On today’s solo episode, I am sharing updates in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC accounts for about 10-15% of all breast cancer and is an aggressive subtype. I talk about general treatment for TNBC, updates to early stage breast cancer including addition of immunotherapy with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and use of PARP inhibitors (olaparib- Lynparza). I break down what we do for residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. After discussion of early stage breast cancer, we switch to talking about metastatic breast cancer and addition of immunotherapy and sacituzumab govitecan (Trodelvy). Finally, I end with a discussion of a really incredible ongoing vaccine trial.

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Abby Match. Abby was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2020 at the age of 35 and shortly after, she found out she is a BRCA1 mutation carrier. On today’s episode, she shares her story and what life looks like beyond cancer. We talk about how Abby discussed her diagnosis with her young daughter, the significant lifestyle changes that she has made (including how to incorporate a plant based diet and get your family on board!) and how that helps her cope with the fear of cancer recurrence. We speak about her passion for advocating for genetic testing and the fundraising she is doing through her “Beading Cancer Together” bracelets.

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Hil Moss. Hil was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28. She had recently started classes for her MBA and felt a lump. After being told several times she was too young for breast cancer, she was ultimately diagnosed. On today’s episode, she shares her story which included chemotherapy, mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction and an initial failed attempt at fertility preservation. After she completed active treatment and went back to school, she realized that her interests had changed and so she added on a Master’s in Public Health and now focuses on patient-centered innovation and entrepreneurship in cancer care. She shares the challenges that youna adults with cancer face, her own survivorship experiences and how that frames her work. We talk about what it really means to “center” the patient and how patient-centered innovation cannot and will not happen without patients. If you are struggling with survivorship and life beyond cancer, this episode is a must listen.

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Tracy Milgram. Tracy is a breast and ovarian cancer previvor and a BRCA mutation carrier. She was diagnosed with a BRCA mutation at the age of 21 after she had already had 3 benign breast lumpectomies. She speaks about what her breast cancer surveillance looked like in that next decade and how she made the decision to go ahead with prophylactic surgery to decrease her cancer risk and everything that has followed. Tracy is the founder of BRCAStrong, an incredible organization that aims to alleviate the emotional and financial burdens of women facing breast and/or ovarian cancer regardless of genetic predisposition. Tracy shares why and how she started BRCAStrong and also talks about navigating life, relationships and parenting with a BRCA mutation and how she copes with mental health challenges.

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Jen Rozenbaum. Jen is a boudoir and portrait photographer, author, and breast cancer survivor and advocate. She talks about how she used her camera as a tool for healing and journaling as she went through breast cancer treatment. Her incredible work helps women celebrate their femininity and embrace their beautiful bodies as they live with and/or beyond cancer. Jen breaks down what her boudoir shoots are like (it’s more than just photography!). We also spend some time discussing the importance of mental health in cancer treatment, patient advocacy, and what cancer survivorship is really like.

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Kim Holden. Kim is an intimacy and relationship coach focusing on creating a nonjudgemental space to talk about intimacy. She is a breast cancer survivor and she speaks about her own personal journey and relationships — and how she realized she was not connected to her body. Kim and I discuss the common sexual health concerns that cancer survivors have including body image, decreased libido, healing, finding happiness in their body again, communication with partners and much more. Kim shares very practical tips about how to connect with your own body first, prompts to start open lines of communications with your partner, and the importance of owning your desire.

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Christine Handy. Christine is an author, motivational speaker, mother, patient advocate, a model and a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer in 2012 after going through two major health issues in the preceding years. She speaks about the challenges that she faced when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the power that meditation and faith had in her treatment, how she had to let go of her pride and ego in order to be able to ask for help, what life has looked like after cancer treatment and where she is now. This episode is transformative in terms of how we harness our mental health to get through hard times.

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Dr. Anne Peled. Dr. Peled is a breast, reconstructive and plastic surgeon and is trained both as a plastic surgeon and breast cancer surgeon. She is also a breast cancer survivor. On today’s episode, she shares how her experience of becoming a patient made her a better doctor and talks all about breast surgery and reconstruction. We go over options and types of reconstruction, the incredible work she and her husband, Dr. Ziv Peled, are doing with sensation preserving mastectomies, surgery decision making and much more.

It’s time for Teaching Tuesday! Join me for a solo episode where I break down breast cancer staging. Breast cancer staging is complex and depends on various factors. On this episode, learn about clinical and pathologic staging, anatomic staging (TNM – tumor size, nodal status and metastases) and prognostic staging, the differences between these terms and when you use which one!

On today’s episode, I am speaking with Kimberly Tronic. Kimberly was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 36 in 2017. Her initial treatment was standard with chemotherapy and surgery but then her cancer recurred in the liver and she’s gone through multiple surgeries since. On today’s episode, she shares her story and speaks about the importance of not only finding your community but also relying on yourself. We talk about the importance of mental health and the spectrum of emotions that surround cancer and cancer treatment – from laughter to crying and everything in between. Kimberly is also the author of “Dear Diary, Does This Cancer Make My Ass Look Fat?: A Heartfelt Memoir With A Pinch Of Sarcasm” and has another book coming out later this spring.