Abigail Johnston shares her experience as a patient with de novo metastatic breast cancer since 2017. She discusses the challenges she faced in getting a diagnosis and the systemic flaws of the healthcare system. Abigail emphasizes the importance of being an informed and proactive patient, and advocating for yourself even if you’re labeled “difficult.” Abigail’s fighter spirit in this episode is truly inspiring, and that’s what makes her a fellow patient from hell.  Key Highlights: 1. Being an informed and proactive patient is crucial and so is seeking multiple opinions for informed decis ..read more

Black women with breast cancer have higher mortality rates and recurrence rates than white women. On this episode, we speak with Ricki Fairley, breast cancer survivor and co-founder of TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance and her daughter Hayley Brown, Director of Programs, about why health equity is such a major issue, and the need for better access to care and more research on the biology of the disease in Black women. This conversation explores various themes related to Black breast cancer, including access to healthcare, disparities in trials and outcomes, the need for personalized care ..read more

In this episode, we interview Erika Bell, PhD from the Bay Area Cancer Connections (BACC) patient advocacy community about ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Erika discusses the role of BACC in supporting cancer patients, the challenges of finding support during the pandemic, and the importance of patient advocacy organizations. She then dives into a detailed explanation of DCIS, its characteristics, and how it differs from invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). We also delve into the decision-making process for treating DCIS, discussing options such as lumpectomy and mastectomy, and examine the role ..read more

In this episode, we embark on a profound exploration of death with the help of two remarkable individuals. Katie Coleman bravely shares her experience as a survivor of Stage IV liver cancer, a path fraught with uncertainty and a lack of available information. Julie McFadden is a hospice nurse whose daily encounters with death provide unique insights. She educates online audiences about various topics surrounding death. Join us as we unpack the mystery surrounding death: the process, the taboos, doctor and patient relationships, and more. Key Highlights: The transition from fear to acceptance ..read more

In this episode, we interview mother and son Ashlee and Michael, hosts of the podcast “Michael and Mom Talk Cancer." They share their personal cancer experience and discuss topics such as managing work and finances, the impact of cancer on athleticism and identity, and the importance of maintaining positivity and mental health. They also touch on the concept of toxic positivity and how different individuals have different approaches to dealing with their illness, the challenges of comparing stories and outcomes, as well as the balance between quantity and quality of life. Michael and Ashlee sh ..read more

Sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into the world of hypnotherapy! In this episode, Dr. Sonia Gupte will explore the intriguing realm of hypnotherapy and its potential impact on the mental and physical well-being of cancer patients. Join us as we debunk common misconceptions, shed light on the benefits, and delve into the current regulatory landscape surrounding this fascinating therapeutic approach.   Check out the mentioned research in Dr. Gupte’s book here. Key Highlights: Cultural taboos towards mental health and how finding communities who struggle with similar problems ca ..read more

In this episode, Dr. Fumiko Chino shares her inspiring journey from art director to oncologist, driven by her experience as a caregiver. She highlights the gap between ideal and actual cancer care by discussing a breast cancer imaging study where some patients with Stage 2 and 3 disease received scans to monitor for cancer. Dr. Chino goes into why “surveillance“ scans may or may not be beneficial, and clinicians must communicate this to their patients. She then stresses the importance of personalized communication and understanding patients' unique experiences in order to build trust. Dr. Chin ..read more

In this episode, we welcome back a previous guest and friend, Katie Coleman. This time, we dive into facing one’s mortality and how to grapple with the uncertainty of living with a cancer diagnosis. We get into pre-diagnosis thoughts on mortality and how perspectives shifted after diagnosis. Katie also sheds light on some of the silver linings of being forced to confront your own mortality: helping you accept the inevitable, prioritizing what’s important, and guiding you to the road of self-discovery.You can listen to (or watch) the previous episode with Katie here.  Key Highlights: Ini ..read more

You might be familiar with economics or the study of monetary scarcity, but have you heard of healthcare economics? In this episode, we explore the daily trade-offs inherent in healthcare with Dr. Jayadevappa, whose dedicated focus revolves around healthcare economics and racial disparities between African American and white Prostate Cancer patients. Dr. Jayadevappa offers a glimpse behind the scenes of healthcare decision-making and initiates a discussion on how to address the racial disparities prevalent among patients. This episode was supported by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Ins ..read more

Ever experienced the frustration of feeling unheard, hastily ushered away, and checked off during your appointments? Or perhaps you've caught yourself making life-altering decisions hastily during your visits with your primary care provider? Join us in this episode as we unravel the systemic reasons behind these challenges and receive actionable tools to empower yourself, becoming an advocate for your health. Key Highlights: We get a peek into a typical clinician’s workday and the structural issues within it. Three ways the healthcare system is fragmented: medical culture, loss to follow-u ..read more