Breast Cancer Conversations
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
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.
Episodes
- 296. Inside Oligometastatic Breast Cancer: Kacie Flaherty and Joyce Dini on Treatment, Grief, and Joy
Kacie Flaherty and Joyce Dini share their journeys with oligometastatic breast cancer, discussing diagnosis, treatment considerations, and managing the emotional and relational impacts of the disease. They also highlight the importance of…
- 295. Stage 4 De Novo with Brain Mets Virginia Rodriguez First Line Treatment on Verzenio
Virginia Rodriguez discusses her diagnosis of stage 4 de novo metastatic breast cancer, which had spread to multiple areas including her brain. She shares her experience with first-line treatment on Verzenio.
- 294. Two Years on Verzenio: Side Effects, Brain Fog, and Why I'm Glad I Did It | Jen Tipton
Jennifer Tipton discusses her experience with long-term breast cancer treatment, focusing on her two years on Verzenio. She covers managing side effects, the role of exercise, and the emotional challenges of transitioning from active treat…
- 293. Starting Verzenio? Debbie’s Experience May Help You Prepare
Debbie Ciak discusses her experience with Verzenio treatment for Stage 2B breast cancer, detailing side effects such as gastrointestinal issues and drug-induced interstitial lung disease. The episode emphasizes personalized care, monitorin…
- 292. From Nurse to Patient: How Two Cancer Diagnoses Taught Bron Watson to Let Go and Heal
Registered nurse Bron Watson discusses her experiences as a cancer patient after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 and blood cancer in 2023. She shares insights on navigating fear, identity shifts, and the importance of self-compa…
- 291. Breast Cancer Survivorship: Exercise, Nutrition, Sleep, and Support That Actually Matter | Dr. Amy Comander & Meg McSherry
This episode features Dr. Amy Comander and breast cancer patient Meg McSherry discussing lifestyle medicine
- 290. How Breast Cancer Changes the Way You See Yourself
Host Laura Carfang speaks with sexuality educator Susan Smaellie and breast cancer survivor Anna Jensen about how breast cancer impacts body image, identity, and intimacy. They explore the emotional and psychological effects of treatment a…
- 289. The Hidden Trauma of Breast Cancer: PTSD, Fear, Triggers, and Healing with Dr. Jim Jackson
In Breast Cancer Conversations episode 289, host Laura and Dr. Jim Jackson explore the hidden emotional toll of breast cancer, including medical trauma and PTSD. They discuss how cancer and its treatments can cause lasting emotional distre…
- 288. Insurance Denied My Cancer Treatment: What Every Cancer Patient Should Know About Medical Bills
Host Laura Carfang and patient advocate Jenni Nolan discuss the financial challenges cancer patients face with insurance denials and medical bills. They cover common pitfalls, billing errors, prior authorization delays, and how to appeal d…
- 287. What No One Tells Partners About Cancer: A Husband’s Honest Story of Love, Caregiving, and Grief
William Laferriere hosts Breast Cancer Conversations, sharing his personal experience as a caregiver alongside Dr. Eswar Shankar. They discuss the emotional challenges faced by caregivers, including navigating fear, uncertainty, and grief,…
- 286. Breastless & Fearless: Two Breast Cancer Survivors Rewriting Film, FemTech, and Survivorship
This episode features breast cancer survivors Christine Handy and Christine Anastos sharing their journeys of rebuilding identity after diagnosis. They discuss turning trauma into transformation, exploring themes of faith, post-traumatic g…
- 285. Told She Had 3 Years to Live—Then Changed Cancer Research Forever withKathy Giusti
Kathy Giusti, a two-time cancer survivor, shares her experience of being diagnosed with multiple myeloma and breast cancer. She discusses founding the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) to accelerate cancer research and improve tr…
- 284. Hospitals Weren’t Designed for Women: How the Built Environment Shapes Cancer Care with Abbie Clary
Host Laura Carfang interviews Abbie Clary about how hospital architecture and the built environment impact cancer care, particularly for women. They discuss gender bias in design, trauma-informed spaces, and the importance of patient digni…
- 283. She Invented Sensation-Preserving Mastectomy—Then Needed It Herself: The Truth About DCIS, Recurrence, and Surgery
Dr. Anne Peled, a breast surgeon and cancer survivor, shares her experiences with DCIS and a second diagnosis. The episode explores recurrence versus second primary cancer, surgical options like lumpectomy and mastectomy, and the importanc…
- 282. Diagnosed at 30— This Bio Engineer Built the Tool She Needed to Survive—Meet Samira
Samira Daswani was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer at age 30 and faced simultaneous challenges including a new job and leading a COVID response. She discusses her chemotherapy, treatment decisions, and the creation of Manta Cares, a…
- 281. DCIS Isn’t “Nothing”: Stage Zero Breast Cancer and the Decisions No One Explains
This episode of Breast Cancer Conversations discusses DCIS, or stage zero breast cancer, exploring its complexities and treatment decisions. Host Laura Carfang is joined by a breast surgical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and a patien…
- 280. Breast Cancer Recurrence After Mastectomy with Teresa Baglietto
Teresa Baglietto, a four-time cancer survivor, discusses breast cancer recurrence after mastectomy, her treatment choices including declining chemotherapy and tamoxifen, and navigating the emotional and practical aspects of long-term survi…
- 279. Breast Cancer Stopped My Life—Music and Meditation Helped Me Breathe Again
In this episode, Elizabeth Borowsky, a pianist, and Jesika Harmon, a meditation coach, discuss how music and meditation were vital for healing during breast cancer treatment. They explore their creative collaboration, Sonisah Meditation, w…
- 278. You’re Not Lazy: The Real Science Behind Cancer Fatigue with Dr. Landmann
This episode features Dr. Jessa Landmann and host Laura Carfang discussing cancer-related fatigue. They explore the scientific reasons behind persistent symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and sleep disruption after cancer treatment, offerin…
- 277. Exposing the Hidden Crisis in Cancer Care—Why Supportive Care Matters More Than Ever
Host Laura Carfang talks with Sheri Biller about the critical importance of supportive cancer care. They discuss the differences between supportive, palliative, and hospice care, challenges in accessing care for underserved communities, an…
- 276. Clear Margins, One Surgery: Inside Perimeter’s Game-Changing Breast Cancer Technology
Host Laura Carfang speaks with Adrian Mendes and Dr. Allison DiPasquale about Perimeter Medical Imaging's innovative technology for breast cancer surgery. The conversation focuses on how real-time imaging and AI help surgeons achieve clear…
- 275. Inside the VIKTORIA-1 trial with Dr. Rachel Layman
Dr. Rachel Layman explains the VIKTORIA-1 trial, focusing on genitolasib (G) for ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer. The discussion covers the PAM pathway, PIC3CA mutations, trial design, progression-free survival, side effects, and how pa…
- 274. Menopause, Moisturizers & the Myths About Estrogen
This episode of Breast Cancer Conversations features Dr. Christy Thozer discussing sexual health, menopause, and intimacy after breast cancer. It covers myths about estrogen, safe treatment options for vaginal dryness and low libido, and s…
- 273. Why One-Size-Fits-All Cancer Care Doesn’t Work
This episode features Dr. John Oertle, who advocates for personalized cancer care beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. He explains how integrating precision oncology, functional medicine, and technology can tailor treatments to a patient's…
- 272. This AI Is Changing How We Treat Cancer—Personalized Medicine Explained
This episode of Breast Cancer Conversations discusses AI-powered functional precision medicine with Jim Foote, CEO of First Ascent Biomedical. The approach tests individual tumor cells against drugs to personalize cancer treatment, aiming…
- 271. From Chemo to Curtain Calls, Radiation to Regattas: This Is Survivorship
Host Laura Carfang interviews Tara Hoffmann of Recovery on Water and Miranda Baldwin of Breast in Show. They discuss navigating life eight years after breast cancer, including long-term side effects, hormonal therapy, and finding joy and c…
- 270. Rebuilding Confidence: How Innovation and Policy Are Transforming Breast Cancer Surgery with Dr. Garfein
Dr. Evan Garfein joins Laura Carfang on Breast Cancer Conversations to discuss the evolution of breast reconstruction, patient rights, insurance coverage, and legislative impacts on access to care. The episode also covers surgical innovati…
- 269. Beyond One and Done: The Realities of Surgery and Reconstruction with Veronica Novy
Veronica Novy discusses her experiences with breast cancer surgery and reconstruction, including her initial diagnosis, surgical decisions like mastectomy and flap reconstruction, and the emotional and physical realities of the process. Sh…
- 268. Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Detection with JP Parthasarathy founder and CEO of Astrin Biosciences
Host Laura Carfang interviews JP Parthasarathy, CEO of Astrin Biosciences, about breast density and its link to breast cancer risk. They explore advancements in early detection, including potential blood tests, and the importance of person…
- 267. Hereditary Genetic Testing, Somatic Tumor Testing & ctDNA: What Every Breast Cancer Patient Should Know
This episode of Breast Cancer Conversations discusses hereditary genetic testing, somatic tumor testing, and ctDNA testing, explaining how they help guide treatment decisions and monitor recurrence in breast cancer patients.
- 266. The Prehab Plan Surgeons Wish You’d Start
This episode discusses prehabilitation, a holistic approach to preparing for breast cancer surgery. Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt explains evidence-based strategies for optimizing physical and emotional well-being before surgery to enhance recove…
- 265. From Patient to Powerhouse: Taking Control Through Lifestyle, Learning & Community with Dr. Tiffany Troso
This episode features Dr. Tiffany Troso, a medical oncologist with over 25 years of experience in women's cancers. She discusses empowering breast cancer patients by emphasizing healthy lifestyles, continuous learning, and building strong…
- 264. Rebuilding Intimacy Post-Diagnosis: A Conversation on Sexual Health and Relationships with Tiffini Sharifi
This episode discusses the long-term impacts of breast cancer on sexual health and intimacy with licensed professional counselor and certified sex therapist Tiffini Sharifi. It explores how cancer diagnosis and treatment can affect relatio…
- 263. From Grief to Advocacy: A Father’s Mission for Early Detection in Young Women with Bob Furniss
Bob Furniss shares his family’s experience with his daughter Keesha’s breast cancer diagnosis and his subsequent advocacy for early detection. He discusses founding WarriorPrincess.org with his wife in honor of Keesha, who was diagnosed at…
- 262. What a Holistic Nutritionist Wants Every Cancer Patient to Know About Food & Wellness with Cindy Fortuna
In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, registered holistic nutritionist Cindy Fortuna shares insights on nutrition and wellness for cancer patients. The discussion covers whole foods, gut health, stress management, sleep, hydratio…
- 261. Beyond Medicine: Forest Therapy and Cancer Recovery with Regan Stacey
This episode features breast cancer survivor Regan Stacey discussing her healing journey through forest therapy and mindfulness. Stacey shares how connecting with nature helped her navigate the psychological impact of her diagnosis and fin…
- 260. Why Every Breast Cancer Survivor Should Try Pilates with Guest Nina Prol
This episode features Nina Prol, an oncology nurse and Pilates instructor, discussing the advantages of Pilates for breast cancer survivors. The conversation highlights how Pilates can help manage treatment side effects through gentle move…
- 259. 23andMe Found my BRCA Mutation with Debbie Lesser
Debbie Lesser discusses finding a BRCA mutation through 23andMe and the impact on her life as a previvor. The episode explores the considerations for screenings, preventive surgeries, and family genetic risks.
- 258. From Diagnosis to Downward Dog How Yoga Can Heal with Kate Garcia and Jen Tipton
This episode features Kate Garcia and Jen Tipton discussing the role of yoga in the healing and recovery of breast cancer survivors. They cover restorative yoga for general well-being and DIEP flap yoga tailored for post-surgery recovery,…
- 257. What is Oncofertility? How To Navigate Genetics Fertility and Cancer Care
This episode of Breast Cancer Conversations features Laura Carfing, Alejandra Bernal, and Melissa Bourdius discussing oncofertility, which involves fertility preservation and genetic counseling for cancer patients. They cover how cancer tr…
- 256. Beyond the New Normal: Building Strength After Cancer Through Nutrition and Empowerment with Dr. Amy Morris
Host Laura Carfang welcomes Dr. Amy Morris, an ovarian cancer survivor and researcher, to Breast Cancer Conversations. They discuss navigating post-cancer health and wellness, addressing treatment side effects such as weight gain and sudde…
- 255. My Mom and I Were Diagnosed With Breast Cancer In The Same Year | With Kathleen Moss
In this episode, Kathleen Moss discusses her lobular breast cancer diagnosis, the difficulties in detecting this subtype, and her surgical decisions, including a Goldilocks mastectomy. She also shares her advocacy work and personal experie…
- 254. Breast Cancer in Younger Women: Navigating Survivorship, Surgery Choices, and Lymphedema with Dr. Kohli
In this episode, Dr. Kohli of Monmouth Medical Center addresses breast cancer in younger women, survivorship, and surgery options. The discussion covers treating the whole person, mental health, surgical decisions like lumpectomy and maste…
- 253. Breast Reconstruction and Plastic Surgery Explained: Expert Insights from Dr. Thomas Francel
In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host speaks with plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Francel about breast reconstruction. Dr. Francel highlights the importance of personalized care tailored to individual patient needs and preference…
- 252. What is Energy Medicine with Inflammatory Breast Cancer Survivor Dianne Faure
Dianne Faure, an attorney, author, and energy medicine practitioner, discusses her experience with inflammatory breast cancer and how she used energy medicine to manage treatment. She explains energy medicine, including acupuncture and Rei…
- 251. The Power of Storytelling in Breast Cancer: Lessons from Cancer Bitch Author S.L. Wisenberg
Author S.L. Wisenberg shares her experience with breast cancer, using writing as a therapeutic outlet, and discussing breast cancer culture and disparities. The episode highlights the power of storytelling and finding community for those a…
- 250. Redefining Palliative Care and The Role of Supportive Care in Cancer Treatment with Dr. Janet Abrahm
Dr. Janet Abrahm explains palliative care as a crucial supportive element in cancer treatment, emphasizing its role in enhancing patient quality of life throughout their journey, not just at the end of life.
- 249. Preparing for Breast Cancer Surgery: What You Need to Know with Dr. Tammaro
In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, Dr. Yolanda Tamaro, a breast surgical oncologist, explains different surgical options for breast cancer patients. The discussion covers various types of surgeries, the roles of medical profes…
- 248. Enhancing Patient-Provider Communication in Breast Cancer Care with Stephanie S. Abbott
In episode 248, Stephanie S. Abbott, a healthcare executive and cancer survivor, discusses her personal journey and offers insights on enhancing patient-provider communication within the breast cancer care system. She shares her experience…
- 247. Navigating Gender Bias and Legislation in Women's Health with Dr. Amani Jambhekar
Dr. Amani Jambhekar joins Breast Cancer Conversations to discuss the impact of legislation like Texas SB8 on women's healthcare, including maternal mortality and healthcare shortages. The episode also addresses gender bias and microaggress…