Podcast Summary: Baking it Down with Sugar Cookie Marketing 🍪
Episode Title: 219. Baking it Down - C is for Cancer
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Hosts: Heather and Corrie (Corey) Miracle
Introduction to the Episode
In this deeply personal and heartfelt episode, hosts Heather and Corrie (Corey) Miracle delve into a profoundly important topic: Corey's battle with cervical cancer. This candid conversation not only sheds light on the challenges of managing a serious health condition while running a business but also emphasizes the significance of early detection and self-advocacy in healthcare.
Corey's Cancer Diagnosis Journey
Initial Diagnosis and Delay in Seeking Help
Corey shares the backstory of her cancer diagnosis, revealing that she has been battling cervical cancer for over a decade. She recounts her initial visits to the OB/GYN in 2014, motivated by severe cramps, which led to the discovery of abnormal pap smear results.
Corey [00:30]: "If you're not in the sugar cookie marketing group, go join it. There's a baking group out there. Go join that one too."
Despite early signs, Corey admits to delaying further medical action, attributing it to the emotional and financial burdens of seeking treatment.
Heather [01:08]: "And Corey's ability to put off medical assistance should be studied by a doctor who she will never see."
Medical Procedures and Treatment
LEEP Procedure and Its Effectiveness
Corey discusses undergoing the Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), a common treatment for cervical pre-cancer. She explains the procedure's purpose and its high success rate of approximately 95%.
Corey [15:16]: "It uses electrodes. It kind of burns off the entire lining where they see any of the cancerous high-grade cells."
However, Corey's cancer persisted, necessitating a second procedure—a cone biopsy—due to scar tissue inhibiting the effectiveness of the initial treatment.
Heather [18:07]: "Did you do a second late procedure?"
Corey [18:09]: "No, because there was so much burning."
Hysterectomy and Its Implications
Eventually, Corey faced the reality of needing a hysterectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the uterus and cervix, to halt the progression of her cancer. She discusses the emotional toll of this decision, especially concerning her fertility and the irreversible nature of the surgery.
Corey [21:32]: "She's taking out the uterus, the cervix, the fallopian tubes. But not the ovaries."
Emotional and Mental Coping
Dealing with Diagnosis and Support Systems
Corey opens up about the emotional challenges of her diagnosis, including fear, denial, and the stigma associated with cancer. Heather provides a supportive counterbalance, emphasizing the importance of community and shared experiences.
Heather [29:21]: "But it's the only thing I hear. But I'm also probably gonna be real rude, because here's the thing that people are. Oh, that's what they say. You just don't know what somebody's going through."
Balancing Business and Health
Throughout the episode, Corey reflects on managing her business amid her health struggles. She discusses halting orders and relying on a support system within her Facebook group and family to maintain her business operations during her absence.
Corey [30:12]: "Get checked out. The OB GYN is not your enemy. The tests are there for a reason."
Key Messages and Advice
Importance of Regular Health Check-ups
A central theme of the episode is the critical importance of regular health screenings. Corey urges listeners to prioritize their health and not delay necessary medical appointments, sharing her own experiences as a cautionary tale.
Heather [30:16]: "Only you can prevent forest fires. Only you can go in to get these checkups."
Self-Advocacy in Healthcare
Corey emphasizes the necessity of advocating for oneself in the healthcare system, especially in scenarios where medical providers may not prioritize patient concerns without persistent effort.
Corey [37:12]: "You are the only person that can prevent forest fires. Only you can go in to get these checkups."
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Preparing for Surgery and Community Support
As the episode wraps up, Corey shares her upcoming surgery schedule and the support she will receive from family and the Sugar Cookie Marketing community. She expresses optimism and gratitude for the understanding and encouragement from her peers.
Corey [40:32]: "So if you're listening to this, next week I will be in the OR."
Encouraging Open Conversations
Heather and Corey conclude by highlighting the importance of open conversations about personal struggles, advocating for vulnerability as a means to foster community support and awareness.
Heather [54:03]: "But it's a really suffering process of sickness, illness, nausea, which nausea would just do me under."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Corey [00:30]: "If you're not in the sugar cookie marketing group, go join it."
- Heather [01:08]: "And Corey's ability to put off medical assistance should be studied by a doctor who she will never see."
- Corey [15:16]: "It uses electrodes. It kind of burns off the entire lining where they see any of the cancerous high-grade cells."
- Heather [18:07]: "Did you do a second late procedure?"
- Corey [21:32]: "She's taking out the uterus, the cervix, the fallopian tubes. But not the ovaries."
- Heather [29:21]: "But it's the only thing I hear. But I'm also probably gonna be real rude..."
- Heather [30:16]: "Only you can prevent forest fires. Only you can go in to get these checkups."
- Corey [37:12]: "You are the only person that can prevent forest fires. Only you can go in to get these checkups."
- Corey [40:32]: "So if you're listening to this, next week I will be in the OR."
- Heather [54:03]: "But it's a really suffering process of sickness, illness, nausea, which nausea would just do me under."
Final Thoughts
This episode of "Baking it Down with Sugar Cookie Marketing" transcends the usual business-focused discussions to address a deeply personal and impactful journey. Corey’s openness about her cancer diagnosis and treatment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of health, self-care, and the strength found within supportive communities. Heather and Corey's genuine conversation not only raises awareness but also offers solace and encouragement to listeners who may be facing similar challenges.
