Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Tiffany Troso Sandoval, a highly esteemed medical oncologist who has dedicated over 25 years to treating women's cancers. Dr. Troso shared her extensive experience and insights into the evolving landscape of oncology, particularly in breast cancer treatment. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Troso stressed the importance of resilience and empowerment for cancer patients. She sh...
Aug 03, 2025•42 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! A cancer diagnosis is life-changing. For individuals navigating breast cancer, the focus often centers on survival—completing treatment, managing side effects, and getting back to “normal.” But for many survivors, what follows is far from familiar. The emotional, physical, and relational impacts of cancer can linger long after treatment ends, especially when it comes to sexual health and intimacy. I had the pleasure of speaking with Tiffini Sharifi, a licensed p...
Jun 24, 2025•42 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations , I had the privilege of speaking with Bob Furniss, a father, husband, and author who has turned his family’s heartbreaking experience with breast cancer into a mission to educate and advocate for early detection. Bob and his wife Susan founded the nonprofit WarriorPrincess.org in honor of their late daughter, Keesha Furniss, who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 30. Bob shared the emotional ...
Jun 16, 2025•40 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Cindy Fortuna, a registered holistic nutritionist who specializes in supporting individuals navigating and recovering from cancer. Cindy brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the table, having faced her own cancer diagnosis. Our conversation covers a range of topics, from the importance of whole foods and maintaining a healthy gut, to the role of stress manageme...
Jun 15, 2025•44 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! How A Walk in the Woods Changed Everything: Regan’s Story of Healing and Breast Cancer Survival In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Regan Stacey, a breast cancer survivor and advocate for the healing power of nature. We delved into the profound impact that connecting with the natural world can have on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being, especially for those navigating the challenges of a breast cancer d...
Jun 08, 2025•43 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nina Prol, an experienced oncology nurse and SurvivingBreastCancer.org's amazing Pilates instructor. Nina has been a vital part of our community, offering free, virtual Pilates classes that are accessible to anyone. We dive into the benefits of Pilates, especially for those undergoing cancer treatment. Nina shared how Pilates can help manage the side effects of treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and horm...
May 25, 2025•25 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! Genetic tests like 23andMe are perceived as a fun and engaging way to explore family history, However, the implications of genetic testing extend beyond mere curiosity about ancestry; they touch on the very fabric of our lives and the lives of our loved ones. For those who discover they carry genes associated with increased cancer risk, like Lesser, the stakes are high. It raises questions about proactive measures, such as screenings or preventive surgeries, and...
May 19, 2025•36 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In the podcast episode, I speak with Kate Garcia and Jen Tipton, and discuss the significant role that yoga can play in the lives of breast cancer survivors and thrivers. Both Kate and Jen lead yoga classes for our SurvivingBreastCancer.org (SBC) community and they share their personal experiences and insights on how yoga can aid in healing and recovery. Restorative Yoga : Kate teaches restorative yoga classes that focus on gentle movements and breathing techniq...
May 11, 2025•38 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I, Laura Carfing, founder of survivingbreastcancer.org, delve into the critical topic of fertility preservation and genetic counseling for breast cancer patients. Joined by Alejandra Bernal, a genetic counseling student at the University of Pittsburgh, and Melissa Bourdius , a hereditary cancer counselor, we explore the intersection of cancer treatment, fertility, and genetics. Alejandra shares insights from her re...
May 04, 2025•50 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, host Laura Carfang welcomes Dr. Amy Morris, an ovarian cancer survivor and cancer researcher, to discuss navigating health and wellness post-cancer diagnosis. We delve into essential topics such as the side effects of treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapies, including weight gain and the challenges of sudden menopause. Dr. Morris shares her unique insights from both her professional backgrou...
Apr 27, 2025•40 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kathleen Moss, a nutritionist from Portland, Oregon, who shared her journey with breast cancer. Kathleen's story is both unique and insightful, as she was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer after a decade of screening and monitoring a shadow in her left breast. She detailed her experience with DCIS, the challenges of detecting lobular breast cancer, and the eventual discovery o...
Mar 04, 2025•46 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Kohli, the Director of Breast Surgery at Monmouth Medical Center in New Jersey. We delved into the multifaceted journey of breast cancer survivorship, emphasizing the importance of treating the whole person, not just the disease. Dr. Kohli shared her insights on the increasing incidence of breast cancer in younger women and the importance of focusing on the quality of life fo...
Jan 26, 2025•41 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Thomas Francel, a plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction. One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of personalized care. Dr. Francel stressed that each patient's journey is unique, and decisions regarding reconstruction should be made based on individual circumstances, preferences, and medical needs. We also touched on the emotional aspects of recovery, sharing heartfelt stories of p...
Jan 12, 2025•35 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dianne Faure, an attorney, author, teacher, advanced Eden energy medicine practitioner, and massage therapist. Dianne shared her incredible journey of using energy medicine to manage and overcome various health issues, including her own diagnosis with inflammatory breast cancer. Dianne's background is impressive. She has resolved multiple health issues such as chronic pain, aller...
Dec 08, 2024•42 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with S.L. Wisenberg, a self-described "one-breasted feminist" and author of "The Adventures of Cancer Bitch." S.L. shared her journey of being diagnosed with stage 2A breast cancer in 2007, undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy, and how she turned her experience into a powerful narrative through her writing. We delved into S.L. Wisenberg’s inspiration for starting her blog, Cancer ...
Nov 24, 2024•45 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! Dr. Janet Abrahm reshapes the common perception of palliative care, emphasizing that it should not be viewed solely as end-of-life support, but rather as an essential form of supportive care that can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life when integrated early. With over 20 years of experience at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. Abrahm is a leading expert in the palliative care needs of cancer patients and the author of the Comprehensive...
Nov 17, 2024•53 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! Breast cancer is a deeply personal journey. As the landscape of breast cancer treatment evolves, understanding the surgical options available becomes crucial for patients navigating this challenging experience. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Yolanda Tamero, a breast surgical oncologist, who provides invaluable insights into the various surgical interventions available for those diagnosed with breast cancer. We talk about the different types of breast surgeri...
Nov 03, 2024•48 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with Stephanie S. Abbott, a remarkable individual who has navigated the complex worlds of both healthcare administration and cancer survivorship. Stephanie brings a unique perspective, having served in multiple leadership roles in healthcare, including Chief Experience Officer for Adventist Health and Division Vice President of Patient Experience for HCA. Stephanie shared her personal...
Oct 28, 2024•48 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, I had the pleasure of speaking with the incredible Dr. Amani Jambhekar, a board-certified general surgeon and medical director for surgical breast oncology at Christus St. Vincent in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Dr. Jambhekar shared her journey from Texas to New Mexico, driven by her commitment to women's health and her response to the Texas law SB8, which bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. We delved into t...
Oct 20, 2024•40 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode, I had the honor of speaking with Heather Salazar, an incredible woman whose journey through breast cancer led her to create the impactful nonprofit, Pink Ribbon Good . Heather's story is one of resilience, compassion, and dedication to helping others. Heather shared her powerful narrative, starting with her connection to Alexis, a young mother with metastatic breast cancer. Heather and her husband adopted Alexis's baby, Lexi, and cared for Alexi...
Oct 13, 2024•37 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, we delve into the complexities of living with a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis and explore the various diagnostic and treatment options available. Our panel includes Dr. Groteluschen, a medical oncologist from Green Bay Oncology, Tammy, a patient living with metastatic breast cancer, and Dr. Covington, a breast radiologist and nuclear radiologist from the University of Utah. Dr. Groteluschen shares his approach...
Oct 06, 2024•48 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In the realm of breast cancer treatment, nurse navigators play a pivotal role in guiding patients through the complexities of their diagnosis and treatment. This episode of "Breast Cancer Conversations" features insights from Colleen Beguin, Amanda Kuller from Honor Health and Lourdes Heras, a patient advocate at SurvivingBreastCancer.org, who share their experiences and perspectives on the importance of nurse navigation. SURVIVINGBREASTCANCER.ORG Attend a free ...
Sep 29, 2024•49 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! Katrece's journey began in her late 30s, a time when many women may not consider themselves at risk for breast cancer. With no known family history of the disease, she was caught off guard when she noticed a physical change in her body—one breast appeared larger than the other. This seemingly benign observation led her to seek medical attention, a decision that would prove to be pivotal in her healthcare journey. The initial visit to her family doctor, although ...
Sep 19, 2024•19 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! I had the privilege of speaking with Katrece Nolen, a breast cancer survivor from Northern Virginia. We had such a lovely and long conversation that I ended up producing this episode in two parts. Today we dive into Katrece’s compelling story with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). Diagnosed in her late 30s, Katrece's story began with a simple observation of asymmetry in her breasts, which led her to seek medical attention. Despite initial challenges in getting t...
Sep 15, 2024•42 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In today's episode, we delve into the world of PET scans and other imaging modalities crucial for accurate diagnosis and staging of breast cancer. We are joined by two incredible guests: Dr. Kiser, the Medical Director of Molecular Imaging for Carilion Clinic, and Pam Kohl, a patient advocate living with metastatic breast cancer. Dr. Kiser provides an in-depth explanation of PET scans, particularly focusing on FDG and FES (also known as Cerianna) PET scans. FDG-...
Aug 11, 2024•38 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, we delve into the critical topic of nuclear medicine and its role in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. As a breast cancer survivor and advocate, I understand the anxiety that comes with scans involving radioactive tracers. Today, we aim to demystify this process and highlight its importance. I am joined by Dr. Kiser and Pam Kohl, who provide insights from both medical and patient advocate perspectives. We disc...
Aug 02, 2024•24 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode we are joined by Dr. Katherine Benedict, a Clinical Psychologist at Stanford University, along with patient advocates Delta James and Roxana Guerrera, to discuss the topic of dating, sex, and love after a breast cancer diagnosis. We highlight the importance of normalizing the challenges and complexities of intimacy post-diagnosis. Tune in for insightful advice and empowering stories from survivors, those living with MBC, and patient advocates. SU...
Jul 28, 2024•56 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In this episode of Breast Cancer Conversations, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Laura James, a naturopathic oncologist based in Washington State. Dr. James provided a wealth of information about the role of naturopathic oncology in breast cancer care, emphasizing the importance of integrative medicine. She clarified the distinctions between integrative, complementary, and alternative care, and highlighted the collaborative approach she takes with conven...
Jul 14, 2024•58 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! In today's episode, host, Laura Carfang speaks with breast cancer survivor Briana Rickertsen. Briana was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in July 2020 at age 35. She underwent chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, and additional treatments due to a HER2 positive tumor. Briana discovered she has a BRCA2 mutation, leading to further preventive measures, including ovary removal. Pre-Diagnosis, Briana was an active person, engaging in activities like yoga, cycli...
Jul 07, 2024•49 min
Love the episode? Send us a text! Meet the SBC Early Stage Leadership Team: Meghan Staskal-BradtJ, ulie Cottrill, Carol Collins, Meghan Aycock, Pooja Jain & & Marcee Raffel The team is a powerhouse of volunteers who have been instrumental in driving various projects and initiatives at survivingbreastcancer.org. Today's episode provides an opportunity for you to meet these volunteers and hear their personal stories of being diagnosed with breast cancer and advice for those newly diagnosed...
Jun 23, 2024•1 hr 13 min
