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The latest episode of our AYA osTEAo Podcast, hosted by our dynamic duo co-hosts Mia and Sammy, is all about the real and raw side of life after osteosarcoma: FOMO—aka fear of missing out—and what it actually feels like when cancer sidelines you from everything your friends seem to be doing.
Mia and Sammy sat down with OsteoWarriors Mackenzie and Andrew to spill the tea on what it’s like to watch life move forward when you feel stuck—and how they’ve learned to navigate that tough reality.
From missing prom, travel, and sports, to learning how to advocate for yourself in college dorms and hospital rooms, this episode hits every nerve. They shared what helps: creating new hobbies, curating your social media to protect your peace, and leaning hard on friends and fam who get it. As Andrew said, “You can’t expect people to understand unless you speak up—and that’s hard, but necessary.”
The crew also opened up about prosthetic pain, surgical struggles, and the anxiety of scan-to-scan living. Mackenzie, who’s also had a heart transplant, reminded us how complicated survivorship can be—and how powerful it is to just say it out loud.
Despite everything, this episode is full of humor, healing, and hope. Because this is what being an OsteoWarrior is all about: adapting, advocating, and finding joy in the most unexpected places. Listen, laugh, know that you are not alone, and feel seen.
Have ideas for future episodes? You’ve got stories—we want to hear them. 🧡
