Talk IBC

Terry and Jennifer discussed Jennifer’s journey from being diagnosed with stage 3C IBC in 2019 to becoming a board member of the IBC Network Foundation. They talked about Jennifer’s idea to create a fundraising race called the Hope Run, inspired by the foundation’s tagline “Hope Always,” to spread awareness and raise funds for IBC research. The event is scheduled for August 29th near Columbus, Ohio, with both in-person and virtual participation options. 

In this episode, Terry Lynn Arnold, sits down with both Dr. Wendy Woodworth and Dr. Azadeh Nasrazadani.

Sarah Norton is a 32 year old mother who is living with Stage IV Inflammatory Breast Cancer for almost two years. She will share her journey, including the importance of advocating for proper care, raising young children in treatment, and strategies to balance planning for legacy work while remaining hopeful of maintaining her No Evidence of Disease status for a long time.  

In our latest podcast, Terry Arnold sits down with Dr. Wendy Woodward of MD Anderson, and Jennifer Heckert, IBC sister and IBC Network Foundation Board Member, to discuss the newly established medical code for inflammatory breast cancer—what it means for tracking patients, and the critical steps we need to take next. 

In this powerful episode, Terry Arnold sits down with Ashley Kinni as she shares her deeply personal story of becoming a first-time mom at 32—only to be diagnosed with Stage 3b Inflammatory Breast Cancer just one week later. Ashley opens up about the challenges of navigating new motherhood while undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and ongoing post-surgical treatments. Her journey is still unfolding, but her resilience shines through: thankful for yesterday, grateful for today, and hopeful for tomorrow. 

Ashley Kinni, is a mother, wife, and pediatric speech language pathologist. A lover of cooking, cycling, and spending time with family.

Katy shared her personal journey with HER2-positive inflammatory breast cancer, including her treatment experiences and decision to pursue a chest tattoo instead of reconstruction. Through a discussion with Terry, they explored the impact of cancer on their identities and the challenges of balancing treatment with maintaining a sense of self. Both women discussed their experiences as cancer survivors and advocates, emphasizing the importance of creativity, self-compassion, and seeking support through resources like the IBC Network Foundation.

About Katy:

Katy Bowser Hutson is a writer and songwriter in Nashville, TN. She is the author of Now I Lay Me Down to Fight which chronicles her time with inflammatory breast cancer in poetry and essays. She is currently writing about play. Katy is married to Kenny and has a fourteen year old daughter and an eleven year old son. 

Dr. Nasrazadani (Dr. Ozy) shared her career journey from biochemistry to clinical oncology at MD Anderson, where she focuses on inflammatory breast cancer research and treatment. Terry and Dr. Ozy discussed the challenges of academic research, including financial struggles and the need to balance clinical obligations with research efforts. They explored the progress and future directions in IBC research, emphasizing the importance of patient involvement in studies and advocacy initiatives, including the MD Anderson Boot Walk.

Jane and Terry shared their experiences with inflammatory breast cancer, discussing their diagnoses, treatments, and the support they received during their journeys. They explored the physical and emotional challenges of cancer, including body image issues and the importance of self-advocacy and community support. The conversation also touched on organizations that provide support for breast cancer survivors and the importance of sharing both hopeful and difficult stories to help others in the IBC community.

Dr. Naoto discusses the challenges related to cancer health disparities and ongoing research into inflammatory breast cancer. The conversation covered funding uncertainties, including potential budget cuts and the changing landscape of biomedical research funding, as well as the importance of storytelling and community engagement in advocating for research. The discussion also touched on the potential of artificial intelligence in medical processes and the critical role of mixed funding sources in advancing academic research.

Julia shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer at age 32 while working as a travel nurse, detailing her treatment process over four years and eventual transition to patient advocacy work. She discussed her challenges returning to work after cancer treatment and her experience as a school nurse, highlighting the difficulties of balancing health and demanding professional responsibilities. Julia emphasized the importance of patient advocacy and participation in clinical trials, sharing her journey into advocacy work and her ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support others with similar experiences.