Patient from Hell

Patient from Hell

By Manta CaresMedicineHealth & Fitness
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Patient from Hell episodes

  • Why Your Mammogram Might Be Lying to You: Leslie Ferris Yerger’s Fight

    We're joined by women’s health advocate and author Leslie Ferris Yerger, founder & CEO of My Density Matters. Diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer just two months after a “clear” mammogram and ultrasound, Leslie uncovers how dense breast tissue can hide cancer, why current screening standards fail many women, and what you can do to protect yourself.Leslie’s mission: make sure her story doesn’t become someone else’s. Her nonprofit empowers women to check their breast density, ask the right questions, and push for additional screening when needed.


    ✅ Listen to learn:

    What breast density is — and why it matters

    How dense tissue affects mammogram accuracy

    When to ask for MRI or advanced imaging

    Patient advocacy: how and when to push your doctor

    Real steps you can take today


    Chapters:

    00:00 – Intro & background

    01:17 – Clear mammogram → diagnosis journey

    05:13 – Why dense breast tissue matters

    12:58 – Understanding density categories & reports

    18:47 – What to ask your doctor next

    22:15 – Insurance, screening access & advocacy

    26:54 – Leslie’s takeaways & how to take action


    Guest Bio:

    Leslie Ferris Yerger is a Tedx speaker, author of Probably Benign, and a women’s advocate with a laser focused mission. Leslie was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer in November 2017 after an ‘all clear’ mammogram and ultrasound, experiencing firsthand the failings of our current breast cancer screening standards.


    As Founder and CEO of the not-for-profit My Density Matters, Leslie is determined to empower women to find out their breast density, learn their options, and advocate for themselves to get the additional breast cancer screening they need, so that her story doesn’t become their story. Leslie lives in Hawthorn Woods, IL with her husband John. She has 3 grown children: Evan, Julia, and Megan.


    Resources:

    My Density Matters → https://mydensitymatters.org/Purchase her book

    “Probably Benign” → https://probablybenign.com/


    Trigger warning: This episode covers breast cancer and screening challenges.


    If you found this helpful, please like, subscribe, and share this with the women in your life. Your next mammogram might just end up different.


    #BreastCancer #BreastDensity #WomenHealth #PatientAdvocacy #ScreeningFailure


    Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review!


    Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates.


    All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only.


    This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

    41 min
  • What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About Breast Cancer | Surgeon Dr. Liz O'Riordan

    Dr. Liz O’Riordan — a former breast surgeon turned patient, author and speaker — about what really happens behind the scenes of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. We unpack the full spectrum: from surgery to recurrence, from myths to survival, and the long-term “new” life that follows. Dr O’Riordan brings the rare perspective of having been the doctor and the patient. If you or someone you know is navigating this journey, this conversation provides insight, clarity and hope.


    Guest Links

    • Website: http://liz.oriordan.co.uk

    •Podcast “So Now I’ve Got Breast Cancer”

    Book: Under The Knife, The Cancer Roadmap, The Complete Guide to Cancer, and more


    ⏱ Chapter Codes

    00:00 – Introduction: Turning surgeon into survivor

    02:12 – Why she chose breast surgery & what it taught her

    04:17 – My diagnosis: stage 3, mastectomy, radiotherapy & hormone blockers

    07:28 – Life after treatment: coping, identity loss & “new” normal

    10:53 – Side-effects deep dive: chemo brain, fatigue, mental health

    14:39 – Sexual health, body image & life after breast cancer

    20:19 – Bone health, exercise & recurrence risk

    24:53 – Shared decision making: lumpectomy vs mastectomy

    32:37 – Diet myths, sugar & cancer: evidence-based truth

    35:10 – Fasting, alternative medicine & what the research really says

    42:57 – Life after cancer: “It’s not normal—it’s new”

    44:47 – What matters now: strength, confidence & joy


    📌 Why You Should WatchDr O’Riordan breaks down complex medical topics into relatable, actionable insights — from fatigue to sexuality, from diet myths to bone health, and from fear of recurrence to finding joy again. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone you love, or simply curious about the patient experience — this episode offers clarity, authenticity and real talk.


    👉 Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on future episodes of Patient from Hell.


    Connect with Us:

    Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates.


    Disclaimer:

    All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

    47 min
  • Janice Cowden's Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer Story

    Janice Cowden, retired nurse and patient advocate, shares her remarkable triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) story. Five years following successful treatment for stage one breast cancer in 2011, Janice was diagnosed with a stage 4 metastatic TNBC recurrence. As of today she has 8 years of no evidence of disease (NED) under her belt. She shares how she stumbled upon the cancer community that inspired her to become the advocate she is today and the uncertainty that comes with NED. She also shares how she copes with losing friends in the cancer community through her patient advocacy work. We also have a rapid fire Q&A where she answers questions surrounding various medical terminologies, diagnoses, and more to keep you in the loop. NOTE: There is one clarification from the rapid fire Q&A session. The definition of disease free survival (DFS) is the time from random assignment (used in clinical trials and research studies to assign participants to different groups) to cancer recurrence or death from any cause (Gutman SI, Piper M, Grant MD, et al. 2013).Key Highlights:1. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is stage four breast cancer that has spread to distant sites in the body.2. Finding events and communities centered around cancer not only supports cancer patients emotionally and socially, but can also serve as informational hubs. Being proactive in learning about your diagnosis, whether it’s through community and/or research on your own time, can help you feel confident with the choices you make. 3. While finding a community of other cancer patients can help, unfortunately this disease means that you will lose friends you make in these settings. It doesn’t necessarily get easier, but finding an outlet to cope with such losses is vital to your wellbeing.About our guest:Diagnosed with Stage IV triple negative breast cancer in 2016, five years after an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis, Janice launched into patient advocacy following training through Living Beyond Breast Cancer’s (LBBC) Hear My Voice Outreach program in 2017. As a peer-to-peer support and research patient advocate, Janice is passionate about supporting others with metastatic breast cancer, in addition to continually furthering her scientific knowledge base of this disease, treatments, and clinical trials, which she acquires through attending scientific breast cancer conferences and webinars. Janice is involved with several patient-founded and led organizations including PCDI, GRASP, and Project Life MBC. As a trained peer support volunteer, she is founder of an international online peer support group for patients newly diagnosed with MBC. She serves on the Board of Directors for METAvivor Research and Support Inc., and is an Advisory Board member for Project Life MBC. She is an individual member of the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance. When she’s not busy with advocacy work, Janice enjoys traveling, reading, outdoor activities, and spending time with family, including her husband, two adult children and three grandchildren.Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

    54 min
  • My Secret Battle With Breast Cancer

    Author and motivational speaker Susan Svoboda shares her raw, scientific, and deeply personal journey through breast-cancer diagnosis and recovery.


    Discover what she learned about modern cancer science, the hidden truths about lymph-node surgery, and why self-advocacy might be the most powerful form of medicine.


    00:00 — Why she told no one about her breast cancer

    01:30 — The story behind “I Hate the Color Pink”

    02:45 — The mammogram that changed everything

    04:20 — How her husband handled the diagnosis

    06:00 — Finding the right surgeon through one bold question

    07:45 — A tough conversation about body image and loss

    10:00 — Running as a path to healing

    13:00 — Post-surgery recovery and rebuilding strength

    14:50 — What science says about lymph nodes and lymphedema

    16:30 — How journaling became a lifeline during treatment

    18:30 — Writing as therapy and empowerment

    19:35 — Becoming your own best health advocate

    21:10 — Her top advice for patients and caregivers

    22:15 — Was she the “patient from hell”?

    23:00 — The biggest lesson: learning to let go

    23:50 — Finding purpose and helping others through her book


    👉 Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on future episodes of Patient from Hell.


    Connect with Us:Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates.

    Disclaimer:

    All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

    25 min
  • 10 Years as a Cancer Caregiver: The Hard Truths Nobody Tells You

    In this episode of The Patient From Hell, host Samira engages with Charlotte Bayala, a caregiver who shares her journey through the challenges of supporting a loved one with cancer. The conversation explores the emotional and practical aspects of caregiving, the lack of agency often felt by caregivers, and the importance of self-care amidst the demands of the role. Charlotte reflects on her experiences, the lessons learned, and the strategies she developed to navigate the complexities of caregiving while maintaining her own well-being.


    Chapter Codes

    00:00 Introduction to Caregiving and Its Impact

    05:37 The Shift: Diagnosis and Role of Caregiver

    10:30 Agency in Caregiving: The Unasked Role

    14:15 Survival Mode: Caregiver's Protective Instincts

    18:19 The Caregiver's Learning Curve

    25:44 Trial and Error: Navigating the Caregiving Journey

    32:24 Rapid Fire: Insights and Reflections


    Takeaways


    Caregiving often comes without a clear role definition.

    The transition to caregiver can be overwhelming and unexpected.

    Mindfulness practices from yoga can help caregivers stay present.Caregivers often operate in survival mode, balancing protection and care.

    Agency in caregiving is often unacknowledged, leading to stress.

    The caregiver's role is strategic, requiring foresight and planning.

    Caregivers need to prioritize their own health and well-being.

    Trial and error is a significant part of the caregiving journey.

    Communication with healthcare providers is crucial for effective care.

    Caregivers should be recognized as integral members of the care team.


    Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on future episodes of Patient from Hell.

    Connect with Us:

    Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates.


    Disclaimer:

    All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

    39 min
  • The Truth About Health Insurance: TedX Speaker Neal Shah on Caregiving, AI & Beating the System

    In this episode of The Patient From Hell, host Samira Daswani speaks with Neal K. Shah — TEDx speaker, former hedge fund manager, and now social entrepreneur reshaping the caregiving economy.


    After building a multi-billion-dollar hedge fund in his 20s, Neal’s life changed dramatically when cancer struck his wife. As her primary caregiver, he experienced firsthand the crushing financial toxicity, social isolation, and emotional toll caregivers face.


    Today, Neal runs social enterprises tackling the caregiving crisis, has authored Insured to Death, and is exposing how AI is being weaponized by insurance companies to deny life-saving care.


    This conversation covers:

    The untold burden on family caregivers

    Why health insurance often fails in catastrophic illness

    How financial toxicity devastates households

    The rise of AI-driven claim denials

    Neal’s mission to “arm the resistance” with AI tools for patients


    If you’ve ever wondered why healthcare feels broken — or how we can fix it — this episode will leave you informed and inspired.


    🧑‍💼 Guest Bio

    Neal K. Shah is a TEDx speaker, investor-turned-social entrepreneur, and caregiver advocate. Formerly a hedge fund partner by his late 20s, Neal left finance after his wife’s cancer battle to focus on fixing the broken caregiving system. He is the founder of multiple social enterprises, a national leader in the caregiving movement, and author of Insured to Death: How Health Insurance Screws Over Americans and How We Take It Back.


    ⏱️ Chapter Timecodes

    00:00 – Introduction & Neal’s background

    02:00 – From hedge funds to caregiving

    05:00 – The hidden burden on family caregivers

    08:00 – Why caregiving is isolating and overlooked

    10:20 – ICU, coma, and decision-making as caregiver

    14:00 – How caregiving changes your personality

    16:20 – The financial toxicity of illness

    19:00 – Writing Insured to Death

    23:30 – Weaponization of AI by insurers

    28:40 – Medical bankruptcy and broken insurance

    31:15 – Singapore vs. U.S. healthcare models

    34:30 – Positive uses of AI for patient advocacy

    37:30 – Rapid fire: rights, myths, and advice

    44:00 – Closing thoughts


    Connect with Us:

    Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates.


    Disclaimer:

    All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

    46 min
  • How to Process Grief: Tools for Cancer Patients, Caregivers & Clinicians

    Grief is not one-size-fits-all. In this episode of The Patient From Hell, grief coach Holly Gainsboro breaks down anticipatory grief after a cancer diagnosis (incl. glioblastoma/GBM), the harm of “be strong,” and simple daily practices that actually help patients, caregivers, and clinicians. We cover how to talk to kids after diagnosis, caregiver exhaustion, why grief isn’t linear, and what to ask when seeking a therapist with real grief training.


    About Our Guest:

    Holly Gainsboro, founder of Golden Heart Grief Support & Education, is a Grief Coach/Support Specialist & Grief Educator. Holly’s late husband, Steven, died in December 2010, from glioblastoma. Holly began her work in the grief field more than a decade ago, earning her first certification as a Grief Recovery Specialist. She continued her studies and received her certification as a Grief Educator with world renowned grief expert, David Kessler, as well as being certified as a Grief Support Specialist from the University of Wisconsin. Holly believes that learning never stops and recently completed another training and certification as a Grief & Loss Provider with Claire Bidwell Smith. Holly recognizes that grievers don’t need to be fixed, they need to be heard, seen, and supported. Holly’s passion/purpose is to be present for those who have experienced losses by guiding them through the feelings of grief and leading them to a place of peace and hope while honoring their relationships/experiences. Holly says," I normalize grief and invite growth and learning throughout the journey using a heart centered, and holistic approach.”


    Holly works 1:1 with women who have lost a loved one to a brain tumor or are caring for a loved one diagnosed with a brain tumor, facilitates grief support groups, and leads grief education workshops for various organizations. She is the co-host of the podcast Creating Space for Grief & Hope. What you’ll learn:What anticipatory grief is (and why it’s not just anticipating death)How to support a spouse/partner & children after a GBM diagnosisThe difference between platitudes and evidence-informed supportPractical tools: movement, journaling, nature, hydration, restWhy feeling your feelings = real strength


    Connect with Us:

    Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates. 


    Disclaimer:

    All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.


    Tags:

    grief, anticipatory grief, glioblastoma, GBM, brain tumor, cancer caregiving, caregiver support, oncology, oncology support, patient advocacy, grief coach, grief educator, grief myths, grief practices, palliative care, bereavement, grief tools, cancer diagnosis, mental health in medicine, The Patient From Hell, Manta Cares


    39 min
  • Navigating Cancer, Insurance & the Healthcare System: What Every Patient Should Know

    Samira is joined by legal expert, patient advocate, and author Rebecca — a powerhouse voice in the cancer and healthcare world. Rebecca shares her unique journey from big law to breast cancer advocacy, and offers practical, game-changing advice for patients navigating diagnosis, treatment, insurance, and employment.


    Whether you're newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand your rights, this conversation is a masterclass in layered patient advocacy.


    👉 Subscribe and hit the bell to stay updated on future episodes of Patient from Hell.


    About Our Guest:

    Rebecca Bloom is a Yale College and New York University School of Law educated patient and workplace advocate. A former workplace and benefits attorney, Rebecca’s longest and proudest affiliation is with Bay Area Cancer Connections, where she has served as a patient advocate and healthcare, insurance and workplace advisor for women fighting breast and ovarian cancer for 25 years. Rebecca was a contributing writer and editor for Breast Cancer in the Workplace, published by the Northern California Cancer Center in the early 2000s. The book has recently been updated, expanded and reissued by the Cancer Prevention Institute of California and is now titled Working with Cancer.Rebecca serves as a listener, learner, supporter and advocate for the clients of Bay Area Cancer Connections, primarily one at a time but also in groups that she’s led and conferences where she’s presented.


    When she worked as a lawyer, her clients were companies, and she brings that perspective to her interactions with BACC clients and other people on whose behalf she advocates. Her knowledge of the complex rules that employers, insurers and medical providers follow, as well as the dynamics and incentives that exist between stakeholders helps her give the women she supports a constructive and comprehensive foundation so that they can integrate all available information with comfort and confidence and focus on recovery and wellness. Rebecca is also a professional storytelling coach, helping her clients get their stories told and shared.⏱️


    CHAPTERS / TIMECODES

    00:00 – Cancer Bills, Greed & the Broken System

    01:00 – Meet Rebecca: Legal Ninja-Turned-Advocate

    03:50 – What Changed in 26 Years of Oncology Work

    06:45 – Why the Maze Is More Complex Today

    09:50 – The Rise of the Medical Industrial Complex

    11:40 – How Tech Complicates Cancer Care

    13:00 – The Story Behind Her New Book

    16:00 – Advocacy Success Story: Karen’s Journey

    20:00 – How to Talk to Insurers & Employers (Magic Words)

    23:30 – Legal Advice: Your Benefits Are Yours — Take Them

    26:00 – Drafting Your Support Team (Like a Startup CEO)

    28:40 – The Hidden Risk of Insurance Plan Changes

    31:15 – Rapid Fire: Insurance, FMLA, Disability, COBRA Explained

    38:55 – Other Hidden Workplace Benefits Most Patients Miss

    40:35 – If You Could Fix One Thing About Healthcare...

    41:30 – What Being a "Patient from Hell" Really Means

    42:00 – Closing Thoughts and One Thing to Remember


    Takeaways:

    Rebecca Bloom's diverse background includes law, advocacy, and storytelling.

    Stories of hope can empower patients and provide valuable insights.

    Understanding your rights as a patient is essential for effective advocacy.

    Insurance complexities can create barriers to care that patients must navigate.


    Connect with Us:

    Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates.


    Disclaimer:

    All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

    43 min
  • When Cancer Hits Your Family: Navigating Grief and Taking Action | Chris Schuler Part 2

    Samira and guest Chris Schuler delve into the emotional and practical challenges faced during the cancer diagnosis and treatment process. Chris shares his personal experiences as a caregiver for his father diagnosed with glioblastoma, highlighting the confusion and fear that accompany such news. The conversation explores the importance of understanding treatment options, the role of family in caregiving, and the complex emotions of grief that arise during this journey. Chris emphasizes the need for clear communication and advocacy in healthcare, as well as the disconnect between the information provided and the emotional realities faced by families.


    About our Guest:

    Chris is a staunch brain cancer awareness advocate. He was the primary caregiver to his late Dad, Donald Schuler, who was diagnosed with GBM in July 2021. He works closely with organizations across the globe, amplifying their critical work and building key relationships to further improve outcomes for patients.


    His career has spanned almost two decades through philanthropic roles in a variety of industries including non-profit, public and private higher education, and healthcare. 


    He's currently working with Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, an Australian non-profit dedicated to improving outcomes in brain cancer. He's a Venture Partner with Varia Ventures, working to raise awareness for emerging venture funds dedicated to uncovering and funding innovative discoveries to improve brain health. He also works closely with SageMedic, a precision oncology start-up supporting patients looking for the most effective treatment for cancer. 


    Takeaways

    Chris felt a sense of responsibility to support his parents after the diagnosis.

    The emotional impact of a terminal diagnosis can be overwhelming.

    Understanding treatment options is crucial for caregivers.

    Grief can manifest differently in family members during a health crisis.

    Clear communication from healthcare providers is essential.

    Many caregivers feel lost in the healthcare system.

    The binder provided by the hospital was not helpful for Chris or his mom.

    Caregiving involves navigating complex emotions and responsibilities.

    Patients and families need to advocate for themselves in medical settings.

    The experience of receiving a terminal diagnosis is traumatic and disorienting. 

    The feeling of helplessness is a common struggle for caregivers.

    Chris's mother chose not to Google her husband's condition, living in the moment instead.

    Chris believes there are hidden joys in caregiving, despite the challenges.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Context of Caregiving

    02:54 Navigating the Diagnosis Process

    05:54 The Emotional Impact of a Terminal Diagnosis

    08:50 Understanding Treatment Options and Next Steps

    11:53 The Role of Family in Caregiving

    15:07 Grief and Its Manifestations in Caregiving

    17:56 The Disconnect Between Information and Understanding

    25:00 Navigating Cancer: A Personal Journey

    31:48 The Search for Answers: Clinical Trials and Second Opinions

    39:51 The Emotional Toll: Grief, Faith, and Resilience

    46:49 The Caregiver's Perspective: Finding Joy Amidst Sorrow


    Connect with Us:

    Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates. 


    Disclaimer:

    All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

    49 min
  • Why Cancer Patients Need Strength Training: The Untold Benefits of Movement in Recovery

    Vicki McGrath, an exercise physiologist specializing in breast cancer recovery. They discuss Vicki's journey into creating exercise programs for breast cancer patients, the importance of movement and setting achievable goals during recovery, and personal stories of patients who have benefited from her programs. The conversation also covers the challenges of lymphedema, advice for newly diagnosed and metastatic patients, and the significance of functional fitness in enhancing quality of life post-treatment.


    About Our Guest:

    Vicki McGrath's career is a testament to her dedication to both fitness and cancer care, as well as her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those affected by health challenges. With over 30 years of experience in fitness and wellness, Vicki has developed a deep expertise that spans a variety of populations, from individuals with special health needs to those recovering from cancer. Her extensive qualifications, including certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine (Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer, Health Fitness Director, Exercise Physiologist, and Exercise is Medicine) and her specialization in cancer exercise, position her as a highly skilled professional in the wellness community.


    In 2024, Vicki's passion for cancer advocacy deepened when she joined the Board of Directors at Bay Area Cancer Connections, solidifying her leadership in the cancer support community. Her recent graduation from the Project Lead Institute through the National Breast Cancer Coalition further highlights her commitment to health promotion and cancer advocacy. This combination of experience and education allows Vicki to make a lasting impact, advocating for both cancer prevention and support while empowering individuals through her work and leadership.


    Vicki's dedication to bridging fitness and cancer care continues to make a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals, demonstrating her as both a health expert and a passionate advocate for cancer support and prevention.


    Takeaways:

    Vicki McGrath transitioned from personal training to focus on wellness for breast cancer patients. She created exercise programs due to a lack of resources for athletes recovering from breast cancer. The program has helped over 215 women since its inception in 2011. Personal stories highlight the emotional and physical impact of exercise on recovery. Setting realistic goals is crucial for patients at different stages of treatment. Functional fitness focuses on flexibility, strength, and balance for daily activities.

    Movement is essential for improving energy levels during treatment. Lymphedema management includes breathing techniques and gentle exercises. Post-treatment exercise is vital for maintaining lean body mass and overall health.


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Background

    03:08 The Journey into Breast Cancer Exercise Programs

    06:09 Impact on Patients: Personal Stories

    08:55 Setting Goals in Recovery11:57 Functional Fitness Explained

    14:57 The Importance of Movement and Exercise

    17:48 Navigating Post-Treatment Fitness20:58 Lymphedema: Understanding and Management

    23:50 Advice for Newly Diagnosed Patients

    27:07 Advice for Metastatic Patients

    30:00 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts


    Connect with Us:

    Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or Linkedin @MantaCares and visit our website at MantaCares.com for more episodes and updates.


    Disclaimer:

    All content and information provided in connection with Manta Cares is solely intended for informational and educational purposes only. This content and information is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

    45 min

About Patient from Hell

From the publisher's feed

Are you a cancer patient? Caregiver? Survivor? Advocate? Friend? Then you've come to the right place! The Patient from Hell is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by cancer survivor, founder of Manta Cares,…

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