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Lauren shared her story, starting from the unsettling discovery of a lump during a routine yoga practice to her diagnosis of stage 3, triple-positive breast cancer at the young age of 29. She recounted the initial disbelief, the urgency of starting treatment, and the life-altering decisions she faced, including fertility preservation through IVF before commencing chemotherapy.

00:03:59 - Lauren's Breast Cancer Diagnosis Story
00:08:48 - Family History and Genetic Testing
00:11:12 - Sharing Diagnosis with Family and Friends
00:14:21 - Treatment and Fertility Decisions
00:19:48 - Journey to Motherhood
00:25:08 - Children and Surrogacy Experience
00:33:44 - Starting Liv and Let and the Giv Shoppe

Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://www.livandlet.com/
https://www.givshoppe.com/

Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

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SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

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Latest News:

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• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work.

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Tune in to this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations as Shannon and Erin share their personal experiences with the Signatara test. Shannon, living with oligometastatic breast cancer, takes a holistic approach to her treatment plan, while Erin, with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer, offers insights from a different perspective.

Personalized blood tests for cancer, such as the Signatera are revolutionizing the way we monitor and treat cancer. These tests offer a non-invasive and more accurate way to detect circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream, allowing for early detection of cancer recurrence or progression.

The Signatera test, developed by Natera, uses a combination of blood samples and tissue samples to create a specialized test that can detect circulating tumor cells that may not be detectable through traditional testing methods. By analyzing the levels of these circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream, the test can provide valuable information about the presence of residual cancer cells and the risk of recurrence or progression.

Discover how Signatara is used to determine treatment plans and explore a variety of perspectives on managing breast cancer.

[00:07:12] Holistic cancer treatment approaches.

[00:14:06] Breast cancer treatment options.

[00:18:13] Pathology complete response.

[00:23:19] Circulating tumor cells detection.

[00:25:52] Genetic makeup of cancer cells.

[00:30:36] Exploring treatment options.

[00:37:31] Moments of advocacy and empowerment.

[00:44:33] Customizing Cancer Treatments.

[00:49:17] Early cancer detection methods.

[00:50:52] Misconceptions about cancer stages.

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Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

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Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/
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Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

Support the show

Latest News:

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• Enjoying our content? Please consider supporting our work.

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Dawn shares her journey from diagnosis to traveling the world doing cat sitting after caring for her mother. Their conversation touches on major milestones, personal experiences, and the impact of travel on Dawn's life post-treatment. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience and adventure.

00:02:08 - Travel Stories Post-Diagnosis
00:08:42 - Seeking a Second Opinion and Surgical Biopsy
00:12:34 - Dawn's Experience with Aromatase Inhibitors
00:19:02 - The Importance of Second Opinions and Patient Choice
00:21:24 - Dawn's Radiation Experience and Naturopathic Protocols
00:24:06 - The Importance of Self-Care and Lifestyle Adjustments
00:31:49 - The Three Stages of Recovery: Survive, Transform, Soar
00:34:41 - The Role of Self-Care in the Healing Process
00:40:12 - Embracing Travel as a Form of Emotional Release

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Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

Support the show

Latest News:

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

Love the episode? Send us a text!

In this episode, Emily Parks, a patient advocate and professional living with a chronic illness, shares her personal journey with medical PTSD, starting from her diagnosis at birth with a gene mutation affecting her GI system. She talks about the lack of mental health support in her medical treatment and how she learned to manage her condition and advocate for herself within the healthcare system.

We touch on the importance of recognizing medical PTSD, understanding its triggers, and learning how to communicate effectively with healthcare providers to ensure better care and support. Emily emphasizes the power of language in expressing our experiences and the need for literature that accurately reflects the trauma associated with chronic illness and medical treatment.

We cover practical tips for managing medical PTSD, such as setting boundaries with healthcare providers, seeking therapy, and finding coping mechanisms that work for you. We discuss the importance of building a respectful relationship with your medical team and how to advocate for your needs in a healthcare setting. Welcome to the Conversation! 

00:03:57 - Emily Parks' Personal Medical Journey
00:08:41 - Defining Medical PTSD
00:10:10 - Examples of Medical PTSD
00:14:28 - The Impact of Medical PTSD on Cancer Patients
00:18:12 - The Term "Non-Compliance" in Medical Notes
00:19:51 - Medical Gaslighting Explained
00:29:27 - Building a Trusting Relationship with Healthcare Providers
00:31:09 - The Importance of Language in Expressing Medical Trauma
00:33:06 - Practical Steps for Accessing Care with Medical PTSD
00:34:11 - Setting Boundaries with Healthcare Teams
00:37:10 - Coping Mechanisms and Self-Advocacy
00:44:55 - Resources and Articles on Medical PTSD
00:47:38 - The Importance of Patient-Centered Care
00:51:07 - The Power Dynamic Between Patients and Providers
00:52:31 - Strategies for Communicating with Healthcare Providers


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Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

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SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
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Laura: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels

Support the show

Latest News:

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

Love the episode? Send us a text!

In this episode, we had the pleasure of introducing our incredible Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Leadership Team. It was a heartwarming session where we delved into the personal journeys of our team members, each sharing their unique experiences with breast cancer.

Our conversation was guided by the ever-inspiring Abigail Johnston, a board member and a dear friend, who led us through the stories of our amazing guests. We heard from Katie, Sheila, Claudia, Melanie, Amy, and in spirit, Kathleen, who couldn't join us due to the side effects of MBC. Each story was a testament to the strength and resilience of those living with a metastatic diagnosis.

We discussed the importance of clinical trials, the power of education, and the need for community support. Our team also highlighted the resources and programs that Surviving Breast Cancer offers, including our webinar series, support groups, and the wealth of information available on our website.

The episode was not just about sharing stories; it was about building a family. We emphasized the significance of intimacy in our conversations and creating a space where we can share the most personal aspects of our lives with openness and trust.

Topics Covered:
00:03:33 - The Role of the MBC Leadership Team
00:06:02 - Personal Stories: Katie's Journey with MBC
00:09:08 - Sheila's Experience and Advocacy in the Hispanic Community
00:12:25 - Claudia's Experience with Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer
00:17:01 - Melanie's Transition from Early Stage to Metastatic Disease
00:23:05 - Amy's Diagnosis and Advocacy Work
00:29:22 - Honoring Kathleen's Contributions and Initiatives
00:32:01 - Abigail's Clinical Trial Experience and Advocacy
00:44:38 - Overcoming Cultural Barriers in the Hispanic Community
00:47:36 - The Significance of Education in Cancer Treatment

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

Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
SurvivingBreastCancerorg: https://www.instagram.com/survivingbreastcancerorg/
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/

Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strat

Support the show

Latest News:

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

Love the episode? Send us a text!

Today's episode of Breast Cancer Conversations features Rachel Burns, an incredible musician, singer, songwriter, and founder of the nonprofit Cancer Culture. Celebrating 10 years since her initial diagnosis, Rachel dives into her identity beyond cancer, highlighting her roles as a mom, daughter, and advocate. As a musician, Rachel describes the healing power of music and how it helped her process her emotions and experiences with cancer. Rachel's songs, which blend various genres, serve as a source of hope and inspiration for others facing similar challenges. Welcome to the Conversation

Rache's story is a powerful reminder that while cancer can change our lives, it doesn't have to define them. We can find strength in our passions, support in our communities, and hope in our continued efforts to live fulfilling lives.

Topics Covered:
00:02:17 - Living with Breast Cancer Post-Diagnosis
00:05:35 - Identity and Breast Cancer
00:12:36 - Mental Health and Cancer Diagnosis
00:16:02 - Lifestyle and Diet Before Cancer
00:24:29 - Finding Flow State Through Music
00:28:20 - The Healing Power of Art and Music
00:33:59 - Involvement with Cancer Culture

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Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

Support the show

Latest News:

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

Love the episode? Send us a text!

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jacquie Carter Angell, a remarkable woman who has not only survived non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as a teenager but is now living with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTBBC).

Jacquie shares her incredible journey with us, from being told she wouldn't live past her early 20s to becoming a mother, a wife, and a successful entrepreneur in the beauty industry. Despite her initial diagnosis of HER2-positive breast cancer and later, the more challenging triple-negative metastatic disease, Jacquie's spirit remains unbroken.

In our conversation, 's emphasized the importance of self-examination, noting that both times she discovered her breast cancer, it was through accidental self-discovery rather than routine mammograms. She highlighted the need for women, regardless of age, to be vigilant about their breast health.

Jacquie also opens up about the difficult decision of whether to disclose her cancer diagnosis to colleagues at work. She reflected on her first experience with breast cancer, where she prioritized her career over her health, and contrasted it with her current approach, which puts her well-being first! Welcome to the Conversation. 

00:02:05 - Jacquie's Personal Story and Cancer Experiences
00:09:06 - Deciding Whether to Share Diagnosis at Work
00:18:28 - Discovering the Recurrence of Cancer
00:23:06 - Experience on Trodelvy
00:24:01 - Understanding Triple Negative Breast Cancer
00:29:19 - Finding Positivity and New Interests During Cancer
00:31:28 - The Role of Caregivers and Family Support
00:32:38 - Advice for Those Recently Diagnosed


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Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

Support the show

Latest News:

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

Love the episode? Send us a text!

Today, we had the pleasure of having Melanie Sisk on the show to demystify the complex world of emerging endocrine therapies, often referred to as the "alphabet soup" of treatments. Melanie provided clarity on the different classes of drugs and how they interact with tumors, particularly focusing on those that target estrogen receptors.

We discussed:

• SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators): These drugs, like tamoxifen, block the growth of cancer cells by competing with estrogen receptors.
• SERDs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Down Regulators/Degraders): Drugs like Fluvestrant work by degrading estrogen receptors.
• SERANs (Complete Estrogen Receptor Antagonists): These block both pathways of estrogen, offering a complete blockade.
• PROTACs: A newer class that targets specific proteins, such as the estrogen receptor, to inhibit cancer growth.

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Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

Support the show

Latest News:

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

Love the episode? Send us a text!

Sanya has been conducting interviews with breast cancer patients and medical professionals to provide a comprehensive understanding of the treatment process. In this episode, Sanya interviews Gracita, a dedicated chemotherapy nurse who shares her own breast cancer journey and her passion for helping others. Gracita's story from the Bahamas to Haiti and eventually to the US serves as a testament to her commitment to making a difference. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and insights into the patient-medical team relationship.

Gracita, a chemotherapy nurse and breast cancer survivor, shares her perspective on the significance of building a strong relationship between patients and their medical team. As a chemotherapy nurse, she empathizes deeply with her patients, rejoicing in their victories and sharing their sorrows. This level of personalized care and empathy is a testament to the dedication of healthcare professionals involved in the treatment process.

The episode also highlights the different treatment modalities and recommendations for breast cancer, taking into account factors such as tumor size and characteristics (estrogen-positive, HER2-positive, or triple negative). This further underscores the need for tailored treatment plans that consider the specific characteristics of each individual's cancer.

Furthermore, the episode emphasizes the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest guidelines and research when creating treatment plans. This reflects the continuous evolution and refinement of treatment plans based on the latest evidence and advancements in breast cancer treatment.

[00:01:30] Gracita's breast cancer journey.

[00:08:06] Cancer treatment journey.

[00:09:30] Working with cancer patients.

[00:17:23] Religion and family in cancer journey.

[00:19:18] Importance of having support.

[00:23:47] The mystery of cancer.

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Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

Support the show

Latest News:

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

Love the episode? Send us a text!

In this episode, we delve into the exciting developments in antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) presented at the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

ADCs are a promising class of treatment that combines an antibody with a chemotherapy drug, aiming to target and kill cancer cells more effectively while reducing side effects. We discuss approved ADCs like Enhertu and Trodelvy, and highlight that there's an ADC available for every breast cancer subtype. With many more ADCs in clinical and preclinical trials, the future looks hopeful for breast cancer treatment.

We explain the structure of ADCs, which includes the antibody that targets cancer cells, the cytotoxic drug that kills the cells, and the linker that holds them together. We also touch on the importance of choosing treatment types based on personal circumstances, such as age and family responsibilities, as different treatments come with varying side effects.

During the episode, we cover two clinical trials in detail. The first is about Datopotamab Deruxtecan (DATO-DXD), which showed promising results in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative patients, offering increased progression-free survival and different side effect profiles compared to traditional chemotherapy. The second trial combined DATO-DXD with the immunotherapy drug Durvalumab for advanced and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, showing a high response rate and manageable side effects.

Our guest, Katie, shares her personal experiences with ADCs and provides insights into side effect management. She emphasizes the importance of dose adjustments and monitoring for specific side effects like nausea, vomiting, and interstitial lung disease. Katie also mentions the ongoing research to optimize dosing, detect side effects earlier, and engineer drugs with lower toxicity.

As always, we remind our listeners that the information shared on our podcast is based on personal experiences and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. We encourage you to reach out to your medical care team with any questions or concerns.

00:00:47 - Overview of Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs)
00:03:37 - FDA-Approved ADC Examples
00:04:49 - Datopotamab Deruxtecan (DATO-DXD) Clinical Trial Insights
00:07:10 - Combining DATO-DXD with Immunotherapy
00:08:23 - Managing ADC Side Effects
00:09:53 - Specific Recommendations for Current ADCs
00:11:09 - Future Directions in ADC Development

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Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) i

Support the show

Latest News:

• Become a Breast Cancer Conversations+ Member! Sign Up Now.
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