Better Than Before Breast Cancer with The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach

Laura is a Certified Terrain Advocate, Life, Health, Nutrition Coach, and a two-time breast cancer survivor living with metastatic disease. Laura helps women create lives that are Better Than Before Breast Cancer™ by letting them know they're not alone and giving them the tools to change their mindset and lean into manifesting the healthy, joyful lives they desire. These twice-weekly episodes will give you tools you can apply to your life today, to support your body and your mind as you manage and recreate life after breast cancer.

#444 Cold and Flu Season After Breast Cancer - Gentle Ways to Support Your Immune System 01/02/2026

#443 Making Room For Healing After Breast Cancer 12/26/2025

#442 Reclaiming Your Life After Breast Cancer - From Audience Member to Participant 12/19/2025

#441 Bone Health After Breast Cancer - A Terrain Approach with Kristie Howlett 12/12/2025

#440 Redefining Abundance - What Healing Looks Like Beyond the Body 12/05/2025

#439 Rewiring Your Nervous System After Breast Cancer - From Survival Mode to Safety Mode 11/28/2025

#438 Passion In A Physical Form with Paloma Soledad - The Woman Behind Luxcare Clothing 11/21/2025

#437 Life After Breast Cancer - The Power of Living On Purpose Every Day 11/14/2025

#436 Breast Cancer Recovery and The Block of Familiarity 11/07/2025

#435 Finding Balance and Flow in the Middle of The Good and The Bad 10/31/2025

#434 Breaking The Protective Barrier - The Healing Power of Radical Transparency 10/24/2025

#433 Metabolic Health Day Insights with Katie Resor 10/17/2025

#432 Celebrating Milestones Beyond Scans and Labs 10/10/2025

#431 Shine Through October - Prevention Metastasis and Living Fully 10/03/2025

#430 Healing Starts with Honesty 09/26/2025

#429 Dr. Toni Engram and the Whole - Body Benefits of Biological Dentistry 09/19/2025

#428 Breast Cancer and Stress - How to Protect Your Energy in the Last 90 Days of the Year and Beyond 09/12/2025

#427 Sugar Genetics and Breast Cancer - Understanding the Connection 09/05/2025

#426 Food is Love - Reconnecting to Food After Breast Cancer 08/29/2025

#425 Stress After Breast Cancer - Why Supplements Alone Wont Heal You 08/22/2025

#425 Stress After Breast Cancer - Why Supplements Alone Wont Heal You Stress isn’t just “in your head”—it changes your biology. It depletes nutrients like magnesium, vitamin C, B vitamins, and zinc, and keeps your body in survival mode. Supplements can help, but they won’t heal you if the root cause—stress—remains. In this episode, I talk about why stress management is as critical as nutrition, how CBT and EMDR support your healing, and why lab testing matters before wasting money on supplements. References from this episode: Juster R-P, McEwen BS, Lupien SJ. (2020). Allostatic load and allostatic overload: Clinical implications. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. Singewald N, et al. (2004). Magnesium-deficient diet alters anxiety-related behavior in mice. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Harrison FE, May JM. (2009). Vitamin C function in the brain: New evidence links ascorbate to neurotransmitter function. Brain Research Bulletin. de Oliveira IJL, et al. (2015). Effects of oral vitamin C supplementation on anxiety in students. Nutrition Journal. Stough C, et al. (2011). The effects of 90-day administration of a high-dose B-complex vitamin on work stress. Human Psychopharmacology. Singh A, et al. (1991). Effect of acute stress on plasma zinc. Biological Trace Element Research. Hofmann SG, Asnaani A, Vonk IJJ, Sawyer AT, Fang A. (2018). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Frontiers in Psychology. Shaw RJ, et al. (2019). Mindfulness-based stress reduction and CBT for HPA axis habituation. Psychoneuroendocrinology. Chen Y-R, Hung K-W, Tsai J-C, et al. (2014). Efficacy of EMDR for PTSD: A meta-analysis. PLoS ONE. Explore more support: Better Than Before Breast Cancer Life Coaching Membership: Creating a Life You Love in 168 Hours a Week: Let’s Connect! If this episode helped you breathe a little easier, please share it with a friend or leave a review. Every share helps spread this message of hope, healing, and whole-person wellness. 💌 Join my email list for weekly wellness tips & podcast updates → 👩‍💻 Follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration → 👩‍💻 Follow me on Facebook → 🎙 Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts → 🎥 Watch on YouTube → /episode/index/show/thebreastcancerrecoverycoach/id/37906980

#424 Boundary Phobia After Breast Cancer 08/15/2025

#424 Boundary Phobia After Breast Cancer Have you ever felt almost afraid to set a boundary—especially with someone you love? You’re not alone. In this episode, I share the story of a client who jokingly called it “boundary phobia” and how that phrase perfectly captures the fear and discomfort so many of us feel when we try to protect our time, energy, or emotional well-being. We’ll talk about: The fears that keep us saying “yes” when we want to say “no” The myths we’ve been taught about boundaries and relationships Why boundaries are about action as much as they are about words How to set healthy boundaries with yourself first—and why that’s the key to holding them with others A short guided reflection to help you identify one internal boundary you can start practicing today If you’ve been feeling drained, resentful, or guilty about saying no, this episode will help you shift the way you think about boundaries so they feel less like walls and more like doors you control. References from this episode: Parents Magazine study on accepting unwanted invitations: Stanford Student Affairs research on boundaries strengthening relationships: 2020 study on relational boundaries and enforcement: Mental Health Center on boundaries and burnout: Dr. Kristin Neff’s self-compassion research: Resources Mentioned: Better Than Before Breast Cancer Life Coaching Membership: Creating a Life You Love in 168 Hours a Week: Let’s Connect! If this episode helped you breathe a little easier, please share it with a friend or leave a review. Every share helps spread this message of hope, healing, and whole-person wellness. 💌 Join my email list for weekly wellness tips & podcast updates → 👩‍💻 Follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration → 👩‍💻 Follow me on Facebook → 🎙 Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts → 🎥 Watch on YouTube → /episode/index/show/thebreastcancerrecoverycoach/id/37812945

#423 How to Live Cured Even In Uncertainty? 08/08/2025

#422 Dairy and Sourdough After Breast Cancer - What's Safe and What's Hype? 08/01/2025

#421 The Science of Belief After Breast Cancer - Rewiring Your Brain For Health And Happiness 07/25/2025

#421 The Science of Belief After Breast Cancer - Rewiring Your Brain For Health And Happiness Can your thoughts really change your health? In this episode, we explore how belief—both positive and negative—impacts the healing process after breast cancer. Learn what neuroscience, psychology, and real-life coaching reveal about the nocebo effect, the power of belief, and how to gently shift your thinking to support long-term wellness. 💡 In this episode: 🌱 Join The Better Than Before Breast Cancer Membership: A 2007 study published in Science Used harmless cream + expectation to trigger real pain—with brain scans showing activation in pain perception areas. 🔗 A 2011 study published in The Journal of Neuroscience Found that people warned of negative side effects—even from a sugar pill—experienced those effects, with measurable physiological changes. 🔗 A 2001 study published in The Lancet Showed patients who believed pain medication would help—even when it was a placebo—experienced real pain relief via endorphin release. 🔗 A 2023 study in Frontiers in Psychology Discussed cognitive inertia, explaining why our brains often stick with old thought patterns—even when we try to change. 🔗 A 1994 study in Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition Covered belief perseverance, showing people stick with false beliefs even after receiving clear contradictory evidence. 🔗 A 2019 review in Nature Reviews Neuroscience Explored neuroplasticity and how repeating new beliefs and thoughts reshapes brain wiring. 🔗 (for related imaging insights) 🔗 (neuroplasticity review) Carol Dweck’s 2007 Child Development study Found that those with a growth mindset (believing they could improve) showed greater learning, resilience, and brain adaptability. 🔗 A 2025 imaging-based study summarized in The Guardian Revealed that optimists share similar brain activation patterns in the medial prefrontal cortex when thinking about the future—supporting motivation and planning. 🔗 Article summary: Let’s Connect! If this episode helped you breathe a little easier, please share it with a friend or leave a review. Every share helps spread this message of hope, healing, and whole-person wellness. 💌 Join my email list for weekly wellness tips & podcast updates → 👩‍💻 Follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration → 👩‍💻 Follow me on Facebook → 🎙 Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts → 🎥 Watch on YouTube → /episode/index/show/thebreastcancerrecoverycoach/id/37530730

#420 Breast Cancer and Physical Therapy - What You Need to Know 07/18/2025

#419 Awakening Day - 14 Years After Breast Cancer Changed Everything 07/10/2025

#419 Awakening Day - 14 Years After Breast Cancer Changed Everything What if the worst day of your life became the one that opened your eyes the most? In this deeply personal episode, I share why I no longer call July 11th my “cancerversary” and instead honor it as my Awakening Day. Fourteen years after being diagnosed with breast cancer, I reflect on how that moment became the catalyst for a life of greater presence, purpose, and peace. We’ll talk about what post-traumatic growth really means, how to reframe a cancer diagnosis as an opportunity for awakening, and 14 powerful lessons that have shaped my life since that day. Whether you’re in the thick of treatment, newly diagnosed, or years out from your own diagnosis, this episode offers hope, healing, and a reminder that your story is still unfolding—and it can be more beautiful than you ever imagined. Keywords: breast cancer recovery, post-traumatic growth, cancerversary, healing journey, mindset after cancer, life after diagnosis, cancer survivor mindset, breast cancer podcast, trauma healing, awakening after illness, cancer support coaching 🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear: 00:00 – Why I call July 11th my Awakening Day 04:35 – What is post-traumatic growth and how it differs from PTSD 08:15 – 14 lessons I’ve learned since my breast cancer diagnosis 17:40 – How to reframe your diagnosis as a spiritual and emotional awakening 22:00 – A message for anyone currently in the middle of their healing journey 25:45 – Closing thoughts on honoring your path and living with intention MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Better Than Before Breast Cancer™ Metabolic Health and Mindset Membership RATE, REVIEW & FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS If this episode inspired you, please consider rating and reviewing the show! Your feedback helps more women find this support and step into healing after breast cancer. CONNECT WITH ME: Website: Instagram: Facebook: /episode/index/show/thebreastcancerrecoverycoach/id/37362080

#418 Wellness After Breast Cancer - Beyond the Fear of Sugar 07/04/2025

#418 Wellness After Breast Cancer - Beyond the Fear of Sugar So many women healing from breast cancer are told, “Just cut out sugar,” as if that one step could control everything. But is that really the whole story? In this episode, we take a deep breath and go beyond the fear-based headlines to explore what’s really happening inside your cells. From the basics of cellular fermentation to the Warburg effect, you’ll learn how both glucose and oxygen play critical roles in energy production—and why a multifaceted approach to healing is so important. We’ll talk about: What fermentation means and why your body uses it The real meaning behind the Warburg theory How oxygen, breath, movement, and mindset influence your terrain Why you don’t need to live in fear of food The role of mitochondria and metabolic health in breast cancer recovery You’ll leave this episode with more clarity, less fear, and a deeper appreciation for how your body adapts and communicates. Because healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating an environment where your cells can thrive. Key Topics Covered: Cellular fermentation explained in simple terms How oxygen supports healthy metabolism Sugar and cancer: understanding the nuance The Warburg effect, debunked and demystified The power of movement, breath, and whole-body wellness Practical steps to support your healing terrain This episode is perfect for you if: You’ve been confused or anxious about carbs and cancer You’re tired of oversimplified advice like “sugar feeds cancer” You want a grounded, science-backed approach to metabolic health You’re ready to support your healing without fear or restriction Resources & Support: Join the to get weekly guidance, monthly group calls, and a compassionate community that understands your journey. Let’s Connect! If this episode helped you breathe a little easier, please share it with a friend or leave a review. Every share helps spread this message of hope, healing, and whole-person wellness. 💌 Join my email list for weekly wellness tips & podcast updates → 👩‍💻 Follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration → 👩‍💻 Follow me on Facebook → 🎙 Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts → 🎥 Watch on YouTube → Searchable Tags: #BreastCancerRecovery #HealingAfterCancer #GlucoseAndCancer #WarburgEffect #MetabolicHealth #Mitochondria #WholeBodyHealing #CancerAndSugar #FunctionalHealth #OxygenAndHealing /episode/index/show/thebreastcancerrecoverycoach/id/37281370

#417 Healing Smarter After Breast Cancer - Using Research and Experience to Guide Your Choices 06/27/2025

#417 Healing Smarter After Breast Cancer - Using Research and Experience to Guide Your Choices When you're recovering from breast cancer, you're bombarded with advice—some of it rooted in science, some of it based on personal stories. But how do you know what to trust? How do you separate what’s promising from what’s just popular? In this episode, I’ll walk you through how to understand the evidence pyramid—from anecdotal stories to randomized controlled trials—and explain where therapies like the ketogenic diet, ozone therapy, sonodynamic therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, and high-dose vitamin C fall in that landscape. You’ll learn how to make informed, personalized decisions that honor both the science and your lived experience—so you can heal smarter, not harder. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✅ The 5 levels of scientific evidence explained in simple, everyday language✅ The difference between the ketogenic diet and therapeutic ketosis✅ Where popular integrative therapies rank in terms of research✅ Why anecdotal evidence matters more than you might think✅ How to evaluate whether a therapy is right for your body and your terrain✅ A simple 3-question filter to help you make smart, aligned decisions✅ How to combine personal experience with medical research to build a whole-body healing plan Mentioned Therapies in This Episode Ketogenic diet vs. ketosis Ozone therapy Sonodynamic therapy Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) High-dose intravenous vitamin C This Episode Is For You If... You’ve ever been told “there’s no evidence for that” and felt shut down You’re exploring complementary or alternative healing therapies You want to feel more confident and informed in conversations with your care team You believe healing is about more than just treatment—it’s about supporting the whole person Connect With Me Looking for support, structure, and a safe place to explore your next steps after breast cancer? Join us inside the Better Than Before Breast Cancer Metabolic Health and Mindset Membership for guidance, group coaching, and access to trusted integrative tools. 💌 Join my email list for weekly wellness tips & podcast updates → 👩‍💻 Follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration → 👩‍💻 Follow me on Facebook → 🎙 Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts → 🎥 Watch on YouTube → Rate & Review the Show If this episode helped you feel more clear, confident, or just a little more supported, it would mean so much if you left a rating or review on Apple Podcasts. It helps other breast cancer survivors find the show and feel less alone. Keywords for SEO Optimization breast cancer recovery, integrative cancer therapies, ketogenic diet cancer, ketosis vs keto, hyperbaric oxygen therapy cancer, ozone therapy cancer, high dose vitamin C cancer, functional medicine, complementary cancer treatments, evidence-based wellness, post-treatment cancer care, how to evaluate scientific research /episode/index/show/thebreastcancerrecoverycoach/id/37173810

#416 Finding Your Peace After Breast Cancer - Burning The Manuals 06/20/2025

#416 Finding Your Peace After Breast Cancer - Burning The Manuals If you've ever found yourself hurt, frustrated, or emotionally drained because someone didn’t do what you thought they should—especially after you asked—this episode is for you. In this conversation, I’m talking about a powerful concept I use with my clients all the time, called “the manual.” It’s the invisible rulebook we write in our minds about how other people should behave and what their actions (or lack of action) mean about us. But here’s the catch: no one else has a copy of that manual. And when people don’t follow our unspoken rules, we end up making it mean something painful—like “they don’t care,” or “they don’t love me.” That pain builds up, and it affects our emotional and physical health, especially when we’re healing after something as life-changing as breast cancer. So in this episode, I’m sharing how to spot when you’re living by a manual, how to burn it, and how to replace it with something far more powerful: clear, loving boundaries that support your peace and your healing. 💡 In This Episode, You’ll Hear: What “the manual” is, and how it silently drives your frustration and disappointment Why emotional discomfort often shows up as physical symptoms during healing How to shift from “Why aren’t they doing what I need?” to “Why am I not doing what I need?” The difference between ultimatums and boundaries—and why real boundaries are loving, not selfish A simple 3-step process to help you shift your mindset: Clean up your thoughts, get Curious, and lead with Compassion How to stop letting someone else’s behavior define your emotional well-being 🔬 What the Research Says: I talk about this from both my coaching experience and what the research supports. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches us that our thoughts create our feelings—not just the events that happen. So when someone breaks a rule in our manual, we feel rejected or hurt—but that feeling comes from our interpretation, not the action itself. There’s also great research on assertive communication and emotional boundaries. When we speak up for ourselves in a clear, calm, respectful way, studies show we have less stress, stronger immune systems, and better self-esteem. That’s especially important when you’re focused on healing your body and creating a healthy life after cancer. ✏️ Want to Go Deeper? Here’s a simple journaling prompt from the episode: Where in your life are you expecting someone to follow your manual? What emotions are you attaching to it? And what healthy, loving boundary could you set instead? If you take 15 minutes to write down the rules you’ve created for the people in your life, you might be surprised by what you find—and how much power you have to shift things just by changing your own approach. 💞 Let Me Support You: This is something we work on a lot inside my Better Than Before Breast Cancer™ Metabolic Health and Mindset Membership. If you're ready to stop waiting for other people to “get it” and start showing up for yourself—with clarity, courage, and compassion—you’ll find so much support inside this space. You can join anytime at . Inside the membership, you’ll get access to every workshop, every program, and all of our monthly coaching calls focused on mindset, metabolic health, and living a joyful life beyond breast cancer. Or check out my program and start getting clarity around what’s stopping you from being the person you want to be and how you can take the first courageous steps in that direction 📌 A Quick Note Before You Go: You don’t have to keep carrying the emotional weight of everyone else’s behavior. You really can set it down, set yourself free, and create a life that feels so much lighter—and more like you. Thanks for listening, my friend. I’ll talk to you soon. Connect with Laura Lummer: 💌 Join my email list for weekly wellness tips & podcast updates → 👩‍💻 Follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration → 👩‍💻 Follow me on Facebook → 🎙 Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts → 🎥 Watch on YouTube → /episode/index/show/thebreastcancerrecoverycoach/id/37069750

#415 Nutrition Myth-Busting After Breast Cancer - What You Need to Know 06/13/2025

Better Than Before Breast Cancer with The Breast Cancer Recovery Coach

TOPICS