52 weeks!! In this episode, we celebrate our one year mark for episodes. Every Wednesday for an entire year, Keepers of the Flame has rolled out educational and support episodes for those fighting breast cancer. In today’s special episode, we will talk about how “the next right thing” can help us inchworm our way through treatments and find purpose and direction in the midst of cancer and the coronavirus quarantine. We will talk about what “the next right thing” means, how it might look for you, and why it is such a powerful thought in helping us move through adversity. #togetherweweatherthisstorm

Working with Grief & Traumatic Loss: Theory, Practice, Personal Reflection, and Self-Care is a textbook for clinicians written by Alex Redcay and Elisabeth Counselman-Carpenter. In today’s episode, Dr. Elisabeth Counselman Carpenter (Beth) joins us to talk about their book. She helps us better understand what grief and traumatic loss are, how the theories on trauma and grief are applicable through this breast cancer lens, and what evidence-based strategies may be beneficial. She also explains how traumatic loss affects us personally, what activities can be helpful for processing through the grief, and what self-care looks like and how it is incredibly beneficial. Traumatic experiences are transformative, and Beth helps us see ways to sift through the mess and rise again with a newer normal after breast cancer. #togetherweweatherthisstorm

Juliet Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts, died from breast cancer; and many Girl Scout troops honor their founder’s memory by spreading about breast cancer awareness. These young girls are making a giant impact in the lives of women in our communities and in our country. In today’s episode, Catherine M. (a local Girl Scout) joins us to help us better understand their organization, their founder, and what they do to advocate for women. #togetherweweatherthisstorm

After breast reconstruction, women may choose to have 3D nipple and areola tattooing done. In today’s episode, professional medical tattoo artist, Renee Maschinot, joins us to help us better understand the process. Renee trained with Vinnie Myers and travels the US to do tattooing for plastic surgeon’s patients; and in today’s episode, she explains what women can expect, how to navigate through insurance questions, and also how to confidently find someone with the capability to work with compromised skin. #togetherweweatherthisstorm

Information empowers! Change is made on a much larger scale when we can understand and address some of the disparities between medical needs and resources available. Education and accessibility to care are among the two biggest barriers; and in this episode, we will explore them through pertinent topics such as: understanding your risk, breast density, insurance coverages and concerns, and biases and fears. We’ll also discuss the growing need for bridging the gap between physical and emotional (our medical and psychological) healing. #togetherweweatherthisstorm

Get your mammograms! Early detection saves lives! In this episode, Dr. Dromi (Director of Breast Imaging at Memorial) explains the different methods of breast imaging: mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds. He explains what mammograms are, how they work, and when women should begin their annual screenings. He covers breast density, screenings vs diagnostics, as well as 3D mammograms. Dr. Dromi also helps us better understand MRIs (including how they work), ultrasounds, biopsies, and more.

In today’s episode, we hear from a 30 year survivor!!! Thirty years!! That’s incredible! Elaine Spencer, director of Effingham Family Connection, joins us to share her experiences. Her authenticity, humor, and refreshing perspective helps to kindle hope for others diagnosed with breast cancer. This is an inspirational episode and part of our survivor series. #togetherweweatherthisstorm

Pathologists are the hidden heroes of our cancer journeys.
What they do and the data they gather provides our surgeons, oncologists, and radiation oncologists with critical information that’s used to determine the most appropriate treatment plans for our cancer.  Without these medical heroes working diligently behind the scenes, our healing from cancer would never take off. In this episode, we will learn more about what happens behind the scenes when pathologist Dr. Bruker gives us a tour of the inner workings of the pathology lab. Listen to learn what pathologists do and why their work is so critical. You can find pictures and a written explanation of the process at https://togetherweweather.org/2020/03/06/pathologists-our-hidden-heroes/

#togetherweweatherthisstorm

In this episode, we talk about what exactly self-care is and why is it so important…especially when dealing with cancer treatments. We talk about different physical, spiritual, emotional, and social forms of self-care that might work for you. #togetherweweatherthisstorm

In this episode, we take a look at some of those vulnerable ‘truths’ after breast cancer. We share some of the conversations between two cancer sisters and disclose those raw honest truths that give us permission to be human…to truly be honest…to acknowledge and refocus with our new reality. This episode exposes some of these truths in efforts for you to breathe a sigh of relief; you are not alone. We share in hopes that you can realize that your own humanity is not weakness. You are brave even if you don’t always feel it. You’re not alone in what you may be feeling in the aftermath of cancer, and there is support. Speak up. #togetherweweatherthisstorm