Hi Reader, After breast cancer treatment, walking is one of the simplest ways to start moving again. One way to make your walks more challenging—and support strength and bone health at the same time—is something called rucking, which just means walking with weight. It’s an easy way to turn a regular walk into more of a strength-building activity. Different ways to try rucking There are a few different options: 1) Regular Backpack (DIY option)This is the most budget-friendly way to start. You...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Have you ever looked at a bottle of sunscreen or moisturizer and wondered...is this actually safe? After a breast cancer diagnosis, I've become a lot more intentional about what I put in and on my body. One of my favorite tools is the EWG Healthy Living app. It’s free, super easy to use, and lets you scan barcodes or search products to see how they rate. What you can check with it You can use it to check things like: Sunscreen ☀️ Body lotion 🧴 Shampoos 💆♀️ Laundry detergent 🧺...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Bone density has definitely been more on my radar since being diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m currently on tamoxifen, but once I'm in menopause, I may switch to an aromatase inhibitor — which can have a bigger impact on bone health. One of the most effective things you can do to support bone density is strength training. And one of the best lower body exercises to start with? Squats. Squats load the hips and spine — two of the most common areas where bone loss occurs. When bones...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Five years ago, I had no idea what recovery after breast cancer would really look like. Not just the physical side — but the emotional weight, the mental shifts, and the everyday realities that come with survivorship. Reaching my 5-year cancerversary brings mixed emotions for me — gratitude alongside the quiet uncertainty that can still linger. Over the past five years, I’ve learned a lot. Some lessons came through rehab and movement. Others came through fear, frustration, growth,...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, One thing I wish I had more guidance on after my mastectomy was bras. I received very little direction from my medical team, so I figured this out later — through research and trial and error. Below are 5 bras I recommend most often — and personally wear now — based on stage of recovery, comfort, and activity level. A quick note: Using my links below gives you 10% off Prairie Wear and 15% off AnaOno. 1. Prairie Wear HuggerPRIMA Best for: early post-op & swelling support This is the...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Healing isn’t linear I used to think recovery would have a clear “after.” You finish treatment…and then you move on. But healing hasn’t worked that way for me. It’s been up, down, and all over the place — slower and far less predictable than I expected. Side effects take time After radiation, I developed radiation fibrosis and lymphedema.I did everything to address the symptoms. I was consistent. I didn’t skip steps. And for months… nothing changed. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if it...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, One of the most common questions I get is: How do I know when I’m ready to start strength training again after surgery or treatment? Here’s a quick checklist: ✅ Your incisions are fully healed ✅ You can move your arms without significant pain (even if not fully overhead) ✅ You’re cleared for exercise by your medical team ✅ You can do daily activities (like carrying groceries or laundry) without pain Not Quite Ready? Start Here Focus on scapular strength — the small muscles around...
7 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, After breast cancer treatment, regaining upper body strength is key to optimal shoulder function. One exercise that helped me more than any other? Rows. Rows are helpful because they: ✔ Improve posture ✔ Reduce shoulder and upper back tension ✔ Can be done easily with minimal equipment Here are a few variations depending on what you have: 1) Resistance Band → Banded Row Perfect if you don’t have weights — just anchor a band around your feet and pull back, keeping your shoulders...
8 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, October Turns Pink Every October, it feels like the world turns pink—ribbons, products, campaigns—all in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The color pink has become the symbol of support, fundraising, and awareness. Navigating Pinktober For me, Pinktober is mildly triggering—I'm not sure why it's only mild because plenty of other things trigger me! But I know for many women, especially those still in treatment or early in recovery, it can feel overwhelming. Seeing...
10 months ago • 1 min read