Meet Beth Fairchild, an artist, wife, mother, and cancer warrior. At 34, Beth was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer and told she had two years to live. That was 2.5 years ago and she's had no evidence of active disease for more than 20 months.

Last week, in Part I, Beth shared her incredible story. This week, in Part 2, she reveals the results of her latest cancer scan, and what they mean for her treatment going forward.

Next, Leslie has an in-depth conversation with Dr. William Audeh, the medical director of the Wasserman Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the medical director of Agendia, a breast cancer testing company. Dr. Audeh has specialized in breast cancer treatment and prevention for more than 20 years, and he has helpful insights for listeners about genetic testing, mammography, and the next steps after a diagnosis.

>>>Are you a cancer warrior? We want to hear from you! We know how stressful it can be when it's time to get a blood test or scan to find out whether or not your cancer is back. How do you deal with the emotions that come up? Is there a song you listen to on the way to your appointment? Do you bring along a certain someone who knows how to keep you steady? ***Share your experience so others can gain strength from it. Send us a voice memo from your smartphone to [email protected]. And we may play it on a future episode.

***Be sure to visit www.patientsplaybook.com for resources and helpful information.

Meet Beth Fairchild, an artist, wife and mom who, at 34, was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer and told she had two years to live. But that was 2.5 years ago and her cancer is still in remission. Beth is funny and courageous. She's an inspiration to so many (check out her Glamour magazine profile!). And whether you're struggling with a new diagnosis or just want to be moved by someone who faces tough challenges with humor and strength, you won't want to miss this special 2-part episode.

This week, Beth shares what it's like to completely reassess your life, the time her husband fought for her when she was on the operating table, and how she told her two daughters about her illness. In part 2, Beth will reveal the results of her most recent cancer scan, and Leslie will talk about genetic testing, mammography, and next steps for a breast cancer diagnosis with Dr. William Audeh, an expert in breast cancer prevention, treatment and management.

We hope you enjoy this very special 2-part episode of The No-Mistake Zone and share it with your friends and loved ones.

It's the one period during the year when you can make changes to your health-insurance coverage, yet most of us say to ourselves, "Why do I even have to deal with open enrollment? Why can't I do exactly what I did last year?"

Well, what if we told you that you could potentially save hundreds of dollars from the tips in this episode? 

Today, Leslie and Lisa are joined by Karen Frost, the Senior Vice President of Health Strategy & Solutions at Aon Hewitt. Karen has great advice that can help you and your family get the most out of open enrollment—and maybe even save you money! 

Check out our podcast page at www.patientsplaybook.com, for more resources.

Lisa thinks Leslie is the MacGyver of health care, and he pretty much is. In this episode, Leslie answers listners' health care questions: 

• Carol feels like a number every time she sees her doctor: how can she get him to slow down and pay more attention to her? Leslie talks about how to get your doctor's attention and ways to maximize your time together.

• Mike asks, "An orthopedic specialist I want to see is always booked three months in advance. What can I do?" Leslie's gives a few tricks of the trade on how to get special attention and get in quicker to see a physician.

• Robert's 15-year-old daughter is traveling to Chile to study. They're not too worried about Zika, but they want to know the best ways to prepare for travel abroad, so that if she does get sick, she won't be scrambling for good care. Leslie gives tips on what to bring when you're traveling abroad, how to handle an illness, and how to coordinate with your doctor at home.

• A young reader of The Patient's Playbook asks, "What can I do to stay as healthy as I am now?" Leslie provides the 3 steps you can take to be healthy and ready for anything.

Leslie's Bottom Line

One day, maybe today or maybe 10 years from now, you or someone you love is going to face a serious medical problem. You're going to have to choose a surgeon, or an oncologist, or maybe even agree to an emergency procedure. So Right NOW—I want you to start thinking about health care the same way you think about every other major decision. That means: Do your homework, Get expert opinions, and Collect your medical records. You want to be able to understand your problem, and all your choices, so you can select the physicians and treatments that are best for you.

What health stories and topics do you want to hear on The No-Mistake Zone? Let us know at Leslie Michelson's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PatientsPlaybook/ 

If you like The No-Mistake Zone, please subscribe and spread the word!

Show Credits

Archive clip: ABCs MacGyver Episode, "My Trusty Paperclip"

Music is from PremiumBeat

Special thanks this week to Lyn Benjamin, Lissa Morales, and Melissa Handy

The No-Mistake Zone with Leslie Michelson is produced by Lisa Sweetingham

Post-Production is by Shelli Gonshorowski

Amanda loved her primary care doctor, but when he started making strange demands of her, she wondered if perhaps it was time to let go of this relationship.

In this episode, Leslie reveals the 3 signs it's time to fire your primary care physician. And in a future episode, he'll share his 3-step process to finding the best doctor for you!

Leslie's Bottom Line

In brief, the 3 signs are: You've experienced a preventable medical error; You can't get timely access to your physician; Your physician doesn't treat you in the respectful way that you deserve.

My bottom line is that you need to feel comfortable with your doctor. If something deep down is telling you that this relationship isn't balanced—trust your gut. Do something about it. But give your physician the courtesy of a conversation. Explain your concerns. Give him the opportunity to repair the relationship. And if you get a negative response, then this isn't the right physician for you. Better to know that now, while you're well, then when you're sick and discover he's not there for you the way you need.

Check out https://www.PatientsPlaybook.com for more stories and tips on finding the best physicians for you!

What health stories and topics do you want to hear about on The No-Mistake Zone? Let us know at Leslie Michelson's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PatientsPlaybook/  

If you like The No-Mistake Zone, please subscribe and spread the word!

Show Credits

Archive clip: Elaine May & Mike Nichols, "Calling Dr. Marx"

Music is from PremiumBeat

The No-Mistake Zone with Leslie Michelson is produced by Lisa Sweetingham

Post-Production is by Shelli Gonshorowski

Michael and Janice's lives changed forever last fall when Janice fell unconscious from a stroke as she was emerging from a Manhattan subway station all alone. She needed emergency brain surgery, but the doctors lacked important information about her health and they didn't know how to reach her husband. As Janice's story unfolds, Leslie reveals the most important checklist you'll ever make—and you don't want to leave home without it.

And we made a special Emergency Information Card just for you at https://www.PatientsPlaybook.com! Download it, Fill it out, Put it in your purse or wallet.

Check out https://www.PatientsPlaybook.com for even more helpful resources and downloadable forms that will help you prepare for a longer, healthier life!

Like us on Leslie's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PatientsPlaybook/

-Music is from PremiumBeat

-Special thanks this week to Cynthia O'Donnell and Lissa Morales

-The No-Mistake Zone with Leslie Michelson is produced by Lisa Sweetingham Post-Production is by Shelli Gonshorowski

The Podcast that will show you how to live a longer, healthier life.

The No-Mistake Zone with Leslie Michelson is a life-changing podcast for anyone who interacts with our broken health care system—which is pretty much everyone.

Whether you're facing a serious illness or just want to prepare yourself and your family for a lifetime of better health, this exciting new program will inform and entertain with compelling stories, essential insider information, and problem-solving steps that will literally save lives.

CO-HOSTS

Leslie Michelson: Author of The New York Times best-seller The Patient's Playbook: How to Save Your Life and the Lives of Those You Love, and founder and CEO of Private Health Management, a unique, patient-focused company that has helped thousands of people to obtain exceptional medical care, Leslie has spent the last 30 years as a medical care–management expert and patient advocate, helping people to get exceptional health care results. Every day, Leslie and his team of medical experts help patients with a broad range of health issues, while partnering with the most cutting-edge and knowledgeable physicians from around the world, many of whom will be interviewed for the podcast.

Lisa Sweetingham: Accomplished author, investigative journalist, and mother of three (which makes her a pretty regular health care "consumer"), Lisa is the co-host and producer of The No-Mistake Zone with Leslie Michelson. Lisa will bring Leslie's lessons and advice to life through the fascinating stories of everyday people who are facing compelling health care dilemmas.

Visit Leslie and Lisa at https://www.patientsplaybook.com and Like Us on Leslie's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PatientsPlaybook/

Show Credits

Clips in this episode include:

• Video: CNN Money Reports: "How to Get Healthcare Like a Billionaire," with Christina Alesci

• Video: ABC News' Good Morning America: "The Patient's Playbook: A Guide for the Health Care System," with Robin Roberts

• Archive clip: Court TV's "Catherine Crier Live"

• Radio: Marketplace: "How Ecstasy Empire Fell From Its High," with Kai Ryssdal

• Plus select clips: from future episodes of The No-Mistake Zone with Leslie Michelson

• Music is from PremiumBeat

Special thanks this week to Julia Richter, Lyn Benjamin, Lissa Morales, Melissa Handy, and Jennifer Marshall.

The No-Mistake Zone with Leslie Michelson is produced by Lisa Sweetingham

Post-Production is by Shelli Gonshorowski