In this episode, Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky speaks with Dr. Fumiko Chino. Dr. Chino is a radiation oncologist, a cancer researcher and Assistant Professor in Breast Radiation Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her research focuses on the financial toxicity of cancer care, health care disparities, equity and access to care. On today’s episode, Dr. Chino provides an in-depth look at breast cancer radiation therapy. She discusses why radiation is recommended, different types of radiation therapy, potential short-term and long-term side effects, cutting-edge treatments, shortened radiation courses, and the latest research developments. In the second half of the conversation, we talk about the financial toxicity of cancer treatment, healthcare equity in cancer care and practical tips for navigating the financial aspects of cancer. This conversation provides essential information to better understand breast cancer radiation treatment and cancer care accessibility.

On this episode, I sit down with Claire Bidwell Smith, a leading therapist specializing in grief and loss.

Recognized as one of today’s foremost experts on grief, Claire Bidwell Smith is a licensed therapist, international speaker, and the author of five books published in 22 countries. Led by her own experience in grief and fueled by her work in hospice and private practice, Claire strives to provide support for all kinds of people experiencing all kinds of loss.

She has spent nearly two decades helping people process some of life’s hardest moments and today, we are talking about grief and cancer. We talk about grief related to navigating a cancer diagnosis, adjusting to a new reality after treatment, dealing with the loss of security and identity and living with metastatic breast cancer. Claire shares powerful insights on how to process the loss of identity, security, and control that can accompany illness, and offers practical strategies like mindfulness, writing, and creating rituals to help navigate these difficult emotions. We discuss anticipatory grief, how to have hard conversations with loved ones, and why acceptance doesn’t mean being “okay” with what’s happened — it’s about learning to live with your new reality. This episode is a must listen for anyone affected by cancer or any major life shift.

In this episode of the Interlude Podcast, Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky sits down with Dr. Laura Currens, the founder of Dynamic Flow Physical Therapy and an expert in pelvic health. Dr. Currens specializes in aiding women’s recovery from childbirth, those struggling with pelvic-related conditions, as well as women navigating perimenopause and menopause through a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to provide comprehensive care. As a young breast cancer survivor, diagnosed 10 months postpartum at the height of the COVID pandemic, Laura is passionate about advocating for early detection and timely care. She shares her personal story and expertise on pelvic floor physical therapy, offering insights into how women can optimize their pelvic health at every stage of life.

Beyond her work, Laura is a proud mom of two girls, a lover of the outdoors, and an adventurer who enjoys surfing, hiking, backpacking, snowboarding, and rock climbing.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on pelvic health, breast cancer, survivorship and wellness!

Follow Dr. Malik on Instagram or on her website.

Make sure you follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram (and on all other social media platforms @drteplinsky).

In this episode of the Interlude Podcast, Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky sits down with Dr. Anjali Malik, a board-certified, fellowship-trained breast imaging radiologist and women’s health advocate. Dr. Malik is passionate about breast cancer detection, health equity, and patient-centered care.

Together, we dive into everything you want to know about breast imaging: when to get your mammogram (common myths and misconceptions about mammograms and imaging), breast density, calculating your breast cancer risk, the importance of early detection, breast biopsies (types and what to expect), imaging after breast cancer and so much more.

Dr. Malik’s expertise as a breast imaging specialist and her commitment to patient education make this an essential episode for anyone looking to stay informed about breast health.

Follow Dr. Malik on Instagram or on her website.

Make sure you follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram (and on all other social media platforms @drteplinsky).

In this episode, we dive into the WISDOM Study—a groundbreaking randomized clinical trial designed to compare personalized breast cancer screening with conventional approaches. The goal? To determine if a tailored approach can help prevent advanced breast cancer (stage IIB or higher).

The study is enrolling 100,000 women ages 30-74 across the United States. Joining me are Steffanie Goodman, who leads marketing and communications for WISDOM, and Allison Fiscalini, a study co-investigator. Together, we cover everything you need to know about WISDOM: study logistics, eligibility criteria, costs, data privacy, benefits of participation, the genetic study component, and more!

Ready to learn how this research could change breast cancer screening? Tune in to this informative discussion.

Find out more about the WISDOM study here and follow them on Instagram.

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Anyssa Lucena. Anyssa has been rock climbing and guiding for over 15 years and strongly believes that climbing is a means to deeper healing and self knowledge. Anyssa was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 and she used her love and passion for rock climbing to navigate her recovery and rediscover her strength. She was inspired to turn her challenging experience into something that can help other women and is the founder of the nonprofit, Genuine Climbing, whose mission is to empower women through climbing. Genuine Climbing is dedicated to uplifting women both physically and emotionally by offering free rock climbing experiences for those affected by cancer. On today’s episode, Anyssa speaks about her diagnosis and treatment and really emphasizes the power of community and the healing power of rock climbing. Genuine Climbing will be hosting free climbing retreats (and day programs) for women affected by cancer and will truly be a transformative experience in women’s lives. For more information about the organization and how to sign up for programs and retreats, visit Genuine Climbing or check out Genuine Climbing on Instagram.

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Allison Rosen, a 12-year early-age onset colorectal cancer survivor who shares her story from diagnosis to advocacy. Allison talks about her symptoms, her diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. She opens up about the complex, often taboo, aspects of cancer treatment, including issues related to fertility, sexual health, and living with a permanent ostomy. Allison talks about the power of connection and advocacy. By sharing her story publicly, she has become a vocal advocate for colorectal cancer awareness, focusing on breaking stigmas and educating others through social media. Her posts, often infused with humor, aim to make difficult conversations about symptoms and screenings more approachable, encouraging younger people to advocate for their health. Allison shares incredible advice for those looking to step into advocacy, emphasizing authenticity and vulnerability as core to effective storytelling. Whether through social media or involvement in organizations, Allison illustrates how sharing one’s story can save lives and truly highlights the significant role of patient advocacy in improving survivorship, quality of life and cancer outcomes.

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Gila Pfeffer. Gila is a 15-year breast cancer previvor turned survivor, a writer and author of the newly published memoir “Nearly Departed: Adventures in Loss, Cancer and Other Inconveniences.” Gila shares her experience of losing family members to cancer including her mother who passed away from breast cancer, finding out she carried the BRCA1 mutation, deciding to undergo a prophylactic mastectomy, discovering breast cancer at the time of the surgical pathology, and her subsequent cancer treatment journey. She talks about the writing process and what it was really like! Her memoir is a raw, vulnerable and beautiful story of family, parenting, love, loss, and perseverance that will make you laugh and cry.

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Deana Jean. Deana was diagnosed with stage 2B breast cancer in 2016 when she was a mom of 2 boys and 5 months pregnant with her third child – her daughter, Aubrey (who is now 8!). On today’s episode, Deana talks about her initial diagnosis and how she had to advocate for herself during the time, the decisions and choices she made surrounding her treatment, what it was like getting treatment during and after pregnancy and what the past 8 years of her life have looked like. She talks about parenting, survivorship, mental health, the importance of feeling seen and heard as a patient and so much more.

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Elissa Kalver. Elissa was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 34 one year after giving birth to her daughter. During treatment, she had the idea to create We Got This, the first gift registry to bridge the needs of cancer patients and their supporters. Elissa calls herself a cancer thriver and believes that even during treatment and difficult times, it’s possible to live your best life. Elissa shares her story today. She talks about her treatments, decisions she has had to make to focus on quality of life and thriving, how We Got This came to be and the incredible work she is doing. Follow Elissa and her journey on Instagram.