BRCA & Beyond | A Hereditary Cancer Podcast23 Okt 2025

The Truth After the Expanders: What No One Tells You About Exchange Surgery

After months of discomfort, expanders, and emotional exhaustion, the day finally came, exchange surgery. In this episode, I share what it was really like: the calm I felt heading into the operating room, waking up without the hard weight of expanders for the first time, and all the things no one tells you about recovery.

It wasn’t perfect...there was swelling, bruising, and that strange “in-between” feeling of adjusting to a new body again, but this time, I knew the process, the restrictions, and the rhythm of healing. I even found moments of humor, peace, and perspective that made me realize just how far I’d come.

From the quiet after surgery to the unexpected laughter along the way, this episode is for anyone navigating the “after” part of their BRCA or reconstruction journey.

I also share how you can connect with me and our growing community, whether you want to talk, share your story, or even join me as a guest on the podcast.

Because healing isn’t just about recovery — it’s about rediscovery. And sometimes, it starts with a laugh, a scar, and a story that reminds you you’re not alone.

If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating and review. This helps us reach more people navigating previvorship, survivorship, and life after a diagnosis.

Medical Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational and inspirational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or another qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions. The views and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

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Episoder(42)

One Year of BRCA & Beyond: The Hereditary Cancer Podcast I Needed

BRCA & Beyond is officially one year old.In this anniversary episode, I’m sharing how my experience as a BRCA2 previvor and colon cancer survivor led me to create the hereditary cancer podcast I once ...

21 Aug 26min

"Where Were These When I Needed Them?" — Healing Pads for Mammograms & Menopause

In this episode of BRCA & Beyond, Marisa sits down with Founder & CEO Troy Sutton and his mom and co-founder, Debbie Sutton, to talk about The Healing Pads...reusable hot and cold therapy pads designe...

13 Aug 44min

Cancer, Genetics & the Blame Game

Why do people feel the need to explain why someone got cancer?From diet and stress to vaccines, chemicals, genetics, and lifestyle choices, a cancer diagnosis can quickly become an invitation for othe...

6 Aug 33min

Killer Tits Club: How Alexa Meyer Turned a Breast Cancer Diagnosis at 33 Into a Movement

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29 Jul 1h 9min

ATM Gene Mutation, Stage 1 Breast Cancer & Why Genetic Testing Matters with Krista Brown

If you've been diagnosed with an ATM gene mutation, have a family history of breast cancer, or are wondering whether genetic testing could change your future, this conversation is for you.In this epis...

22 Jul 48min

Scanxiety: Waiting for Test Results, Biopsies, & Pathology

Scanxiety is something almost everyone in the cancer and hereditary cancer community knows all too well but it's not talked about nearly enough.In this episode of BRCA & Beyond, I'm opening up about o...

17 Jul 38min

Career and Job Struggles as a Previvor or Survivor

Career, job, and money struggles as a previvor or cancer survivor. A cancer diagnosis or genetic mutation finding, like BRCA or Lynch syndrome, changes more than your health; it changes your career, y...

10 Jul 51min

Living with BRCA1: Kristen Jordan on Family History, Prevention & Advocacy

What does it really mean to live with a BRCA1 gene mutation? How do you make life-changing decisions when hereditary cancer runs through your family?In this episode of BRCA & Beyond, I sit down with K...

2 Jul 1h 17min