{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/689fca81aabbc2ace3b711fa/6adabf3b5de627c540ada63d?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Life After Breast Cancer Isn’t a Straight Line: Ashley Urbanski on Healing and Starting Again","description":"<h3>What does life after breast cancer really look like when you’re in remission but still healing?</h3><p><br></p><p>Diagnosed at 38 with no family history and negative genetic testing for hereditary cancer mutations, Ashley Urbanski never expected breast cancer to become part of her story. After a bilateral mastectomy, pathology revealed cancer in seven lymph nodes, changing her diagnosis to stage 3 breast cancer and her treatment plan to include chemotherapy and radiation.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of <strong>BRCA &amp; Beyond</strong>, host Marisa Stachelski sits down with Ashley, a Miami-based wellness and lifestyle creator, for an honest conversation about breast cancer survivorship and the unexpected turns that come with rebuilding your life.</p><p><br></p><p>Ashley shares what it felt like to anticipate surgery and recovery, only to face months of treatment, additional reconstruction surgeries, and lasting side effects. She opens up about bone density loss and a broken leg, capsular contracture, lymphedema, and the reality of ongoing hormone therapy and medically induced menopause.</p><p><br></p><p>We also talk candidly about dating after breast cancer, intimacy after mastectomy, loss of breast sensation, fertility decisions, and finding confidence in a body that feels different. Ashley reflects on grieving the carefree person she was before diagnosis while also appreciating who she is becoming.</p><p>With humor and warmth, she shares how daily beach walks, support, and a shift in perspective have helped her navigate a recovery that hasn’t followed a straight line.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>In this episode, we discuss:</strong></p><ul><li>Breast cancer at 38 and advocating for answers when something feels off</li><li>A stage 3 diagnosis, mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation</li><li>Breast reconstruction complications, capsular contracture, and lymphedema</li><li>Long-term treatment effects and adjusting to medically induced menopause</li><li>Dating, body confidence, intimacy, and fertility loss</li><li>Making space for grief, hope, and a different pace of life</li><li></li></ul><p>If you’re navigating breast cancer recovery, supporting someone through treatment, or wondering why remission doesn’t always feel like a return to normal, this conversation offers honesty, connection, and room to give yourself grace.</p><p><br></p><h4><strong>Connect with Ashley Urbanski:</strong></h4><p>Instagram: <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/Apples4Ashley/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@Apples4Ashley</a></p><p>YouTube: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@AshleyUrbs?sub_confirmation=1\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@AshleyUrbs</a></p><p>Free mindset resource: <a href=\"https://stan.store/AshleyUrbs\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Top Mindset Shifts</a></p><p><br></p><p>Subscribe to Ashley’s YouTube channel for more meaningful conversations about survivorship, wellness, and healing.</p><p><br></p><p>Follow <strong>BRCA &amp; Beyond</strong> for more conversations connecting the medical and emotional realities of hereditary cancer risk, prevention, and survivorship.</p><p><em>This episode shares personal experiences and is for informational purposes only. It does not replace individualized medical advice.</em></p>","author_name":"Marisa Stachelski, Cancer Survivor & BRCA2 Previvor"}