Hormone therapy is one of the most important—and challenging—parts of life after breast cancer. In this episode of Besties with Breasties, hosts Beth Wilmes and Jess Anderson welcome Dr. Catherine Clifton, board-certified medical oncologist at Washington University School of Medicine, for an in-depth conversation on hormone suppression therapy and survivorship.

This episode breaks down what breast cancer survivors need to know about Tamoxifen vs. Aromatase Inhibitors, how long hormone therapy should last (five years vs. ten years), and why treatment adherence is one of the biggest challenges in breast cancer care today. Dr. Clifton explains how personalized medicine—including tools like the Breast Cancer Index—is helping patients and providers make more informed, individualized decisions.

The conversation also addresses real-world side effects such as joint pain, cardiovascular health concerns, and quality-of-life issues that often lead patients to stop treatment early. With emerging research on lower-dose Tamoxifen and minimal residual disease testing, this episode offers both education and hope for the future of breast cancer treatment.

Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode provides practical insights and encouragement for navigating hormone therapy after breast cancer.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Hormone therapy can reduce breast cancer recurrence risk by approximately 50%
2. Tamoxifen is typically used for premenopausal patients, while Aromatase Inhibitors are for postmenopausal patients
3. Side effects such as joint pain and cardiovascular risks require proactive management
4. 20–50% of patients discontinue hormone therapy early due to side effects
5. Research into lower-dose Tamoxifen may improve tolerability
6. Minimal residual disease testing may lead to more personalized treatment approaches

Learn more from Dr. Katherine Clifton, MD: https://siteman.wustl.edu/doctor/clifton-katherine/

Learn more or support Faith Through Fire at faiththroughfire.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Faith through Fire
2. Washington University School of Medicine
3. Thrivent Gateway Financial Group

In this inspiring episode of Besties with Breasties, Sarah and Beth sit down with Michelle, a young mom who faced the shock of an early breast cancer diagnosis and the unexpected emotional toll of a later recurrence. Michelle opens up about the fears, identity shifts, and challenges of navigating motherhood through treatment—sharing what it’s really like to balance caring for your children while trying to care for yourself.

With honesty and grace, Michelle discusses the heartache of losing breastfeeding, preparing for surgery, and processing the complex emotions that follow a recurrence. Her story highlights not just the difficulty of the journey, but also the strength that emerges when women lean on community, mental health support, and faith.

Throughout the conversation, Sarah and Beth explore how connection, vulnerability, and shared experience can transform the healing process. Michelle credits Faith Through Fire with giving her both meaningful support and a powerful sense of belonging—a reminder that no one has to walk this road alone.

As the episode closes, Michelle leaves listeners with a message of hope: even in the hardest seasons, light breaks through. Her story is a testament to resilience, courage, and the healing that happens when women lift one another up.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Breast cancer deeply impacts young moms emotionally and physically

• Community and faith play a crucial role in healing

• Motherhood during treatment requires extraordinary resilience

• Recurrence can spark fear, grief, and confusion—but support helps

• Therapy and support groups strengthen mental well-being

• Vulnerability with children fosters strength and connection

Learn more or support Faith Through Fire at faiththroughfire.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Faith Through Fire
• Thrivent Gateway Financial Group

In this powerful episode, hosts Beth Wilmes and Jess open up about one of the most common—and least discussed—challenges breast cancer survivors face: the fear of recurrence. From the emotional weight of scanxiety to the subtle ways anxiety influences daily life, they break down what this fear really looks like and why it’s so normal.

Beth and Jess share their personal stories, discuss how recurrence anxiety shows up in thoughts and behavior, and offer practical coping strategies, including distraction techniques, mindfulness, and breathwork. They explore the importance of community support, survivorship mentorship, and mental health advocacy—reminding listeners they never have to walk this journey alone.

Whether you're a breast cancer survivor, caregiver, or someone passionate about women’s health and wellness, this episode provides encouragement, validation, and tools for emotional resilience.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why fear of recurrence is so common among breast cancer survivors
• How anxiety can affect mental health, relationships, and daily routines
• Practical strategies—mindfulness, breathwork, and peer support—to manage fear
• The power of community, survivorship programs, and mentorship
• How self-advocacy and structured follow-up care support emotional well-being

Learn more or support Faith Through Fire at faiththroughfire.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Faith Through Fire
• Thrivent Gateway Financial Group