Stage Free

Dr. Catalina Lawsin on Reclaiming Your Body and The Intimacy You Deserve

Couples often feel they can’t talk to each other about intimacy after cancer treatment. Transitioning from patient/caregiver roles back to wife/husband roles can be challenging. That’s where Dr. Catalina comes in. She believes that our sexual health is the number one indicator of our mental, physical, social, and emotional health. For cancer survivors, addressing intimacy barriers is part of the healing process, reconnecting and finding new ways to experience closeness as part of the survivorship journey.

Dr. Stephanie Ross on Mental Health, Sexual Wellness, and Navigating Life After Cancer

Dr. Stephanie Ross, founder of Illness Navigation Resources and a pioneer in integrative psychosocial oncology, explores the lasting toll cancer can take on mental health and intimacy. From couples struggling to reconnect, to children navigating a parent’s diagnosis, this candid conversation sheds light on the emotional side of survivorship—and how healing is possible.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of what’s next—this episode is for you.

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If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of what’s next—this conversation is for you.

🧰 Resources from Dr. Ross:

 

•ACS: Psychosocial Support for Cancer Survivors -

www.cancer.org/cancer/survivorship/coping/understanding-psychosocial-support-services

 

•American Psychosocial Oncology Society -

https://apos-society.org/people-affected-by-cancer/coping-and-financial-resources/

 

•American Academy of Sexual Educators, Counselors, and Therapists: Sexual Health & Counseling Directory -

www.aasect.org/referral-directory

 

•Jasper Health – 1:1 Virtual Support for Cancer Patients and Survivors -

www.hellojasper.com

 

•American Association for Marital and Family Therapy: Couples & Family Therapy -

www.aamft.org/Consumer_Updates/Sexual_Health_new

 

•Pickles Group – Support for Kids & Teens -

www.picklesgroup.org

 

•Body Image Psychology for Survivors -

https://fingeretpsychologyservices.com/about

 

•988 Lifeline – 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support -

https://988lifeline.org/

Megan Mulvey on Faith, Prehab, and the Emotional Aftershock of Leukemia

Just one year into remission, Megan Mulvey opens up about the whirlwind of emotions following her acute leukemia diagnosis—the shock of illness in peak health, the trauma of separation from her children, and the emotional toll of survivorship. Together with Loriana, she explores the power of faith, the strain on marriage, the grief of lost fertility, and the importance of prehab. Megan’s story of resilience includes 51 rounds of chemo, a bone marrow transplant, and the support that carried her through.

A raw look at survivorship and the unseen burdens cancer leaves behind.

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Tiah Tomlin-Harris on Turning Pain into Purpose – Mental Health, Sisterhood, and Survival

At 38, Tiah Tomlin-Harris was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Instead of letting fear define her, she transformed her pain into advocacy—founding My Style Matters and creating a virtual support group with Breastcancer.org. In this powerful conversation, Tiah and Loriana discuss trauma, sisterhood, and the emotional aftermath of survivorship.

An inspiring reminder that survivorship is not just about staying alive, but living with purpose and connection.

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Dr. Kevin Fox on Fears of Recurrence, Weight Gain, GLP-1 & Intimacy Challenges

Leading breast cancer oncologist Dr. Kevin Fox speaks candidly about some of the biggest fears survivors face: recurrence, progression, the side effects of hormone therapy, weight gain, body image, intimacy, and lifestyle choices that may impact risk. This honest conversation delivers practical advice and reassurance for survivors navigating life after diagnosis.

A candid talk about what keeps survivors up at night—and what you can do about it.

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Dr. Kate Rosenblum: From Caregiver to Patient — A Doctor’s Journey

Dr. Kate Rosenblum shares her deeply personal shift from physician to patient, highlighting the emotional toll of cancer, the importance of seeking support, and the complexities of relationships during and after treatment. Together, she and Loriana discuss coping strategies for scanxiety and the ongoing journey of healing and empowerment.

Proof that even the healers need healing—and that no one walks this road alone.

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Density Matters: What you need to know before your next mammogram

Do you know if you have dense breasts? The only way to find out is through your mammogram report—and that information could save your life. This episode explains why breast density matters, how it impacts screening, and what every woman should know before her next appointment.

Breast density could change how your cancer is detected—don’t miss this one.

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MyDensity Matters

https://mydensitymatters.org/

 

Check Your Chart 

https://mydensitymatters.org/programs/check-your-chart/

Or, Text "Check Your Chart" to 211411

 

Breast Cancer Screening Guide 

https://mydensitymatters.org/breast-cancer-screening-guide

Get next steps based on your age and risk factors

 

Know Your Options

https://mydensitymatters.org/know-your-options/

Learn which screening options are best for your breasts

 

My Story Matters

Hundreds of stories of people who had a delayed diagnosis.

https://mydensitymatters.org/programs/my-story-matters/

 

BCRuckus

https://www.bcruckus.org/

More about breast density

 

ArmorUp for Life

https://armorupforlife.org/

 

If you know someone who could benefit from this information, please share this episode with them.

 

Risa Arin: From Fear to Fighter – Becoming an XpertPatient

“You have cancer.” Three words that inspire fear. Studies show patients absorb only 10% of what follows those words. That insight inspired the creation of XpertPatient, a next-gen education platform founded by Risa Arin, a two-time caregiver and industry veteran. Risa shares how XpertPatient equips newly diagnosed patients with clarity, confidence, and the tools to take back control.

Because the right information at the right time can change everything.

Want to make sure you never miss an episode of STAGE FREE? Subscribe, like, and give us a review. You can find us wherever you get your podcast!

 

TOP 10 PATIENT EMPOWERMENT TIPS

 

@Diagnosis

1. Find a doctor and treatment team at a top cancer center that you like -- a partner

2. Educate yourself- know what’s going on in your body

3. Set goals, big is great but small is more important

@Treatment Decision

4. Compare your options (especially side effects) 

5. Get a second opinion

6. Know what to expect in the short term and longer term, as scary as it might be (“I wish I knew…”)

@Treatment Management

7. Friends/Family/Experts: Ask for help or don’t - tell your caregivers what you want.

8. Take advantage of free tools/services; support groups, advocacy, mental health

9. Exercise, as much as you can

10. Give yourself a break.  One day at a time….

 

For more information visit:

 

Xpert Patient

https://xpertpatient.com/

 

Cleaning for a Reason

https://cleaningforareason.org/

 

ArmorUp for Life
https://armorupforlife.org/

If you know someone who could benefit from this information, please share this podcast with them. Thank you!