We, Plural.

Self Care Isn’t Selfish: A Survivor’s Call to Get Screened

• Lisa Hall • Episode 4

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0:00 | 36:42

In January 2021, Janaé Swan got the call: breast cancer. The same morning, her husband learned he had skin cancer. What came next was a lumpectomy, 30 straight days of radiation, and a promise she made to herself. She would not do the walks, and she would not wear the pink tutu.

Five years later, Janaé hosts the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk, pink tutu included. She also keeps a prayer journal full of mammogram dates sent to her by women she's never met.

To kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lisa sits down with one of her closest friends. They talk about the moment in a cancer center waiting room that changed everything for Janaé, and why she stopped asking "why me?" and started asking "why not me?" Janaé also covers the real reasons women put off mammograms and the local resources that help with cost. And she shares the most useful thing a friend can do for someone in treatment. Hint: it isn't saying "call me if you need anything."

Want Janaé to pray over your mammogram date? Message her on Facebook or Instagram at Janaé Swan.

Chapters
0:00 Cold open
0:44 Welcome and Breast Cancer Awareness Month
2:12 Meet Janaé Swan
5:14 What stage two meant for treatment
11:20 The waiting room that changed everything
16:52 Why women put off mammograms
21:05 Finding community: the More Than Pink Walk
28:40 "Don't block my blessing"
33:00 The We Plural Promise

Resources mentioned: Susan G. Komen Indiana (including help with screening costs), The Pink Connection, and the More Than Pink Walk (Saturday, Oct 3, Military Park, Indianapolis)

This conversation shares one survivor's personal experience and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about the screening plan that's right for you.

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