Breast Cancer Conversations is a podcast produced by Survivingbreastcancer.org where we inject positivity into the very fabric of a breast cancer diagnosis. Breast Cancer Conversations provides education, and inspiration, and offers hope. You will hear stories from those diagnosed with breast cancer, interviews with medical professionals, and thought-leadership emerging from the oncology field. Welcome to our breast cancer community! Welcome to the conversation.
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Er Positive Breast Cancer Podcasts
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272. This AI Is Changing How We Treat Cancer—Personalized Medicine Explained
32:39
32:39
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32:39Love the episode? Send us a text! What if your cancer treatment was designed just for you? In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Dr. Laura Carfang sits down with Jim Foote, CEO and co-founder of First Ascent Biomedical, to explore how AI-powered functional precision medicine is transforming cancer care. Instead of relying on one-size…
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271. From Chemo to Curtain Calls, Radiation to Regattas: This Is Survivorship
44:48
44:48
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44:48Love the episode? Send us a text! In this inspiring episode, host Laura Carfang, Ed.D. sits down with Tara Hoffmann of Recovery on Water and Miranda Baldwin, co-producer of Breast in Show. Together they explore life eight years after breast cancer — from navigating long-term side effects and hormonal therapy to finding joy, movement, and connection…
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270. Rebuilding Confidence: How Innovation and Policy Are Transforming Breast Cancer Surgery with Dr. Garfein
41:00
41:00
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41:00Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang sits down with Dr. Evan Garfein, Chief of Plastic Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center, Professor of Surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Co-Founder of Greenwich Street Aesthetics. With more than 60 peer-reviewed publications, three b…
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269. Beyond One and Done: The Realities of Surgery and Reconstruction with Veronica Novy
31:11
31:11
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31:11Love the episode? Send us a text! Six years ago, Veronica shared her powerful story about preparing for surgery—a conversation that quickly became one of the most-downloaded episodes in SBC history. Today, she returns to reflect on her journey, her many surgeries, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: The ea…
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268. Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Detection with JP Parthasarathy founder and CEO of Astrin Biosciences
30:45
30:45
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30:45Love the episode? Send us a text! In this conversation, Laura Carfang interviews JP Parthasarathy, the founder and CEO of Astran Biosciences, about the critical topic of breast cancer, particularly focusing on breast density and its implications for women's health. They discuss the importance of understanding breast density, the advancements in ear…
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267. Hereditary Genetic Testing, Somatic Tumor Testing & ctDNA: What Every Breast Cancer Patient Should Know
12:24
12:24
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12:24Love the episode? Send us a text! In this special episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang speaks with Dr. Troso about the evolving role of DNA testing in breast cancer care. Together, they break down the three main types of testing: Hereditary genetic testing: Identifying inherited mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 (among…
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266. The Prehab Plan Surgeons Wish You’d Start
33:06
33:06
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33:06Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang sits down with Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt, Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at Duke University and founder of the popular Instagram community @surgical_recovery. Together, they explore the groundbreaking concept of prehabilitation (“prehab”) befor…
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265. From Patient to Powerhouse: Taking Control Through Lifestyle, Learning & Community with Dr. Tiffany Troso
42:02
42:02
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42:02Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Tiffany Troso Sandoval, a highly esteemed medical oncologist who has dedicated over 25 years to treating women's cancers. Dr. Troso shared her extensive experience and insights into the evolving landscape of oncology, particularl…
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264. Rebuilding Intimacy Post-Diagnosis: A Conversation on Sexual Health and Relationships with Tiffini Sharifi
41:30
41:30
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41:30Love the episode? Send us a text! A cancer diagnosis is life-changing. For individuals navigating breast cancer, the focus often centers on survival—completing treatment, managing side effects, and getting back to “normal.” But for many survivors, what follows is far from familiar. The emotional, physical, and relational impacts of cancer can linge…
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263. From Grief to Advocacy: A Father’s Mission for Early Detection in Young Women with Bob Furniss
39:36
39:36
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39:36Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the privilege of speaking with Bob Furniss, a father, husband, and author who has turned his family’s heartbreaking experience with breast cancer into a mission to educate and advocate for early detection. Bob and his wife Susan founded the nonprofit WarriorPrin…
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262. What a Holistic Nutritionist Wants Every Cancer Patient to Know About Food & Wellness with Cindy Fortuna
44:05
44:05
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44:05Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Cindy Fortuna, a registered holistic nutritionist who specializes in supporting individuals navigating and recovering from cancer. Cindy brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the table, having faced her own cancer …
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261. Beyond Medicine: Forest Therapy and Cancer Recovery with Regan Stacey
43:19
43:19
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43:19Love the episode? Send us a text! How A Walk in the Woods Changed Everything: Regan’s Story of Healing and Breast Cancer Survival In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Regan Stacey, a breast cancer survivor and advocate for the healing power of nature. We delved into the profound impact that connecting …
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260. Why Every Breast Cancer Survivor Should Try Pilates with Guest Nina Prol
24:58
24:58
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24:58Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nina Prol, an experienced oncology nurse and SurvivingBreastCancer.org's amazing Pilates instructor. Nina has been a vital part of our community, offering free, virtual Pilates classes that are accessible to anyone. We dive into the benefits of Pilates, especiall…
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259. 23andMe Found my BRCA Mutation with Debbie Lesser
35:57
35:57
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35:57Love the episode? Send us a text! Genetic tests like 23andMe are perceived as a fun and engaging way to explore family history, However, the implications of genetic testing extend beyond mere curiosity about ancestry; they touch on the very fabric of our lives and the lives of our loved ones. For those who discover they carry genes associated with …
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258. From Diagnosis to Downward Dog How Yoga Can Heal with Kate Garcia and Jen Tipton
37:36
37:36
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37:36Love the episode? Send us a text! In the podcast episode, I speak with Kate Garcia and Jen Tipton, and discuss the significant role that yoga can play in the lives of breast cancer survivors and thrivers. Both Kate and Jen lead yoga classes for our SurvivingBreastCancer.org (SBC) community and they share their personal experiences and insights on h…
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257. What is Oncofertility? How To Navigate Genetics Fertility and Cancer Care
49:34
49:34
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49:34Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I, Laura Carfing, founder of survivingbreastcancer.org, delve into the critical topic of fertility preservation and genetic counseling for breast cancer patients. Joined by Alejandra Bernal, a genetic counseling student at the University of Pittsburgh, and Melissa Bou…
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256. Beyond the New Normal: Building Strength After Cancer Through Nutrition and Empowerment with Dr. Amy Morris
39:46
39:46
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39:46Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang welcomes Dr. Amy Morris, an ovarian cancer survivor and cancer researcher, to discuss navigating health and wellness post-cancer diagnosis. We delve into essential topics such as the side effects of treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and hormo…
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255. My Mom and I Were Diagnosed With Breast Cancer In The Same Year | With Kathleen Moss
46:28
46:28
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46:28Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kathleen Moss, a nutritionist from Portland, Oregon, who shared her journey with breast cancer. Kathleen's story is both unique and insightful, as she was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer after a decade of screening and monitori…
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254. Breast Cancer in Younger Women: Navigating Survivorship, Surgery Choices, and Lymphedema with Dr. Kohli
41:29
41:29
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41:29Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Kohli, the Director of Breast Surgery at Monmouth Medical Center in New Jersey. We delved into the multifaceted journey of breast cancer survivorship, emphasizing the importance of treating the whole person, not just the disease…
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253. Breast Reconstruction and Plastic Surgery Explained: Expert Insights from Dr. Thomas Francel
34:43
34:43
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34:43Love the episode? Send us a text! I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Thomas Francel, a plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction. One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of personalized care. Dr. Francel stressed that each patient's journey is unique, and decisions regarding reconstruction should be made b…
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252. What is Energy Medicine with Inflammatory Breast Cancer Survivor Dianne Faure
41:48
41:48
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41:48Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dianne Faure, an attorney, author, teacher, advanced Eden energy medicine practitioner, and massage therapist. Dianne shared her incredible journey of using energy medicine to manage and overcome various health issues, including her…
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251. The Power of Storytelling in Breast Cancer: Lessons from Cancer Bitch Author S.L. Wisenberg
44:42
44:42
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44:42Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with S.L. Wisenberg, a self-described "one-breasted feminist" and author of "The Adventures of Cancer Bitch." S.L. shared her journey of being diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer in 2007, undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy, and h…
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250. Redefining Palliative Care and The Role of Supportive Care in Cancer Treatment with Dr. Janet Abrahm
52:45
52:45
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52:45Love the episode? Send us a text! Dr. Janet Abrahm reshapes the common perception of palliative care, emphasizing that it should not be viewed solely as end-of-life support, but rather as an essential form of supportive care that can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life when integrated early. With over 20 years of experience a…
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249. Preparing for Breast Cancer Surgery: What You Need to Know with Dr. Tammaro
47:48
47:48
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47:48Love the episode? Send us a text! Breast cancer is a deeply personal journey. As the landscape of breast cancer treatment evolves, understanding the surgical options available becomes crucial for patients navigating this challenging experience. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Yolanda Tamero, a breast surgical oncologist, who provides invaluable …
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248. Enhancing Patient-Provider Communication in Breast Cancer Care with Stephanie S. Abbott
48:11
48:11
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48:11Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Stephanie S. Abbott, a remarkable individual who has navigated the complex worlds of both healthcare administration and cancer survivorship. Stephanie brings a unique perspective, having served in multiple leadership roles in health…
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247. Navigating Gender Bias and Legislation in Women's Health with Dr. Amani Jambhekar
39:38
39:38
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39:38Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with the incredible Dr. Amani Jambhekar, a board-certified general surgeon and medical director for surgical breast oncology at Christus St. Vincent in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Dr. Jambhekar shared her journey from Texas to New Mexico, driv…
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246. Transforming Lives: Heather Salazar on Adoption, Cancer, and Pink Ribbon Good
37:11
37:11
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37:11Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Heather Salazar, an incredible woman whose journey through breast cancer led her to create the impactful nonprofit, Pink Ribbon Good. Heather's story is one of resilience, compassion, and dedication to helping others. Heather shared her powerful narrative, starting …
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245. The Role of Advanced Imaging in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
47:43
47:43
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47:43Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, we delve into the complexities of living with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis and explore the various diagnostic and treatment options available. Our panel includes Dr. Groteluschen, a medical oncologist from Green Bay Oncology, Tammy, a patient living with metas…
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244. Understanding Nurse Navigation: Support and Resources for Cancer Patients
48:33
48:33
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48:33Love the episode? Send us a text! In the realm of breast cancer treatment, nurse navigators play a pivotal role in guiding patients through the complexities of their diagnosis and treatment. This episode of "Breast Cancer Conversations" features insights from Colleen Beguin, Amanda Kuller from Honor Health and Lourdes Heras, a patient advocate at S…
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243. Emotional and Physical Challenges Post-Treatment. Katrece Nolen on IBC Survivorship
19:01
19:01
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19:01Love the episode? Send us a text! Katrece's journey began in her late 30s, a time when many women may not consider themselves at risk for breast cancer. With no known family history of the disease, she was caught off guard when she noticed a physical change in her body—one breast appeared larger than the other. This seemingly benign observation led…
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242. Breaking Barriers: Advocating for Yourself When You Have Inflammatory Breast Cancer with Katrece Nolen Part I
41:49
41:49
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41:49Love the episode? Send us a text! I had the privilege of speaking with Katrece Nolen, a breast cancer survivor from Northern Virginia. We had such a lovely and long conversation that I ended up producing this episode in two parts. Today we dive into Katrece’s compelling story with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Diagnosed in her late 30s, Katrece…
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241. FES PET vs FDG PET CT Scans: Which is Best for Metastatic Breast Cancer?
38:29
38:29
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38:29Love the episode? Send us a text! In today's episode, we delve into the world of PET scans and other imaging modalities crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging of breast cancer. We are joined by two incredible guests: Dr. Kiser, the Medical Director of Molecular Imaging for Carilion Clinic, and Pam Kohl, a patient advocate living with metastatic…
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240. Understanding Nuclear Medicine in Breast Cancer Care. What Every Patient Needs To Know
23:56
23:56
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23:56Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, we delve into the critical topic of nuclear medicine and its role in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. As a breast cancer survivor and advocate, I understand the anxiety that comes with scans involving radioactive tracers. Today, we aim to demystify this process …
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Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode we are joined by Dr. Katherine Benedict, a Clinical Psychologist at Stanford University, along with patient advocates Delta James and Roxana Guerrera, to discuss the topic of dating, sex, and love after a breast cancer diagnosis. We highlight the importance of normalizing the challenges and complexi…
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238. Integrating Naturopathic Medicine with Conventional Breast Cancer Care. Interview with Dr. Laura James
58:06
58:06
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58:06Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Laura James, a naturopathic oncologist based in Washington State. Dr. James provided a wealth of information about the role of naturopathic oncology in breast cancer care, emphasizing the importance of integrative medicine. She…
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237. The Power of Exercise and the Nifty 150 Project with Briana Rickertsen
49:00
49:00
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49:00Love the episode? Send us a text! In today's episode, host, Laura Carfang speaks with breast cancer survivor Briana Rickertsen. Briana was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in July 2020 at age 35. She underwent chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and additional treatments due to a HER2 positive tumor. Briana discovered she has a BRCA2 mutation…
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236. From Diagnosis to Survivorship: Stories and Support for Early Stage Breast Cancer.
1:13:24
1:13:24
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1:13:24Love the episode? Send us a text! Meet the SBC Early Stage Leadership Team: Meghan Staskal-BradtJ, ulie Cottrill, Carol Collins, Meghan Aycock, Pooja Jain & & Marcee Raffel The team is a powerhouse of volunteers who have been instrumental in driving various projects and initiatives at survivingbreastcancer.org. Today's episode provides an opportuni…
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235. AI in Breast Cancer Care: The Impact of Breast Friend AI with Jessica Baladad
39:39
39:39
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39:39Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jessica Balidad, a remarkable woman who has turned her personal experience with breast cancer into a powerful advocacy platform. Jessica, a five-year survivor of stage 2B invasive ductal carcinoma, shared her journey from diagnosis …
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234. Michelle Sandlin, Living Her Best Life with BRCA 1
42:58
42:58
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42:58Love the episode? Send us a text! Listening to your body is crucial, especially during times of illness or recovery. In today's episode, Michelle Sandlin talks about her unexpected diagnosis despite leading a very healthy lifestyle. We discuss the significant role of genetic testing in Michelle's life, revealing her BRCA1 gene mutation and its impl…
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233. Voices of Resilience: A Night of Poetry and Healing
48:21
48:21
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48:21Love the episode? Send us a text! The heart of today's episode is the poetry readings from our community members. Each poet shared their personal experiene with breast cancer, touching on themes of struggle, resilience, and hope. From Brookshire McDonald's reflections on the growth of our community to Farhana's poignant farewell to her breasts, eac…
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232. Empowering Breast Cancer Patients in the Workplace: Insights and Experiences
50:44
50:44
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50:44Love the episode? Send us a text! In today's episode, we tackle a highly requested topic: navigating work while living with MBC. We explore the complexities of managing a career, discussing when to work, when to consider disability, and how to maintain health insurance and benefits amidst a metastatic diagnosis. Our guest, Abigail Johnston, leads o…
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231. Shattering the Silence: Speak Out on Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence
44:59
44:59
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44:59Love the episode? Send us a text! Awareness and resources for safety are crucial when it comes to addressing issues of domestic violence, especially in the context of breast cancer. In today's episode we share personal experiences, warning signs, and resources for those who may be facing this difficult situation. Lourdes Heras, a breast cancer surv…
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230. Young and Diagnosed: A Journey to Motherhood & Parenting with Triple Positive Breast Cancer
47:51
47:51
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47:51Love the episode? Send us a text! Lauren shared her story, starting from the unsettling discovery of a lump during a routine yoga practice to her diagnosis of stage 3, triple-positive breast cancer at the young age of 29. She recounted the initial disbelief, the urgency of starting treatment, and the life-altering decisions she faced, including fer…
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229. The Signatera Test Explained: Stories from Breast Cancer Survivors & Thrivers
52:34
52:34
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52:34Love the episode? Send us a text! Tune in to this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations as Shannon and Erin share their personal experiences with the Signatara test. Shannon, living with oligometastatic breast cancer, takes a holistic approach to her treatment plan, while Erin, with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer, offers insights from a…
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228. 11 Years of Survivorship - A Breast Cancer Survivor's Story with Dawn Aegle
54:03
54:03
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54:03Love the episode? Send us a text! Dawn shares her journey from diagnosis to traveling the world doing cat sitting after caring for her mother. Their conversation touches on major milestones, personal experiences, and the impact of travel on Dawn's life post-treatment. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience and adventure. 00:02:08 - Travel Sto…
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227. Understanding and Coping with Medical PTSD in Cancer Care with Emily Parks
1:09:37
1:09:37
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1:09:37Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode, Emily Parks, a patient advocate and professional living with a chronic illness, shares her personal journey with medical PTSD, starting from her diagnosis at birth with a gene mutation affecting her GI system. She talks about the lack of mental health support in her medical treatment and how she le…
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Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode, we had the pleasure of introducing our incredible Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Leadership Team. It was a heartwarming session where we delved into the personal journeys of our team members, each sharing their unique experiences with breast cancer. Our conversation was guided by the ever-inspiring…
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225. A Decade of Survivorship: Identity, Advocacy, & The Arts with Rachel Burns from Cancer Culture
45:25
45:25
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45:25Love the episode? Send us a text! Today's episode of Breast Cancer Conversations features Rachel Burns, an incredible musician, singer, songwriter, and founder of the nonprofit Cancer Culture. Celebrating 10 years since her initial diagnosis, Rachel dives into her identity beyond cancer, highlighting her roles as a mom, daughter, and advocate. As a…
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224. Jacquie Carter Angell: Balancing Business, Motherhood, and mTNBC
42:35
42:35
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42:35Love the episode? Send us a text! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jacquie Carter Angell, a remarkable woman who has not only survived non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as a teenager but is now living with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTBBC). Jacquie shares her incredible journey with us, from being told she wouldn't live past her ear…
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Love the episode? Send us a text! Today, we had the pleasure of having Melanie Sisk on the show to demystify the complex world of emerging endocrine therapies, often referred to as the "alphabet soup" of treatments. Melanie provided clarity on the different classes of drugs and how they interact with tumors, particularly focusing on those that targ…
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