This conversation explores the resilience and strength of women navigating their journeys through breast cancer. Participants share personal stories of struggle, recovery, and the importance of advocacy in healthcare. They discuss the emotional landscape of survivor's remorse, the impact of weight management on health, and the necessity of creating a new normal after cancer. The power of words and mindset is emphasized, along with the vital role of community support in healing. The discussion concludes with reflections on loss and the future of cancer awareness and advocacy. The conversation delves into the complexities of cancer detection, treatment, and survivorship, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and regular screenings. Participants share personal experiences with medical procedures, the challenges of navigating healthcare systems, and the necessity of seeking multiple opinions for effective treatment. The discussion highlights advancements in cancer detection methods, the significance of understanding medical procedures, and the ongoing need for patient empowerment in healthcare decisions.
In this heartfelt conversation, Frances Hammond speaks with Suncera Johnson about her journey through grief and resilience after the loss of her son and her own battle with breast cancer. They discuss the importance of community support, the complexities of cancer treatment, and the significance of advocacy and awareness in the fight against cancer. Suncera shares her experiences, insights, and the motivation behind her book, 'I Have Cancer, Cancer Doesn't Have Me,' which serves as a guide for others navigating similar challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for early detection, the emotional toll of survivorship, and the power of sharing stories to inspire and uplift others.
📘 Amazon (U.S.) — purchase or view details:
👉 https://www.amazon.com/Have-Cancer-Doesnt-Detection-Survivorship/dp/1735159670 Amazon
📘 Barnes & Noble — paperback available:
👉 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-have-cancer-cancer-doesnt-have-me-suncera-johnson/1148726914 Barnes & Noble
📘 Bookshop.org — supports independent bookstores:
👉 https://bookshop.org/p/books/i-have-cancer-cancer-doesn-t-have-me-a-guided-journey-from-detection-to-survivorship-suncera-johnson/087d74b781fda6d1 Bookshop.org
📘 Author’s Website (direct buy) — may offer pre-order or direct purchase:
👉 https://suncerawritesbooks.com/ suncerawritesbooks.com
Some moments don’t come with answers.
They come with stillness.
In this short reflection, Frances shares how Saturday became a sacred pause—an experience rooted in presence, release, and listening beyond words. Held in space with Min Semiko, a Womb Theologian and Death Doula, this episode reflects on how healing doesn’t always arrive through effort, but through allowing.
This is a reminder that the body remembers, the spirit responds, and God meets us quietly—right where we are.
Take a breath.
Enter that sacred space.
In this powerful 30-minute episode of The Unexpected Detour ❤️, Frances speaks with former Stanford professor Debra Meyerson and her husband and carepartner Steve Zuckerman about life after Debra’s life-altering stroke.
Debra and Steve open up about the emotional side of recovery—identity loss, grief, rebuilding confidence, and learning how to live with a new sense of self. They also discuss their book Identity Theft and their nonprofit Stroke Onward, which is dedicated to helping survivors and caregivers reclaim purpose and emotional strength after stroke.
Their honesty and resilience shine through every moment of this conversation, offering hope to anyone navigating their own unexpected detour.
The Unexpected Detour ❤️ — Where In Life, Detours Are Inevitable.
Stroke Onward Links
https://strokeonward.org
https://strokeonward.org/identity-theft-book
https://strokeonward.org/stroke-across-america
https://strokeonward.org/resource-guide
https://www.facebook.com/StrokeOnward#PodcastInterview
#InspiringStories
#RealLifeStories
#ResiliencePodcast
#HealthPodcast
#StrokeEducation
#SurvivorStories
#HealingAfterTrauma
#ChronicIllnessJourney
#LifeChangingMoments
HPV: The Silent Visitor That Deserves a Loud ConversationSeries: Educational Monday — The Unexpected Detour ❤️
HPV is common.
HPV is preventable.
And HPV deserves a conversation rooted in truth, not silence or shame.
In this episode, Frances breaks down the realities of HPV, its links to cervical and throat cancer, and why Black women continue to face disparities in diagnosis and treatment. She also lifts the importance of Pap smears, HPV testing, co-testing, vaccination, and self-advocacy.
This episode is a reminder that knowledge is life-saving.
Share it with someone you love.
Follow and subscribe on all streaming platforms.
❤️ The Unexpected Detour — Where in Life, Detours Are Inevitable.
HPV, HPV explained, HPV education, What is HPV, HPV symptoms, HPV prevention, HPV facts, HPV 2025, cervical cancer awareness, throat cancer awareness, HPV and cervical cancer, HPV and throat cancer, oral cancer HPV, women’s health education, Black women’s health, cancer disparities Black women, cervical cancer Black women, Pap smear information, HPV testing, HPV co-testing, HPV vaccine information, health empowerment, cancer education podcast, health education podcast, The Unexpected Detour Podcast, Frances Hammond podcast, cancer advocacy education, understanding HPV and cancer risk, why HPV matters for women’s health, HPV silent symptoms explained, how HPV leads to cancer
In this emotional and intimate episode, Frances shares the vulnerable truth of facing a second biopsy eight years after her breast cancer diagnosis. What began as a routine mammogram turned into an abnormal ultrasound, a sudden return to the biopsy room, and days of anxious waiting.
She opens up about fear returning to her body, the comfort of running into her social worker, the technician surprised by her medical knowledge, and the trembling honesty of lying on the table, wishing for mercy.
And then — the moment every survivor prays for — the results came back: benign fibroadenoma.
This story is for anyone who has ever waited on results, whispered prayers in the dark, or felt fear return unexpectedly. It’s a reminder that your fear is valid, your strength is real, and God stays in the room even when fear walks in.
The Unexpected Detour ❤️ — where in life, detours are inevitable.
This week’s episode reaches deep. Our sisters opened up about the dismissal and disbelief Black women still face in oncology clinics — and they held nothing back. Their courage, their honesty, and their strength make this conversation one we cannot afford to ignore.
If this episode moves you, share it. Let our stories rise beyond borders and remind the world that we deserve to be seen, heard, and treated with dignity.
Subscribe on YouTube and listen on your favorite streaming platforms.
The Resilience of Black Women Confronting Breast Cancer — where our stories live, breathe, and matter.
#BlackWomenSurvivors
#BreastCancerThrivers
#OncologyBias
#HealthEquityMatters
#SisterhoodInStrength
#BlackWomenHealing
#TheResilienceOfBlackWomen
#TheUnexpectedDetour ❤️
Today’s interview with Kenny Perkins was nothing short of enlightening. He is more than a professional in the field of radiation therapy—he is a man deeply committed to the emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of cancer patients, survivors, Thrivers, caregivers, and their families.
Though his hands may operate in the world of radiation, his heart is fully engaged in advocacy and compassion. Kenny brings a calm strength, a deep understanding, and a voice of hope to those navigating the overwhelming journey of cancer.
His platform, All Talk Oncology, offers what I like to call “A Bit of Southern Comfort.” It’s that reassuring voice in the storm, reminding us we’re not alone.
So the next time you think of comfort, compassion, and courage, remember this name:
Kenny Perkins — That Cancer Guy.
🔗 Stay connected and learn more at:
All Talk Oncology | Cancer Podcast#KennyPerkins #TheCancerGuy #AllTalkOncology #CancerPodcast #RadiationTherapist #CancerAdvocate #CancerAwareness #PodcastInterview #TheUnexpectedDetour #SouthernComfort #CancerSupport #SurvivorsAndThrivers #OncologyCare #EmotionalHealing #MentalHealthSupport #FaithAndHealing #CaregiverSupport #HealingThroughCancer #PodcastCommunity #IGPodcast
In this episode of Legacy of the Thrivers, Frances Hammond honors Lorna M. Johnson — a Jamaican-born nurse-midwife, philanthropist, and breast cancer thriver whose faith and resilience transformed her pain into purpose. From the bedside to the boardroom, Lorna’s story is one of service, leadership, and unwavering strength. She reminds us that healing extends beyond the physical — it’s about lifting others as you rise.
Her leadership extended beyond the hospital walls. As the founder of LMJ Global Health Consulting and the Lorna Johnson Foundation, she’s mentored young women, championed global health initiatives, and opened doors for others to follow. She has served on boards, advised policymakers, and inspired communities around the world — all while carrying her identity as a breast cancer thriver with pride andThis episode invites listeners to reflect on what it means to be both caregiver and conqueror, and how God’s grace turns every detour into direction.
The Unexpected Detour ❤️ — Where in life, detours are inevitable.
#LegacyOfTheThrivers #TheUnexpectedDetour❤️ #LornaMJohnson #BreastCancerAwareness #BlackWomenAndBreastCancer #Resilience #FaithAndHealing #CaregiverToConqueror #BreastCancerThriver #WomenOfFaith #GlobalHealthAdvocate #InspiringStories #SurvivorshipJourney #EmpowermentThroughFaith
Four-time Olympian and American high jump record holder Chaunté Lowe joins The Unexpected Detour ❤️ to talk about the hardest competition of her life: triple-negative breast cancer.
Chaunté opens up about training and competing while in treatment, advocating for herself in a system that doesn’t always listen to Black women, and finding hope when fear was loud and the future felt uncertain.
This episode is for anyone sitting in a waiting room, navigating a new diagnosis, or walking alongside someone they love.
We talk about:
Life before cancer and the pressure of performing at the highest level
The day she heard the words “triple-negative breast cancer”
Balancing motherhood, marriage, and treatment
Why early detection and self-advocacy are critical—especially for Black women
What hope looks like now, beyond the stadium lights
If this conversation encourages you, share it with a Survivor, Thriver, or sister in the fight who needs to know she’s not alone.
#ChaunteLowe #HighJumpsHardTruths #BreastCancerThriver #TripleNegativeBreastCancer #BlackWomenDeserveBetter #EarlyDetectionSavesLives #TheUnexpectedDetourPodcast #Resilience
What happens when a life-saving treatment is born from a weapon of war? In this episode, Frances unpacks the hidden history between mustard gas and early chemotherapy, the racist experiments on Puerto Rican patients, and what it means to advocate for yourself in a system that hasn’t always protected Black and Brown bodies. This is real talk for Survivors, Thrivers, caregivers, and anyone who’s ever sat in a chemo chair and wondered, “What did they really put in my veins?”
#ChemoAndMustardGas #WhatTheyNeverToldUs #BreastCancerEducation #CancerTruth #MedicalRacism #PuertoRicoHistory #SurvivorAndThriver #BlackWomenDeserveBetter #PatientAdvocate #CancerAwareness #OncologyTalk #TheUnexpectedDetourPodcast #FrancesHammond
Touching base | Nature Genetics https://share.google/V7AoFV3ejDm2U77FR
This link will tell the story of Cornelius Rhoads.
From incarceration to inspiration, from hardship to healing—Ken Miller’s story is a testament to the power of transformation.
In this soul-stirring episode of The Unexpected Detour ❤️, Frances sits down with Ken Miller, CFRE, President of Denali FSP, award-winning fundraising consultant, and national voice for equity in the nonprofit world. Together, they explore Ken’s remarkable path: overcoming addiction, rebuilding from loss, and emerging as a trusted leader helping others find purpose through philanthropy.
Ken doesn’t just teach fundraising—he embodies redemption. His story reminds us that resilience is more than survival—it’s about rising with a mission.
🛤️ This is an episode for anyone who’s been through something and still chooses to serve.
#BecomingKen #KenMillerCFRE #DenaliFSP #TheUnexpectedDetour #FrancesHammond #Resilience #Purpose #Philanthropy #FaithAndRedemption #FundraisingLeadership #Inspiration #Transformation #OvercomingAdversity #AuthenticLeadership #Nonprofit #PhilanthropyMatters #LifeLessons #PersonalGrowth #FaithJourney #PodcastInterview
🎙️ Legacy of the Thrivers honors a woman whose voice became a bridge between healing and hope — Olivia Newton-John.
Olivia showed the world that grace and strength can share the same stage through every note she sang and every challenge she faced.
Her legacy reminds us that music doesn’t just entertain — it heals.
✨ The Voice That Sang Through Cancer
— The Unexpected Detour ❤️
#LegacyOfTheThrivers #OliviaNewtonJohn #TheUnexpectedDetour #BreastCancerAwareness #BreastCancerEducation #CancerJourney #SurvivorStories #HealingThroughMusic #Resilience #HopeLivesHere #FaithAndHealing #ThriversCommunity #InspiringWomen #BreastCancerAdvocate
Keywords
breast cancer, staging, grading, treatment, TNM system, cancer cells, personalized treatment, advocacy
Summary
In this episode of Breast Cancer Education Monday, Frances Hammond breaks down the concepts of staging and grading in breast cancer. Staging indicates how far the cancer has spread, using the TNM system, while grading assesses the behavior of cancer cells. Understanding both is crucial for determining personalized treatment plans and empowering patients in their care journey.
Takeaways
Staging shows how far the cancer has traveled.
The TNM system is used for staging breast cancer.
Stage zero is the earliest form of breast cancer.
Grade describes the behavior of cancer cells.
Grade one cells look almost normal and are slow-growing.
The stage tells us where the cancer is and how far it has gone.
Doctors combine stage, grade, and receptor status for treatment.
Understanding stage and grade helps in advocating for care.
Two people with the same stage can have different grades.
Knowledge empowers patients to face their diagnosis.
Decoding Breast Cancer: Staging and Grading Explained
Navigating Breast Cancer: Understanding Staging and Grading
Before there was pink, there was peach. Before the campaigns and corporate slogans, Charlotte Haley was a woman whose kitchen-table courage reshaped breast cancer advocacy forever.
In this episode of The Unexpected Detour ❤️, host Frances Hammond shares the untold story of the woman behind the ribbon, reminding us that proper awareness starts with integrity, not image.
🕊️ Charlotte Haley’s message lives on—advocate, educate, and never stop questioning the system.
Have a listen and learn about the origins of the RIBBON.
Welcome to Legacy of the Thrivers, a segment within The Unexpected Detour ❤️, where we honor the voices—both loud and quiet—who’ve turned their pain into purpose.
This week, I want to spotlight a man who used his platform not to promote himself, but to educate, empower, and warn others.
He is a father, a businessman, and a survivor.
And the detour he shared reminded the world that breast cancer isn’t just a woman’s disease—it’s a human one.
In 2019, Matthew Knowles, the father of Beyoncé and Solange, announced publicly that he had been diagnosed with male breast cancer.
It began with something subtle—small dots of blood on his shirt and bedsheets. But instead of ignoring it, he trusted his instincts and got checked.
Testing revealed he had Stage 1A breast cancer.
He underwent surgery and then made the decision to have a second mastectomy to reduce the risk of cancer developing in the other breast.
But he didn’t stop there.
He chose to go public with his diagnosis—not for attention, but to raise awareness about breast cancer in men and to urge others to know their family history.
Matthew revealed he carries the BRCA2 gene mutation—a genetic alteration that significantly increases the risk of breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.
He encouraged his entire family to get tested.
And in doing so, he started a ripple effect in communities where these conversations often never happen.
We don’t often hear about men with breast cancer.
And in Black communities, the silence is even louder.
But Matthew Knowles broke through that silence. He reminded us that cancer doesn’t discriminate—and neither should our awareness.
His story teaches us that early detection is life-saving, that genetics matter, and that Black men must be part of this conversation.
Whether you're a man, a woman, or someone who loves both, his courage teaches us this:
Silence can be deadly. But your voice? Your voice can heal generations.
Matthew, we honor your truth.
We thank you for turning your diagnosis into a message.
You didn’t just fight—you warned, taught, and stood tall in your truth.
You didn’t walk in shame on this detour—you walked in power.
And for that, we say: thank you.
Please follow, like, and share. We are available on multiple streaming platforms. We are also on YouTube, The Unexpected Detour
Welcome to a new and important chapter of The Unexpected Detour❤️ one rooted in education, empowerment, and early detection.
For October, I’m opening the door to the conversations I wish more of us were having—not just as survivors and thrivers—but as women, mothers, daughters, and friends.
This is the beginning of our Breast Cancer Education Series, and today, we’re starting with the biology behind the diagnosis. Understanding what’s happening inside your body can help you advocate, speak up, and make the best decisions for your life.
When you're told you have breast cancer, it’s not just about a lump or a mammogram. Your doctor will test your cancer for specific receptors—proteins that live on or inside cancer cells. These receptors influence how the cancer grows and how it may respond to treatment.
The three most common receptors tested are:
If your breast cancer is ER-positive, that means the hormone estrogen is fueling the cancer cells.
Good news? We can fight this type with hormone-blocking medications like Tamoxifen, which stops estrogen from helping cancer grow.
Similar to estrogen, some cancers are fed by progesterone.
PR-positive breast cancer also responds well to hormonal therapies.
HER2 is a protein that causes cancer cells to grow rapidly.
If your tumor has too much HER2, it's considered HER2-positive.
But here's where science brings us hope:
Targeted therapies like Herceptin and Perjeta have been game changers for HER2-positive patients.
This form of breast cancer does not have any of the three central receptors—ER, PR, or HER2. That’s why it’s called Triple Negative.
It’s more aggressive, harder to treat, and more common among Black women.
Because it doesn’t respond to hormonal or HER2-targeted treatments, the treatment options are more limited, often relying on chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
But let me be clear: Triple Negative is NOT a death sentence. It means your fight will look different—and that’s why knowledge is everything.
On the opposite end, triple-positive breast cancer means the tumor is positive for all three receptors—ER, PR, and HER2.
It responds very well to a combination of:
Hormonal therapy
HER2-targeted treatments
And sometimes chemotherapy
When you know what’s fueling the cancer, your doctor can create a treatment plan just for you.
That’s why I encourage every listener:
Ask for your receptor status.
Read your pathology report.
And if you don’t understand it—ask again.
Because you are not just a patient—you are your own best advocate.
What’s one question you’ve never asked your doctor about your body?
Please write it down. Say it out loud.
When you go in for your next appointment, ask about it. You deserve answers.
Affirmation to Carry This Week
I honor my body by learning about it.
I will not be afraid of what I do not know.
I ask questions. I seek truth. I speak up for my life.
Please follow like and share
No one can tell your story better than you.
In this brief message, I encourage every Survivor and Thriver to advocate for yourself.
Black Breast Cancer organizations, advocates, and communities—our stories matter.
It’s time to come together and share them boldly.
I open The Unexpected Detour ❤️ Podcast to anyone ready to tell their story in their own voice—because YOUR STORY MATTERS.
contact me if you would like to be a guest at theunexpecteddetour17@gmail.com
In this heartfelt roundtable, the group shares personal updates and candid experiences related to breast cancer awareness and survivorship. Conversations explore the physical and emotional toll of treatment side effects, the complexities of breast reconstruction, and the critical role of medical self-advocacy. Participants reflect on the disparities in healthcare access, especially for marginalized communities, and the emotional weight of raising children while navigating cancer treatment. The discussion concludes with anticipation for upcoming awareness events and educational initiatives, highlighting the strength, resilience, and determination of survivors as they continue to navigate the healthcare system and make empowered decisions about their care.Today’s episode is brought to you by Moxi Beauty, founded by Jasmine Waldron — offering vegan, organic skincare and haircare for women and men.
Because self-care is part of every healing journey.
Visit shopmoxibeauty.com to learn more.#BreastCancerAwareness
#BreastCancerSurvivor
#BreastCancerThriver
#BlackWomenAndBreastCancer
#BreastCancerSupport
#BreastCancerAdvocate
#LifeAfterBreastCancer
#ReconstructionJourney
#CancerAwareness
#CancerSupportCommunity
Young Black women are being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier, and too many are dying.
We need genetic testing, earlier screening, and louder voices.
This episode is not just awareness — it’s a call to fight for our lives.
🎧 Listen now: The Unexpected Detour ❤️
#BreastCancerAwareness #BlackWomenAndBreastCancer #EarlyDetection #HealthEquity #TheUnexpectedDetour ❤️