The mother/daughter relationship is famously complicated. Add in a cancer diagnosis, and things get ridiculously complex. We learn about our bodies, our place in the world, and our worth from watching our moms. When cancer comes along, some of us want our moms involved; others don’t. Some of us watched our moms face breast cancer before us. Some of us are now caregivers to our moms as they face their own illnesses and cancers. This issue is jam-packed with stories about navigating the mother/daughter relationship in Cancerland.

Our guest editor for this issue is Gillian B. Lichota, Founder of iRise Above Foundation.

The issue will officially be in the world and in your VIP Subscriber Library on December 21st. 

Shop individual issues in our Shop and view our complete archives here.

The mother/daughter relationship is famously complicated. Add in a cancer diagnosis, and things get ridiculously complex. We learn about our bodies, our place in the world, and our worth from watching our moms. When cancer comes along, some of us want our moms involved; others don’t. Some of us watched our moms face breast cancer before us. Some of us are now caregivers to our moms as they face their own illnesses and cancers. Maybe you’re a mom with a daughter of your own; how has a cancer diagnosis affected that relationship? Wherever you find yourself on this spectrum, we want your stories of navigating the mother/daughter relationship and the lessons you've learned along the way.

Learn more about our submission guidelines here.

Each October, we devote an entire issue to those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). In a month bursting with breast cancer awareness, we believe in shining a spotlight on a segment of the community that needs more attention. This year's guest editor is MJ DeCoteau and the Rethink Breast Cancer team. Our theme for the issue is advocacy. How do you advocate for yourself and for the MBC community? Advocacy takes many shapes and forms,

The issue will officially be in the world and in your VIP Subscriber Library on October 19th. 

Shop individual issues in our Shop and view our complete archives here.

Ash Davidson was diagnosed with breast cancer during during gender affirming surgery at 42. In this episode Ash reads his essay “Longing to Belong” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Queer” issue. Ash’s story is about the unique challenges in a medical landscape that often fails to acknowledge the diverse narratives within the cancer community. April and Ash will talk about what it’s been like sharing his story multiple times, finding and making queer support in the cancer community, the desire to advocate in the cancer community, and feelings about scars. They will also discuss feeling unsafe in your body and intimacy after breast cancer. Learn more.

Kate Rowbotham is a mom and professor who was diagnosed at 47 with de novo Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. In this episode Kate reads her essay “March 13” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2024 “Family” issue. Her story is about three generations of overlapping cancer. April and Kate will discuss understanding how love plays out in decision making, patient and caregiver experiences during the pandemic, and the intersection of work and cancer. They will also discuss the challenge of living with metastatic breast cancer and wondering about what comes next. Learn more.

This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little break from our regular podcast schedule to enjoy Labor Day. Wildfire production assistant, Monica Haro, selected this episode from November 2021 to reshare. Enjoy!

Tracy Ward joins us from the United Kingdom to read a piece from Wildfire Magazine’s 2020 “Family” issue. She was diagnosed at 36 with Stage II hormone positive breast cancer. She shares her story about holding precious placeholders in the hopes of a post-cancer baby. This is the story of one woman asking what her fertility path will ultimately reveal and does she have the strength to hang in for the waiting. Learn more.

Our annual “MBC” issue is back! This issue’s authors have all been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

Learn more about our submission guidelines here.

Mila Knight returns to The Burn for another visit to share something different and special from our usual format. We often wonder what came next after an episode airs — this is that episode! In 2022 Mila was our guest reading her piece “Crawling in My Skin” from Wildfire Magazine’s 2021 “Body” issue. In that story Mila shared how she turned to music for solace in hard times following her cancer diagnosis at 38. In that episode, Mila revealed she was working on recording a song that she was not yet ready to share. Now, Mila is ready to share her song, "The Longest Goodbye," in this episode. April and Mila will discuss the inspiration for her song, caregiver roles in cancer, and what pushed Mila to complete the song. They will also talk about Mila’s song writing process, what Mila has in the works, as well as fundraising and advocacy. Learn more.

Navigating the ever-shifting landscape of friendships in Cancerland can feel like an emotional roller coaster. Some friends may step up with unwavering support, while others might retreat, unsure of how to handle their own fears.

Being part of the younger cancer community also means forming new friendships with others living in Cancerland. The people in this elite club are pretty awesome and it’s comforting to be with people who truly understand. However, these relationships can come with uncertainty and loss. Recurrences, harsh side effects, and death are common and can be devastating. Survivor guilt as well as imposter syndrome can crop up in our changing friendship landscape as well.

We will explore these themes at the August Pop-Up Writing Workshop. Join us on August 20th to use writing as a tool to navigate friendships and changes in Cancerland in the company of those who understand this all too well.

When: Tuesday, August 20, at 12:30pm PST / 3:30pm EST⁠

Sign-Up Here

Work and career are not exempt from the far-reaching effects of a cancer diagnosis. Physical and mental changes cancer unleashes can alter the course of a career, schooling or overall earning potential. This issue will explore all the ways cancer has impacted your relationship with work and career; such as constraints on your time with the ongoing doctor visits, scans, and blood work, and treatment side-effects impacting your quality of work.

The issue will officially be in the world and in your VIP Subscriber Library on August 17th. 

Shop individual issues in our Shop and view our complete archives here.

Stephanie Millett returns to The Burn for a second visit. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 25. Stephanie is now 35 and living with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Stephanie reads her essay “Stay Visible” from the 2024 “Queer in Cancerland” issue of Wildfire Magazine. Stephanie’s piece is about her experiences of breast cancer as a queer person. April and Stephanie talk about queer role models in breast cancer, visibility fatigue, and the various segments of allyship in Cancerland. They will also discuss the challenges of survivorship. Learn more.

This week we are sharing a favorite episode from the archives as we take a little summer break from our regular podcast schedule. Wildfire team member Angela Firman selected this episode from July 2023 to reshare. Enjoy!

This is our first episode of The Burn featuring a guided meditation with Justine Egan-Kunicki. Justine is a breast cancer advocate, social psychologist, professor and yoga teacher diagnosed at 23. Justine reads her poem “Finding My Breath After Cancer" that was featured on our Instagram in March 2023. Her piece is about living with implants for 10 years and explanting to an aesthetic flat closure at 33 and reconnecting with her body.

Justine will also lead a meditation she wrote “Observing Your Breath with Loving-Kindness.” April and Justine will discuss cultivating a richer path of healing after cancer, Justine’s journey to aesthetic flat closure, making decisions under pressure and survivorship. They will also discuss writing meditations and tips on starting a meditation practice.  Learn more.