Breast Cancer Conversations

EPS 202. Good News for Triple Negative Breast Cancer: A Vaccine and Hope for the Future

In this episode, Laura Carfang interviews  Dr. Kumar, the chairman and CEO of Anixa Biosciences , and Jenni Davis, the first recipient of the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) vaccine, which is currently in preliminary clinical trial phases.  The vaccine is designed to prevent recurrence of breast cancer in survivors and eventually prevent cancer onset in women and men who have never had breast cancer before. It specifically focuses on triple-negative breast cancer but may have the potent...

202. Good News for Triple Negative Breast Cancer: A Vaccine and Hope for the Future

In this episode, Laura Carfang interviews  Dr. Kumar, the chairman and CEO of Anixa Biosciences , and Jenni Davis, the first recipient of the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) vaccine, which is currently in preliminary clinical trial phases.  The vaccine is designed to prevent recurrence of breast cancer in survivors and eventually prevent cancer onset in women and men who have never had breast cancer before. It specifically focuses on triple-negative breast cancer but may have the potent...

201. The Importance of Physical Therapy in Breast Cancer Recovery with Expert Derly Munoz

In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang speaks with Derly Munoz, a physical therapist specializing in oncology. We discuss the importance of physical therapy for breast cancer patients and survivors, and Derly shares valuable insights and strategies for managing the physical challenges that can arise during and after treatment.  Tune in to learn more about the role of physical therapy in breast cancer care and empowerment. Follow our Guest @cancermindandbodyrehab ...

200. Understanding Breast Cancer Screening Modalities With Experts Dr. Dibble and Dr. Rauch

In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang is joined by Dr. Dibble and Dr. Rauch, two experts in breast cancer imaging. Dr. Dibble is a radiologist with expertise in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, while Dr. Rauch is a professor of diagnostic radiology and the director of molecular breast imaging. Together, they discuss the latest advancements in breast cancer imaging and the importance of early detection. Tune in to learn more about the role of imaging in bre...

199. Exploring Nuclear Medicine with Dr. Jacene and Dr. Specht

I am thrilled to announce our latest podcast episode featuring Dr. Heather Jacene and Dr. Jennifer Specht.  In this episode, we dive into the topic of nuclear medicine and its role in breast cancer treatment. Dr. Jacene, Assistant Chief of Nuclear Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Clinical Director of Nuclear Medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute shares her expertise on the latest advancements in nuclear medicine and how it can be used to detect and treat breast cancer. Dr. Sp...

198. Diet, Exercise, and a Breast Cancer Vaccine, Oh My, with Judith Fitzgerald

In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang introduces guest Judith Fitzgerald, a 14-year breast cancer survivor and patient advocate. Judith is the founder of Sisters for Prevention, a company dedicated to supporting those newly diagnosed with breast cancer through education on diet and lifestyle strategies to reduce recurrence and primary prevention of the disease. She is also an advocate for women's health and has lobbied Congress for a women's health initiative to ...

197. The Fight for My Life: Boxing Through Chemo with Kelly Motley

Topics in today's episode: Physical and mental tools to give hope to others. 3:47  How she discovered boxing. 7:55  The importance of having a tool belt in your bag. 11:27 The importance of walking after surgery. 18:09 What type of surgeries did you have? 20:45 The importance of having a support system. 26:58 How the macrobiotic diet helped her. 29:27 The power of diet and food. 33:50 About Kelly Motley Kelly Motley is the author of The Fight for My Life: Boxing Through Chemo, whic...

196. The Power of Circulating Tumor DNA (CT DNA) and Genetic Testing in Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions with Natera’s Janie Fielder.

In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, Laura Carfang, founder of SurvivingBreastCancer.org, speaks with Janie Fielder a medical science liaison at Natera. The conversation centers around Signatera as well as genetic testing and the tools available for breast cancer patients to make informed decisions about their diagnosis and treatment plans. Fielder, previously a practicing nurse practitioner, manages a team of MSLs at Natera. The episode sheds light on the outstanding opportunitie...

196. The Power of Circulating Tumor DNA (CT DNA) and Genetic Testing in Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions with Natara's Janie Fielder.

In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, Laura Carfang, founder of SurvivingBreastCancer.org, speaks with Janie Fielder a medical science liaison at Natara. The conversation centers around Signitera as well as genetic testing and the tools available for breast cancer patients to make informed decisions about their diagnosis and treatment plans. Fielder, previously a practicing nurse practitioner, manages a team of MSLs at Natara. The episode sheds light on the outstanding opportunitie...

195. Nuclear Medicine and the importance of PET Imaging in Breast Cancer Oncology with Dr. Dehdashti

In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang speaks with Dr. Dehdashti,  a board-certified nuclear medicine expert and senior vice chair at the Washington University Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology.  Dr. Dehdashti discusses her decades of experience in translational PET research and interpreting PET imaging studies, with a focus on receptor imaging in breast cancer.  She shares her experience designing and executing clinical trials, including the first human use of ...

195. Nuclear Medicine and the Importance of PET Imaging in Breast Cancer Oncology with Dr. Dehdashti

In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang speaks with Dr. Dehdashti,  a board-certified nuclear medicine expert and senior vice chair at the Washington University Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology.  Dr. Dehdashti discusses her decades of experience in translational PET research and interpreting PET imaging studies, with a focus on receptor imaging in breast cancer.  She shares her experience designing and executing clinical trials, including the first human use of ...

194. Getting to Know Abigail Johnston: A Breast Cancer Advocate's Story

In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, founder Laura Carfang turns the tables and interviews Board Director Abigail Johnston about her experience, living with metastatic breast cancer and her involvement as a fierce patient advocate.  Abigail shares her inspiring story of being a change maker and connector within the breast cancer community, while also being a mom, wife, and cat momma.  You can expect to be empowered by Abigail's words of wisdom and continued commitment to improving...

193. DIEP Flat Reconstruction - What you need to know about Changes in Insurance Codes

Topics in today's Episode: Advice for women with genetic variants. 4:08  It’s not your fault. It is not. 16:43 Adriana’s experience with breast surgery. 25:38 What does it take for insurance to approve implants? 29:34 Being denied DIEP Flap due to BMI 33:47 The difference between the tram flap vs. the deep flap. 40:47 The problem with the old tram flap code. 45:19 Sharing the sacred stories of survivors. 52:25 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ About SurvivingBreastCancer.org.  Sur...

193. DIEP Flap Reconstruction - What you need to know about Changes in Insurance Codes

Topics in today's Episode: Advice for women with genetic variants. 4:08  It’s not your fault. It is not. 16:43 Adriana’s experience with breast surgery. 25:38 What does it take for insurance to approve implants? 29:34 Being denied DIEP Flap due to BMI 33:47 The difference between the tram flap vs. the DIEP flap. 40:47 The problem with the old tram flap code. 45:19 Sharing the sacred stories of survivors. 52:25 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ About SurvivingBreastCancer.org.  Sur...

EPS 192. How to Get a Grip: Coping Strategies for Complicated Times with Dr. David Bullis

Topics in today's episode How to get a grip on stress. 1:57 Losing control and the loss of agency. 5:24 The difference between uncertainty and survivorship. 12:25 The four pillars of survivorship. 15:34 The value of language. 21:31 Hormonal shifts are the real deal. 24:56 Tools for dealing with stress and coping. 27:39 Setting expectations based on your energy level. 33:04 The timeframe of right now and the future. 35:39 Making decisions based on what's important to you. 41:38 How...

192. How to Get a Grip: Coping Strategies for Complicated Times with Dr. David Bullis

Topics in today's episode How to get a grip on stress. 1:57 Losing control and the loss of agency. 5:24 The difference between uncertainty and survivorship. 12:25 The four pillars of survivorship. 15:34 The value of language. 21:31 Hormonal shifts are the real deal. 24:56 Tools for dealing with stress and coping. 27:39 Setting expectations based on your energy level. 33:04 The timeframe of right now and the future. 35:39 Making decisions based on what's important to you. 41:38 How...

191. The Rundown of Resources for Breast Cancer Survivors & Thrivers with Christine Hodgdon (Part II)

In today's episode, Breast Cancer Advocate Christine Hodgdon provides a detailed list of the amazing non-profit organizations and resources that offer support, education, and community to those living with MBC.   The list is long but don't worry, we have you covered with the PDF so you can access the programs we mention! Support the Show.

190. The Rundown of Resources for Breast Cancer Survivors & Thrivers with Stephanie Walker (Part I)

In today's episode, Breast Cancer Advocate Stephanie Walker provides a detailed list of the amazing non-profit organizations and resources that offer support, education, and community to those living with MBC. The list is long but don't worry, we have you covered with the PDF so you can access the programs we mention! Topics Covered: Introduction to today’s episode. 1:20 Women of color and breast cancer. 2:48 The importance of talking about health issues in the community. 13:09 What I...

189. Is it Safe To Exercise After Being Diagnosed With Breast Cancer? | with Michelle Stravitz from 2Unstoppable

In today's episode, we speak with Michelle Stravitz, co-founder of 2Unstoppable, a non-profit focused specifically on exercise for those diagnosed with cancer. Links: https://2unstoppable.org/ https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The safety of exercising after a breast cancer diagnosis depends on a variety of factors, including the stage of cancer, the type of treatment received, and the individual's overall health and fitness ...

188. Living with Other Illnesses And Then Getting Breast Cancer | Kathleen Friel, Aneela Idnani, Melanie Contreras & Lucia Kurz

Are you or someone you know living with a chronic illness and then on top of the underlying condition, get diagnosed with breast cancer? It's not uncommon! Today we bring the community together to discuss how breast cancer affects those already living with a chronic illness. We all may suffer from one ailment or another from ADHD and anxiety to multiple sclerosis and Lyme disease.  Join us for a panel discussion and opportunity to ask questions and share personal experiences. This October w...

187. Creating Resources and Programs Specific for Those Living with MBC

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186. Meet the Men Behind the Ribbon | Rod Richie, Bob Huebner & Vance Stacks.

 In today's episode, we speak with Rod Richie, Bob Huebner & Vance Stacks, three men who all have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Yes, men can absolutely get breast cancer. While it is much less common in men than women, it still does happen and should not be ignored. Symptoms of breast cancer in men can include a lump or thickening in the chest area, breast tenderness or pain, nipple discharge (not milky), and changes to the shape or texture of the skin on the breast. Meet the men behind...

186. Meet the Men Behind the Ribbon | Rod Ritchie, Bob Huebner & Vance Stacks.

 In today's episode, we speak with Rod Ritchie, Bob Huebner & Vance Stacks, three men who all have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Yes, men can absolutely get breast cancer. While it is much less common in men than women, it still does happen and should not be ignored. Symptoms of breast cancer in men can include a lump or thickening in the chest area, breast tenderness or pain, nipple discharge (not milky), and changes to the shape or texture of the skin on the breast. Meet the men behin...

185. Yes, I Have Cancer, But What About My Kids?

Cancer is a difficult topic for anyone to discuss, but it's especially hard when you have to talk about it with your kids. That's why we've brought together three experts and two children who have been through this before to help you navigate these conversations. They'll share their tips on what worked for them and what resources are available to support your family. You're not alone when it comes to talking with your kids about breast cancer. We know that it can be difficult to figure ou...

Yes, I Have Cancer, But What About My Kids?

Cancer is a difficult topic for anyone to discuss, but it's especially hard when you have to talk about it with your kids. That's why we've brought together three experts and two children who have been through this before to help you navigate these conversations. They'll share their tips on what worked for them and what resources are available to support your family. You're not alone when it comes to talking with your kids about breast cancer. We know that it can be difficult to figure ou...

184. What is the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Scoring Scale? Featuring Ginny Mason (Part II)

Resources in this episode: Inflammatory breast cancer defined: proposed common diagnostic criteria to guide treatment and research: https://42020577-8833-45e8-8058-fa42c092d058.usrfiles.com/ugd/420205_4cacf54d524c4cd6a67dd9ffcddb84be.pdf Website: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events Part I: Support the Show.

183. A 23 Year Look at Inflammatory Breast Cancer with Ginny Mason (Part I)

We discuss Inflammatory Breast Cancer. A rare form of breast cancer that affects less than 5% of those diagnosed with breast cancer. Ginny Mason, from the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation, was given a 3% chance of making it to 5 years. Today she is sharing her story 23 years later and the important research taking place in the IBC space. Websites: Survivingbreastcancer.org https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation https://www....

182. Catching up with Laura and William before SABCS

Laura and William share what they are most excited about heading into the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.  Visit Survivingbreastcancer.org/events to learn more about all of our programs.  Support the Show.

181. Heidi's Hope. Finding Your Way Forward

Heidi was diagnosed with de novo metastatic breast cancer.  After a year of treatment consisting mostly of chemotherapy, her brain was found to be affected by the disease as well. She has since undergone three gamma knife procedures.  The side effects from the gamma knife have been manageable, mostly just fatigue and some cognitive difficulties.  Despite all this, Heidi says she feels mentally stronger than before her diagnosis and is better able to prioritize what's important in her life. ...

180. Survivors Grief, Family, and Managing Progression with Amy, Amanda and Claudia

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179. When you have that gut feeling with Amy Parliman

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178. What to Know About Medical Marijuana for Breast Cancer

Resources Mentioned: NurseKristin.com: http://www.nursekristin.com/  Fighting bc w/cannabis Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/158067737931960/?ref=sharehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/158067737931960/?ref=share&exp=9594 Support the Show.

177. Living with MBC and Experiencing the Realities of Progression with Amy Parliaman, Claudia Gonzalez, and Amanda Raffenaud

About the presenters:  Amanda Raffenaud Amanda has been living with state 4 metastatic breast cancer since 2018. Not only was she completely shocked to be diagnosed with breast cancer, de novo, at the age of 38, but she was shocked to learn it had spread to dozens of bones in her body. She had no early stage breast cancer diagnosis and was even under the care of a breast surgeon for four years prior to her metastatic diagnosis. Since diagnosis, she has been in active treatment for stage 4 ...

176. Pelvic Floor Health with Physical Therapist Beth Hoag

A diagnosis of breast cancer can have a profound impact on a person’s life, both physically and emotionally. In addition to undergoing treatment and managing the side effects, many women are also faced with the challenge of maintaining their pelvic health. Pelvic floor disorders, such as incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, are common in women who have had breast cancer, due to the damage caused by chemotherapy, injections, surgery, and radiation therapy. These disorders can be both embar...

175. What is Cryrotherapy and How Does It Work? | With Dr. Soyano & the NatraCure Team

Have you ever wondered how new therapeutic products are designed and created? We were also curious about this process, and decided to learn more about it from a few of our friends at NatraCure, a New Jersey-based therapeutics company and longtime partner of SBC. We sat down with Ben Tiffany, President of Sales and Marketing, Diane Lee, Director of Marketing, and Jim Bush, COO and Director of Product Development, along with Dr. Axia Soyano at Moffit Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida to discuss ...

174. God Had Other Plans For Me | With 3x Male Breast Cancer Survivor, Vance Stacks

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173. Innovation and Technology Can Lead to Better Patient Outcomes with Maya Said, CEO and Founder Outcomes4Me

People across the world are diagnosed with a life-changing illnesses every day. These sudden changes can leave patients lost and frustrated with how they should approach treatment options for themselves, especially in the fast-growing field of medicine and technology. During this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, we speak with Maya Said, the founder and CEO of Outcomes4Me, an app and website that gives patients information about treatment options and provides access to educational reso...

173. Innovation and Technology Can Lead to Better Patient Outcomes with Maya Said, CEO and Founder OutComes4Me

People across the world are diagnosed with a life-changing illnesses every day. These sudden changes can leave patients lost and frustrated with how they should approach treatment options for themselves, especially in the fast-growing field of medicine and technology. During this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, we speak with Maya Said, the founder and CEO of Outcomes4Me, an app and website that gives patients information about treatment options and provides access to educational reso...

Creative, Simple, and Powerful Ways To Leave Your Mark On The World.

Actions speak louder than words, but what if your love language is through writing, storytelling, or art? Today we speak with 25 women who are living with metastatic breast cancer. They share their definition of legacy and how they want to pass along their memories, traditions, and artifacts to the friends, family, and loved ones they will leave behind.   It's never too early to leave your mark on the world. Acts of kindness go a long way and people will remember how you made them feel. In ...

172. Creative, Simple, and Powerful Ways To Leave Your Mark On The World.

Actions speak louder than words, but what if your love language is through writing, storytelling, or art? Today we speak with 25 women who are living with metastatic breast cancer. They share their definition of legacy and how they want to pass along their memories, traditions, and artifacts to the friends, family, and loved ones they will leave behind.   It's never too early to leave your mark on the world. Acts of kindness go a long way and people will remember how you made them feel. In ...

171. Sexual Health and Breast Cancer with Dr. Bober

Sex is everywhere, whether it’s on your tv screen, a book you’re reading, or on social media.  Yet, sexual health is a taboo subject for many people, and when undergoing cancer treatment, it can disrupt people’s day-to-day lives. In this episode we speak with Dr. Sharon Bober from Dana Farber Cancer Institute about the sexual health challenges breast cancer patients face, the effect cancer treatment has on the body,  and how it affects sexual relationships.  Sexual health needs to be a part...

170. Healing from TNBC and a BRCA2+ Diagnosis Through Art Therapy Featuring Stephanie McLeod-Estevez Art Therapy

Today we speak with breast cancer survivor and art therapist, Stephanie McLeod-Estevez! After loosing her mother to metastatic breast cancer, Stephanie was diagnosed with TNBC and found out she was BRCA2+.  Learn not only about her personal breast cancer story but how turning to art has helped her heal! Learn more about Stephanie and her work at : https://creative-transformations.com/ Check out her book, Beautiful Boobs: https://beautifulboobsthebook.com/ Attend an event: https://www.sur...

169. My Black Experience with Stage II A Lobular Breast Cancer

Megan-Claire Chase is a black southern bell who shares her experience of being a black woman diagnosed with lobular breast cancer. This episode brings to light conversations the tough conversations about race and how we can all become better allies.  Support the Show.

168. This Is My Metastatic Breast Cancer Story: 4 Women Living With Stage IV

Today we meet the Survivingbreastcancer.org MBC Leadership Team.  Angela Rose, Dawn Oswald, Kathleen Friel, and Kristen Carter.  Support the Show.

167. Metabolic Health and Breast Cancer Brings Clinical Trials for TNBC and MBC Patients

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167. Metabolic Health and Breast Cancer Brings Clinical Trials for TNBC and MBC Patients

Metabolic Health and Breast Cancer Brings Clinical Trials for TNBC and MBC Patients

166. Radiation Therapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) with Dr. Rachel Jimenez and Dr. Kim Corbin.

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166. Radiation Therapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) with Dr. Rachel Jimenez and Dr. Kim Corbin.

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165. A Caregivers Guide to Cancer with Ammie Dover

You know the expression put your oxygen  mask on first before helping others, well, the same applies for caregivers. If you are in a caregiving role Ammie share's her toolkit of what has worked for her and her husband, Jose.  She provides concrete examples of how these tools and methodologies work for her in her household. Ammie's website: https://caregiversguidetocancer.com/ Download Resources: https://caregiversguidetocancer.com/resources/ ***********************************************...