In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfing is joined by Dr. Stacey Devine, a board-certified family physician with a passion for disease prevention and holistic health. Dr. Devine discusses her journey from traditional medicine to integrative oncology and lifestyle medicine, highlighting the importance of addressing the root causes of illness and providing more natural treatment options. She emphasizes the impact of integrative oncology on the physical and emotional...

Breast cancer research funding disparity is a significant issue that affects the progress and outcomes of finding the cure for metastatic breast cancer.    Funding for breast cancer prevention and early-stage treatment, while important, does not address the specific challenges faced by those with metastatic breast cancer.  Instead, if funding goes towards developing medications that can keep patients alive until a cure is found, not only those living with MBC would benefit, but so would...

Our annual Pinktober MBC Panel on October 29 featured guests Megan-Claire Chase, Janice Cowden, Kathleen Friel, Victoria Goldberg, Claudia Gonzalez, Kirby Lewis, Amy Parliman, and Stephanie Walker. In this episode, these women share their experiences living with metastatic breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The panelists discuss how their perspectives have changed or evolved considering the realities of living with a terminal illness. 00:02:03 - "How do we bring more...

In this episode, we discuss the use of ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) in surveillance for breast cancer patients. Dr. Rodriguez, being a board-certified medical oncologist, has extensive experience in breast cancer oncology and has conducted clinical research in ctDNA application and breast cancer management. Together we dive into the different stages of breast cancer, ranging from early stage (zero through stage three) to late stage (metastatic or de novo breast cancer) and highlight the...

In this podcast episode, we speak with Carrie Danny, a mother of two daughters who are autistic. Carrie shares her experience of being a parent with MBC and the challenges she faces in raising her children.  Carrie expresses her gratitude for being able to be there for her children despite the difficulties of a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. The conversation also includes personal anecdotes about celebrating birthdays, having pets, and resources for moms living with MBC.  Topics...

In this episode, Laura Carfang and Dr. Sophia Edwards-Bennett emphasize the importance of fully processing and learning from experiences before moving on. Through their discussion, they explain that with reflection and understanding, individuals can glean valuable lessons that inspire and help others. When faced with adversity, there is often a lesson or message that we are meant to learn from the experience. However, in order to receive these lessons, we must be open and receptive. By...

Today Laura Carfang is joined with Amy Gallagher, who discusses her decision to have a prophylactic double mastectomy due to her positive BRCA1 mutation. Amy shares her personal journey with breast and ovarian cancer in her family, highlighting the importance of genetic testing and raising awareness about the potential for inherited mutations on the paternal side. The episode concludes with an inspirational discussion about Amy's role as the executive director of Firefly Sisterhood, a...

In this episode, host Sanya Bawa, an amazing intern at SBC interviews Dr.  Kulkarni, a pathology specialist, about the clinical perspective of a breast cancer diagnosis. Dr. Kulkarni discusses her journey in the field of pathology and how it offers a collaborative and constantly evolving approach to medicine. Dr. Kulkarni also highlights the importance of pathology in making accurate diagnoses by examining breast samples and biopsies. Our SBC Listeners gain insights into the challenges and...

In this episode, Laura Carfang interviews  Dr. Kumar, the chairman and CEO of Anixa Biosciences , and Jenni Davis, the first recipient of the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) vaccine, which is currently in preliminary clinical trial phases.  The vaccine is designed to prevent recurrence of breast cancer in survivors and eventually prevent cancer onset in women and men who have never had breast cancer before. It specifically focuses on triple-negative breast cancer but may have the...

In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang speaks with Derly Munoz, a physical therapist specializing in oncology. We discuss the importance of physical therapy for breast cancer patients and survivors, and Derly shares valuable insights and strategies for managing the physical challenges that can arise during and after treatment.  Tune in to learn more about the role of physical therapy in breast cancer care and empowerment. Follow our Guest @cancermindandbodyrehab...

In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang is joined by Dr. Dibble and Dr. Rauch, two experts in breast cancer imaging. Dr. Dibble is a radiologist with expertise in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, while Dr. Rauch is a professor of diagnostic radiology and the director of molecular breast imaging. Together, they discuss the latest advancements in breast cancer imaging and the importance of early detection. Tune in to learn more about the role of imaging in...

I am thrilled to announce our latest podcast episode featuring Dr. Heather Jacene and Dr. Jennifer Specht.  In this episode, we dive into the topic of nuclear medicine and its role in breast cancer treatment. Dr. Jacene, Assistant Chief of Nuclear Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Clinical Director of Nuclear Medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute shares her expertise on the latest advancements in nuclear medicine and how it can be used to detect and treat breast cancer. Dr....

In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang introduces guest Judith Fitzgerald, a 14-year breast cancer survivor and patient advocate. Judith is the founder of Sisters for Prevention, a company dedicated to supporting those newly diagnosed with breast cancer through education on diet and lifestyle strategies to reduce recurrence and primary prevention of the disease. She is also an advocate for women's health and has lobbied Congress for a women's health initiative to...

Topics in today's episode: Physical and mental tools to give hope to others. 3:47 How she discovered boxing. 7:55 The importance of having a tool belt in your bag. 11:27The importance of walking after surgery. 18:09What type of surgeries did you have? 20:45The importance of having a support system. 26:58How the macrobiotic diet helped her. 29:27The power of diet and food. 33:50 About Kelly Motley Kelly Motley is the author of The Fight for My Life: Boxing Through Chemo, which  chronicles how...

In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, Laura Carfang, founder of SurvivingBreastCancer.org, speaks with Janie Fielder a medical science liaison at Natara. The conversation centers around Signitera as well as genetic testing and the tools available for breast cancer patients to make informed decisions about their diagnosis and treatment plans. Fielder, previously a practicing nurse practitioner, manages a team of MSLs at Natara. The episode sheds light on the outstanding opportunities...

In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang speaks with Dr. Dehdashti,  a board-certified nuclear medicine expert and senior vice chair at the Washington University Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology.  Dr. Dehdashti discusses her decades of experience in translational PET research and interpreting PET imaging studies, with a focus on receptor imaging in breast cancer.  She shares her experience designing and executing clinical trials, including the first human use of...

In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, founder Laura Carfang turns the tables and interviews Board Director Abigail Johnston about her experience, living with metastatic breast cancer and her involvement as a fierce patient advocate.  Abigail shares her inspiring story of being a change maker and connector within the breast cancer community, while also being a mom, wife, and cat momma.  You can expect to be empowered by Abigail's words of wisdom and continued commitment to improving...

Topics in today's Episode: Advice for women with genetic variants. 4:08 It’s not your fault. It is not. 16:43Adriana’s experience with breast surgery. 25:38What does it take for insurance to approve implants? 29:34Being denied DIEP Flap due to BMI 33:47The difference between the tram flap vs. the deep flap. 40:47The problem with the old tram flap code. 45:19Sharing the sacred stories of survivors. 52:25 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ About...

Topics in today's episode How to get a grip on stress. 1:57Losing control and the loss of agency. 5:24The difference between uncertainty and survivorship. 12:25The four pillars of survivorship. 15:34The value of language. 21:31Hormonal shifts are the real deal. 24:56Tools for dealing with stress and coping. 27:39Setting expectations based on your energy level. 33:04The timeframe of right now and the future. 35:39Making decisions based on what's important to you. 41:38How to sit with our...

In today's episode, Breast Cancer Advocate Christine Hodgdon provides a detailed list of the amazing non-profit organizations and resources that offer support, education, and community to those living with MBC.   The list is long but don't worry, we have you covered with the PDF so you can access the programs we mention! Support the show

In today's episode, Breast Cancer Advocate Stephanie Walker provides a detailed list of the amazing non-profit organizations and resources that offer support, education, and community to those living with MBC. The list is long but don't worry, we have you covered with the PDF so you can access the programs we mention! Topics Covered: Introduction to today’s episode. 1:20Women of color and breast cancer. 2:48The importance of talking about health issues in the community. 13:09What Is...

In today's episode, we speak with Michelle Stravitz, co-founder of 2Unstoppable, a non-profit focused specifically on exercise for those diagnosed with cancer. Links: https://2unstoppable.org/ https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The safety of exercising after a breast cancer diagnosis depends on a variety of factors, including the stage of cancer, the type of treatment received, and the individual's overall health and fitness...

Are you or someone you know living with a chronic illness and then on top of the underlying condition, get diagnosed with breast cancer? It's not uncommon! Today we bring the community together to discuss how breast cancer affects those already living with a chronic illness. We all may suffer from one ailment or another from ADHD and anxiety to multiple sclerosis and Lyme disease.  Join us for a panel discussion and opportunity to ask questions and share personal experiences. This October we...

Support the show

 In today's episode, we speak with Rod Ritchie, Bob Huebner & Vance Stacks, three men who all have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Yes, men can absolutely get breast cancer. While it is much less common in men than women, it still does happen and should not be ignored. Symptoms of breast cancer in men can include a lump or thickening in the chest area, breast tenderness or pain, nipple discharge (not milky), and changes to the shape or texture of the skin on the breast. Meet the men...