
In this episode of Shellie Turner speaks with guest Paris Smith, a survivor of both multiple sclerosis and triple negative breast cancer. Paris shares her formidable journey through diagnosis, treatment, and the personal growth and advocacy that ensued. From waking up with severe vision loss leading to her MS diagnosis to the discovery and aggressive treatment of her breast cancer, Paris's story is one of faith, resilience, and self-advocacy.
She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's body, the power of education, and the need to advocate for oneself within the healthcare system. Despite the challenges, including treatment failures and surgery, Paris remains positive, attributing her strength and survival to her faith in God. The conversation underscores the disparities in healthcare and the unique battles individuals face, advocating for greater awareness and support for those enduring similar challenges.
Connect with Paris: @beautifulwithms
00:00 Welcome to Our Journey: Understanding Breast Cancer
01:37 Paris's Story: Surviving Multiple Sclerosis and Breast Cancer
04:44 The Diagnosis Journey: From MS to Breast Cancer
14:07 Navigating Healthcare: The Importance of Being Informed and Advocated
25:08 Understanding Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Paris's Treatment and Insights
27:38 A Journey Through Cancer Treatment
28:33 The Power of Self-Education and Advocacy
28:55 Exploring Alternative Perspectives on Treatment
29:32 Addressing Racism in Oncology
30:04 Personal Stories of Cancer and Resilience
33:39 The Impact of Cancer on Identity and Body Image
38:00 Finding Strength and Advocacy Through Faith
38:47 Sharing Stories and Empowering Others
44:16 The Challenges of Reconstruction and Moving Forward
46:59 Building a Supportive Community and Looking Ahead
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Mar 26, 2024
52 min

In this podcast episode, our guest Cheryl Brown shares her battle with breast cancer as well as mother's and her own diagnoses. Cheryl details their differing treatments, diagnoses stages, and the emotional and physical challenges they faced. Shellie and Cheryl also delve into the broader issues of healthcare, insurance, the variability of cancer treatment experiences, and the importance of self-advocacy and support systems. Together, they emphasize living beyond a breast cancer diagnosis, shedding light on the significant impact it has on individuals' lives while also highlighting the power of storytelling and community support in navigating the journey of diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Host
00:41 The Journey to Having Cheryl on the Show
01:35 Cheryl's Personal Battle with Breast Cancer
09:09 The Varied Experiences of Breast Cancer Treatment
18:48 The Importance of Advocacy and Sharing Stories
25:08 Navigating Life Post-Diagnosis and Finding Strength
27:16 The Emotional Rollercoaster of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
27:24 Navigating Healthcare and Insurance Challenges
27:42 Personal Stories of Struggle and Resilience
29:29 The Importance of Support and Advocacy
33:12 Fashion, Identity, and Empowerment Post-Diagnosis
37:44 The Ongoing Journey of Healing and Advocacy
51:00 Closing Thoughts: Empowerment and Hope
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Mar 19, 2024
54 min

Host Shellie Turner engages in a heartfelt conversation with breast cancer veteran Asha Miller. They explore the often untalked-about complexities and long-term impacts of living with the disease. Asha opens up about her divorce following her diagnosis, the intricate relationship dynamics that evolved, and the supportive co-parenting setup with her ex-husband for the well-being of their children. Delving deeper into the conversation around breast reconstruction following mastectomy, Asha shares that she plans to undergo a 'deep flap surgery'. She also reveals her engagement with the breast cancer community, including her involvement in the upcoming 'Camp Breasties'. Asha discusses the importance of these communities in creating a network of support, empowering individuals, and disseminating crucial information.
Connect with Asha: https://www.instagram.com/dearcancer_itsme/
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:41 Guest Introduction: Asha's Fight Against Cancer
01:45 Discussing Asha's Divorce Amidst Cancer Battle
04:08 Coping Mechanisms: Watching TV Shows
05:04 Navigating Relationships Post-Divorce
10:06 Asha's Upcoming Surgery and Body Acceptance
17:27 The Impact of Cancer on Family Dynamics
19:54 Empowering the Next Generation
20:16 The Importance of Genetic Testing and Awareness
26:30 Living and Thriving Post-Cancer
27:46 Upcoming Events: Camp Breasties
27:52 Making Camp Free for Breasties
28:12 The Excitement of Attending Camp
28:34 The Concept of Breastable
29:19 The Breasties App and Community
30:05 The Importance of Community in Breast Cancer Journey
30:12 The Struggles of Early Breast Cancer Communities
31:40 The Evolution of Breast Cancer Communities
32:47 The Mental Health Aspect of Breast Cancer
33:02 The Concept of Being a Breast Cancer Veteran
33:58 The Challenges of Living Post Breast Cancer
36:48 The Impact of Breast Cancer on Family
42:44 The Victoria's Secret Campaign Experience
49:03 The Upcoming Surgery and Reflections
51:41 Closing Thoughts and Appreciation
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Mar 5, 2024
54 min

The podcast 'We Do Have a Voice', hosted by Shellie Turner, is a platform for discussing and raising awareness about breast cancer where voices of those touched by the disease are amplified. Our guest, Kellie, an advocate for the BRCA genetic test and a carrier of the gene who underwent preventative mastectomy and hysterectomy, shares her journey and mission promoting genetic testing. Shellie and Kellie discuss the challenges women face when diagnosed and the importance of educating oneself, community involvement and self-advocacy. They express their determination in preventing cancer from being the dominant voice in their lives and encourage other women to do the same.
Connect with Kellie: https://www.instagram.com/browngirlandbrcaplus/
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
00:41 Guest Introduction and Sharing Personal Stories
01:45 Importance of BRCA Testing and Personal Experiences
04:45 Guest's Military Background and Family's Cancer History
05:29 Guest's Preventative Measures and Advocacy Work
10:23 Discussion on the Importance of Self-Advocacy
14:50 Continued Conversation on Self-Advocacy and Empowerment
17:20 The Importance of Genetic Testing
18:23 Ignoring the Warning Signs
18:57 The Second Chance
21:23 The Struggles of Reconstruction
23:37 Finding Strength in the Journey
25:15 The Power of Community: Camp Bressie
28:17 Closing Remarks and Future Plans
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Feb 27, 2024
29 min

In this episode of "C We Do Have A Voice," host Shellie Turner brings a different perspective on breast cancer by inviting her brother as a guest. Together, they discuss the impact of breast cancer on their family, having lost three sisters to the disease. Shellie shares her own experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer three times, while also highlighting the importance of advocating for oneself as a survivor. The conversation sheds light on how breast cancer not only affects individuals, but also the entire family. Tune in to gain insights into the family dynamics surrounding breast cancer and the challenges faced by loved ones.
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Jan 30, 2024
40 min

In this episode of C We Do Have A Voice, host Shellie Turner is joined by Ananda Lewis, who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Ananda shares her experience with a non-traditional, expensive chemo treatment and discusses her decision to use cold cap treatment to preserve her hair. The conversation highlights the importance of personalized approaches to cancer treatment and challenges the generalized narratives surrounding cancer. The episode also explores different perspectives on quality of life and the acceptance of death.
Join Shellie and Ananda as they dive into a candid discussion about finding one's own story and understanding in the face of breast cancer.
In Memory of Ananda Lewis who passed June 11, 2025.
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Jan 23, 2024
55 min

In this episode of "C We Do Have A Voice," host Shellie Turner is joined by Arnedra Jordan, the Project Manager for Black Women for Wellness. While Arnedra is not a breast cancer survivor herself, she advocates for those who are newly diagnosed, teaching them how to navigate their diagnosis and become advocates for themselves. Black Women for Wellness is an organization that focuses on reproductive justice, with different components including diabetes and breast health. This episode highlights the importance of finding your story, making informed decisions, and understanding breast cancer, regardless of where you live or who you are. Tune in to hear Arnedra's heartfelt insights and learn about the work being done in the African-American community for women's health.
00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast00:00:42 - Introducing Guest Arnedra Jordan00:01:55 - About Black Women for Wellness00:03:16 - Discussing Diet and Cancer00:05:13 - The Role of Prescriptions and Alternative Medicine00:06:01 - Cancer as an Equal Opportunity Employer00:07:46 - Importance of Green Vegetables00:08:28 - Cancer Doesn't Discriminate00:09:09 - Advocacy and Policy for Black Women's Health00:10:13 - Navigating Health Insurance and Treatment Access00:11:08 - Clinical Trials and the Black Community00:12:25 - The Importance of Clinical Trial Diversity00:13:08 - Clinical Trials and Future Generations00:14:23 - The Pathfinder Clinical Trial00:15:06 - Caregiving and Self-Care00:16:00 - The Pathfinder Program and Lung Health00:17:25 - The Importance of Advocacy and Education00:18:46 - Creating Comfortable Environments for Discussion00:19:53 - The Impact of Racism in Healthcare00:20:13 - The Taking Stock Program00:21:25 - The Link Between Chemicals and Cancer00:22:49 - Environmental Factors and Cancer00:23:57 - The Possibility of a Cancer Vaccine00:25:05 - The Importance of Participating in Clinical Trials00:26:31 - The Future of Cancer Vaccines00:27:43 - Finding Reliable Information on Medications00:28:55 - Sharing Knowledge and Resources00:30:00 - Living Beyond Cancer00:31:14 - Resources for Cancer Survivors00:32:33 - Embracing Life After Cancer00:33:40 - Advocating for Self-Care00:35:07 - Spreading Awareness and Resources00:36:06 - Finding and Sharing Resources00:37:53 - The Role of Community in Spreading Information00:39:43 - Enjoying Life in Moderation00:41:10 - Focusing on Thriving, Not Just Surviving00:42:54 - Changing the Narrative for Black Women's Health00:44:06 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information
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Jan 16, 2024
45 min

In this episode Shellie interviews Jackie, who used to be an ambassador for Susan G. Komen. They discuss breast cancer and the journey of survivors after the initial diagnosis. Jackie shares her personal experience of being diagnosed with stage one breast cancer, and the fear and uncertainty she faced. She highlights the need for better communication and information for patients, as well as the importance of support and empowered advocacy. Jackie also talks about her role in uplifting other patients undergoing treatment and the power of sharing stories for healing.
05:27 Breast cancer requires self-advocacy.10:09 Early detection can prevent chemotherapy.13:04 Advocate for your health.18:37 Breast cancer education is crucial.20:51 Racial disparities in breast cancer.29:33 Empower yourself with knowledge.34:31 Support and care for cancer patients.35:14 Gratitude for heartfelt healing.
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Jan 9, 2024
37 min

In this episode, host Shellie Turner interviews Sarah Keith, who shares her story of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Sarah initially overlooked a lump in her breast, attributing it to breastfeeding, but eventually decides to get it checked. She undergoes tests and is diagnosed with breast cancer and attacks it aggressively through surgery and chemotherapy. This episode emphasizes the importance of early detection and highlights the speed at which Sarah's treatment started.
Sarah has taken her experience and poured it into art with her art - Sarah Keith Ceramics (https://www.sarahkeithceramics.com/) who's profits are donated to Thriving Beyond Breast Cancer.
05:23 Speed is crucial in cancer diagnosis.08:24 Cancer can define your story.15:07 Navigating breast cancer treatment options.19:57 Cancer is not the boss.21:50 Support and community are crucial.27:23 Cancer is a constant concern.31:16 Cancer is not always detectable.36:06 Supporting women with breast cancer.
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Jan 2, 2024
39 min

Shellie welcomes RoShaun, a breast cancer survivor, to share her story on the podcast. RoShaun explains that her life was going well, but her fear of breast cancer always loomed due to her family history. She recalls experiencing pain and confusion, which led her to get an ultrasound and mammogram. The results showed an abnormality, leading to a biopsy and the eventual diagnosis of breast cancer.
In this powerful conversation she talks about the importance of getting a good care team, how she chose to fight especially thinking about her children, and her path to wellness.
06:10 Early detection is crucial.10:33 Support system is crucial.15:18 Navigating breast cancer requires patience.19:45 Importance of early detection.22:47 Breast cancer is individualized.34:33 Supportive partners are crucial.38:17 Importance of controlling your narrative.44:33 Hair loss during cancer treatment.46:20 Importance of cold cap during chemotherapy.
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Dec 26, 2023
50 min
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