Stage Free

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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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.

 

“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.

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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!

Relationships don’t escape cancer untouched. Together After Cancer / Juntos Después Del Cáncer is a groundbreaking multilingual study exploring how couples can rebuild intimacy and connection post-treatment. Loriana and Dr. Dina break down emotional and cultural challenges—and the tools to help love survive survivorship.

For survivors and partners navigating love after cancer—this episode offers hope and healing.

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Essential skills and tools include:

• Decrease arguments
• Improve communication
• Learn new ways to support your partner
• Adjust to the new normal after cancer
• Rekindle the romance
• Improve sexual and emotional intimacy
• Work better together

Are you a Latina survivor?

We encourage you to participate in the Juntos Despues Del Cancer study by taking Dr. D's survey today.

Cancer can overwhelm us and our relationships. Every relationship is unique, so take the next step and see if the Together After Cancer program can give you tools to recover your relationship from breast cancer.

https://health.usf.edu/publichealth/research/jdc/lbcs

If you know someone who needs to hear this information, please share this episode with them.

 

NOTE:

The Together After Cancer study is funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), the largest funder of patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research in the United States. Click here to learn more about what our study involves, who can benefit from our research, and what it means to participate in our study.

Breakthroughs in targeted therapies and novel treatments are transforming breast cancer care. Dr. Kevin Kalinsky, director of the Glenn Family Breast Center at Emory Winship, joins Loriana to discuss advances that are reducing or even eliminating chemotherapy for some patients—and what’s next on the horizon.

A hopeful glimpse into the cutting-edge treatments shaping survivorship.

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If you know someone who should hear this episode, please forward it to them.

 

And remember...

 

Fear should not drive your decisions, information should.

Have a real conversation with your doctor, get the facts, and make sure you address the human component too. Only you know what will make you sleep better at night.

Accessing your complete health history can dramatically improve outcomes, but too often patients are left in the dark. Shashi Shankar, founder of Novellia, is changing that by providing fast, secure access to a decade of medical records. He and Loriana discuss how this innovation is putting patients—and their care—back in control.

Your data. Your power. The future of patient-centered care starts here.

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The financial toll of cancer can be devastating. Survivor and philanthropist Molly MacDonald shares her journey and how it inspired her to co-found The Pink Fund, a nonprofit providing financial support to patients in active treatment. From mortgage relief to easing medical debt, Molly’s story offers practical help and hope.

Because no survivor should have to choose between treatment and financial survival.

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For more information about The Pink Fund visit:

https://pinkfund.org/

 

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

Thirty years after the discovery of BRCA1 and BRCA2, questions about genetic testing remain. Should every at-risk patient be tested? And how do insurance barriers impact access? Loriana and oncologist Dr. Mohammad Jahanzeb unpack the nuances of testing and what it means for your care plan.

Genetic testing could change your treatment—but is it right for you?

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