4 weeks after starting chemo, the “new normal” is here. Kristen describes what it feels like to have no hair and as the physical effects of chemo present new challenges, she realizes that breast cancer could be what ends her life. Kristen’s ongoing determination to quickly learn as much as she can about her situation leads to weird facts about real hair vs. nylon wigs and practical information for navigating nonprofits to qualify for financial support. Ever the Pollyanna, she remains hell bent on approaching each day with positivity and courage as the chemo wears her body down.

Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://breastcancerstories.substack.com/subscribe

Breast Cancer Angels (https://www.breastcancerangels.org/)

Cancer Angels of San Diego (https://www.cancerangelsofsandiego.org/contact)

Co-Pay Relief program (https://www.patientadvocate.org/connect-with-services/copay-relief/) through the Patient Advocate Foundation

Silicone Popsicle Molds (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QJC6QKD/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_glt_fabc_64Z1WTVYSSE6GF1X45T8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)

Bamboo Sleep Caps for hair loss (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y37GH6B/ref=cm_sw_r_oth_api_glt_fabc_SQX4B4C5N3FTAEYV3A16?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)

Meet Kristen’s doctors: surgical oncologist Dr. Louis Rivera (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/31924-louis-rivera?tab=overview), hematologist and oncologist Dr. Sonia Ali (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/8669-dr-sonia-ali?tab=overview), plastic surgeon Dr. Salvatore Pacella (https://www.drpacella.com/), and radiation oncologists Dr. Anuradha Koka (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/4516-anuradha-koka-md?tab=overview) and Dr. Kenneth T. Shimizu. (https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5313-kenneth-shimizu)

About Breast Cancer Stories
Breast Cancer Stories follows Kristen Vengler, a 56 year old single empty nester in San Diego, from her diagnosis of hormone positive breast cancer through chemotherapy, mastectomy & breast reconstruction, radiation, and whatever happens after that. In 2020, Kristen moved from Austin to San Diego to be near family and start her life over after a life-shattering workplace trauma. A few months later she had that terrifying moment in the shower we all hope we never have. From her breast cancer diagnosis, through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and radiation, we experience each new milestone as it happens.

This podcast is about what happens when you have breast cancer, told in real time.


Support the show by sharing online, writing a review, or donating at https://www.breastcancerstoriespodcast.com/p/donate/

Host and Executive Producer: Eva Sheie
Co-Host: Kristen Vengler
Editor and Audio Engineer: Daniel Croeser
Theme Music: Them Highs and Lows, Bird of Figment
Story Editor: Mary Ellen Clarkson
Assistant Producer: Hannah Burkhart
Cover Art Designer: Shawn Hiatt

Breast Cancer Stories is a production of The Axis.
PROUDLY MADE IN AUSTIN, TEXAS