Living With: An Interview with Advocate Susan Rahn

By Emily

1 min read

I recently had the opportunity to interview AdvancedBreastCancer.net advocate Susan Rahn for the Health Union podcast, Living With. Since her diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in 2013, Susan has been dedicated to advocacy work and shares her experience to raise awareness about MBC and help others who are dealing with the disease.

Living With is a podcast featuring the people and stories behind Health Union. Advocates from different communities are interviewed, sharing how they have learned to cope with trying symptoms and treatments. Their courage and resilience are inspiring, offering wisdom that transcends dealing with health issues and gives insight on how best to deal with any kind of challenge.

You can subscribe to Living With through iTunes, Google Play, Blubrry, or on Spotify.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The AdvancedBreastCancer.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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ilenealizah Member
What a great interview, Susan. You highlighted palliative care, which I’ve had the privilege of obtaining since my diagnosis de novo stage 4 in 2015. While antidepressants don’t work for my brain chemistry, they put me right to sleep, there’s many other things I do to keep my head above water. Friendsips I thought would prevail over my cancer diagnosis faded into the background while people I never expected stood by my side. I have a friend who is there for me 24/7 if I need her and others who are a call away if anything comes up or if I need someone who will just listen. I too, had to leave my career and cancer and the advocacy and my writing keep me very busy. We don’t make good employees- we have doctors appointments, bad nights of no or little sleep, pain, tests, chemo, other kinds of care, peer groups, and so on that keep our lives so focused that it’s impossible. I found myself saying yes! and mmm hmmm to most all of your interview. It went by way too quickly and I loved hearing your voice and getting to know you outside of social media and our blogs. If ever there’s an opportunity to tell my story, I’d be thrilled to add my voice to the podcast and further your commentary on so many topics. We weren’t given a life sentence but a life of purpose that I feel is best dedicated to helping others with their fears, loneliness, isolation, and general issues associated with advanced breast cancer. I’m going to be entering my 5th year living with MBC on March 25th, a day indelibly etched into my brain as the day I found out it wasn’t food poisoning that put me in hospital. Your awesome and I’m so glad you pointed me to this new site and hope to participate in its success. 💜 Ilene
1. Pallavee Trehan Community Admin
 Hi Ilene! Wow, thank you for sharing! I really admire your perspective and your ability to find purpose through advocating and supporting those living with advanced breast cancer. We are stronger together. As you mentioned, a common issue considered after receiving a diagnosis is whether or not to work, and if so, how to manage new challenges and life changes as they arise. You are not alone, there is no shame or weakness in deciding what's best for you. While I know that today may be difficult as it marks the 5th year since your diagnosis, we want you to know that we are always here for you and we are keeping you close in our thoughts. Unfortunately, at this time, our podcast is focused on interviewing advocates across our communities. However, there are other ways to connect with and support the community. What makes this space so special is the unique and diverse people that make up our community. We would love for you to share your story here: <a href="https://advancedbreastcancer.net/stories/welcome">https://advancedbreastcancer.net/stories/welcome</a> Our hope is that others are able to connect through shared experiences. I'm sure your voice will be exactly what someone, somewhere needed to hear today. Thank you for being such a strong and supportive spirit in our circle. Warmly, Pallavee (AdvancedBreastCancer.net Team Member)