Brain Cancer Update, High Lp(a) and Plaque, and Why I Started Anxiety Medication | Real Life After Cancer

Today you're getting an unfiltered behind the mic with me and my husband Darren (aka Mr. Worldwide). No guest, no script. Just our real life right now. Darren was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2009 and is living with grade 4 astrocytoma after three brain surgeries and two rounds of chemo and radiation. He's basically a walking miracle. Lately he's had some new and strange episodes, including a day where his mind felt like a "blank slate." We talk through what happened, what his care team said, his upcoming MRI, and how he stays so calm through all of it (we need "Be Like Darren" shirts). Then it's my turn, and I'm the polar opposite. A routine checkup led to a conversation about my very high lipoprotein(a), which is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular events, and a calcium score that showed plaque for the first time. I'm getting really honest about the fear, a recent panic attack that almost sent me to the ER, and why I finally decided to start medication for my anxiety. If you've been avoiding asking for help, this one's for you. You deserve to feel good. In this episode: Darren's recent symptoms, possible breakthrough seizures, and his upcoming brain and liver imaging Why we say "don't look at the stats" What Lp(a) is and what a calcium score shows My panic attack, and why you should never feel embarrassed going to the ER for chest symptoms Choosing anxiety medication after avoiding it for so long Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the frustration with "pink" toxic products Not Today Cancer merch is coming! Join the community: Inner Circle meets every Thursday at 1pm ET, recorded, plus a group chat. Just $19.99/month. JOIN HERE Free community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1272880634809475 Mentioned: Perga: CORE4 If this episode spoke to you, please share it with someone who might feel alone in what they're going through. We're here, and you're not by yourself. Not today, cancer. 💗 This episode shares personal experiences and is not medical advice. Please talk with your healthcare team about your own care.