Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful

When Elissa Kalver was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer just days before her daughter's first birthday, she was thrown into a reality no one is ever fully prepared for. Alongside the shock and fear came something many patients experience but rarely talk about: not knowing how to ask for help or what support actually looks like in real life.
In this episode, Elissa shares what those early days were really like, raising a young child while navigating treatment and the emotional weight that comes with it. She opens up about the moments that felt overwhelming and the realization that there had to be a better, more human way for patients and caregivers to get the support they need.
That realization led to the creation of We Got This, a first of its kind registry designed to take the guesswork out of asking for help. We discuss how the platform works and how it allows patients to request exactly what they need to make day to day life more manageable and enjoyable.
This conversation highlights how "We Got This" helps patients and caregivers move beyond just getting through cancer and toward feeling supported, seen, and empowered. Elissa also shares the impact the registry is already having and what she envisions for the future, along with key takeaways from her book that offer guidance for anyone navigating cancer.
This episode is for patients, caregivers, and anyone who wants to better understand how to show up in a way that truly helps.

Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful turns 5 this year! To celebrate, Dana Donofree joins me as guest host for this special milestone episode. Dana is a breast cancer survivor, fashion designer, and founder of AnaOno Intimates, creating chest-inclusive lingerie, loungewear, and post-surgery essentials that help women feel confident and supported after breast cancer surgery.
In this episode, Dana and I reflect on the past five years of the podcast. We talk about why it started, unforgettable moments, lessons learned from incredible guests, and what's ahead. It's a heartfelt celebration of the community, stories, and strength that continue to inspire us all.
To learn more about Dana and shop the AnaOno collection, visit AnaOno.com. To celebrate this milestone episode, use this link or enter code CANCERFASHIONISTA at checkout for an additional 15% off.

Breast cancer and its risk can dramatically disrupt hormones and often trigger early or surgical menopause, yet menopause care is still too often treated as an afterthought. In this episode, Rachel Frankenthal, PA-C and gynecologic oncology specialist, makes the case that menopause should be a non-negotiable part of every cancer care plan from the very beginning.
She explores how survivors and previvors can navigate hormonal changes, manage menopause safely, and protect long-term gynecologic health. From understanding genetic risk and prevention options to taking control of your body and choices, Rachel offers clear, practical guidance and expert strategies to help women feel empowered, informed, and confident in advocating for care that addresses their whole health, not just the cancer.

Being diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer while pregnant is a reality few can imagine. In this episode, Allie Kubik, triple negative breast cancer survivor and creator of @allieaftercancer, shares her journey of undergoing chemotherapy at 11 weeks pregnant after previously completing IVF, long before she knew she would face cancer. She opens up about fear, grief, fertility, and fighting for both her life and her unborn child. Now years out from treatment, Allie reflects on survivorship and how she supports others facing aggressive or high-risk breast cancers through honest storytelling and community on Instagram. This conversation honors resilience, motherhood, and life after TNBC.

In this episode, guest Kia Lee shares her experience using scalp cooling during chemotherapy, keeping most of her hair while reclaiming control at a time when so much felt out of her hands. She talks about advocating for herself, navigating insurance reimbursement, and why representation matters for Black women and other underrepresented patients in cancer care. 
Kia also highlights the emotional and practical challenges of treatment, from hair regrowth to self-confidence, and how initiatives like Paxman's Simple Switch program and advocacy efforts are helping more patients access cold capping. This empowering conversation explores choices, dignity, and advocacy, and why every patient's story deserves to be heard.