Breast Cancer Conversations

The heart of today's episode is the poetry readings from our community members. Each poet shared their personal experiene with breast cancer, touching on themes of struggle, resilience, and hope. From Brookshire McDonald's reflections on the growth of our community to Farhana's poignant farewell to her breasts, each piece brings unique insights and emotions.

Joely from New Jersey shared her experience compiling an anthology of breast cancer-related poetry, emphasizing the therapeutic power of writing. We also heard from Cindy, whose fierce poem likened the battle with cancer to a warrior's fight and Evelina Buendia gives voice to The Warrior Cry, to name a few.

The episode concluded with a collaborative poem created by our community, symbolizing our collective strength and support for each other. It was a powerful reminder of the support network that survivingbreastcancer.org strives to provide.

Thank you for joining us for this moving episode.

Poets:
Brookshire McDonald - Beyond the Dream
Farahana Kassam, Alas, My Boobs Adieu
Joely Serino, Hearts in the Sand
Cindy Farmer, To the Amazons
Pooja Jain, Sleepless Nights
Evelina Johnson Buendia, In the Middle
Sue Krejci, Survivorship
Laura Carfang, The Night Train
Gloria Shoon, Reflection After Meditation
Lourdes Heras, Solitude and Support
William Laferriere, Desperation
Evelina Jonshon Buendia, The Warrior Cry
Joely Serino, Cancer During Covid
Elisa Herrares, Flowing
William Laferriere, Waiting for Hercules
A tribute to Ilene Kaminski, Memory of Hope
Elle Veitch, Sisters
All, Group Poem Creation

Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

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SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

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In today's episode, we tackle a highly requested topic: navigating work while living with MBC. We explore the complexities of managing a career, discussing when to work, when to consider disability, and how to maintain health insurance and benefits amidst a metastatic diagnosis.

Our guest, Abigail Johnston, leads our MBC webinar series and has assembled an incredible panel of women who share their firsthand experiences of working with MBC

Our panelists include:

• Holly, from Portland, who was diagnosed de novo metastatic and continues to work a physically demanding job at the Humane Society.
• Lisa Hahn, from Alexandria, Virginia, who works for Pew Charitable Trust and has been living with MBC since 2019.
• Dawn McDaniel, a psychologist who founded Mystical Energies and was diagnosed with MBC in April 2023.
• Wendy Casper, a psychologist and professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, who has been researching work-life balance and cancer diagnosis communication.

The panelists share their unique stories, from disclosing their diagnosis to requesting reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. They also discuss the importance of self-care and the challenges of balancing work with treatment schedules.

We highlight resources like cancerandcareers.org and triagecancer.org, which provide invaluable guidance for those navigating cancer in the workplace. These organizations offer state-specific resources and federal protections under the ADA.

Each journey is unique. No one is alone in this experience. We encourage our listeners to reach out with topics or to share their stories on our show.

Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

Support the show

Awareness and resources for safety are crucial when it comes to addressing issues of domestic violence, especially in the context of breast cancer. In today's episode we share personal experiences, warning signs, and resources for those who may be facing this difficult situation.

Lourdes Heras, a breast cancer survivor, shares her experience of dealing with both a health issue and a violent intimate partner. She highlighted the importance of recognizing and addressing domestic violence, especially within the Hispanic community where discussions about such topics may be considered taboo or embarrassing.

We are joined by Cami inforzato who is the Women's Program Coordinator for the Domestic Abuse Intervention Programs. The discussion highlights the parallels between the private nature of breast cancer and domestic violence, both of which may not be immediately visible to others. It is essential to create a safe and supportive environment where survivors feel empowered to seek help and access resources for their safety.

Topics Covered:

00:07:02 - The Power and Control Wheel Explained
00:10:25 - The Impact of Domestic Violence on Women and Children
00:13:30 - Lourdes's Journey to Seeking Help
00:18:49 - The Importance of Women Supporting Each Other
00:19:33 - The Equality Wheel: Signs of a Healthy Relationship
00:21:37 - Lourdes Reflects on Her Growth and Empowerment

Resources:
Hotline: 800.799. SAFE (7233).
Power and Control Wheel: https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/power-and-control/

Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

Lauren shared her story, starting from the unsettling discovery of a lump during a routine yoga practice to her diagnosis of stage 3, triple-positive breast cancer at the young age of 29. She recounted the initial disbelief, the urgency of starting treatment, and the life-altering decisions she faced, including fertility preservation through IVF before commencing chemotherapy.

00:03:59 - Lauren's Breast Cancer Diagnosis Story
00:08:48 - Family History and Genetic Testing
00:11:12 - Sharing Diagnosis with Family and Friends
00:14:21 - Treatment and Fertility Decisions
00:19:48 - Journey to Motherhood
00:25:08 - Children and Surrogacy Experience
00:33:44 - Starting Liv and Let and the Giv Shoppe

Resources mentioned in this episode:
https://www.livandlet.com/
https://www.givshoppe.com/

Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

Tune in to this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations as Shannon and Erin share their personal experiences with the Signatara test. Shannon, living with oligometastatic breast cancer, takes a holistic approach to her treatment plan, while Erin, with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer, offers insights from a different perspective.

Personalized blood tests for cancer, such as the Signatera are revolutionizing the way we monitor and treat cancer. These tests offer a non-invasive and more accurate way to detect circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream, allowing for early detection of cancer recurrence or progression.

The Signatera test, developed by Natera, uses a combination of blood samples and tissue samples to create a specialized test that can detect circulating tumor cells that may not be detectable through traditional testing methods. By analyzing the levels of these circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream, the test can provide valuable information about the presence of residual cancer cells and the risk of recurrence or progression.

Discover how Signatara is used to determine treatment plans and explore a variety of perspectives on managing breast cancer.

[00:07:12] Holistic cancer treatment approaches.

[00:14:06] Breast cancer treatment options.

[00:18:13] Pathology complete response.

[00:23:19] Circulating tumor cells detection.

[00:25:52] Genetic makeup of cancer cells.

[00:30:36] Exploring treatment options.

[00:37:31] Moments of advocacy and empowerment.

[00:44:33] Customizing Cancer Treatments.

[00:49:17] Early cancer detection methods.

[00:50:52] Misconceptions about cancer stages.

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Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

Dawn shares her journey from diagnosis to traveling the world doing cat sitting after caring for her mother. Their conversation touches on major milestones, personal experiences, and the impact of travel on Dawn's life post-treatment. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience and adventure.

00:02:08 - Travel Stories Post-Diagnosis
00:08:42 - Seeking a Second Opinion and Surgical Biopsy
00:12:34 - Dawn's Experience with Aromatase Inhibitors
00:19:02 - The Importance of Second Opinions and Patient Choice
00:21:24 - Dawn's Radiation Experience and Naturopathic Protocols
00:24:06 - The Importance of Self-Care and Lifestyle Adjustments
00:31:49 - The Three Stages of Recovery: Survive, Transform, Soar
00:34:41 - The Role of Self-Care in the Healing Process
00:40:12 - Embracing Travel as a Form of Emotional Release

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Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

In this episode, Emily Parks, a patient advocate and professional living with a chronic illness, shares her personal journey with medical PTSD, starting from her diagnosis at birth with a gene mutation affecting her GI system. She talks about the lack of mental health support in her medical treatment and how she learned to manage her condition and advocate for herself within the healthcare system.

We touch on the importance of recognizing medical PTSD, understanding its triggers, and learning how to communicate effectively with healthcare providers to ensure better care and support. Emily emphasizes the power of language in expressing our experiences and the need for literature that accurately reflects the trauma associated with chronic illness and medical treatment.

We cover practical tips for managing medical PTSD, such as setting boundaries with healthcare providers, seeking therapy, and finding coping mechanisms that work for you. We discuss the importance of building a respectful relationship with your medical team and how to advocate for your needs in a healthcare setting. Welcome to the Conversation!

00:03:57 - Emily Parks' Personal Medical Journey
00:08:41 - Defining Medical PTSD
00:10:10 - Examples of Medical PTSD
00:14:28 - The Impact of Medical PTSD on Cancer Patients
00:18:12 - The Term "Non-Compliance" in Medical Notes
00:19:51 - Medical Gaslighting Explained
00:29:27 - Building a Trusting Relationship with Healthcare Providers
00:31:09 - The Importance of Language in Expressing Medical Trauma
00:33:06 - Practical Steps for Accessing Care with Medical PTSD
00:34:11 - Setting Boundaries with Healthcare Teams
00:37:10 - Coping Mechanisms and Self-Advocacy
00:44:55 - Resources and Articles on Medical PTSD
00:47:38 - The Importance of Patient-Centered Care
00:51:07 - The Power Dynamic Between Patients and Providers
00:52:31 - Strategies for Communicating with Healthcare Providers


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Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/
Laura: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of introducing our incredible Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Leadership Team. It was a heartwarming session where we delved into the personal journeys of our team members, each sharing their unique experiences with breast cancer.

Our conversation was guided by the ever-inspiring Abigail Johnston, a board member and a dear friend, who led us through the stories of our amazing guests. We heard from Katie, Sheila, Claudia, Melanie, Amy, and in spirit, Kathleen, who couldn't join us due to the side effects of MBC. Each story was a testament to the strength and resilience of those living with a metastatic diagnosis.

We discussed the importance of clinical trials, the power of education, and the need for community support. Our team also highlighted the resources and programs that Surviving Breast Cancer offers, including our webinar series, support groups, and the wealth of information available on our website.

The episode was not just about sharing stories; it was about building a family. We emphasized the significance of intimacy in our conversations and creating a space where we can share the most personal aspects of our lives with openness and trust.

Topics Covered:
00:03:33 - The Role of the MBC Leadership Team
00:06:02 - Personal Stories: Katie's Journey with MBC
00:09:08 - Sheila's Experience and Advocacy in the Hispanic Community
00:12:25 - Claudia's Experience with Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer
00:17:01 - Melanie's Transition from Early Stage to Metastatic Disease
00:23:05 - Amy's Diagnosis and Advocacy Work
00:29:22 - Honoring Kathleen's Contributions and Initiatives
00:32:01 - Abigail's Clinical Trial Experience and Advocacy
00:44:38 - Overcoming Cultural Barriers in the Hispanic Community
00:47:36 - The Significance of Education in Cancer Treatment

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Website:
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/

Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
SurvivingBreastCancerorg: https://www.instagram.com/survivingbreastcancerorg/
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/

Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

Today's episode of Breast Cancer Conversations features Rachel Burns, an incredible musician, singer, songwriter, and founder of the nonprofit Cancer Culture. Celebrating 10 years since her initial diagnosis, Rachel dives into her identity beyond cancer, highlighting her roles as a mom, daughter, and advocate. As a musician, Rachel describes the healing power of music and how it helped her process her emotions and experiences with cancer. Rachel's songs, which blend various genres, serve as a source of hope and inspiration for others facing similar challenges. Welcome to the Conversation

Rache's story is a powerful reminder that while cancer can change our lives, it doesn't have to define them. We can find strength in our passions, support in our communities, and hope in our continued efforts to live fulfilling lives.

Topics Covered:
00:02:17 - Living with Breast Cancer Post-Diagnosis
00:05:35 - Identity and Breast Cancer
00:12:36 - Mental Health and Cancer Diagnosis
00:16:02 - Lifestyle and Diet Before Cancer
00:24:29 - Finding Flow State Through Music
00:28:20 - The Healing Power of Art and Music
00:33:59 - Involvement with Cancer Culture

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Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jacquie Carter Angell, a remarkable woman who has not only survived non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as a teenager but is now living with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (MBC).

Jacquie shares her incredible journey with us, from being told she wouldn't live past her early 20s to becoming a mother, a wife, and a successful entrepreneur in the beauty industry. Despite her initial diagnosis of HER2-positive breast cancer and later, the more challenging triple-negative metastatic disease, Jacquie's spirit remains unbroken.

In our conversation, 's emphasized the importance of self-examination, noting that both times she discovered her breast cancer, it was through accidental self-discovery rather than routine mammograms. She highlighted the need for women, regardless of age, to be vigilant about their breast health.

Jacquie also opens up about the difficult decision of whether to disclose her cancer diagnosis to colleagues at work. She reflected on her first experience with breast cancer, where she prioritized her career over her health, and contrasted it with her current approach, which puts her well-being first! Welcome to the Conversation.

00:02:05 - Jacquie's Personal Story and Cancer Experiences
00:09:06 - Deciding Whether to Share Diagnosis at Work
00:18:28 - Discovering the Recurrence of Cancer
00:23:06 - Experience on Trodelvy
00:24:01 - Understanding Triple Negative Breast Cancer
00:29:19 - Finding Positivity and New Interests During Cancer
00:31:28 - The Role of Caregivers and Family Support
00:32:38 - Advice for Those Recently Diagnosed


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Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events

Follow us on Instagram
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/

About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.