Episode 408: Trust What You Feel: Part 1

Isabel O'Gara was pregnant when she was diagnosed with a later-stage, pregnancy-associated breast cancer — a diagnosis she almost didn't get the chance to catch early in a system where women's symptoms are so often waved away. Isabel's experience was different: Her care team at Yale New Haven took her seriously and responded quickly, a contrast she's determined to talk about openly.

Isabel had breastfed her daughter for 20 months and hoped to do the same with her son. Treatment changed that plan, and she's been honest about the breakdown that came with grieving an experience she expected to have. That loss is part of what's pushed her into advocacy — including supporting what's known as Connie's Bill, legislation aimed at covering formula and donor milk for parents who medically cannot breastfeed because of cancer or other serious illness. As she finishes chemotherapy and prepares for a mastectomy, Isabel joins Real Pink to talk about listening to your body during pregnancy and postpartum, pushing back when something feels wrong and why she's using her voice — including as a participant in Komen's Don't Fail the Girls campaign this NBCAM.

This episode is part of our Health Equity Revolution series, which lifts up the voices, stories and solutions of the communities most impacted by breast cancer disparities.

Make sure to follow Isabel and her journey on Instagram @isabel.ogara and TikTok @Isabelogara

Takeaways

• Prioritize your health to be there for your children.
• Early evaluation of breast changes can make a difference.
• Pregnancy-associated breast cancer requires coordinated care.
• Connie's Bill aims to improve access to infant feeding support.

Chapters
01:16 — Isabel's breast cancer diagnosis during pregnancy

04:28 — Balancing cancer treatment and motherhood

07:03 — The importance of early detection and coordinated care

14:16 — Losing the opportunity to breastfeed

17:42 — Connie's Bill and access to formula coverage

Learn more at realpink.komen.org and komen.org

Real Pink, by Susan G. Komen, shares real stories and expert insights to support people navigating breast cancer, from diagnosis through survivorship.