In this powerful episode of the SHE MD podcast, hosted by world-renowned OBGYN Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and women’s advocate and influencer Mary Alice Haney, special guests Taylor Odlozil and Dr. Kristin Taylor share a deeply emotional journey through love, loss, and hope. Taylor opens up about meeting his wife Haley, her shocking stage 3C ovarian cancer diagnosis, and the devastating lows and precious highs that followed. Dr. Kristin Taylor provides medical insights, discussing Haley’s treatment and the importance of early detection. Dr. A. explains why an annual pelvic ultrasound should be part of every woman's healthcare routine. From navigating chemotherapy to facing end-of-life decisions, this episode offers heartfelt lessons in resilience, the role of surrogacy, the power of advocacy in healthcare, and ovarian cancer awareness.

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IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:24] Taylor Odlozil reflects on how he met Haley and walks through how Haley discovered she had stage 3C ovarian cancer, both high and low-grade
• [11:35] Dr. Kristin Taylor comments that Haley’s symptoms are typical for stage 3C cancer and says most patients are 63 years old, much older than Haley in her 20’s
• [14:19] Haley begins chemo; Dr. Kristin Taylor discusses the type of chemo Haley took for nine weeks; they proceed with the wedding and get devastating news Monday after the wedding
• [29:07] Taylor discusses surrogacy and the birth of his little boy
• [39:02] Dr. Kristin Taylor shares how a physician relates to their patient, and Taylor reveals how they were facing their last Christmas and how the TikTok story evolved
• [1:00:09] Taylor explains why he lives in gratitude, and Dr. A reflects on her cancer diagnosis and her recent scare
• [1:05:53] Dr. A believes that she has not lost a patient to cancer in 23 years due to her abilities as a sonographer and how she feels the standard of care should be taking a pelvic ultrasound every year
• [1:16:11] Dr. Kristin Taylor encourages listeners to see a physician if they sense any abnormality. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

1. If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, get genetic testing. A very low threshold exists for seeing a genetic counselor and getting genetic testing. 
2. You know your body. If you suspect something is wrong, see a doctor and get ultrasound imaging. Be relentless and find a doctor who will perform the test. 
3. An annual pelvic ultrasound should be a standard part of your healthcare routine. You should address any unusual sensations or changes in the pelvic area and address them promptly. Trust yourself and advocate for your health.
4. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, it’s a time for women to learn about this type of cancer and screening.  
5. Taylor Odlozil reminds us to live in the moment and know that today is a gift.

RESOURCES:

Dr. Kristin Taylor, MD - Cedars-Sinai

Life Lessons Article Featuring Dr. Taylor from Cedars Magazine

Twitter: @DrKTay

Taylor Odlozil - Instagram

Genetic tests: https://myriad.com/

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Mary Alice Haney - Instagram

SheMD Podcast - Instagram

SHEMD - YouTube

SHEMD - Podcast

SHEMD - Website

QUOTES:

“I used to always stress out about the future. I don't look past today now. I just learned that today is a gift and we're not going to get stressed out about tomorrow because it's today, so that was a lesson I learned early. It was the only way you can live normally when you're dealing with cancer because if you're not present in the moment, you can't experience joy.” 

- Taylor Odlozil

“When I'm meeting a new cancer patient, and it’s like what you said, Taylor, when you walk in, you see people who don't have hair, and it hits you. Oh my goodness, I'm in a cancer center. I say I'm Dr. Taylor. Nice to meet you. I'm sorry you have to meet the oncologist today, no one ever wants to, and I just pause because I think just recognizing that they don't want to be here, but you know you have to be, and I recognize that, and we're in this together as much as I possibly can be.” 

- Dr. Kristin Taylor 

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