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October 22, 2025 44 mins

In this honest and empowering episode of Navigating Cancer TOGETHER, host Talaya Dendy sits down with the phenomenal Peta-Ann Wood, breast cancer thriver, Soulful Coach, and creator of Elegant Rebel.

This conversation goes beyond the clinical. Peta-Ann openly shares how a late diagnosis of AuDHD (Autism + ADHD) changed her cancer experience, guiding her from people-pleasing straight toward radical self-discovery.

If you've ever felt pressure to make a decision about reconstruction, treatment, or even just how you should feel, this episode is your permission slip. Peta-Ann dives into the emotional process that led her to the definitive and life-changing choice to remain flat after her bilateral mastectomy.

This is a must-listen for anyone in the cancer community who is questioning, redefining, or simply trying to prioritize their own needs and desires amidst the chaos of illness. Part 1 of a 2 part series.

Episode Highlights:

  • 02:21 Peta-Ann's Unique Journey: Navigating cancer alongside a late AuDHD diagnosis.

  • 07:40 The Shift: How life after diagnosis became about prioritizing her needs.

  • 12:23 Self-Advocacy Unlocked: Learning to trust intuition in a complex medical system.

  • 24:48 Beyond the Diagnosis: Understanding Neurodivergence and the End of People-Pleasing.

  • 29:40 The Definitive Choice: The transformative conversation about choosing to stay flat.

  • 38:35 Writing Her Truth: Insights into her book, What Happens When They Don't Go Back.

Transcript: https://bit.ly/podscript174


Connect & Engage with Peta-Ann:

Website: https://www.elegantrebelponders.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elegant.rebel.ponders

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElegantRebel44


Resources & Call to Action:

In honor of the movement: October 7th was International Flat Day, a global moment celebrating the beautiful choice of aesthetic flat closure. Learn more and connect: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalFLATDay/


Connect with Your Community: Don't navigate this journey alone. Join the waitlist for our "Navigating Cancer TOGETHER" forum and connect with others who truly get it. https://www.ontheotherside.life/forum-waitlist


Subscribe or follow Navigating Cancer TOGETHER on your favorite podcast app or platform so you never miss a vital conversation.


Hosted, Produced, Written, and Edited by: Talaya Dendy


Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and SHOULD NOT be used as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, evaluation, or care from your physician or other qualified health care provider.


Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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