When it comes to Cancer, survivorship begins on the day of diagnosis and continues through treatment, recovery, and beyond. But mastering survival comes with its own set of physical, emotional, and social challenges. That’s where we can help. In this weekly series Journalist and 2x cancer survivor Loriana Hernández Aldama talks with notable experts and other survivors to help you navigate the complicated road all survivors must travel.
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Dr. Kevin Fox on Fears of Recurrence, Weight Gain, GLP-1 & Intimacy Challenges
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47:00In this episode of Stage Free, host Loriana Hernandez-Aldama sits down with Dr. Kevin Fox, a leading oncologist, to address the most pressing concerns for breast cancer survivors. They dive into fears of recurrence and progression, the impact of hormone therapy (aromatase inhibitors), and the often-debilitating side effects like bone pain and weigh…
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Navigating the Journey of Cancer Survivorship
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51:00In this powerful conversation, Loriana Hernandez-Aldama and Dr. Kate Rosenblum explore the often-overlooked phase of survivorship after cancer. They discuss the emotional toll of cancer, the importance of seeking help, and the complexities of relationships during and after treatment. Dr. Rosenblum shares her personal journey from caregiver to patie…
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Density Matters: What you need to know before your next mammogram
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46:27Do you have dense breasts?? Would you even know if you did? The truth is, the only way to find out for sure is for a radiologist to read your mammogram and make an annotation to your chart. Your breast density matters and understanding your breast density could save your life... so listen up. Dense breast tissue increases breast cancer risk and can…
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If you've ever been diagnosed with cancer, you know that the minute those dreaded words leave the doctor's mouth you pretty much lose your hearing. Studies show that we absorb 10% of what immediately follows "You have cancer." That makes the immediate next steps that much more terrifying. That insight inspired the creation of XpertPatient, a next-g…
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When you become a cancer survivor, you are forever changed, and so are the people who love you. Facing mortality and the long-term effects of treatment can leave an elephant in the room that's impossible to ignore. For millions of Latinos, this "elefante" is particularly challenging as it feeds on cultural norms and gender roles. That's where “Junt…
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The massive amount of research and resources that have been directed towards breast cancer are really paying off. At the recent SABCS conference, doctors and scientists shared breakthroughs and follow-up studies that are cause for optimism. To dig into the news, Loriana is joined by her personal Breast Oncologist, Dr. Kevin Kalinsky, the director o…
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Keeping track of your personal health records can be a challenge for even the healthiest among us; the average cancer survivor sees four to five doctors a year. And while modern-day patient portals can make it easier to access some of your info, portals rely on your various doctors being connected electronically -- which in rural America is rarely.…
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We've talked a lot about the physical and emotional challenges that come with a cancer battle, but for many, the financial toll can be equally devastating. Join us as we talk with survivor and philanthropist Molly MacDonald about financial toxicity and cancer; a topic she knows well, both personally and professionally. Back in 1997, Molly went thro…
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30 years ago scientists first discovered the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and their link to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. There are genes dozens of genes now - practically an alphabet soup - that can impact how we diagnose and treat cancer. So when should YOU have genetic testing and why? Having an expert make those judgment calls is the way to go…
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Oncology nurses are on the front lines of patient care day in and day out. For patients who require lengthy hospitalization, they literally become your family and trusted confidant. Case in point, meet Kristy Cheney, Head Nurse of Oncology at Tidelands Health in South Carolina. In 2014, "Picc Line" Kristy was my oncology nurse at the Sidney Kimmel …
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In football you can't just play a quarterback or lineman and expect them to win the game alone; the same holds for Cancer. Successful cancer treatment requires a team of experts to provide whole patient care. The typical cancer care team includes a medical oncologist -- your quarterback and survivorship coach -- a surgical oncologist, a radiologist…
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Battling cancer doesn’t end after the last drip of chemo. There’s another battle ahead in survivorship as we navigate a host of complications. Survivorship care plans matter and play a critical role in our success and outcomes. Meet Dr. Marisa Weiss, she's a "dual citizen." Not only is she an oncologist, but she is also a breast cancer survivor, wh…
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Surviving cancer can make it feel like your world is falling apart, which is why whole patient care is so important. Join us as we talk with Top Doc Dr. Santosh Rao, Medical Director of Integrative Oncology for UH Connor Whole Health. Integrative Oncology puts YOU at the center of the treatment plan to address symptoms caused by disease and treatme…
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It's hard to talk about, and even more difficult to experience... but women who undergo chemotherapy and radiation are almost certain to experience another delightful side effect; a very dry vagina. Yep, we said it. Vagina. In this episode, Loriana talks with Dr. Sandra Reed, an Emory Hospital gynecologist specializing in oncology and post-menopaus…
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The Internet Needs to Come With a Warning Label
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21:44So…. you were recently diagnosed with breast cancer (sorry about that) and now you're ready to hit the internet to find out more. Before you dive in, let Dr. Maryam Lustberg the chief of Breast Medical Oncology at Yale Cancer Center show you how to search and what to watch out for, from outdated research to fraudsters and quacks.…
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Daniel Hughes P.h.D is an assistant professor and researcher at University of Texas Health - San Antonio. A trained kinesiologist with a sport and exercise psychology specialty, Dr. Hughes has been examining the link between stress levels, cortisol production, and cancer. His research is eye-opening -- "Cortisol is like rocket fuel for cancer," he …
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Prehabilitation typically refers to the healthcare intervention process associated with helping patients prepare for a medical event like surgery or a procedure. But what if you don’t have that gift of time? What if you receive a life-threatening medical diagnosis such as cancer that requires immediate action? Then what? Having faced that exact mom…
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Welcome to STAGE FREE, a podcast for Cancer Survivors. In this episode, ”Breast Cancer 101” Loriana talks with renowned breast oncologist Dr. Maryam Lustberg, Chief of Breast Medical Oncology at Yale Cancer Center to clarify the different types of breast cancer and key factors that determine treatment plans and outcomes. Tune in to gain a solid und…
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When it comes to cancer, survivorship begins the day of diagnosis and continues through treatment, recovery, and beyond. But mastering survival isn't easy; it comes with its own set of physical, emotional, and social challenges. That’s where we can help. In this weekly series journalist and 2x cancer survivor Loriana Hernández Aldama talks with not…
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continue reading