Breast Cancer Conversations

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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 the novel radiotracer Cerianna. This episode provides valuable insight into the field of nuclear medicine and its applications in oncology.

Topics Covered Include:
[00:01:20] Receptor Imaging in Breast Cancer.
[00:06:01] Developing estrogen receptor imaging agents.
[00:09:18] PET imaging in breast cancer.
[00:13:51] FES and breast cancer treatment.
[00:18:06] Functional Estrogen Receptors.
[00:23:11] Patient involvement in research.

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About SurvivingBreastCancer.org. 

Survivingbreastcancer.org (SBC) was created in 2017 to help fill the gaps in breast cancer support, education, and resources. It was founded by Laura Carfang,  who was recently diagnosed at that time in her early 30’s.  Since 2017, SBC has grown exponentially, serving members in the global breast cancer community.  Over these past few years, the SBC website has been visited by community members (over 1,000,000 page views) across 120+ plus countries, and Laura’s podcast, Breast Cancer Conversations has been listened to in over 80 countries. 

Leveraging technology and breaking down barriers to access and information, SBC puts the patient first, educating, encouraging and inspiring advocacy.  Community members are encouraged to participate in the various free programming, events and services and are all invited to contribute to resolving the growing needs of this population. 

Website:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/

Donate Now
Please consider making a donation.
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/donate-now

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Please share a review with us! If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share some stars! 

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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! 
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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 the lives of those affected by breast cancer.

[00:02:30] Living with metastatic disease.
[00:05:53] Genetic testing during fertility treatment.
[00:08:26] Genetic testing and family planning.
[00:11:39] Breastfeeding and Breast Cancer.
 [00:17:11] Breastfeeding and breast cancer.
[00:19:54] Breast cancer diagnosis.
[00:25:26] Tumor markers and medical mistake.
[00:28:41] Doctor's empathy towards cancer diagnosis.
[00:32:49] The Limitations of Medical Tests.
[00:37:12] Caregiving and Therapy.
[00:41:01] Finding a cancer-experienced therapist.
[00:48:00] Metastatic Breast Cancer Research.
[00:49:29] Developing medication for early stage.
[00:53:00] Non-medical management in healthcare.
[00:56:29] Patient advocacy and empowerment.
[01:01:02] Surviving survivorship.

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About SurvivingBreastCancer.org.
Survivingbreastcancer.org (SBC) was created in 2017 to help fill the gaps in breast cancer support, education, and resources. It was founded by Laura Carfang,  who was recently diagnosed at that time in her early 30’s.  Since 2017, SBC has grown exponentially, serving members in the global breast cancer community.  Over these past few years the SBC website has been visited by community members (over 1,000,000 page views) across 120+ plus countries, and Laura’s podcast, Breast Cancer Conversations has been listened to in over 80 countries. 

Leveraging technology and breaking down barriers to access and information, SBC puts the patient first, educating, encouraging and inspiring advocacy.  Community members are encouraged to participate in the various free programming, events and services and are all invited to contribute to resolving the growing needs of this population. 

Website:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/

Donate Now
Please consider making a donation.
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/donate-now

Tell Cancer To Take A Hike this October! 

It's free to sign up! Click here to sign up, start your team, and Tell Cancer To Take A Hike! 

Support the show

Listener Feedback

Please share a review with us! If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share some stars! 

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! 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

Love the podcast? Send us a text!

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. 

Survivingbreastcancer.org (SBC) was created in 2017 to help fill the gaps in breast cancer support, education, and resources. It was founded by Laura Carfang,  who was recently diagnosed at that time in her early 30’s.  Since 2017, SBC has grown exponentially, serving members in the global breast cancer community.  Over these past few years, the SBC website has been visited by community members (over 1,000,000 page views) across 120+ plus countries, and Laura’s podcast, Breast Cancer Conversations has been listened to in over 80 countries. 

Leveraging technology and breaking down barriers to access and information, SBC puts the patient first, educating, encouraging and inspiring advocacy.  Community members are encouraged to participate in the various free programming, events and services and are all invited to contribute to resolving the growing needs of this population. 

Website:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/

Donate Now
Please consider making a donation.
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/donate-now

Tell Cancer To Take A Hike this October! 

It's free to sign up! Click here to sign up, start your team, and Tell Cancer To Take A Hike! 

Support the show

Listener Feedback

Please share a review with us! If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share some stars! 

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! 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

Love the podcast? Send us a text!

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 to sit with our decisions based on the current situation. 46:21
• The power of taking a step back. 50:18 
• Perfectionism as a Lifestyle 54:39

About Dr. David Bullis

Dr. David P. Bullis, PhD has been a practicing psychologist since 1994 and devoted his professional life to helping people cope with medical illnesses.  He has worked in a variety of settings over the years but currently is the Director of Behavioral Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center at Newton Wellesley Hospital as well as running his own private practice focused on coping.  He has worked with patients, and their families, helping them find the practical skills that restore a sense of control while going through a process that can feel very overwhelming at times. He is the author of the new book: How to Get a Grip: Coping Strategies for Complicated Times: https://www.amazon.com/How-Get-Grip-Strategies-Complicated/dp/198227929X

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About SurvivingBreastCancer.org. 

Survivingbreastcancer.org (SBC) was created in 2017 to help fill the gaps in breast cancer support, education, and resources. It was founded by Laura Carfang,  who was recently diagnosed at that time in her early 30’s.  Since 2017, SBC has grown exponentially, serving members in the global breast cancer community.  Over these past few years the SBC website has been visited by community members (over 1,000,000 page views) across 120+ plus countries, and Laura’s podcast, Breast Cancer Conversations has been listened to in over 80 countries. 

Leveraging technology and breaking down barriers to access and information, SBC puts the patient first, educating, encouraging and inspiring advocacy.  Community members are encouraged to participate in the various free programming, events and services and are all invited to contribute to resolving the growing needs of this population. 

Website:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/

Donate Now
Please consider making a donation.
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/donate-now

Tell Cancer To Take A Hike this October! 

It's free to sign up! Click here to sign up, start your team, and Tell Cancer To Take A Hike! 

Support the show

Listener Feedback

Please share a review with us! If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share some stars! 

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! 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

Love the podcast? Send us a text!

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!

Tell Cancer To Take A Hike this October! 

It's free to sign up! Click here to sign up, start your team, and Tell Cancer To Take A Hike! 

Support the show

Listener Feedback

Please share a review with us! If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share some stars! 

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! 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

Love the podcast? Send us a text!

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 Is survivorship? 18:14
• Living out loud and beyond. 20:27
• Advocates for women with cancer. 25:03

A podcast produced by Survivingbreastcancer.org
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/

Programs and Events:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Join our Mailing List
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/subscribe

Tell Cancer To Take A Hike this October! 

It's free to sign up! Click here to sign up, start your team, and Tell Cancer To Take A Hike! 

Support the show

Listener Feedback

Please share a review with us! If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share some stars! 

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! 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

Love the podcast? Send us a text!

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/

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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 level. In general, physical activity is encouraged for breast cancer survivors, as it can have many physical and emotional benefits, such as reducing the risk of recurrence, improving quality of life, and reducing fatigue.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program. They can provide guidance on the types and intensity of exercise that are appropriate for the individual's specific situation. For example, someone who has recently undergone surgery or radiation therapy may need to modify their exercise routine until they have fully healed. Similarly, individuals with other health conditions may need to adjust their exercise program accordingly.

It is also important to listen to your body and stop exercising if you experience pain or discomfort. Gradually increasing the duration and intensity of exercise over time can help to prevent injury and improve overall fitness.

Tell Cancer To Take A Hike this October! 

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Support the show

Listener Feedback

Please share a review with us! If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share some stars! 

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! 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

Love the podcast? Send us a text!

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 we shine the light on Breast Cancer And Other Illnesses.

Meet the Panelists: 

Kathleen Friel, living with cerebral palsy AND metastatic breast cancer

Aneela Idnani, living with trichotillomania AND breast cancer

Lucy Kurz, living with a speech impediment, ADD and osteopenia, AND breast cancer

Melanie Contreras, living with a hearing impairment AND de Novo metastatic breast cancer. 

Tell Cancer To Take A Hike this October! 

It's free to sign up! Click here to sign up, start your team, and Tell Cancer To Take A Hike! 

Support the show

Listener Feedback

Please share a review with us! If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share some stars! 

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! 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

Love the podcast? Send us a text!

Tell Cancer To Take A Hike this October! 

It's free to sign up! Click here to sign up, start your team, and Tell Cancer To Take A Hike! 

Support the show

Listener Feedback

Please share a review with us! If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share some stars! 

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! 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work. 

Love the podcast? Send us a text!

 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 behind the ribbon! Welcome to the conversation!

Website:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/

Tell Cancer To Take A Hike this October! 

It's free to sign up! Click here to sign up, start your team, and Tell Cancer To Take A Hike! 

Support the show

Listener Feedback

Please share a review with us! If this episode resonated with you, we invite you to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share some stars! 

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! 
• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work.