My Sister and Me: A Diagnosis in the Family

Episode Summary

Karen calls her younger sister to speak openly for the first time about the cancer diagnosis that changed their relationship and their lives forever, and why we should talk about death with those we love most.

Episode Notes

Farewelling founder Karen Bussen's life changed when in 2015 her sister Sara got the results of a genetic test that proved she had the BRCA 1 gene (the same mutation Angelina Jolie was found to have) predicting a very high probability of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. In this episode, the two sisters talk openly--for the first time--about Sara's decision to have preventative major surgery that sadly in her case didn't prevent cancer; the year of intense chemotherapy that brought them closer; and why they never spoke about what might've happened if the treatment hadn't been effective. Along the way they discuss other people's discomfort interacting with someone who has survived a serious illness, plus awesome Farewelling playlists, and how the two sisters plan to end up in a cool hotel bar together. 

Listen to Sara's Farewelling playlist on Spotify.