What do you do when you're 28, newly diagnosed with breast cancer, and suddenly expected to make decisions about your own treatment?

For Brooklyn Olumba, the answer was learning to speak up, ask the right questions, and become her own advocate. In this episode, she shares what it was like navigating the healthcare system while feeling completely alone, and how she found her voice, learned to advocate for herself, and eventually built a global support network.

Her story offers practical insights and encouragement for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis and trying to feel more confident, informed, and supported along the way.

• Learn about the one conversation that led to a life-saving early cancer diagnosis.

• How to effectively advocate for yourself, especially if you are new to healthcare.

• Why participating in clinical trials can provide you with access to top-tier treatments.

• Understand how to "know your normal" with a simple guide to self-breast exams.

• The real challenges of survivorship and managing the fear of recurrence.

• Ways to find your community and why it can be a powerful form of medicine.

• Discover the first things to do after receiving a new cancer diagnosis.

Put Yourself First!

Understand your diagnosis, navigate your treatment options with confidence, and advocate strongly for your own well-being. Learn more at https://drtiffanytroso.com/home

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A place where complex cancer information becomes clear, where cutting-edge science meets real-world guidance, and where you learn to be the CEO of your own care, no matter where you are in your journey.

https://drtiffanytroso.substack.com/

About Me - Dr. Tiffany Troso

I'm a double board-certified medical oncologist specializing in breast and gynecological cancers, with over 25 years of experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
But more than credentials—I'm here because I know the system doesn't always see you.

Women like you are used to taking care of everyone else. But cancer is different. You deserve clear answers, fierce advocacy, and guidance that prioritizes you.

That's what I do. Through one-on-one consults, coaching, and my signature Empowered Patient Method, I help you regain clarity, confidence, and control—without the chaos.

Imagine beating breast cancer and getting to the end of your treatment and realizing you don't like what you see in the mirror?

For many women, the physical changes that come with a mastectomy and reconstruction can bring up emotions that aren't always talked about. You can be grateful to be cancer-free and still struggle to feel comfortable, confident, or even familiar in your own body.

I'm joined by Crystal and Courtney, the nurse duo behind Perky, who offer a unique and artistic solution through restorative 3D nipple tattooing. They explain how their incredible work provides a realistic alternative, giving women more control over the final outcome. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone exploring their post-mastectomy options and wanting to feel complete in their own skin again.

• Why many women are choosing 3D tattoos over surgical nipple reconstruction.

• Discover how you can "try on" different nipple styles before getting a permanent tattoo.

• The personal family story that inspired this unique and restorative nursing career.

• Find out about the artistic process of creating a truly realistic 3D nipple tattoo.

• The one thing that helps patients feel whole again during the long healing journey.

• Learn about a national program that helps cover the cost of restorative tattooing services.

• What to expect during the consultation and detailed two-step tattooing process.

Put Yourself First!

Understand your diagnosis, navigate your treatment options with confidence, and advocate strongly for your own well-being. Learn more at https://drtiffanytroso.com/home

Follow & Subscribe on Substack

A place where complex cancer information becomes clear, where cutting-edge science meets real-world guidance, and where you learn to be the CEO of your own care, no matter where you are in your journey.

https://drtiffanytroso.substack.com/

About Me - Dr. Tiffany Troso

I'm a board-certified medical oncologist specializing in breast and gynecological cancers, with over 25 years of experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
But more than credentials—I'm here because I know the system doesn't always see you.

Women like you are used to taking care of everyone else. But cancer is different. You deserve clear answers, fierce advocacy, and guidance that prioritizes you.

That's what I do. Through one-on-one consults, coaching, and my signature Empowered Patient Method, I help you regain clarity, confidence, and control—without the chaos.

What do you say when everyone asks, "How can I help?" and you honestly don't have an answer after a cancer diagnosis?

After being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, Elissa Kalver found herself facing that exact question. While friends and family genuinely wanted to support her, figuring out what she needed, and how to communicate it, was often overwhelming. Rather than accept that challenge as part of the cancer journey, she decided to create the resource she wished had existed for her.

In this episode, Elissa shares how her personal experience led her to found We Got This, a nonprofit that helps cancer patients connect with meaningful, practical support through a unique gift registry and resource platform. We also discuss how humor has become one of her most powerful tools for navigating adversity, building community, and helping others feel less alone.

What You'll Learn:

• The five most important things to do after a new cancer diagnosis.

• How a cancer diagnosis inspired the first nonprofit gift registry for patients.

• Hear a relatable story about getting scan results right before a long holiday weekend.

• Why the same treatment can have vastly different effects on patients.

• What matters more than just surviving when in long term treatment.

• How to find the best doctor and care team that is the right fit for you.

• Creative ways to process and share your personal health story.

Put Yourself First!

Understand your diagnosis, navigate your treatment options with confidence, and advocate strongly for your own well-being. Learn more at https://drtiffanytroso.com/home

Follow & Subscribe on Substack

A place where complex cancer information becomes clear, where cutting-edge science meets real-world guidance, and where you learn to be the CEO of your own care, no matter where you are in your journey.

https://drtiffanytroso.substack.com/

Join The Empowered Patient Community

The strongest patients aren't the ones who have all the answers. They're the ones who have the right support. Join for expert guidance, practical tools, and a community that helps you navigate every step with greater confidence.

✨ Come be part of a community that puts you first. https://www.skool.com/empowered-patient-community

About Me - Dr. Tiffany Troso

I'm a board-certified medical oncologist specializing in breast and gynecological cancers, with over 25 years of experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
But more than credentials—I'm here because I know the system doesn't always see you.

Women like you are used to taking care of everyone else. But cancer is different. You deserve clear answers, fierce advocacy, and guidance that prioritizes you.

That's what I do. Through one-on-one consults, coaching, and my signature Empowered Patient Method, I help you regain clarity, confidence, and control—without the chaos.