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In this episode of Girlfriend's Guide to Cancer, Natalie and Krissy discuss the complexities of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, commonly referred to as Pinktober. They share their personal experiences with the overwhelming presence of pink and the expectations placed on breast cancer survivors. The conversation delves into the concept of pinkwashing, the importance of understanding where funds from pink products go, and the emotional impact of awareness campaigns. They emphasize the need for empowerment and education around breast cancer, while also addressing the challenges and triggers that come with this awareness month. Ultimately, they define courage in the context of their journeys and encourage listeners to find strength in their own experiences.Key TopicsOctober brings a mix of emotions for breast cancer survivors.Pinkwashing can overshadow genuine awareness efforts.Personal experiences with Pinktober vary greatly among survivors.Awareness campaigns can be both empowering and triggering.Understanding where funds from pink products go is crucial.Courage can look different each day for survivors.Self-exams are important for early detection of breast cancer.The conversation around breast cancer needs to be more informed.Support from friends and community can be uplifting during tough times.Finding ways to channel anger into advocacy can be empowering.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Pinktober and Awareness Month02:51 Personal Experiences with Pinktober06:04 The Impact of Pinkwashing09:00 Navigating Conversations Around Breast Cancer12:01 Understanding Breast Cancer Awareness15:02 Finding Empowerment in Awareness18:11 Defining Courage in the Face of Adversity20:27 Courage doesn't mean you aren't afraidFor more information visit www.tumanbreastcancer.org

Girlfriend's Guide to Cancer — Natalie's cancer journey, treatment, and the founding of Tuman Breast Cancer FoundationIn this episode, Krissy talks with Natalie, founder of Tuman Breast Cancer Foundation, about her breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and the emotional aftermath of survivorship. They discuss the practical realities of chemo, surgery decisions, support from friends, and how Natalie’s own experience inspired her to help others.Natalie shares how treatment affected her body and family life, what support made a difference, and why finishing treatment didn’t mean the hard part was over. Their conversation also traces the foundation’s beginnings and its hopes for the future.Key topicsFinding a lump after breastfeeding and trusting your instinctsThe rush of tests and referrals after a concerning mammogramHow surgery and treatment decisions can differ from person to personNatalie’s experiences with chemo and serious side effectsThe emotional transition from treatment into survivorshipThoughtful, practical ways to support someone with cancerHow Tuman Breast Cancer Foundation began and where Natalie hopes to take itTimestamps00:00 — Welcome and why Natalie’s story matters00:47 — Finding a lump after breastfeeding02:42 — Diagnostic mammogram and the first signs of concern04:06 — Hearing the word cancer during the ultrasound05:29 — The biopsy appointment and the moment everything changed06:09 — Getting into oncology and surgery almost immediately07:13 — Deciding on mastectomy and considering other options08:29 — Different cancer types and treatment paths09:29 — Why chemo came before surgery in Natalie’s case10:37 — First chemo treatment and the Neulasta patch experience11:25 — Immune suppression and the shock of becoming so sick12:24 — Taxol complications, fever, and the ER13:20 — Pneumonitis and struggling to breathe14:14 — Bronchoscopy, steroids, and fear for her family15:12 — Pausing chemo, second opinions, and surgery decisions16:39 — Why nipple-sparing surgery wasn’t an option17:34 — Reconstruction decisions18:02 — Taxotere, infections, and family moments20:32 — Managing chemo side effects21:34 — Finishing treatment and facing what came next22:03 — The realities of chemo-related constipation24:01 — The emotional aftermath of treatment25:22 — Support gifts and why thoughtful gestures mattered26:46 — Why blankets and fuzzy socks can feel overdone29:29 — Practical chemo bags for patients and their kids30:17 — Frustrating unsolicited advice about chemo31:43 — Dismissive comments about breast cancer32:40 — How Tuman Breast Cancer Foundation started34:09 — From local fundraisers to a nonprofit36:18 — Hopes for the foundation’s future37:31 — Courage, hard things, and not facing them aloneFor more information visit www.tumanbreastcancer.org

Girlfriend's Guide to Cancer - Getting to Know Krissy WhiteVisit www.tumanbreastcancer.org for more informationOrder My Pink Truth: https://a.co/d/06uxsLGFNatalie sits down with Krissy White for a candid, personal conversation about Krissy’s breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery journey, plus how she became deeply involved with Tuman Breast Cancer Foundation and the Girlfriend’s Guide to Cancer podcast. It’s a story about surviving the chaos of a fast-moving diagnosis, parenting through treatment during COVID, and finding purpose in advocacy afterward.We discuss Krissy’s diagnosis timeline, her treatment decisions, the support that helped most, and the role courage plays in this season of life.In this episode:Krissy shares how she found a hard spot shortly after turning 40,the emotional whiplash of waiting for results, especially after being told the spot did not initially look like cancer.Krissy explains her treatment plan, including chemotherapy, port placement, surgery, radiation, and multiple lymph node surgeries.Krissy shares what it was like to go through treatment during COVID, including the unexpected upside of being protected from germs and missing less because everyone else was isolated too.In this episode, Krissy shares how cancer led her to the Girlfriend’s Guide community, where she first volunteered for Tuman Breast Cancer Foundation, then became a board member, and eventually board president.Krissy reflects on writing her book, My Pink Truth, and how storytelling became part of her healing and advocacy.Timestamps(00:00) Getting to know Krissy White and why her story matters(01:42) From mahjong jokes to the real reason for the conversation(02:24) The hard spot that led to a breast cancer diagnosis(03:51) Imaging, biopsy, and the first unclear results(05:26) The phone call that confirmed cancer while Krissy was at work(06:43) Telling the kids after getting a treatment plan(07:36) Reading everything online while waiting for answers(08:29) Why Krissy’s oncologist was direct and matter-of-fact(08:59) The aggressive treatment plan and what ACT chemo involved(09:44) Choosing mastectomy over lumpectomy(10:00) The rapid-fire testing that revealed lymph node involvement(10:53) Why the plan became chemo, surgery, and radiation all at once(12:07) How Krissy now talks honestly with others facing surgery choices(12:52) Treatment during COVID and the strange upside of quarantine(14:21) Chemo, radiation, surgery, and the extra lymph node procedure(15:51) Recovery, drains, and the reality of expanders(17:41) Exchange surgery and the oophorectomy decision(19:12) The most helpful support: porch drop-offs and thoughtful check-ins(21:43) Being seen as strong and misunderstood because of it(23:17) Her husband’s instinct to research everything in private(24:20) Helping the kids through hair loss and treatment changes(25:49) Making cancer treatment feel more normal through hikes and daily adventures(26:44) The gifts that were helpful and the ones she would never give again(28:05) Why DoorDash gift cards beat blankets and journals(29:05) Taste changes during chemo, including Diet Dr Pepper and chicken casserole(30:12) Mouth care, port access, and the lidocaine mistake(31:48) How Krissy got involved with the foundation and moved into leadership(33:17) Why the board role felt like home and a calling(34:51) What courage means to Krissy now(35:41) Krissy’s book, My Pink Truth, and the closing message

Welcome to Girlfriend's Guide to Cancer!Why are we here?What is this about?How is this podcast different?What can you expect from us?Join Natalie and Krissy as they share WHY Girlfriend's Guide to Cancer is coming to life! This is a ride you won't want to miss...Visit www.tumanbreastcancer.org for more informationThis episode introduces the purpose behind the podcast and the two voices leading it, Krissy White and Natalie Tuman. Both share their own breast cancer stories and explain why they wanted to create a space for the real, raw, day to day parts of cancer that people often do not hear about.They also set the tone for what listeners can expect going forward: honest conversations, practical perspective, and a reminder that surviving is only the beginning.In this episode:Krissy White and Natalie Tuman introduce Girlfriend's Guide for Cancer and explain that the show exists to help people feel less alone.Natalie shares that she is the founder and executive director of Tuman Breast Cancer Foundation and a breast cancer survivor.Both speakers describe the emotional letdown that can come after treatment ends, when everyone expects life to feel normal again but appointments, pills, and follow up care continue.They talk about the gap between medical information and lived experience, and why survivors often want the unfiltered version of what cancer actually feels like.The episode tees up future conversations with therapists, other survivors, and guests who can speak to the hard, funny, and unexpected parts of cancer.The closing message is aimed at anyone newly diagnosed, in treatment, in remission, metastatic, or supporting someone they love.Timestamps00:00 - Why this podcast exists and who it is for00:56 - Meet Natalie Tuman and Krissy White01:30 - Krissy's diagnosis story begins with a lump in the shower02:58 - Why Krissy wanted to give back to the breast cancer community03:57 - Natalie shares her stage 3 diagnosis and young family04:56 - What no one tells you about life after treatment ends05:50 - Why ringing the bell does not always feel like the finish line06:36 - The need for honest conversations beyond medical explainers07:18 - Why survivors want the real story from someone who lived it08:28 - The value of a girlfriend's guide style resource09:19 - Why peer support can answer the questions doctors cannot10:03 - Finding someone who had the same treatment plan11:07 - Courage, fear, and why facing cancer is still courageous11:58 - Future guests and conversations the show plans to cover13:13 - A closing message for listeners at every stage of the cancer journey13:41 - Courage means not facing it alone

Dear Friend,When we were diagnosed with breast cancer, we received a binder full of medical information.What we didn't receive was a girlfriend.Someone to tell us…"Here's what surgery really feels like.""Here's why you cry after treatment is over.""Here's what nobody tells you about menopause.""Here's how your marriage might change.""Here's how to laugh again."That's why I created Girlfriends Guide to Cancer.Every conversation is rooted in one word:Courage.THIS is your Girlfriend's Guide to Cancer...think your 'What to Expect When Expecting' gone Breast Cancer style!