Breast Cancer & Menopause: A Survivor’s Raw Story from Struggling to Thriving
In this episode, Sonya Lovell, a breast cancer survivor and menopause advocate, shares her powerful story of navigating life after cancer. Diagnosed with breast cancer in her 40s, Sonya underwent chemotherapy and was thrust into medically induced menopause, leaving her unprepared and unsupported.
She now uses her experience to advocate for better education and support for women dealing with menopause, especially those going through cancer treatment. In this episode, we discuss the challenges Sonya faced with hormone therapies like Tamoxifen and Letrozole, and how she took control of her health with strength training, hormone therapy, and lifestyle changes.
You’ll learn:
- Sonya’s personal journey through breast cancer and its impact on early menopause
- The struggles of navigating menopause during and after cancer treatment
- Insights into the side effects of Tamoxifen and Letrozole
- How strength training and lifestyle changes helped Sonya regain her health
- The importance of self-advocacy in managing hormone therapy
- Tips for women facing cancer and menopause
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For more resources from Sonya Lovell:
Visit her website , follow her on Instagram and listen to her wonderful show Dear Menopause on Spotify , Apple or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://www.instagram.com/sonyalovell/
https://open.spotify.com/show/4elaEci8Hlt7UZerIG1yem
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Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.
00:00:00 - Introduction: Menopause & Cancer Journey
00:00:50 - Sonya Lovell’s Background & Advocacy
00:02:04 - Sonya’s Journey into Menopause Advocacy
00:02:10 - Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Menopause
00:06:51 - Cancer Treatment & Menopause Symptoms
00:12:06 - Emotional Impact of Menopause
00:15:12 - Lack of Empathy in Medical Care
00:16:13 - Need for Medical Retraining in Menopause Care
00:16:43 - Long-Term Health Impact of Cancer Treatment
00:17:36 - Tamoxifen & Menopause
00:18:39 - Sonya’s Experience with Letrozole
00:19:45 - Cognitive Issues & Physical Symptoms
00:23:04 - Cancer Treatment’s Impact on Skin Health
00:24:30 - Body Image & Fitness After Cancer
00:27:27 - Decision to Stop Medication
00:30:48 - Stopping Tamoxifen: Self-Education
00:31:18 - Hormone Therapy for Cancer Survivors
00:32:42 - Struggling to Access HRT
00:33:51 - Family’s Reaction to Health Decisions
00:35:37 - Hormone Therapy Experience
00:38:06 - Alcohol Risk & Breast Cancer
00:39:25 - Vaginal Hormones for Menopause Relief
00:41:59 - Testosterone for Menopause Treatment
00:43:49 - Key Takeaways from Sonya’s Journey
00:45:22 - Advice for Friends & Family
00:46:02 - The Misconception of 'Being Better' After Treatment
00:47:19 - The ‘Warrior’ Language in Cancer Survivorship
00:48:49 - Struggling for Information & Empowered Decisions
00:49:26 - Flexibility in Decision Making
00:52:42 - Exercise During Cancer Treatment
00:53:53 - Strength Training for Cancer Survivors
00:55:47 - Strength Training Tips for Beginners
00:58:20 - Sonya’s Advice to Her Younger Self
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