Down There Aware

By Down There Aware

A podcast bringing awareness to gynecologic cancers, women's health, and patient advocacy.... more

· Health & Fitness

5

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FAQs about Down There Aware:

How many episodes does Down There Aware have?

The podcast currently has 127 episodes available.

Down There Aware episodes:

October 18, 2021Know Your Limits
In this week’s episode, Alex and Mary discuss knowing your limitations and speaking up instead of over-exerting yourself.
Listen on our website, www.downthereaware.com/podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Episode Highlights
Welcome back! [0:40]

Rate and Review DTA [0:57]

Mary’s 2nd Wednesday Coffee [1:25]

Alex’s crazy week [2:00]

Pulling an all-nighter [3:05]

Edema [3:53]

“A man’s got to know his limitations.” [4:00]

Advocate for yourself [4:45]

Accept your limitations [5:40]

The toll of exhaustion [6:55]

Kindness of strangers [8:02]

Melt-down [8:15]

Consequences [9:10]

Progression of heart failure [9:36]

Perception/Stigma of weight [10:28]

Caring about what others think [11:38]

Acceptance [14:13]

Ableist society [16:10]

Realizing limitations and speaking up [18:13]

Always learning [19:47]

Do what’s best for YOU! [20:21]

Listen to your body [24:45]

What are your limitations? ]26:00]

Thanks for listening! [27:19]
Stay Connected
Email Us: [email protected]
Instagram:@downthereaware
Facebook: Down There Aware
Twitter: @downthereaware
Pinterest: Down There Aware
TikTok: Down There Aware
Summary Keywords
Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, advanced imaging, diagnosis, knowledge, women, fear, symptoms, limitations, edema, obesity
#Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #advancedimaging #diagnosis #women #womenshealth #gynecology #health #mother #daughter #limitations #obesity #edema
...more
28min
October 11, 2021It's All in the Genes!
In this week’s episode, Alex and Mary discuss genetic testing, specifically related to breast cancer. They touch on the advancements that have been made in genetic testing and the different perspectives on the need for and/or the benefits of genetic testing.
Listen on our website, www.downthereaware.com/podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Episode Highlights
Welcome back! [0:40]

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month [1:35]

Genetic testing [2:02]

Hesitancy [2:25]

HCM mutated gene [3:20]

Susan Berger interview [4:42]

Insurance constraints [5:00]

PALB2 mutated gene [7:25]

Predisposition to cancer, 11 genes [10:03]

CHEK2 mutated gene [10:45]

Prophylactic surgery [11:18]

Lynch Syndrome [12:17]

Genetic testing mix-up [13:24]

Prostate cancer [14:43]

Science/Medicine are constantly evolving [15:09]

Who should get genetic testing? [15:59]

From IHSS to HCM [16:42]

Fear of information [18:40]

Proactive/Informed decisions [18:58]

Second cancers after breast cancer [20:02]

In the News! [20:22]

Henrietta Lacks [20:40]

HELA cells ]21:09]

Medical consent [21:55]

See your doctor for genetic testing [24:57]

Ratings and reviews [26:35]

Thanks for listening! [27:35]
Stay Connected
Email Us: [email protected]
Instagram:@downthereaware
Facebook: Down There Aware
Twitter: @downthereaware
Pinterest: Down There Aware
TikTok: Down There Aware

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Woman learns fibroids caused blood clots in lungs, heart
PALB2 gene mutation and breast cancer risk: What to know
Genetic Testing: BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2 Mutations
Second Cancers After Breast Cancer
Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions
More than BRCA: The other life-threatening breast cancer gene mutation to be aware of
The Legacy of Henrietta Lacks

Summary Keywords
Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, advanced imaging, diagnosis, knowledge, women, fear, symptoms, genetic testing, BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, CHEK2, prophylactic surgery, HELA cells, Henrietta Lacks, Second cancers, Lynch Syndrome, prostate cancer, Susan Berger
...more
28min
October 04, 2021The Blame Game
The Blame Game
This week, Alex and Mary discuss the harmful effects of patient blaming, when a medical professional, friends, family, or self-help authors infer, suggest, or outright say something akin to, “If you had a better attitude, you could beat cancer” or “Maybe if you had lost weight, you wouldn’t have gotten diabetes” or “You should have gone to the doctor sooner, before you got cancer.” Their discussion was inspired by Kate Bowler’s journey through colon cancer, after having been diagnosed at the age of 35. Why does patient blaming exist and what can we do about it?
Listen on our website, www.downthereaware.com/podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Episode Highlights
Welcome back! [0:40]

Please subscribe, rate, review, and follow us! [1:10]

Patient Blaming [2:28]

Kate Bowler [2:54]

The Today Show [3:10]

Self-help books that blame [4:30]

Toxic positivity [7:30]

It’s ok not to be ok [8:18]

A doctor’s genuine apology [9:05]

TX Heart Institute Journal [10:55]

Peabody’s Corner [11:10]

Francis Weld Peabody [11:15]

Patient Care [11:25]

Cardiac Consult [13:23]

Digoxin [14:03]

Placebo effect [16:02]

Emphasis is on disease rather than patient [18:09]

Obesity [18:58]

Lung cancer bias [19:55]

Shame and blame [20:22]

Character defect [21:55]

Non-compliant [22:16]

Physician bias ]22:50]

Where do you draw the line? [23:26]

Disparity in funding [24:08]

Relationship between behavior and disease [25:02]

Medical malpractice and patient blame [26:08]

Grey’s Anatomy [28:20]

Importance of healthy lifestyle [29:10]

Patients should get best care [30:35]

Valuable lessons to be learned [31:45]

Update on Kate Bowler [32:45]

Thanks for listening! [33:15]
Stay Connected
Email Us: [email protected]
Instagram:@downthereaware
Facebook: Down There Aware
Twitter: @downthereaware
Pinterest: Down There Aware
TikTok: Down There Aware

Links Mentioned in the Episode
When All Else Fails, Blaming the Patient Often Comes Next (Published 2008)
Blaming the Patient: A Common Defense Tactic
Today Show - Kate Bowler
Perspective | What happens when the doctor blames you for your own cancer?
Flying Blind: Why Do We Keep Blaming The Victims Of Medical Errors?
"Everything happens for a reason" -- and other lies I've loved | Kate Bowler - TED Talk
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3233310/pdf/20111200s00004p620.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3233310/pdf/20111200s00004p620.pdf
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...more
34min
September 27, 2021I'm Down There Aware... Now What?
In today’s episode, Alex and Mary offer five tips to help us remain Down There Aware. Becoming Down There Aware is one thing, but continuing to maintain a consistent and effective awareness is most important for optimal health.
Listen on our website, www.downthereaware.com/podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Episode Highlights
Welcome back! [0:40]

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [0:50]

Wear PURPLE Day #GCAM2021 [1:08]

Five Tips [1:55]

Tip #1: Annual GYN Appointments [2:58]

Making health a priority [5:08]

Prepare for your appointments [5:30]

Generational perspective [7:33]

Tip #2: Be aware of your body [8:26]

@VulvarCancerAwareness [9:25]

Seek out a specialist [10:25]

Lichen Planus/Lichen Sclerosus [11:11]

Medication and treatment regimen [11:58]

Tip #3: Importance of self-examination [13:28]

Using a camera [13:55]

Tip #4: Maintaining proper hygiene [16:40]

Do NOT douche! [18:00]

Tip #5: Encouraging others to be DTA [20:15]

Yes, it can happen to YOU [22:04]

Drawing for Wear Purple Day! [24:46]

Thanks for listening! [25:54]
Stay Connected
Email Us: [email protected]
Instagram:@downthereaware
Facebook: Down There Aware
Twitter: @downthereaware
Pinterest: Down There Aware
TikTok: Down There Aware
Links Mentioned in the Episode
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/douching
Accounts to Follow On Instagram:
@vulvalcancerukawareness
@vulvarcancerawareness
Summary Keywords
Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, advanced imaging, diagnosis, knowledge, women, fear, symptoms, gynecologic cancer awareness, feminine hygiene, douching, self-exams, awareness, vulvar cancer
#Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #advancedimaging #diagnosis #women #womenshealth #gynecology #health #mother #daughter #douching #selfexams #awareness #vulvarcancer #GCAM2021
...more
27min
September 20, 2021 Disparities in Cancer Funding
Disparities in Cancer Funding
This week, Alex and Mary discuss the disparities in cancer funding, advocacy, education, and awareness. They look at the disproportionate number of nonprofits to the number of cancer diagnoses for various types of cancer, possible reasons for the disparity, and realistic solutions.

Listen on our website, www.downthereaware.com/podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode Highlights
Welcome back! [0:40]
Wear PURPLE Day #GCAM2021 [0:42]
Ratings and Reviews [1:30]
A purpose to inform young women [3:24]
Comparing cancer funding [4:12]
Disparities [5:40]
Breast cancer [6:30]
Northwestern University article [7:40]
Nonprofits [8:30]
Disproportionate advocacy [11:35]
Five GYN cancers [12:24]
Incredible PINK campaigns [12:50]
Embarrassing and stigmatized cancers [16:13]
Taboo! [17:00]
Normalizing GYN discussions [20:10]
Proper names for anatomy [24:15]
Reproductive organs [27:01]
Repair cultural damage regarding GYN matters [28:24]
Special PURPLE Giveaway! [30:25]
Thanks for listening! [31:12]

Stay Connected
Email Us: [email protected]
Instagram:@downthereaware
Facebook: Down There Aware
Twitter: @downthereaware
Pinterest: Down There Aware
TikTok: Down There Aware

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Many of the deadliest cancers receive the least amount of research funding
Comparison of Cancer Burden and Nonprofit Organization Funding Reveals Disparities in Funding Across Cancer Types
Cancer Research: Where the Funding Goes - Cancer Center

Summary Keywords
Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, advanced imaging, diagnosis, knowledge, women, fear, covid, symptoms, gynecologic cancer awareness, hospitals, nonprofits, funding
#Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #advancedimaging #diagnosis #women #womenshealth #gynecology #health #mother #daughter #nonprofits #funding #GCAM2021

...more
32min
September 13, 2021Being Down There Aware
This week, Alex and Mary readdress the need to be “Down There Aware.” They discuss the fear that sometimes accompanies inquiries about one’s health, and the hesitancy in seeking out medical advice.
Listen on our website, www.downthereaware.com/podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode Highlights
Welcome back! [0:40]

Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month #GCAM2021 [1:00]

Why the podcast began [2:06]

A purpose to inform young women [4:05]

Cancer phobia[5:03]

Knowledge is power [6:19]

What is a “normal” period? *correction, see article below[7:00]

Second opinions [7:58]

You are your own best advocate [10:50]

Afraid of what others may think [11:27]

Talking to your doctor [13:39]

Use Alex’s story! 15:56]

Trend toward more younger women diagnosed [19:15]

We are not doctors! [19:57]

Serious research [20:10]

Lasting effects of cancer [22:20]

Huge disparity in funding for GYN cancers [22:50]

In the News! Covid-10 vaccine [23:55]

Six reasons why Americans don’t get vaccinated [24:29]

Trust science [26:03]

Alex’s surgery postponed [26:10]

Unvaccinated are overwhelming hospitals [27:40]

Non-emergent necessary surgery vs emergency surgery [28:27]

Importance of annual exams/testing [31:30]

Please share us on social media [33:29]

Wear Purple Day [33:42]

Thanks for listening! [34:25]

Stay Connected
Email Us: [email protected]
Instagram:@downthereaware
Facebook: Down There Aware
Twitter: @downthereaware
Pinterest: Down There Aware
TikTok: Down There Aware
Links Mentioned in the Episode
https://www.vox.com/2021/6/2/22463223/covid-19-vaccine-hesitancy-reasons-why
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/leon-florida-covid-cases.html
https://www.tmh.org/coronavirus/dashboard
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heavy-periods/

Summary Keywords
Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, advanced imaging, diagnosis, knowledge, women, fear, covid, symptoms, vaccination, gynecologic cancer awareness, hospitals
#Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #advancedimaging #diagnosis #women #womenshealth #gynecology #health #mother #daughter #covid #vaccination #GCAM2021
...more
35min
September 07, 2021 Coming Back from COVID
Coming Back from COVID
Alex and Mary return this week after several weeks of hiatus, recovering from Covid-19. They discuss how they were infected, the ongoing recovery process, and their gratitude. This episode is a bit crazy at times, getting back in the saddle was rough! Buckle up!
Listen on our website, www.downthereaware.com/podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode Highlights
Welcome back! [0:40]
Bobby Bowden, DADGUMMIT [0:53]
September [1:43]
Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month #GCAM2021 [2:55]
Wear Purple Day, September 20 [3:10]
The rest of the story [3:39]
We got Covid! [3:54]
Break-through cases [4:25]
5/15 infected [5:43]
Delta variant [6:00]
Rapid and PCR tests [9:02]
Pulse Oximeter [10:53]
Loss of taste/smell [12:00]
Alex, the super-taster [12:19]
Quarantine [13:15]
Covid, diabetes, or HCM? [17:57]
A-fib [19:30]
Kardia Mobile [20:37]
Extreme fatigue [23:05]
Brain fog [23:55]
Monoclonal antibody infusion [24:22]
We missed our listeners! [26:03]
Gratitude [26:47]
Responsibility to others [27:23]
False negative test results [27:28]
Back in the groove [29:09]
Covid’s impact on other procedures[30:10]
Thanks for listening! [31:38]

Stay Connected
Email Us: [email protected]
Instagram:@downthereaware
Facebook: Down There Aware
Twitter: @downthereaware
Pinterest: Down There Aware
TikTok: Down There Aware

Links Mentioned in the Episode
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21462-covid-19-and-pcr-testing
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-additional-monoclonal-antibody-treatment-covid-19
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atrial-fibrillation/symptoms-causes/syc-20350624
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/delta-variant.html?s_cid=11512:delta%20variant:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY21

#Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #advancedimaging #diagnosis #women #womenshealth #gynecology #health #mother #daughter #covid #falsenegative #monoclonalantibodyinfusion #vaccination #PCR #breakthrough #pulseox #deltavariant #quarantine #GCAM2021
...more
32min
July 19, 2021 Two Years Later: My Cancer Story
As she approaches her 2-year cancer diagnosis anniversary, Alex reflects on her journey and revisits the first episode of Season 1, sharing her story with new listeners, and recounting those days with those who have supported the podcast from week #1.
...more
24min
July 12, 2021Another Weird Diagnosis! Seriously?
Another Weird Diagnosis! Seriously?
In this week’s episode, Mary shares her experience with a new and unexpected diagnosis. She and Alex discuss Mary’s new condition, the treatment, and the prognosis in order to inform listeners and encourage others to pay attention to symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem, and the importance of consultation with a doctor.
Listen on our website, www.downthereaware.com/podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Episode Highlights
Welcome back! [0:40]

Life sometimes throws curve balls [1:20]

GYN checkup [2:00]

Type 2 diabetes meds [2:16]

Lichen Sclerosus [3:32]

Lichen Planus [4:44]

Dermatologist [5:18]

Definitive diagnosis [6:45]

Vast difference in doctors [7:35]

Vulvar cancer [8:15]

Lichen Sclerosus vs Lichen Planus [8:48]

Autoimmune disease [8:58]

Post-menopausal women [9:28]

Loss of estrogen [9:48]

Libby Edwards [10:34]

Gynecologic Dermatology [11:10]

Oral Lichen Planus [11:50]

Cancer [12:30]

Resources [13:10]

Frequent GYN visits [14:10]

Treatable, not curable [15:40]

Experience makes you more aware [17:11]

Oral meds and injections [18:55]

NO good research??? [19:37]

Long term treatment plan [21:04]

Biopsy [21:30]

Alex’s 2-year cancer-versary[22:55]

Esophagus [24:15]

Importance of regular checkups [25:16]

Trust your gut! [27:50]

Thanks for listening! [29:59]
Stay Connected
Email Us: [email protected]
Instagram:@downthereaware
Facebook: Down There Aware
Twitter: @downthereaware
Pinterest: Down There Aware
TikTok: Down There Aware
Links Mentioned in the Episode
Libby Edwards, MD
https://www.midcharlottedermatologyresearch.com/
Lichen Planus
https://nebula.wsimg.com/d4af87b5964678287be3335fb3be6bc2?AccessKeyId=B78439C8610A1092E451&disposition=0&alloworigin=1
Lichen Planus
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lichen-planus/symptoms-causes/syc-20351378
Summary Keywords
Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, advanced imaging, diagnosis, knowledge, women, fear, lichen planus, lichen sclerosus, steroid ointment, dermatology, gynecology, vulva, estrogen, post-menopausal, autoimmune, cancer, biopsy
#Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #advancedimaging #diagnosis #women #womenshealth #gynecology #health #wombstories #mother #daughter #cancer #autoimmune #biopsy #lichenplanus #lichensclerosus #dermatology #estrogen #postmenopausal
...more
31min
June 28, 2021Ouch! Let’s Talk Pain, Part 2.
Ouch! Let’s Talk Pain, Part 2.
In this week’s episode, Alex and Mary continue their discussion of pain, something we can all relate to. They share their own personal worst pain and most strange pain, as well as discuss the origins of various pain scales. The opioid crisis is touched on, as are some alternative therapies for pain.
Listen on our website, www.downthereaware.com/podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Episode Highlights
Welcome back! [0:40]

Last week’s episode [1:20]

Pain: Part Two [1:45]

The pain scale [2:10]

Research and subjects of research [2:55]

Ask Me About My Uterus [3:09]

Experimentation on pregnant women [3:20]

Individuals feel pain differently [4:45]

Quantifying pain? [6:00]

Face pain scale [6:50]

Describing pain to medical personnel [8:38]

Doc on call [9:45]

Pain meds [11:35]

Lower back pain [12:15]

Insurance - UGH. [13:25]

Opioid crisis [14:50]

Tracking RX abusers [16:02]

Ruptured brain aneurysms [19:00]

Opioid stats [20:10]

Alternative pain management therapies [21:30]

Sadie Mae [21:55]

Menopause mantra [22:40]

Cannabinoids [23:50]

Pain affects everyone [26:20]

Pain = Problem [27:05]

Thanks for listening! [28:22]
Stay Connected
Email Us: [email protected]
Instagram:@downthereaware
Facebook: Down There Aware
Twitter: @downthereaware
Pinterest: Down There Aware
TikTok: Down There Aware
Links Mentioned in the Episode
Pain: What it is and how to treat it - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145750#diagnosis
Ask Me About My Uterus: A Quest to Make Doctors Believe in Women's Pain https://www.amazon.com/dp/1568589417/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_X3FNKHER9K6JQD0MSVCA

Summary Keywords
Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, advanced imaging, diagnosis, knowledge, women, fear, technology, pain, insurance, opioids, cannabinoid, addiction, pain scale, research, experimentation
#Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #advancedimaging #diagnosis #women #womenshealth #gynecology #health #wombstories #mother #daughter #cancer #cannabinoid #brainaneurysm #addiction #painscale #research #experimentation
...more
29min

FAQs about Down There Aware:

How many episodes does Down There Aware have?

The podcast currently has 127 episodes available.