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Published on:

6th Oct 2025

My Breast Cancer Journey: From Diagnosis to Hope | Early Detection & Healing Through Faith

Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us: early detection saves lives. 💗 In this heartfelt episode, Lesa Koski shares her personal breast cancer story—from the moment she got the call, through surgery and chemo, to finding faith, purpose, and healing.

Lesa opens up about fear, family, and faith during her diagnosis and how her journey led to a deeper calling—Doing Life Different. You’ll hear the raw truth of those first moments, the life-changing impact of early detection, and the hope that comes from trusting God’s plan.

Her message is clear: you are not alone, and there is so much hope.

Whether you’re walking through your own diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this episode will lift your spirit and remind you that healing is possible.

đź’– Main keywords: breast cancer awareness, early detection, breast cancer survivor, breast cancer journey, hope and healing, faith-based healing


Timestamps:

(00:00) Welcome to Breast Cancer Awareness Month


(02:15) Why Lesa celebrates her healing journey


(05:42) The mammogram that changed everything


(09:31) The call: “You have breast cancer”


(12:58) Leaning on faith through fear and uncertainty


(17:24) Sharing the diagnosis with family and finding strength


(22:50) Early detection and a 98% positive outcome


(26:15) Meeting Dr. Elizabeth O’Leary—an angel in a white coat


(31:05) Surgery, recovery, and lessons in surrender


(36:40) Chemo, courage, and learning to live with joy again


(41:12) Doing Life Different—how cancer became a calling


(45:20) Closing reflections and message of hope

Key Takeaways:



  • Early detection saves lives. Get your mammogram—it can make all the difference.



  • Faith transforms fear. Trusting God through uncertainty brings peace and purpose.



  • You’re not alone. Community, prayer, and connection are powerful parts of healing.



  • Your story has purpose. Even the hard chapters can be used to help others.



  • Life after diagnosis can be beautiful. Healing is possible—body, mind, and soul.


Guest Bio:

Dr. Elizabeth O’Leary, breast surgeon and founder of Lady Slipper Breast Center in St. Louis Park, MN, is a renowned physician who blends medical expertise with compassionate, faith-based care. A former Johns Hopkins-trained surgeon, she has helped countless women through diagnosis, treatment, and healing with empathy and excellence.


Resource Links:



  • 🎀 Lady Slipper Breast Center – https://ladyslipperbreastcenter.com



  • 🌸 Learn more about Lesa Koski: https://lesakoski.com



  • đź’Ś Contact Lesa: lesa.koski@gmail.com



  • đź’– Listen to “Doing Life Different” Podcast – Spotify | Apple Podcasts



  • đź“… Schedule your mammogram reminder today


Tags/Keywords:

breast cancer awareness, breast cancer journey, breast cancer survivor, early detection, mammogram reminder, hope and healing, cancer diagnosis, faith and healing, Lesa Koski, Lady Slipper Breast Center, Dr. Elizabeth O’Leary, women’s health, midlife wellness, cancer support, doing life different, Saddle Up Live, Christian inspiration, overcoming fear, cancer recovery stories

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About the Podcast

Doing Divorce Different with Lesa Koski
Divorce, co-parenting & midlife comebacks for women over 40
Divorce, co-parenting, menopause, marriage, and starting over after 40—this podcast is your guide to a healthier, faith-filled life transition.

Hosted by family law attorney, mediator, and life coach Lesa Koski, each episode is designed to take the fear out of major life change and guide you toward peace—whether you’re facing separation, navigating a divorce, working to strengthen your relationship, or rebuilding your life in midlife.

You’ll get heart-centered legal clarity, emotional support, and practical tools to help you heal, grow, and move forward with confidence.

Topics include:

Peaceful divorce strategies and mediation support

Co-parenting help and parenting plans that actually work

Prenups, postnups, and how to protect what matters most

Emotional healing, mindset shifts, and confidence after a hard season

Menopause, health changes, and how midlife affects mood, marriage, and motivation

Wellness basics that make a real difference: rest, nutrition, movement, strength, and community

This is more than a show about endings—it’s about becoming the woman who rises stronger, steadier, and clearer on the other side.

About the Host:
Lesa has spent over 25 years helping families through mediation and family law, always focused on protecting what matters most—your kids and your peace of mind. She’s also a breast cancer survivor, wellness advocate, cowgirl at heart, and follower of Jesus who believes your hardest season can become your greatest comeback.

If you’re craving practical guidance, soul-level encouragement, and real conversations about rebuilding life after 40, you’re in the right place.

Website: https://www.lesakoski.com/

About your host

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Lesa Koski