It was an honor speaking with my friend, Elissa Kalver, metastatic breast cancer thriver, CEO of WeGotThis.org, a registry for cancer thrivers & author of her NEW book, We Got This: How I Learned to Thrive with Terminal Cancer.

Elissa opens up about her diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer at age 34 shortly before her daughter's first birthday, & how she's turned her diagnosis into purpose & power. We discuss explaining cancer to your children & why she's redefining what thriving with cancer looks like!

Not only is today book launch day, but it's also Elissa's 38th birthday, & birthdays as a metastatic cancer thriver hit differently. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELISSA!

You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be inspired. We hope you love this episode as much as we do!

xo

Robyn & Elissa

MUST LISTEN if you are planning to have surgery soon!

I am so delighted to be joined by Dr. Rebecca Knackstedt, MD, PhD  ⁨(@Surgical_Recovery), Assistant Professor of Plastic & Reconstructive surgery at Duke University specializing in implant-based & microsurgical breast reconstruction. 

We discuss the concept of PREHABILITATION for surgery, how she incorporates functional medicine into her practice, & how to spot misinformation on social media.

We hope you love this episode as much as we do.

xo

Robyn

Did you know that about 80% of patients undergoing cancer treatment have skin-related side effects? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ethan Melillo (@millennialrx), PharmD and Senior Manager of Integrated Health at L’Oréal who works closely with the La Roche-Posay team, to discuss ways that patients can minimize skin side effects before, during, and after cancer treatment. 

For 50 years, La Roche-Posay has been dedicated to helping navigate patients through the challenges of cancer treatment through skin care. We talk about the importance of skin side effects in cancer care. the perfect regimen for cancer thrivers, LRP’s oncology services, & their thermal springs in La Roche-Posay, France. (Yes, it’s a city with thermal springs!)

For more information on La Roche’s oncology initiatives or to request a free sample kit, visit their website:

https://www.laroche-posay.us/cancer-support.html

We hope you enjoy this episode.

xo

Robyn | Dr. Robyn Roth

Follow @theboobiedocs for more of the breast information

Edited by Katie Dwyer (@heartbeatkick)

*Today’s podcast episode is sponsored by La Roche-Posay.

Listen to this episode before you get breast reconstruction!

It was my honor to speak to my friend, Plastic Surgeon & advocate, Dr. Alicia Billington. We unpack all of the insurance craziness she & her patients have experienced over the last few months, & how social media has played a role. We talk about the problems with the Women’s Health & Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA) & how we can fix this.

We also talk about all the reconstructive options you have after breast cancer, including flat closure, flap, & implants, plus the GalaFLEX internal bra! We even figure out my perfect breast reconstruction as a woman who breast-fed three kids. (Howard, listen up!) 

We hope you love this episode as much as we do! (ps I’m pretty sure we just became breasties! 👯‍♀️)

xo

Robyn & Alicia

@theboobiedocs

Welcome back to our first repeat podcast guest! In honor of Rare Disease Day, Lainie Jones, @theearlydetective, is back to share her latest cancer updates. At age 41, she is currently battling her 7TH CANCER, (no) thanks to Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. She shares how she stays so positive despite her laundry list of cancers (most recently glioblastoma!) & how early cancer detection continues to save her life. We discuss how to support someone battling cancer, scanxiety, what scares her, & of course, that Super Bowl commercial.

You'll laugh, you'll cry, & you'll be inspired.

We hope you love this episode as much as we do. Thanks for listening!

all the breast,

Robyn (Dr. Robyn Roth)

follow @theboobiedocs & @ggtobc for more of the BREAST info!

One of my dream guests is on the podcast TODAY! Jill Martin, Today Show Contributor, opens up about her BRCA gene mutation that ultimately led to her diagnosis of aggressive breast cancer. Jill reflects on the past year of treatment and survivorship, how her breast cancer diagnosis made her a better person, and tells us why she calls her chemotherapy her "best friend pills." She shares her best holiday gifts including our favorite sherpas, and I share a super secret project I’ve been working on!

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I loved recording it! (ps Jill, did we just become breast friends?)

xo Robyn

follow me at @theboobiedocs for more of the BREAST information

In this episode, breast radiologist, Dr. Robyn Roth, aka @theboobiedocs, talks with Dr. Dana Ataya, an associate professor of breast radiology at Moffitt Cancer Center. They discuss the crucial importance of yearly mammograms starting at age 40 for average-risk women and emphasize the rising incidence of breast cancer in younger women.

The episode addresses the confusion surrounding screening guidelines, the significance of understanding personal breast cancer risk, particularly for Jewish and Black women, and the benefits of supplemental imaging like ultrasound and MRI for women with dense breast tissue.

Additionally, common myths about mammography, such as the notion that they cause breast cancer, are debunked. The conversation highlights the importance of evidence-based screening methods and healthy lifestyle choices in cancer prevention. Dr. Dana shares her first song and music video, End the Confusion, to promote breast cancer screening awareness as well as her Moffitt Cancer Center band, The ReMissions band. Dr. Robyn also gives important breast cancer awareness updates.

In this episode of the Girlfriend's Guide to Breast Cancer podcast, host Dr. Robyn Roth (@theboobiedocs) welcomes Elena Silber, CEO of Sharsheret, a national organization dedicated to supporting women with breast and ovarian cancer. The conversation delves into the origin and growth of Sharsheret, from its inception by founder Rochelle Shoratz, through its expansion to a robust network with international reach. Elena highlights the services Sharsheret provides, such as peer support, genetic counseling, financial assistance, and various tailored programs addressing the unique needs of cancer patients. The episode also discusses the importance of genetic testing, especially within the Jewish community, and emphasizes Sharsheret's inclusive approach to support, regardless of religious affiliation. Upcoming events like the Sharsheret Summit are also mentioned, providing opportunities for further education and community engagement.

00:00 Welcome to Sharsheret: A Place for Everyone

01:10 Introducing Elena Silber: CEO of Sharsheret

01:41 The Journey of Sharsheret: From Volunteer to CEO

03:41 Rochelle's Story: The Inspiration Behind Sharsheret

05:41 Expanding Services: Beyond Jewish Community

07:28 Comprehensive Support: From Peer Support to Financial Aid

12:44 Addressing Genetic Risks and Prophylactic Measures

16:09 Gynecologic Cancer Awareness and Genetic Testing

26:54 Sharsheret Summit: Education and Community Engagement

29:28 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

Register for the Sharsheret summit here: https://summit.sharsheret.org/

Attend Dr. Roth's talk Tuesday October 15, 8 pm EST: From Fact to Fad: Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Screening Options Beyond the Hype

Greetings from across the pond. I sit down with Dr. Liz O’Riordan (@oriordanliz), a UK-based breast cancer surgeon by training turned advocate after her own invasive lobular breast cancer diagnosis at age 40. She has since dedicated her life to educating and empowering people affected by breast cancer. She is an international speaker and author of “The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer: How to Feel Empowered and Take Control” and her memoir, “Under the Knife: The Rise and Fall of a Female Surgeon.

We discuss how her diagnosis changed her perspective and purpose, and she shares wisdom after having been on both sides of breast cancer.

We hope you love this episode as much as we do.

xo

Robyn

@theboobiedocs

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[00:03:18] Walking in patients' shoes.

[00:04:39] Identity crisis after breast cancer.

[00:08:48] Overcoming fear of cancer recurrence.

[00:13:08] Balancing benefits and side effects.

[00:16:04] Managing side effects of medication.

[00:19:30] Lifestyle modifications for breast cancer.

[00:21:18] Breast cancer risk factors.

[00:26:15] Breast density and mammogram reports.

[00:27:43] Mammography and misinformation on cancer.

[00:32:52] Invasive lobular breast cancer.

[00:35:47] Monthly self breast exam.

[00:39:33] Trusting medical information online.

[00:42:26] Lifestyle factors in breast cancer.

[00:45:24] Importance of regular checkups.

Let’s get real about breast cancer & menopause with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz!

Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz is a board-certified OB/GYN specializing in menopause & integrative medicine doctor. She's the Founder & author of “Menopause Bootcamp: Optimize Your Health, Empower Yourself, and Flourish as You Age.” She is also a breast cancer thriver herself. But many people, including myself, know her as Dr. Suzanne from the Drew Barrymore show.

Dr. Suzanne shares her breast cancer journey, from that initial shock of diagnosis to the decisions she made about treatment & genetic testing. We're going to dig deep into how you can navigate your own journey. Whether it's understanding the importance of screenings, having those sometimes difficult conversations with family, or figuring out your options regarding treatment & hormone replacement therapy, Dr. Suzanne is here to empower you with knowledge.

We're about to unpack a lot of important information, and hopefully, by the end of this episode, you'll feel a little more equipped to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

We cover a lot in this important conversation, including:

• Dr. Suzanne's breast cancer diagnosis and treatment
• Her perspective on self-breast exams and mammograms
• Genetic testing for breast cancer
• Talking to family members about a breast cancer diagnosis
• Importance of having a support system during cancer treatment
• Menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Misconceptions about breast cancer and HRT
• The role of the media in disseminating medical information
• Importance of considering individual needs and tailoring treatment plans
• Scrutiny of large studies and medical organizations
• A doctor's experience on becoming a tv personality

Contact Dr. Suzanne

• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/askdrsuzanne/
• Instagram | @askdrsuzanne
• Website | www.thedrsuzanne.com
• Book | Menopause Bootcamp: Optimize Your Health, Empower Your Self, and Flourish as You Age
• X (Twitter) | @askdrsuzanne
• Facebook | www.facebook.com/askdrsuzanne
• YouTube | www.youtube.com/user/askdrsuzanne

Contact Dr. Robyn

• Instagram | @theboobiedocs
• TikTok | @theboobiedocs
• YouTube | www.youtube.com/@TheBoobieDocs
• Facebook | www.facebook.com/theboobiedocs
• X (Twitter) @theboobiedocs

a huge thank you to Podcast Prime Solutions for editing this episode!

https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcastprimesolutions/

https://www.instagram.com/podcastprimesolutions

https://www.facebook.com/podcastprimesolutions

https://podcastprimesolutions.com/