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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 cancer, undergoing countless bone infusions, multiple surgeries, chemotherapy lines, and monthly oncology visits. She is on her 8th line of treatment in 3 years to help stop the growth and spread of cancer.  Currently she has mets to both breasts, lungs, liver, bones, and brain.

Amy Parliaman

Amy Ellen Parliman lives life by faith and enjoys spreading kindness. She has a passion for serving her community thru her career in healthcare. 26 years ago, she went to school to become a radiology technologist. She enjoys performing diagnostic imaging on her patients, she prides herself in safe and quality care. About 12 years ago she became a leader in her field and has moved into a leadership role in the Diagnostic Imaging Department.

On January 29, 2014 Amy became a Cancer patient.  She underwent treatment for stage III breast cancer during 2014. She lived with NED until January 29, 2019 then she was told she had MBC. She is currently on her first line treatment. If the opportunity presents, she will share her various experiences of living after diagnosis.

Claudia Gonzalez

Claudia was born in Colombia, South America where she grew up surrounded by her parents, brother, sister, and many close-knit extended family members, including more than 20 aunts and uncles and 100 cousins. Looking for new opportunities, Claudia, her parents, and siblings made the United States their home in 1980. Moving to a new country, learning a new language, and leaving family and friends was a challenge for Claudia.  In March of 2018, Claudia faced a bigger life challenge. She was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. A few weeks after the original diagnosis and after numerous tests she was informed the cancer cells had traveled to her bones and stage IV was added to her diagnosis. Claudia started her journey to treat this aggressive type of cancer in April 2018. Treatment included aggressive chemotherapy followed by a right mastectomy, one intense radiation to the lower vertebra, radiations to right chest and lymph nodes, and oral chemo that ended in September 2019. From October of 2019 to June of 2021 Claudia had - No Evidence of Disease (NED). A mammogram of her left breast done on June 8th, 2021, revealed two lumps. That same day a biopsy was completed and a few days later it was confirmed both tumors were again Tripple Negative Breast Cancer. The fear of recurrence unfortunately had become a reality for Claudia. 

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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 embarrassing and debilitating, making it difficult for women to live their lives to the fullest. While there is no cure for menopause (medical or not), there are ways to manage the symptoms.

 Connect with Beth Hoag:

Website: www.bethhoagphysio.ca

New Online program: https://beth-hoag.mykajabi.com/breast-cancer-surgery-recovery-program-long-form-sales-page-1-fb62b79e-c8af-4c7b-83a0-0c999d636f4e

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethhoagphysio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethhoagphysio

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI4LRJB7qW8dUqBJBgVvi8w

Resources Mentioned: 
https://42020577-8833-45e8-8058-fa42c092d058.usrfiles.com/ugd/420205_37ca48c595df457899b38b4f4629bd56.pdf

Connect with SurvivingBreastCancer.org (SBC):

Surviving Breast Cancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/

Connect with us on Social

• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/SURVIVINGBREASTCANCER 
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Survivingbreastcancerorg
• Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/BreastCancerConversations/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SBC_org 
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/survivingbreastcancerorg/

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Latest News: 

• Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday! 
• Discover FREE programs, support groups, and resources from SurvivingBReastCancer.org! 
• Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

Love the podcast? Send us a text!

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 their unique cryotherapy product line:  how it came to be, and how it works to prevent chemotherapy side effects and complications.

Cryotherapy primarily works by temporarily decreasing circulation in sensitive areas such as the hands and feet, which also limits the amount of chemotherapy that is able to reach and damage the many nerves in these areas. However, in creating a product for this purpose, it’s not as simple as it seems; there’s a lot that needs to be addressed, and input from patients is paramount in creating a successful, helpful therapy. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of creating and distributing a cryotherapy line at NatraCure, and how they pledged to always make your comfort their goal. Welcome to the conversation!

Topics Discussed 

• Forging relationships between non-profit and for-profit organizations
• Common clinical side effects of chemotherapies affecting quality of life, especially as women and/or long-term survivors
• Lifestyle and chemotherapy product lines at NatraCure
• Comparing new therapies to products already on the market
• What cryotherapy is and how it can help chemotherapy side effects such as neuropathy
• How cryotherapy products work to mitigate damage
• Self-care and letting yourself rest as a cancer patient/survivor
• Keeping the target population in mind and involved  for future therapeutic development
• Creating a mission statement

Resources Mentioned 

NatraCure.com

NatraCure Hydrating Gloves: https://natracure.com/products/intense-hydrating-gel-gloves?_pos=8&_sid=2bd783da5&_ss=r 

NatraCure Cold Therapy Products: https://natracure.com/collections/chemotherapy-products

NatraCure- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natracurecomfort

NatraCure-Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatraCure

NatraCure- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natracure/

NatraCure- Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natracure?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Surviving Breast Cancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/

Connect with us on Social

• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/SURVIVINGBREASTCANCER 
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Survivingbreastcancerorg
• Pinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/BreastCancerConversations/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SBC_org 
• Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/survivingbreastcancerorg/

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If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

You can also click the link in the show notes that says "Love this episode? Send us a text" to share feedback.

Messages are completely anonymous.

If you would like us to follow up directly, please include your email address in your message so we can respond.

Latest News: 

• Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday! 
• Discover FREE programs, support groups, and resources from SurvivingBReastCancer.org! 
• Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

Love the podcast? Send us a text!

Support the show

Listener Feedback

If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

You can also click the link in the show notes that says "Love this episode? Send us a text" to share feedback.

Messages are completely anonymous.

If you would like us to follow up directly, please include your email address in your message so we can respond.

Latest News: 

• Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday! 
• Discover FREE programs, support groups, and resources from SurvivingBReastCancer.org! 
• Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

Love the podcast? Send us a text!

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 resources leading to better patient outcomes.  

This episode touches on topics such as technology-based solutions, biotech innovations, clinical trials, and personalized navigation throughout the breast cancer journey. Just like technology and treatment options, Outcomes4Me continues to grow and expand, with over 70,000 breast cancer patients using their website and app. Patients today still struggle to have power and control over their treatment, but Outcomes4Me aims to give patients power by providing the tools to make their own decisions regarding their treatment. Welcome to the conversation! 

Topics Discussed 

• Technology based solutions for new treatment plans
• New biotechnology innovation to create new cures  
• Better utilization of clinical trials as a treatment option 
  • 80-85% of cancer patients aren’t aware of how clinical trials are their best treatment option 
• Improving standards of care to empower patients
• Targeted treatment plans with personalized evidence-based navigation 
• Continuous navigation throughout the care journey for patients 

Resources Mentioned 

​​https://www.outcomes4me.com/

https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/ 

https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Connect with us on Social

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/SURVIVINGBREASTCANCER 
• Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Survivingbreastcancerorg
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/BreastCancerConversations/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SBC_org 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingbreastcancerorg/
• Subscribe to our newsletter https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/subscribe-1
• Donate to our non-profit organization https://tinyurl.com/yc9cgt4e
• Attend an event https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

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If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Latest News: 

• Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday! 
• Discover FREE programs, support groups, and resources from SurvivingBReastCancer.org! 
• Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

Love the podcast? Send us a text!

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 today's episode you will hear the inspiring and creative ways have a lasting impact on future generations to come. 

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If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Messages are completely anonymous.

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Latest News: 

• Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday! 
• Discover FREE programs, support groups, and resources from SurvivingBReastCancer.org! 
• Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

Love the podcast? Send us a text!

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 of the conversation when speaking with oncologists. Just like being asked about various side effects asking about one’s sexual health while going through treatment should also be commonplace. We need to elevate survivorship voices and the long-term challenges we face. Learn what steps you can take to restore your sexual health and how to navigate these conversations with your medical providers. Welcome to the Conversation! 

Topics Discussed: 

• The effects breast cancer treatment has on the body and how it affects sex 
• Resources and support provided on sexual health for cancer survivors 
• Menopause and how it affects breast cancer survivors 
• Body image and the role it plays in our sexual health and breast cancer 
• Ovarian suppression treatment and the side effects it has on sexual health 
• Sex and sexual health is still taboo, even with all of the studies and information on how it affects cancer survivors 
• It needs to be part of the conversation and should be talked about as often as when asked about other side effects 
• Elevate survivorship voices 

Resources Mentioned: 

Multidisciplinary clinic at Dana Farber in Boston https://www.dana-farber.org/for-patients-and-families/care-and-treatment/support-services-and-amenities/sexual-health-program/ 

The scientific network for female and sexual health and cancer 

https://www.cancersexnetwork.org/ 

North American Menopause Society website 

https://www.menopause.org/ 

Recommendations/guidelines: 

NCCN https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail 

ASCO https://www.asco.org/practice-patients/guidelines

SurvivingBreastCancer Resources:
Website: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Events: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

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If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Messages are completely anonymous.

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Latest News: 

• Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday! 
• Discover FREE programs, support groups, and resources from SurvivingBReastCancer.org! 
• Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

Love the podcast? Send us a text!

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.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Read our blog:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-blog

Follow us on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/survivingbreastcancerorg/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SBC_org
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Survivingbreastcancerorg

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If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Messages are completely anonymous.

If you would like us to follow up directly, please include your email address in your message so we can respond.

Latest News: 

• Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday! 
• Discover FREE programs, support groups, and resources from SurvivingBReastCancer.org! 
• Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

Love the podcast? Send us a text!

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

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Latest News: 

• Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday! 
• Discover FREE programs, support groups, and resources from SurvivingBReastCancer.org! 
• Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

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

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If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Messages are completely anonymous.

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Latest News: 

• Join our Mailing List - New content drops every Monday! 
• Discover FREE programs, support groups, and resources from SurvivingBReastCancer.org! 
• Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now. 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work.