Test Those Breasts ™️

About Test Those Breasts ™️

This podcast by Jamie Vaughn is a deep-dive discussion on a myriad of breast cancer topics, such as early detection, the initial shock of diagnosis, testing/scans, treatment, loss of hair, caregiving, surgery, emotional support, and advocacy. These episodes will include breast cancer survivors, thrivers, caregivers, surgeons, oncologists, therapists, and other specialists who can speak to many different topics. Disclaimer: I  am not a doctor and not all information in this podcast comes from qualified health care providers,  therefore does not constitute medical advice. For personalized medical advice, you should reach out to one of the qualified healthcare providers interviewed on this podcast and/or seek medical advice from your own providers.

Publisher

Jamie Vaughn

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

4 Jun 2023

Latest episode

15 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

132 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Sept 2026

   Ep. 131 When “99% Sure” Isn’t Enough: Genetic Risk, Self-Advocacy & Prevention with Krista Brown

   What happens when three specialists are almost certain something isn’t cancer—but your gut tells you to keep asking questions? In this episode, Jamie sits down with Krista Brown, MS, RN, oncology nurse navigator, breast cancer survivor, and cancer prevention advocate. After learning that she carried an ATM genetic mutation, Krista began increased breast screening and started planning a preventive mastectomy. When an MRI revealed an abnormality, she was initially advised to wait and follow up. Even after multiple specialists reassured her that it was almost certainly not cancer, Krista couldn't shake the feeling that she needed more answers. She requested a biopsy. It was Stage 1A breast cancer. Krista and Jamie talk about hereditary cancer risk, genetic testing, early detection, second opinions, prevention, lifestyle, and why advocating for yourself can be difficult—even when you're a nurse. They also explore one of Krista's most important messages: “Don't confuse being healthy with being invincible.” This conversation is a powerful reminder that prevention isn't about perfection. It's about knowing your risk, knowing your family history, getting appropriate screenings, asking questions, and becoming an active participant in your own healthcare. Connect with Krista Instagram: @cancer.prevention.rn https://www.instagram.com/cancer.prevention.rn/ (https://www.instagram.com/cancer.prevention.rn/) LinkedIn: Krista Brown https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-brown-b71956249/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/krista-brown-b71956249/) Resources Test Those Breasts® https://testthosebreasts.org (https://testthosebreasts.org) Find it early. Change the outcome.® This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.

2. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Episode 130 (Part 2) Still Here, Still Becoming w/Krystal with a K

   In Part Two of my conversation with Krystal, we continue her breast cancer survivor story and explore what life after breast cancer can really look like, the plot twists keep coming. Krystal opens up about dating after cancer, fertility, miscarriage, finding love, becoming a mom again, and the devastating experience of losing a dear friend to metastatic breast cancer. Then, what was supposed to be a breast reconstruction revision led to an unexpected discovery: remaining breast tissue and another breast cancer diagnosis. We talk candidly about breast reconstruction, DIEP flap surgery, body image, scanxiety, self-advocacy, and the emotional toll of being expected to stay positive or become a “beacon of hope” when you're struggling yourself. Krystal also shares why she eventually stepped away from nonprofit leadership, how Plot Twist: Still Alive became another way to connect through humor and honesty, and what she's creating next with Happily Epic After. This conversation is raw, funny, emotional, and very real, because surviving breast cancer doesn't mean you have to “get over it.” You may be changed by what happened to you, but you still get to decide what comes next. In this episode: Life after breast cancer: dating, fertility, motherhood and finding love Another breast cancer diagnosis DIEP flap reconstruction and body image Scanxiety, toxic positivity and self-advocacy after breast cancer Humor as a coping mechanism Knowing when it's time to choose yourself Plot Twist: Still Alive Happily Epic After Content note: This episode includes candid conversations about cancer, miscarriage, grief, reconstruction, abuse, mental health and adult language. CONNECT WITH KRYSTAL & RESOURCES Plot Twist: Still Alive Website: www.plottwiststillalive.com (http://www.plottwiststillalive.com) Instagram: www.instagram.com/plottwiststillalive (http://www.instagram.com/plottwiststillalive) Facebook: www.facebook.com/share/1DDDaLCAQj/ (http://www.facebook.com/share/1DDDaLCAQj/) Pink Warrior Advocates Breast cancer support, financial assistance, care kits, support meetups, and restorative tattoo assistance. www.pinkwarrioradvocates.org (http://www.pinkwarrioradvocates.org) Dr. Chris Schneider | Austin Face & Body www.austinfaceandbody.com/our-providers/dr-chris-schneider/ (http://www.austinfaceandbody.com/our-providers/dr-chris-schneider/) Happily Epic After Retreats and adventures supporting women after cancer and other life-changing experiences. www.happilyepicafter.com (http://www.happilyepicafter.com) Finding HER Again Retreat | October 23–25 | Texas Hill Country Applications for this retreat are closed, but cancer survivors can complete the Find Your Epic Profile to learn about future retreats and adventures. Sponsorships are also available to help warriors attend at no cost. Find Your Epic Profile: www.happilyepicafter.com/find-your-epic-adventure-profile (http://www.happilyepicafter.com/find-your-epic-adventure-profile)

3. 

   1 Sept 2026

   Episode 129 (Part 1): If I’m Too Much, Go Find Less! Cancer, Chaos & Krystal with a K

   Three-time cancer survivor. Nurse. Mom. Chaos coordinator. Podcast host. And a woman who is absolutely not interested in sugarcoating cancer. In Part 1 of Episode 129, Jamie sits down with Krystal with a K, host of Plot Twist: Still Alive, for a conversation that is raw, hilarious, emotional, occasionally profane, and very, very real. Krystal’s cancer journey began when she was just three years old. Decades later, at 32, newly divorced, raising two young children and fresh out of nursing school, she found a lump in her own breast. She would eventually learn that the radiation that helped save her life as a child may have contributed to her breast cancer years later. Krystal talks about the fear and anger, but also the absurdity and humor she found along the way—from BreastFest, where she shaved her head before cancer could take her hair, to $35 Amazon wigs with names, accents and entire backstories. Underneath the laughs is a powerful conversation about breast cancer in young women, using your voice, knowing your body, pushing back when something doesn’t feel right, setting boundaries around toxic positivity, and refusing to accept “you’re too young” as an answer. And perhaps the most Krystal line of the episode: “If I’m too much, go find less.” Because when it comes to your healthcare, sometimes you have to be too much. Part 1 closes with Krystal meeting Jen, a fellow young breast cancer warrior whose friendship would introduce her to advocacy, volunteering and a community she didn’t even know she needed. And that's where we leave you, because Krystal with a K has a whole lot more plot twists coming in Part 2. In Part 1 Childhood cancer and the treatment that saved Krystal’s life Finding her own breast lump at 32 Double mastectomy, Oncotype testing and chemotherapy Breast cancer in young women and why “you’re too young” isn’t good enough Learning to use your voice and be “too much” Toxic positivity and boundaries Connect with Krystal Plot Twist: Still Alive Website: www.plottwiststillalive.com (http://www.plottwiststillalive.com) Instagram: @plottwiststillalive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DDDaLCAQj/ (https://www.facebook.com/share/1DDDaLCAQj/) Email: plottwiststillalive@gmail.com (mailto:plottwiststillalive@gmail.com) Resources Pink Warrior Advocates www.pinkwarrioradvocates.org (http://www.pinkwarrioradvocates.org) Happily Epic After www.happilyepicafter.com (http://www.happilyepicafter.com) Connect with Test Those Breasts® Website: www.testthosebreasts.org (http://www.testthosebreasts.org) Support our work: www.testthosebreasts.org/donate/ (http://www.testthosebreasts.org/donate/)

Contact Test Those Breasts ™️

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.