Episode 120: Katelyn Armstrong – Breast Cancer, Mental Health, and Finding Yourself Again

Episode 120: Katelyn Armstrong – Breast Cancer, Mental Health, and Finding Yourself Again

At 34 years old, Katelyn Armstrong was living what many would consider a healthy lifestyle. As a wellness influencer, she exercised regularly, prioritized nutrition, and focused on overall well-being. Breast cancer was the last thing she expected to hear. In this powerful conversation, Katelyn shares her journey through a triple-positive breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and the often-overlooked mental health challenges that follow. She opens up about advocating for herself when she knew something wasn't right, navigating the impact cancer had on her marriage, and making the deeply personal decision to remain flat after a double mastectomy. Katelyn also discusses how social media became a lifeline during treatment, helping her find connection, community, and ultimately a new purpose. Today, she uses her experience as both a survivor and mental health professional to support others facing the emotional realities of cancer. This episode is an honest conversation about identity, healing, survivorship, self-acceptance, and why mental health deserves a seat at the table in every cancer journey. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: • Being diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer at age 34 • The importance of trusting your instincts and advocating for yourself • Mental health challenges during and after treatment • How cancer impacted her marriage and relationships • Choosing to remain flat after a double mastectomy • Finding connection and community through social media • The realities of survivorship and identity after cancer • Supporting other survivors through mental health coaching • Why young women should pay attention to breast health • The importance of open conversations and early detection Find Kate on TikTok and IG: @k8armstr0ng/

Episode 119: Mammotech,Ashley Flurry :Why Knowing Your Breast Cancer Risk Matters

What if you’re considered “too young” for breast cancer… but your risk says otherwise? In this episode of Test Those Breasts, Jamie sits down with Ashley Flurry, registered mammography technologist and founder of Breast Imaging Matters Outreach, to talk about one of the biggest gaps in breast health: helping women understand their breast cancer risk before age 40. Together, they discuss: 🍋 Why family history isn’t the whole story 🍋 Breast cancer risk assessments — and why most women don’t know they exist 🍋 Why younger women need breast health education and advocacy 🍋 Mammogram myths, radiation fears, and what’s actually true 🍋 How to advocate for yourself when it comes to screening and prevention If you’ve ever thought: “I’m too young.” “No one in my family has breast cancer.” “My doctor would tell me if I was high risk.” …this episode is for you. 📍 Connect with Ashley Flurry 📧 ashley@breastimagingmatters.org [ashley@breastimagingmatters.org] 🌐 https://www.breastimagingmatters.org [https://www.breastimagingmatters.org] 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyflurry [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyflurry] Bridging gaps in breast cancer risk awareness through education and guided assessment.

Ep. 118: The “And Then” of Cancer: Jake Messier on Stage 4 Male Breast Cancer (Pt. 2)

In Part 2 of my conversation with Jake Messier, we go deeper into the realities of living with stage 4 male breast cancer. Jake opens up about metastatic breast cancer, scanxiety, survivorship, mental health, and the emotional rollercoaster of receiving good news… followed by an “and then.” We talk honestly about toxic positivity, advocacy, purpose, and what it means to keep moving forward when cancer doesn’t follow a straight path. Jake also shares how he turned his own diagnosis into a platform for awareness and support, using social media to educate others about the reality that men get breast cancer too—and why inclusion in breast cancer conversations matters. We also discuss: • Living with stage 4 breast cancer and the uncertainty of scans • The emotional toll of “scanxiety” and survivorship • Toxic positivity vs. allowing yourself to feel hard emotions • Supporting caregivers and family during cancer • Why men are still left out of many breast cancer conversations • Jake’s advocacy work and role in changing awareness around male breast cancer • Inclusion, representation, and underserved voices in cancer spaces • Susan G. Komen’s metastatic steering committee and national advocacy work • Why awareness matters: men get breast cancer too Jake Messier: 📧 theguywithstage4breastcancer@gmail.com [theguywithstage4breastcancer@gmail.com] 📱 Instagram & TikTok: @theguywithstage4breastcancer 🌐 Website: www.theguywithstage4breastcancer.com [http://www.theguywithstage4breastcancer.com] Male Breast Cancer Organizations Mentioned: • Male Breast Cancer Global Alliance: https://mbcglobalalliance.org/ [https://mbcglobalalliance.org/] • Male Breast Cancer Happens: https://malebreastcancerhappens.org/ [https://malebreastcancerhappens.org/] • HIS Breast Cancer Awareness (for men with hereditary/genetic risk): https://www.hisbreastcancer.org/ [https://www.hisbreastcancer.org/]

Ep. 117 (Part 1) Breaking the Silence Around Male Breast Cancer w/ Jake Messier

In this powerful first part of my conversation with Jake Messier, we discuss the reality that men get breast cancer too, and why so many people still don’t know it. Jake shares his personal diagnosis story, the emotional impact of navigating a disease often viewed as “only for women,” and the isolation many men experience in breast cancer spaces. We also talk about: * Male breast cancer awareness * Feeling excluded in pink-centered spaces * Advocacy and representation * The emotional side of diagnosis * Support groups and community * Why language and inclusion matter * The need for more awareness, research, and education for men This conversation is honest, eye-opening, and incredibly important. Part 2 will continue Jake’s story as we discuss treatment, stage 4 breast cancer, mental health, survivorship, and finding purpose through advocacy. Jake Messier: theguywithstage4breastcancer@gmail.com [theguywithstage4breastcancer@gmail.com] @theguywithstage4breastcancer on TikTok and Instagram www.theguywithstage4breastcancer.com [http://www.theguywithstage4breastcancer.com]

Ep. 116: Mammogram Myths, Breast Cancer Misinformation & Screening Guidelines with Dr. Robyn Roth

In this episode of Test Those Breasts, Jamie Vaughn sits down with board-certified breast radiologist Dr. Robyn Roth, founder of The Boobie Docs, to discuss some of the biggest misconceptions and controversies surrounding breast cancer screening, mammograms, dense breast tissue, and early detection. Together, they tackle misinformation spreading online about mammograms causing cancer, confusion around new breast screening recommendations, self-advocacy in healthcare, and the increasing number of younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer. Dr. Roth also shares insight into AI and the future of breast imaging, why annual mammograms matter, and how women can better understand their own breast health and risk. The conversation also explores: • Dense breast tissue and supplemental screening • Breast self-awareness and self-exams • Why younger women need breast health education • The emotional weight of guilt after diagnosis • Patient advocacy and using your voice in healthcare • The importance of evidence-based information online Dr. Robyn Roth is also the creator of The Boobie Docs educational platform, host of The Girlfriend’s Guide to Breast Cancer podcast, and author of the children’s book Everyone Has Boobies. For more information, resources, books, podcast links, and contact information, visit: TheBoobieDocs.com [http://TheBoobieDocs.com]