Why Certain Things Still Feel Triggering After Breast Cancer

S3E30
After breast cancer, certain moments can unexpectedly stir up anxiety, sadness, or fear — a hospital visit, a story about another survivor, even a familiar smell or sound. In this episode, we talk honestly about what it really means to feel “triggered” after cancer and why these emotional responses are both common and valid.

We explore the difference between true trauma responses and everyday emotional discomfort, how survivorship brings up unresolved feelings, and what actually helps when those emotions surface. This conversation is especially for survivors who feel caught off guard by their reactions and wonder if something is wrong with them. It isn’t — it’s part of healing.

In This Episode, We Discuss:
• What being “triggered” after breast cancer really means
• Common situations that bring up anxiety or discomfort
• The difference between trauma responses and emotional discomfort
• Fear of recurrence and how it shows up
• Why avoiding emotions can make them louder
• Tools for grounding, processing, and knowing when to seek help

About Besties with Breasties & Faith Through Fire
Faith Through Fire is a 501c3 Non-Profit. Our mission is to reduce the fear and anxiety that breast cancer patients feel and replace it with hope and a path toward thriving. We do this through peer mentorship, which can be implemented nationwide. We host educational supports in-person and virtually to help overcome the trauma of breast cancer.

Learn more or become a supporter at faiththroughfire.org
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If emotions have been surfacing in ways you didn’t expect, we hope this episode helps you feel understood and less alone.