?

Myth #1: There's nothing I can do to support myself during this time.

Myth #2: I can't communicate my needs to my healthcare team, they're too busy. Myth #3: I should keep my diagnosis a secret and face it alone. Stay tuned to discover the truth behind these myths and learn effective strategies for communicating your needs and finding support during your breast cancer journey.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand the emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and gain tools to navigate the rollercoaster of emotions involved.

• Learn effective strategies for communicating your needs and finding support during a breast cancer diagnosis, ensuring that you have the resources and help you require.

• Explore how breast cancer can impact relationships and discover ways to navigate and strengthen your connections with loved ones during this challenging time.

• Gain insight into the lack of research and understanding of healthcare specifically for Black women with breast cancer, and learn about efforts to improve access and outcomes.

• Discover the importance of advocating for yourself in medical settings, and how trust and representation in the medical community can greatly impact your treatment journey.

• Explore practical strategies to address the unique challenges faced by individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, empowering you to take control of your own health and well-being.

Even in those moments where it's something you need to express, but yet you don't want all of their feelings that may come along with it. - Tenishia B. Lester Coach Tee

Relationship Challenges and Strategies Breast cancer can strain relationships, causing feelings of fear, helplessness, and anxiety in both the patient and their loved ones. Encouraging open dialogue can help alleviate these tensions and enhance mutual understanding and support. Balancing the need for support with the desire for maintaining normalcy is crucial. It’s important that both parties appreciate the changes that come along with the diagnosis and treatments and come together to face them. Offering emotional support while respecting the patient's independence can lead to stronger bonds and mutual growth.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit the Mayo Clinic website (mayoclinic.org) to find more information about ductal breast cancer and its symptoms.

• Consider scheduling regular breast exams and mammograms to catch any abnormalities early on.

• Communicate your needs to loved ones if you receive a diagnosis, letting them know how you want to be supported.

• Quit smoking if you are a smoker, as it is a risk factor for breast cancer.

• Be aware of the risk factors for ductal breast cancer, such as increasing age, family history, and genetic mutations.

• If prescribed radiation therapy, consider using Aquaphor lotion to ease discomfort, peeling, and discoloration.

• Explore the option of genetic testing if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.

• Stay informed about advancements in breast cancer treatment and prevention by following reputable sources and organizations.

• Support breast cancer survivors by spreading awareness, participating in fundraising events, and offering emotional support.

• Stay proactive about your health and continue regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor any changes or potential risks.

For more information, kindly refer to the following:

Podcast: https://brokengraciously.podbean.com/

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