DJBreastCancer

Sonja Lang is a recent breast cancer survivor, mother to a beautiful 3 year old daughter, Penni.  Sonja and I discuss how writing helped us both through difficult times.  Sonja describes keeping her writing honest and open, writing like nobody was reading.  Sonja turned to Caringbridge to keep friends and family posted on her cancer journey. 

Sonja recalls how care packages helped her through tough times and she jumped right into helping other survivors.  She created care packages for those in active treatment called SonjasSaviors (link below).  If you would like to request or sponsor a care package, Sonja is very motivated to share her love and experience with others!

https://sonjassaviors.org/

This week’s guest on DJ Breast Cancer is Jaclyn Alterwein. Jaclyn is a 3 year breast cancer survivor passionately spreading her message of #AnnualMammosSaveLives Now, she is not just a breast cancer survivor... She is a whole lot more than that too... mother, dancer, women’s advocate, fitness professional, Certified Holistic Health Coach ( through IIN), former New York Knicks City Dancer/Captain/Choreographer, entertainment producer, and friend.  

Melanie explains importance of yoga in the midst of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis.  Melanie also discusses the benefits for a pflap reconstruction option that many breast cancer survivors are not aware of.  Pap Flap uses tissue from the inner thigh to reconstruct breasts, an alternative to breast implants.  As a thin woman, the diep flap (more widely common) was not an option for Melanie.  Melanie also discusses her journey to Bali to explore yoga and eat the amazing food!  Melanie talks about her word for 2020:  Thrive! 

Erin Powers, metastatic breast cancer survivor describes her initial diagnosis of breast cancer (Stage 2) and then metastatic breast cancer, after scans.

Erin talks about life in the midst of cancer, positivity and wants to be her own statistic.  She describes the rabbit hole of googling metastatic breast cancer.  

Erin talks about the importance of research.  We are all AWARE that breast cancer exists, but more is needed for Stage 4.  Erin describes her October trip to Washington DC to talk to members of Congress and representatives to make changes that can help others with disability waiting periods, medication costs and more funding for Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Erin talks about Harry Potter, celebrations after diagnosis and how life has changed (and stayed the same).  Erin is real and authentic, strong and vulnerable.  Together, we start discussions on how we can bridge early and late stage breast cancer.  

Carol Largent

Eboney Thompson is a breast cancer thriver, diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer in December 2018 at the age of 37.  Eboney is a single mom of 4 beautiful, thoughtful and amazing children.  Eboney is the author of a book, a memoir titled, "The Hustle Journey".  Eboney discusses the importance of prayer and journaling as a means of escape and releasing everything.  Eboney is a committed to have her story be an example for others, a stepping stone for those in a cancer battle or difficult life journey.  Eboney's philosophy is "Cancer didn't happen to me, it happened for me".  Eboney is positive, she is relentless, she is inspiring and she is such an example of Thriving with Breast Cancer. 

My Breast Friends and Survivor Sisters, Alana Kitch and Tiffaney Cline talk about Breast Cancer Awareness, Giving Back and Life after Cancer.

Dr. Tali Lando discusses her breast cancer journey from the perspective of a doctor, patient and the daughter of a patient. Dr. Tali Lando describes her book Hell and Back, and how this unique perspective allowed her to share her story with others.

Dr. Tali Lando describes the importance of support and how it is different for each person.  She details her friend from medical school and finding the "right person for you" in the midst of a cancer diagnosis.  
https://drtaliaronoff.com/

Dr. Teplinsky talks about her podcast Interlude and patient care as an oncologist https://interludecancerstories.com/

Dr. Teplinsky talks about Fake News and trying to bring truth and fact based information to cancer patients and their caregivers.

Casey Metzkes talks about her breast cancer journey, being diagnosed at the young age of 27.  Casey describes fertility options along with being a nurse and then a patient in the face of cancer.