Breast Friends Cancer Support Radio

Cancer rehabilitation is an emerging area of practice, meant to enhance the survivorship experience of patients who experience cancer of all types. Many areas of treatment are included in cancer rehabilitation, including: Lymphedema therapy, scar tissue/adhesion management, generalized strengthening, ADL retraining, pain management, neuropathy care, work re-entry, psychosocial and emotional care, energy conservation, adaptive strategies or equipment training, sexual rehab, cognitive therapy, image recovery, prosthetic/orthotic fittings, compression fittings, and therapy for cancer related fatigue. Every patient should have the opportunity to live as a better version of themselves following an experience with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Meet our co-directors of our Pennsylvania Affiliate, Vivian Vega and Kelli Mercurio. Kelli and Vivian met during treatment and are now giving back through the Breast Friends affiliate program.

This episode will discuss hereditary breast cancer, and especially issues around male breast cancer with our Guests, Harvey Singer and his sister, Vicki Singer Wolf, co-founders of HIS Breast Cancer.

Holly discovered breast cancer after her friend posted a funny reminder on facebook to do a breast self-exam. She did and discovered breast cancer. She went through 9 months of treatment with amazing community support that was life-changing. Holly decided to do something to give back to her community who helped her and her family through a difficult time and started the non-profit, Don’t be a Chump! Check for a Lump!

We all need emotional support from others when we are facing a difficult time. It’s not always easy to go someplace to receive it. Learn about this free app for on-line digital support to help with loneliness, coping skills and more.

This week is Mother's Day. We want to honor mothers. If you have a story to share about your mom, we'd love to hear from you. If you are a mother, and you want to share something your children did to honor you, we want to hear from you. We especially want to hear from those who battled cancer as a mom, or who had a mom who battled cancer. Please call us during the live show and share with us and our listeners. The live show number is 1-866-472-5792. The show will also be available for download after it airs live. What I nice gift for your mom to hear you tell the world how wonderful she is or to share your heart.

In today’s podcast Andrea dispels widespread myths surrounding cancer and nutrition that commonly cause unnecessary stress in patients, survivors and family members. Additionally, she will discuss practical ways to reduce cancer risk and recurrence with nutrition and lifestyle interventions. Andrea Hamilton is a Registered Dietitian for Compass Oncology, a comprehensive community cancer center in Portland, OR with six sites in the metropolitan area.

Join breast cancer survivor and art therapist, Stephanie McLeod-Estevez, as she discusses the emotional impact a cancer diagnosis can have on one’s body, mind, spirit and self. Stephanie will discuss how and why the meditative practice of therapeutic art making can become a vehicle for exploring and healing from the cancer experience, and share how she can support your process independent of where you live.

We've all heard that stress not only can be a cause of cancer, but it may possibly feed cancer. Not having a will or proper estate plan is a major stress factor that no one really wants to talk about. Join us with our guest Craig Byrd as we discuss the importance of having ALL your affairs in order, regardless of how long you have left so you can LIVE your life one step closer to being stress free.

There are many ways to reconstruct a breast after mastectomy or lumpectomy and decisions can be complicated. Join us this week, with our guest Dr. Elisa Burgess to discuss many of the available options, pros and cons of each, and what to consider when making your decision.

The impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on work life can vary from person to person. For some people, the effect is minimal. You may have an understanding supervisor, a flexible schedule, and an encouraging team to support you through treatment. For others, there might be some questions about how to manage work and treatment: What do I tell my boss and co-workers? Can I take time off from work for treatment? How will I pay the bills? What are my rights? This program will discuss ways to manage the emotional, physical, and legal aspects of balancing your job and your treatment.

Learn what you can do to harness the healing power of your body. Susan, a breast cancer survivor and psychologist who has specialized in oncology for 30 years, shares wisdom garnered from her patients and her research of those who have survived their diagnosis – with grace. Susan simply and passionately helps you understand how the energy of your thoughts is related to the functioning of your immune system, and how choosing thoughts of love, gratitude and joy, as well as releasing those of pain and sorrow, helps us to heal emotionally, mentally, spiritually and even physically. She shares true stories from An Inside Job, providing you with inspiration, valuable insights, hope, comfort and guidance for choosing an integrative approach to healing.

We all face difficult challenges in our lives. Those who are able to use their experience to grow and become stronger, like a lotus flower, will bloom in the sun. Our guest today, Kristina Frank, a cancer survivor, will share her journey of the Lotus Flower.

Today’s segment will focus on Palliative Care. Information on palliative care, how one enrolls and palliative care teams will be provided. Myths around palliative care and hospice will also be discussed.

We are all going to run into our own life-changing speed bumps at least once. Why not be prepared? Victoria Cramer was faced with the staggering news of breast cancer when her twins girls were only 8 months old. Using her cancer treatment as a foundation, Victoria lays out a strategy that includes boldness, a strong support group, and the willingness to go against the grain in order to overcome one of life’s biggest challenges.

Discover 3 key ingredients you need to improve your chances of surviving—even thriving—beyond a cancer diagnosis. Important attitudes, behaviors, and major life choices will be explored with Heidi Bright. She also will share tips for managing chemotherapy, reducing pain levels, and getting out of the hospital early. Find genuine hope and practical options to improve your outcome from Heidi, in radical remission since 2011 from highly aggressive metastatic sarcoma.

When a person survives a major setback, often, it leads to an inner yearning to make something of their experience. Breast Friends was started by two cancer survivors. Today, we will talk with Brad Lebowsky, a non-profit consultant about volunteering and nonprofit management, including the basics of setting up a non-profit.

Medical Marijuana (Cannabis) is coming into the limelight. Using it as an alternative medicine to counter the side effects of cancer can be quite helpful. Join in this lively conversation with our guest today, Nique Pichette

Even considering breast cancer genes such as BRCA 1 & 2, PALB2, science shows breast cancer is 10% hereditary genetics and 90% acquired genetics…..an environmental influence that has caused a gene mutation favorable to breast cancer. We live in a world which creates an inner biology that is hospitable to cancer. The insidious influence of inflammation and oxidative stress must be minimized in order to create a resilient inner ecosystem which is hostile to cancer.

Jan Rosenthal was a single mom during her treatment for breast cancer at age 52. We will explore the impact on her life in three areas: as a mom, unemployment and financial challenges, and dating.