Breast Cancer Conversations
VitenskapHelseBreast 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.
Siste episoder av Breast Cancer Conversations podcast
- 269. Beyond One and Done: The Realities of Surgery and Reconstruction with Veronica Novy (00:31:11)
Love 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 early days of diagnosis: how a mobile mammogram outside her job led to a life-changing discovery.The ups and downs: from a cold doctor delivering the...
- 268. Revolutionizing Breast Cancer Detection with JP Parthasarathy founder and CEO of Astrin Biosciences (00:30:45)
Love 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 early cancer detection technologies, and the ongoing clinical trials aimed at improving screening methods. JP shares insights into the science behind ...
- 267. Hereditary Genetic Testing, Somatic Tumor Testing & ctDNA: What Every Breast Cancer Patient Should Know (00:12:24)
Love 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 others) that increase cancer risk and influence prevention and treatment decisions.Somatic (tumor) testing: Analyzing mutations within the t...
- 266. The Prehab Plan Surgeons Wish You’d Start (00:33:06)
Love 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”) before breast cancer surgery—a holistic approach that empowers patients to prepare their body, mind, and spirit for better surgical outcomes. Dr. Knacks...
- 265. From Patient to Powerhouse: Taking Control Through Lifestyle, Learning & Community with Dr. Tiffany Troso (00:42:02)
Love 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, particularly in breast cancer treatment. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Troso stressed the importance of resilience and empowerment for cancer patients. She...
- 264. Rebuilding Intimacy Post-Diagnosis: A Conversation on Sexual Health and Relationships with Tiffini Sharifi (00:41:30)
Love 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 linger long after treatment ends, especially when it comes to sexual health and intimacy. I had the pleasure of speaking with Tiffini Sharifi, a license...
- 263. From Grief to Advocacy: A Father’s Mission for Early Detection in Young Women with Bob Furniss (00:39:36)
Love 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 WarriorPrincess.org in honor of their late daughter, Keesha Furniss, who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 30. Bob shared the emotiona...
- 262. What a Holistic Nutritionist Wants Every Cancer Patient to Know About Food & Wellness with Cindy Fortuna (00:44:05)
Love 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 diagnosis. Our conversation covers a range of topics, from the importance of whole foods and maintaining a healthy gut, to the role of stress manag...
- 261. Beyond Medicine: Forest Therapy and Cancer Recovery with Regan Stacey (00:43:19)
Love 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 with the natural world can have on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being, especially for those navigating the challenges of a breast cance...
- 260. Why Every Breast Cancer Survivor Should Try Pilates with Guest Nina Prol (00:24:58)
Love 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, especially for those undergoing cancer treatment. Nina shared how Pilates can help manage the side effects of treatments like chemotherapy, radiation,...
- 259. 23andMe Found my BRCA Mutation with Debbie Lesser (00:35:57)
Love 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 increased cancer risk, like Lesser, the stakes are high. It raises questions about proactive measures, such as screenings or preventive surge...
- 258. From Diagnosis to Downward Dog How Yoga Can Heal with Kate Garcia and Jen Tipton (00:37:36)
Love 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 how yoga can aid in healing and recovery. Restorative Yoga: Kate teaches restorative yoga classes that focus on gentle movements and bre...
- 257. What is Oncofertility? How To Navigate Genetics Fertility and Cancer Care (00:49:34)
Love 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 Bourdius , a hereditary cancer counselor, we explore the intersection of cancer treatment, fertility, and genetics. Alejandra shares insights from her...
- 256. Beyond the New Normal: Building Strength After Cancer Through Nutrition and Empowerment with Dr. Amy Morris (00:39:46)
Love 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 hormonal therapies, including weight gain and the challenges of sudden menopause. Dr. Morris shares her unique insights from both her professional backg...
- 255. My Mom and I Were Diagnosed With Breast Cancer In The Same Year | With Kathleen Moss (00:46:28)
Love 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 monitoring a shadow in her left breast. She detailed her experience with DCIS, the challenges of detecting lobular breast cancer, and the eventual discover...
- 254. Breast Cancer in Younger Women: Navigating Survivorship, Surgery Choices, and Lymphedema with Dr. Kohli (00:41:29)
Love 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. Dr. Kohli shared her insights on the increasing incidence of breast cancer in younger women and the importance of focusing on the quality of life...
- 253. Breast Reconstruction and Plastic Surgery Explained: Expert Insights from Dr. Thomas Francel (00:34:43)
Love 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 based on individual circumstances, preferences, and medical needs. We also touched on the emotional aspects of recovery, sharing heartfelt stories ...
- 252. What is Energy Medicine with Inflammatory Breast Cancer Survivor Dianne Faure (00:41:48)
Love 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 own diagnosis with inflammatory breast cancer. Dianne's background is impressive. She has resolved multiple health issues such as chronic pain, al...
- 251. The Power of Storytelling in Breast Cancer: Lessons from Cancer Bitch Author S.L. Wisenberg (00:44:42)
Love 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 how she turned her experience into a powerful narrative through her writing. We delved into S.L. Wisenberg’s inspiration for starting her blog, Canc...
- 250. Redefining Palliative Care and The Role of Supportive Care in Cancer Treatment with Dr. Janet Abrahm (00:52:45)
Love 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 at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. Abrahm is a leading expert in the palliative care needs of cancer patients and the author of the Comprehens...
- 249. Preparing for Breast Cancer Surgery: What You Need to Know with Dr. Tammaro (00:47:48)
Love 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 insights into the various surgical interventions available for those diagnosed with breast cancer. We talk about the different types of breast surg...
- 248. Enhancing Patient-Provider Communication in Breast Cancer Care with Stephanie S. Abbott (00:48:11)
Love 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 healthcare, including Chief Experience Officer for Adventist Health and Division Vice President of Patient Experience for HCA. Stephanie shared her perso...
- 247. Navigating Gender Bias and Legislation in Women's Health with Dr. Amani Jambhekar (00:39:38)
Love 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, driven by her commitment to women's health and her response to the Texas law SB8, which bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. We delved int...
- 246. Transforming Lives: Heather Salazar on Adoption, Cancer, and Pink Ribbon Good (00:37:11)
Love 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 with her connection to Alexis, a young mother with metastatic breast cancer. Heather and her husband adopted Alexis's baby, Lexi, and cared for Ale...
- 245. The Role of Advanced Imaging in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment (00:47:43)
Love 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 metastatic breast cancer, and Dr. Covington, a breast radiologist and nuclear radiologist from the University of Utah. Dr. Groteluschen shares his...