120. Our Boobies, Our Selves: Amy Sousa on Breast Cancer, Mastectomies, & Sex Trait Modification

My good friend Amy Sousa is a brave and resilient woman presently battling stage 3 breast cancer. We delve into the complex emotions and decisions Amy faces as she navigates her cancer journey. Amy shares her unique perspective on the significance of breasts, challenging societal norms and gender ideology. We explore the impact of cancer on her embodiment activism and the importance of self-acceptance and love.

Amy discusses her holistic approach to treatment, incorporating a metabolic approach alongside traditional chemotherapy. We uncover the power of nutrition and lifestyle choices in supporting the body's natural healing processes. 

We explore the boundaries and intersections between the psyche and the body in the context of illness. Why might people who identify as transgender claim to have “phantom limb sensations” about body parts they’ve never had? And when cosmetic, optional, life-shortening procedures are reframed as “medically necessary,” how does this affect the flow of medical resources toward those truly in need?

Join us as we unravel the complexities of cancer treatment, the mind-body connection, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Amy E. Sousa holds a MA in Depth Psychology. She is a women's rights activist, lecturer, and educator, with an expertise in embodiment. She holds one-on-one coaching, teaches classes, and facilitates workshops to help women strengthen their intuition. She also posts educational videos about embodiment & boundaries on her YouTube. Sousa has organized multiple rallies, protests, and free speech events on behalf of women/girls sex-based safeguarding provisions and against the unnecessary medicalization of children. For more about Amy follow her on Twitter, Instagram, & TikTok @KnownHeretic, on Substack at theknownheretic.com, or on YouTube @KnownHeretic.

 00:00 Start

[00:00:00] Breast cancer and gender identity.

[00:05:19] Embodiment and breast cancer.

[00:09:49] Self-acceptance and body image.

[00:15:05] Elective surgeries and privilege.

[00:18:31] D-trans women's reproductive challenges.

[00:22:03] Identity and authenticity.

[00:28:42] The pleasure of having breasts.

[00:32:00] Sensation and personal choices.

[00:38:08] Gender role-playing among men.

[00:40:18] Phantom limb sensations.

[00:43:33] Obsessive thoughts and compulsions.

[00:47:03] Ketosis and cancer treatment.

[00:52:33] Gender-affirming care and passive models.

[00:56:26] Neuroplasticity and self-fulfilling prophecies.

[01:03:24] Resilience and self-identity.

[01:07:11] Internalizing vs. externalizing behavior.

[01:11:07] Misdiagnosing depression as abuse.

[01:15:06] Self-diagnosis in mental health.

[01:20:38] Time blindness and consequences.

[01:22:23] Time blindness in modern society.

[01:25:17] Cancer and self-reflection.

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Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.

Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.

Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.

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