More Than A Diagnosis

January comes with a lot of pressure to reset, restart, and reinvent yourself. But winter isn't built for urgency, and not everyone has the capacity for big goals or fresh starts right now. In this episode, Jes and Den have a real, honest conversation about letting go of resolutions and embracing a gentler way of entering the new year. They talk about why January often feels so heavy, how rest is not a failure, and the ways they're easing into the new year. This is an episode for anyone living with chronic illness, grief, burnout, or simply feeling behind...

In this mini episode, we pause to reflect on everything that's happened and everything we've carried as the year comes to a close. We've pulled together moments from some of the conversations that shaped our year, reflecting on friendship, grief, gratitude, humor, and the small, often overlooked moments that make life feel a little lighter. This episode isn't your typical "new year, new me" episode. It's us giving ourselves, and you, permission to feel everything this year has brought and step into a new year with honesty, heart, and a little more ease.

Show Notes / C...

In this week's episode, Jes shares about a recent GI appointment that left her needing more information and clarity which is something that, after cancer, doesn't feel optional. Wanting to understand your symptoms, your options, and your plan isn't refusal. It's informed consent.

Den brings both clinical and lived-experience insight, breaking down why clear explanations matter in chronic illness care and sharing a practical list of questions you can take with you to your next appointment to feel more prepared and empowered.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever left an appointment feeling rushed...

In this week's episode, Den and Jes slow things down and talk candidly about what it looks like to hold grief and gratitude at the same time especially when you're living in a body that's changed, tired, or still healing. Instead of trying to offer you a guide or tidy answers, this is a real-time conversation between two friends about the emotions that surprised us this season, the ones we're still unpacking, and how both the heavy and the hopeful can coexist.

We're giving ourselves (and you) permission to feel it all — the joy, the ache, the ov...

Today feels like a full-circle moment. More Than a Diagnosis is becoming a nonprofit! Jes and Den are joined by Nerisa and Karen — the four of them make up the board. In this episode, they give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into who they are as a team, what brought them together, and what they're most excited to bring to this community. Follow along at morethanadiagnosis.org to stay updated, join the Support Circle, and be part of the journey as we grow together.

In honor of our friend Lys' birthday, we're re-sharing the conversation we recorded with her last season. This conversation is filled with love, transparency, and the kind of strength that has touched so many in this community. Lys is currently on hospice, and she and her family are navigating significant medical and end-of-life expenses. If you feel called to support, you can find the links to support financially below. There's no pressure, just an invitation to show up with love in whatever way feels right to you. And if you can not donate monetarily please consider sharing her story...

In this first episode of our Missing Pieces series, Den gets real about how a mysterious abdominal mass led to a FAP diagnosis, a desmoid tumor, and eventually having her colon removed. Along the way, hundreds of precancerous polyps were discovered during a colonoscopy in her mid-30s — and her life hasn't been the same since. Den keeps it honest and hilarious, talking about everything from bathroom habits and food struggles to what it's like being a nurse with… let's just say, gas. But this episode isn't just about the messy stuff — she also shares how she's found acceptance, joy, an...

Medical jargon can feel like a whole other language—but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this episode, Den flips into "nurse mode" to break down the alphabet soup of labs, cancer care, chronic illness, and pharmacy terms… while Jes tries her best to guess what they mean. Together, they decode acronyms, simplify confusing lingo, and remind you that it's always okay to ask for clarity in your care. 👉 Played along with the episode? We'd love to hear your score! And if you enjoyed the show, don't forget to rate, review, follow, and share with a friend who could u...

Acceptance can feel complicated, especially when life throws chronic illness, cancer, or unexpected challenges your way. Jes and Den dive into radical acceptance—what it is, what it isn't, and how it can transform the way we navigate difficult circumstances. They share personal stories of struggling with acceptance, discuss the psychology behind resistance and denial, and offer practical tools for embracing reality without guilt or shame. ✨ Join our free support circle at morethanadiagnosis.org to share your journey, connect with others, and explore strategies for radical acceptance together.

Living with chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, or post-cancer fatigue can leave you feeling completely drained—but fatigue is far more than just being tired. In this episode, Jes and Den share their personal experiences with chronic exhaustion, break down the science behind why our bodies get so depleted, and offer practical strategies for pacing yourself, validating rest, and reclaiming your energy. Join them for a warm, honest conversation about why rest is resistance, why you don't have to earn it, and how to navigate life when your energy is limited. ✨Connect with our community of survivors and folks living with...

We're supposed to be on break… but we couldn't resist popping in for a little bonus episode because we're actually together in person. So we thought, why not record while we can? We talk about life lately, relive some of the best moments from our community beach meetup, and tease a few things coming in Season 2. Grab your beverage and hang out with us, have some laughs, and get a little peek behind the scenes.

Be sure to follow us on Tiktok, Instagram and connect with us right on our website for the latest updates on...

In this season finale, we're looking back at everything Season 1 gave us — and everything it opened up. From raw conversations about survivorship and chronic illness to the unexpected laughter and the quiet moments of truth, this season was nothing short of sacred. We talk about what this space has meant to us, what we're still carrying, and the dreams we're not quite ready to say out loud. Yet. This isn't a goodbye. It's a thank you. Season 2 is coming — and trust us, it's going to be even more us. 💬 Got thoughts about the season? DM us on Instagram or TikTok...

This week, Jes and Den throw out the script and talk about what's actually happening behind the scenes — from health flares to the struggle of returning to "normal life." In this honest and vulnerable conversation, they unpack the messy middle of healing: the wins, the setbacks, the plateaus, and the pressure to be "better" even when your body or mind says otherwise. Together, they explore:

• How healing rarely moves in a straight line

• The guilt, shame, and internalized pressure to bounce back

• Why our culture gets survivorship and chronic illness so wrong

• The...

In this episode, Jes and Den unpack the mantra that helped Jes survive the hardest parts of chemo: "I don't want to, but I get to—because some folks don't get to." What started as a way to get through treatment became a perspective shift that still resonates today. Jes shares the origin of this mantra and how it helped her reclaim power in moments that felt impossible. Den reflects on how gratitude, when rooted in truth instead of pressure, can hold space for grief and resilience at the same time. Together, they talk about the difference between choosing pe...

What started as a small gesture of care turned into a ripple of joy that's touched hundreds of lives. In this episode, we're joined by our friend and fellow community-builder, Nerisa, the creator of Happy Mail—a crowd-funded program that sends love, support, and yes, tiny ducks to people living with cancer or chronic illness. We talk about the surprising power of something playful, how Happy Mail grew from a personal grief project into a movement, and what happens when community care shows up in unexpected places. You'll also hear the story behind our Worst Club Best Members t-shirt co...

The end of cancer treatment often comes with mixed emotions. While there's relief in finishing, many cancer survivors face a whole new set of challenges in adjusting to life after treatment. In this episode, Jes, a cancer survivor, and Den, a nurse with deep ties to the cancer community, discuss the emotional, mental, and physical shifts that come after active treatment ends. They dive into the pressure to "move on" and how to navigate the feelings of guilt, fear, and the struggle to return to "normal." With a focus on self-compassion, creating a new normal, and finding the support...

You know the comments — the "but you don't look sick" or "everything happens for a reason" type of stuff. 😬 In this episode, Jes and Den share the most unhinged, awkward, and straight-up bizarre things people say after you've been diagnosed with cancer or chronic illness. Spoiler: we've heard it all — and so have you. We're reading comments from Jes's TikTok, swapping stories, and laughing through the discomfort… because sometimes the only way to deal with the weirdness is to talk about it out loud. 

TW: Language about illness and death.Light-hearted, real talk — just how we like it.

In this special bonus episode, we honor our friend Danny—a Texas guy through and through, a fierce advocate, and one of the rare men diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Danny was more than met the eye. We met him on TikTok, where his bold voice, advocacy for cannabis, and signature phrases like "Best Day Possible" and "Buckle the fck up" made a lasting impression. But beyond the screen, Danny was tender, thoughtful, and unwavering in his fight to raise awareness for male breast cancer. Join us as we share memories, voice clips, and tributes from the community. We al...

When Ashley was diagnosed with breast cancer, she chose reconstruction, like many women. But after years of unexplained symptoms, she made the courageous decision to explant. In this episode, Jes and Den sit down with Ashley to talk about her experience with breast implant illness (BII), navigating explant surgery, and her healing journey after cancer. They also discuss self-advocacy, trusting your body, and the emotional and mental aspects of recovery, all while embracing a more holistic view of health. Ashley's story is one of empowerment, self-discovery, and the ongoing journey of healing—not just physically but emotionally, spiritually, and me...

Have you ever wondered, "Am I overreacting—or is this my intuition?" When you've lived through trauma, chronic illness, or medical gaslighting, it can be hard to tell the difference. In this episode, Jes and Den talk about how trauma and illness can shake our self-trust, blur the lines between anxiety and intuition, and make decision-making feel impossible. They share personal stories, break down how anxiety shows up differently than intuition, and offer real, doable tools to help you rebuild that inner trust—one step at a time.

In this episode:

• How trauma and chronic illnes...

Ever find yourself saying, "I don't have time for this" when a wave of emotion hits? Or maybe you're more of a "shove it down and deal with it never" kind of person? Either way, you're not alone—and this episode is for you. In "How to Feel Your Feelings (Without Freaking Out)," we break down what it actually means to sit with your emotions without spiraling, overthinking, or pretending they don't exist. From the myths around "pushing through" to a practical, step-by-step guide for processing big feelings, this is your no-fluff, judgment-free zone to feel human. We'll also ta...

We're not saying mental health struggles are funny—but sometimes, laughing through them is what keeps us going. In this episode, we dive into the role of humor as a coping tool when things get heavy. From the science behind laughter and stress relief, to the difference between laughing with yourself vs. at yourself, Jes and Den break down the beautiful, messy, and sometimes questionable ways we use humor to survive.

We're unpacking:

• Why we instinctively turn to jokes in the middle of chaos

• The healing and harmful sides of dark humor

• How...

One of the hardest parts of a diagnosis isn't just the illness itself—it's watching people you love slowly fade away. In this episode, we dive into a painful but all-too-common experience: losing friends after a chronic illness or cancer diagnosis. Why do people ghost us when we need them the most? Is it fear, guilt, or simply not knowing what to say? We open up about our own experiences with fading friendships, break down the psychology behind why it happens, and explore the emotional toll it takes—from grief and self-blame to the loneliness that follows. We'll also talk...

In this heartfelt episode, we speak with Lys, a fierce and compassionate advocate living with advanced gastric cancer. Lys opens up about her journey from misdiagnosis to living without a stomach, and the challenges that come with disease progression. Her story is one of resilience, love, and advocacy, reminding us all that we're more than our diagnosis. Listen in as she shares her truths, the lessons she's learned, and the deep connection she has with her family and community. Content warning: This episode includes discussions of advanced illness and emotional topics. Please listen with care. To hear more from...

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)—three words that can change everything in an instant. It's aggressive, harder to treat, and often underfunded, leaving many patients feeling like they're navigating an uphill battle with limited options.

On Triple Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Day (3/3), we're flipping the script. Den interviews Jes, who knows firsthand what it's like to be diagnosed with TNBC, go through treatment, and face the uncertainties that come with it. Awareness isn't just about facts—it's about real people, real struggles, and real stories.

💡 In This Episode:
🔹 What TNBC is and how it differs fr...

Did you know that 1 in 10 people lives with a rare disease? Despite this, many conditions remain underrepresented, misunderstood, and overlooked. Today, on Rare Disease Day, we're shining a light on what it really means to live with a rare disease—because awareness isn't just about facts and statistics; it's about real people, real struggles, and real stories.

In this special episode, Jes turns the mic to her best friend and co-host, Den, who lives with a rare disease called FAP (Familial Adenomatous Polyposis). Den shares her personal journey—from the long road to diagnosis to navigating a heal...

Ever been told, "You're so strong" and felt… weird about it? You're not alone. In this episode, we're unpacking the well-meaning but complicated praise that often gets thrown at people facing illness, grief, and hardship.

Jes and Den dive into why people default to calling us "brave" and "inspirational," how that can feel more like pressure than support, and what we actually need instead. From the myth of the "strong patient" to the emotional exhaustion of always having to perform resilience, we're breaking down the ways these narratives can isolate rather than uplift.

So, if yo...

When you're diagnosed with cancer or a chronic illness, the world around you shifts. Conversations get awkward, support can feel surface-level, and suddenly, you're navigating something huge with no real roadmap. That's exactly why we started More Than a Diagnosis—to create the space we wished we had when we were first diagnosed.

In this episode, we (Den & Jes) share our personal stories, how we reconnected through shared experiences, and why building community matters. We talk about the gaps in conversations around illness, why this podcast isn't just about medical facts, and what you can expect—real talk...