Living with metastatic breast cancer can mean carrying uncertainty into everyday life. There is always another scan, another appointment or another stretch of waiting, and it can be hard not to let fear take up too much space in between.
This is the first episode of Between the Scans: Navigating Life With Metastatic Breast Cancer, a lived-experience series exploring what it really means to live with metastatic breast cancer between appointments, scans and treatment decisions - including the emotional, practical and everyday realities that don't always get talked about.
In this episode, Melissa sits down with Tami Eagle Bowling, who has been living with metastatic breast cancer for more than a decade, to talk about what she actually does when fear starts to take over.
Tami shares how she has learned to navigate scan anxiety, what she does when her mind goes to the worst-case scenario and how she redirects her attention toward what she can control. She explains how practices like her "Gratitude Machine," her "Faith Over Fear" mindset and what she calls "cancer clarity" help her cope with the emotional weight of living with MBC.
They also talk about motherhood, the importance of connecting with others who understand what it's like to live with MBC, and how community and advocacy can help reduce isolation and create a greater sense of support and purpose.
If you've ever found yourself putting your life on hold until the next scan, struggling when your mind races to the worst-case scenario, or wondering how to live alongside uncertainty without letting it take over, this conversation is for you.
The information shared on Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual medical care and treatment decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Cancer Fashionista.
Thank you to Novartis and Genentech for making this episode of Between The Scans possible.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Light Up MBC
Learn more about the annual Light Up MBC campaign, find participating landmarks, and get information about Light Up MBC Live.
lightupmbc.org
METAvivor
Learn more about METAvivor and its work funding research specifically for metastatic breast cancer.
metavivor.org
Faith Over Fear Bracelet
Created in collaboration with Tami Eagle Bowling and Little Words Project, the Faith Over Fear bracelet is a reminder to keep your faith stronger than your fear. $5 from every bracelet purchased is donated to METAvivor to support metastatic breast cancer research.
Shop the Faith Over Fear bracelet at Little Words Project.
The Eagle Method
Created by Tami Eagle Bowling, The EAGLE Method is a five-step framework for building resilience, embracing uncertainty, and making each day meaningful.
Learn more about The EAGLE Method here.
Connect with Tami Eagle Bowling
Instagram: @EagleMethod
LinkedIn: Tami Eagle Bowling
