In this very informative episode of Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful, host Melissa Berry sits down with Dr. Krystie Zuniga, a Board Certified Oncology Dietician, to talk about a concern many breast cancer patients face: weight gain during treatment. Dr. Zuniga sheds light on why the number on the scale doesn’t tell you the whole story and shares why nutrition combined with resistance training is key to overall health and well-being.

Tune in as they explore Dr. Zuniga’s path into oncology nutrition, her research on diet’s impact on cancer prevention and treatment, and practical tips to support muscle health and metabolism. Together, they debunk common diet myths and emphasize how proper nutrition paired with exercise helps patient take control of their recovery and quality of life. 

Join Melissa and Dr. Zuniga for a candid, hopeful conversation that goes beyond weight to what truly matters throughout the cancer experience.

What You’ll Learn: 

• Why the number on the scale doesn’t tell the full story
• How nutrition and resistance training support overall health during cancer treatment
• Debunking common diet myths for cancer patients
• Practical tips for supporting muscle health, metabolism and recovery

In this deeply moving episode of Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful, host Melissa Berry sits down with Dr. Liz O’Riordan, a former breast surgeon who has faced breast cancer three times and emerged as a powerful voice in the community. Dr. O’Riordan shares her personal battle with depression during her cancer treatment, a struggle that many patients face but few openly discuss.

Learn how Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT) became a beacon of hope in her darkest hours. Dr. O’Riordan explains how CBT provided her with the tools to manage her fears, process her emotions, and ultimately reclaim her life. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of mental health support for those battling cancer.

This episodes sheds light on the mental health challenges of breast cancer and offers valuable insights for those facing similar struggles. 

What You’ll Learn: 

• Recognizing depression and mental health challenges during cancer
• How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can support emotional recovery
• Practical tools for managing fears and processing emotions
• Insights on reclaiming life and hope after a cancer diagnosis

In this empowering episode of Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful, host Melissa Berry sits down with Erica Deligne, style expert, breast cancer survivor, and creator of the Flat, Fierce, and Feminine guide. After opting for aesthetic flat closure, Erica became a passionate advocate for helping women embrace their bodies with confidence and style without reconstruction. Erica shares her personal breast cancer story, the decision to go flat, and the importance of being fully informed about all surgical options. She also offers fashion tips for those who have chosen the flat aesthetic closure route, discusses the need for more clothing options and highlights how style can be a beautiful form of empowerment and self-expression.

This episode also explores dating after going flat, building confidence in relationships, and the importance of advocacy for flat closure awareness – reminding us that femininity and confidence comes in all forms. 

What You’ll Learn: 

• Embracing body confidence and style after aesthetic flat closure
• Being fully informed about all surgical options
• Fashion tips and inspiration for aesthetic flat closure
• Building confidence in dating and relationships
• Advocacy and awareness for flat closure

Hair loss during chemotherapy can be one of the most challenging aspects of cancer treatment, and in this episode of “Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful,” host Melissa Berry speaks with Lauren Candies Tarpley, a breast cancer advocate and author of the Type A Guide to Cancer series.

Lauren shares her expertise and personal experience navigating hair loss during cancer treatment. She offers practical tips on managing the physical and emotional challenges of hair loss, from caring for your scalp with non-toxic products to promoting regrowth through exfoliation. Lauren also reflects on the emotional attachment to hair and how learning to let go can lead to a renewed sense of empowerment.

This episode provides helpful advice and encouragement for anyone facing hair loss during cancer treatment, offering actionable strategies to embrace the process with confidence and care.

What You’ll Learn:

• Practical advice on navigating and embracing hair loss during cancer treatment
• Navigating the emotional attachment to hair and learning to let go

Mammograms are essential for early breast cancer detection, but navigating the process can be overwhelming. In this episode of “Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful,” host Melissa Berry speaks with Dr. Robyn Roth, a breast radiologist and founder of The Boobie Docs, to break down the essentials of mammograms.

They cover screening information, how to navigate dense breast tissue, and the importance of risk assessments for high-risk individuals. Dr. Roth shares expert advice on the latest advancements in mammography and how to confidently manage your breast health.

What You’ll Learn:

• Helpful screening information
• Navigating dense breast tissue and its challenges
• The role of risk assessment for high-risk individuals
• The latest advancements in mammography technology

In this episode of “Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful,” host Melissa Berry welcomes Dani Trops, a breast cancer advocate and social media content creator, to discuss the deeply personal decisions surrounding nipple reconstruction after breast cancer.

Dani shares her personal experience and offers valuable insights on the “nipple dilemma”—whether to pursue reconstruction, get nipple tattoos, or opt out of both. She also discusses how to rebuild confidence, navigate body image changes, and approach dating and relationships after a breast cancer diagnosis.

This conversation sheds light on an often-overlooked topic, offering guidance and support for anyone facing these decisions after breast cancer treatment.

What You’ll Learn:

• Exploring the nipple dilemma: reconstruction, tattoos, or choosing neither
• Building confidence and navigating body image after breast cancer
• Insights on dating, relationships and sharing your breast cancer story with a new partner
• Managing the emotional aspects of post-treatment decisions

In this episode of “Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful,” host Melissa Berry speaks with Caileigh Scott, an actor, advocate and breast cancer thriver, who shares her experience with hair loss during chemotherapy and her decision to try cold capping.

Caileigh opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of losing hair during chemotherapy, the realities of cold capping, and the pros and cons of this approach to preserving hair. She also discusses how she ultimately embraced her short hair with confidence and resilience after treatment.

This episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for anyone facing hair loss during cancer treatment and explores how to find beauty and strength during this experience.

What You’ll Learn: 

• The emotional and physical aspects of hair loss during chemotherapy
• Cold capping explained from the perspective of someone who experienced it firsthand
• Embracing and feeling confident with short hair after chemotherapy

In this episode of “Dear Cancer, I’m Beautiful,” host Melissa Berry had the opportunity to speak with Katrina M. Johnson, a remarkable breast cancer advocate, resilient cancer survivor and the US Director of Advocacy & Professional Relations for Pfizer Oncology.

Katrina was first diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at the young age of 28 after feeling a lump on her own. Three years later, Katrina’s oncologist recommended she get BRCA testing which revealed a BRCA1 mutation and prompted Katrina to get a double mastectomy. Her cancer journey did not end there; however, as 10 years later a tumor was found on her right side, resulting in her second breast cancer diagnosis, followed by a third diagnosis after another tumor was found a year later.

Through it all, Katrina maintained a positive attitude and shares what self love means to her, especially after her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. If you are looking for ways to show yourself love, this uplifting episode is for you!

What You’ll Learn: 

• How to cultivate self-love after a diagnosis
• Navigating body image changes after breast cancer
• Tips for dating after divorce
• Why prioritizing self-care is essential for well-being