Biopsies and Baristas with Laurie Pomeranz
Laurie was diagnosed in 2010 at 42 with Stage IIb, ER+ PR+, IDC and ILC and in 2022 at 54 with metastatic breast cancer. Laurie lives in San Francisco and is a psychotherapist in private practice, working with teens, young adults, and adults. She is an avid traveller and scuba diver, who loves to paint, write, sing, and dance. She and her husband have been married for 27 years and have a 23-year-old son. The three of them adore exploring the world together—above and below water.
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Biopsies and Baristas
What if one of the hardest days of your life also held an unexpected act of kindness you'll never forget?
In this episode of The Burn, Laurie Pomeranz shares the story of the biopsy that confirmed her metastatic breast cancer recurrence—and the radiology team that met her fear with music, humor, and extraordinary humanity.
Sometimes healing isn't found in the diagnosis. Sometimes it's found in being reminded that you're still a person.
As Laurie writes:
"The radiology tech came in and said, “I’ll be your DJ and your bartender. You’re going to tell me what you want to listen to, and I’m going to run this IV to keep you nice and comfortable. So, what are we spinning today?”"
This is a story about a metastatic reoccurrence discovered through a spinal biopsy, a radiology team with surprising warmth and humor, and one unforgettable oat milk latte that arrived at exactly the right moment. It's about how humanity, music, and small acts of care can really break through even the most frightening medical moments.
Writing Prompts Inspired by Today’s Episode
Set your timer for eight minutes, write without stopping or editing yourself. There is magic in leaning into that time. The prompt is:
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…
Laurie and I dropped a couple of writing prompts into this episode of The Burn, but this is the one that inspired Laurie’s story.
See what kind of paradox you can discover in your own experience.
If you find that you write best with a good prompt, check out our free prompts and learn about our writing workshops.
Happy writing! Until next time, take good care.
Episode Links
Read a transcript of this episode.
Purchase the 2025 “MBC:Paradox” issue of Wildfire Journal.
More about our episode sponsor: Triage Cancer and Cancer Kicks
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