Diagnosed with breast cancer at 19 and then again at 24, Gianna's story is a powerful testament to resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges. This episode delves deep into the raw realities of navigating a young adult breast cancer recurrence while simultaneously raising a toddler. How do you find the strength to parent through debilitating chemotherapy? What questions should you be asking your doctors that no one tells you about? Gianna shares the invaluable lessons she learned about self-advocacy, support systems, and finding the right resources that made all the difference the second time around.

In this profoundly honest conversation, Gianna shares every detail of her journey. We explore the initial shock of a Stage 1, HER2-positive diagnosis at just 19 years old, the difficult decision-making process around egg preservation, and the miracle of her son’s birth. Gianna then walks us through the heartbreak of a recurrence five years later and the immense difficulties of going through chemo with a toddler. She offers a vulnerable look at how her support system evolved, from texts and flowers the first time to friends cooking meals and providing childcare during her second battle. A significant part of our discussion focuses on the difficult breast cancer surgery options she faced, candidly explaining her thought process in choosing a single mastectomy over reconstruction to align with her future family goals. Gianna also provides a roadmap for other patients by highlighting the integrative therapies for cancer and the critical financial and support resources for cancer - like social workers at MSK, non-profits like Cleaning for a Reason, and community retreats at Mary's Place by the Sea - that she didn't know how to access the first time. This episode is a must-listen for any young person facing a cancer diagnosis, their loved ones, and anyone looking for inspiration on how to navigate life's hardest moments with grace and strength.

About Our Guest:
Gianna is a two-time breast cancer survivor, esthetician, yoga teacher, and mother. First diagnosed at 19 and facing a recurrence at 24, she shares her story with incredible vulnerability and the wisdom of someone who has been forced to navigate the medical system at a young age. She speaks openly about the isolation of being a young adult with cancer, the unique challenges of parenting through treatment, and the importance of advocating for your own physical and emotional well-being.

Timestamps / Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(05:11) A Shocking Diagnosis: Breast Cancer at 19 (DCIS, HER2+)
(08:10) Navigating Fertility, Treatment, and a Miracle Pregnancy
(10:25) The Isolation of Cancer and Finding True Support
(12:10) Parenting Through Chemo: A Toddler's Intuitive Love
(17:09) Finding Community and Respite at Mary's Place by the Sea
(19:10) The Resources I Missed: Unlocking Integrative and Financial Help
(22:35) Making the Hardest Choice: Deciding on Breast Cancer Surgery
(27:08) Hopes for a Softer, Simpler Future After Treatment
(29:20) Gianna’s Final Advice: Trust Your Body & Advocate for Yourself

Learn More From Our Guest / Episode Resources:

• Learn more about Mary's Place by the Sea
• Find out about Cleaning for a Reason
• Check out Zoe Barrie's Dinner Menus mentioned in the episode
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• Follow us on YouTube