Tracy Milgram is my guest on this episode. She is the founder of BRCAStrong, a non-profit organization, supporting women facing breast and/or ovarian cancer regardless of a known genetic mutation. Tracy shared her journey of finding out that she had a genetic mutation at a young age, how that information impacted her life decisions, and why she created BRCAStrong.
My guest on this week’s episode is Becky Horn. She is the Executive Director at Pretty in Pink Foundation. She joined me to share the history, vision, and mission of Pretty in Pink.
Kristen Grider joined me on this week’s episode of Behind the Pink Ribbon to share her story. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2017 at the age of 31 years old following a self-breast exam. Kristen talked about her diagnosis, coming to peace with having breast cancer before the official diagnosis, and her treatments. She shared the struggles she has faced with reconstruction and the decision to explant, which will literally be a weight off of her chest.
My guest on this week’s episode is Cheryl Wohlgemuth from Alberta, Canada. In October 2012, she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma at the age of 50 after a rollercoaster ride to get a final diagnosis. Cheryl was told she had breast cancer, then told that she didn’t, then told that she did. Cheryl also talks about her family history of breast cancer, her treatment, and the lonely journey through the healing process.
This week, I am joined by Dr. Catalina Lawsin, Lori Marini, and Stephanie McLeod-Estevez to talk about our upcoming virtual retreat series, Thriving…in the face of breast cancer. Starting Saturday, February 6, 2021, this four-part experiential retreat will focus on a different theme each session, integrating The Body, Mind, Spirit and Self. This retreat will create a safe, empowering space to dispel myths, normalize the realities of survivorship and build on your unique strengths to put the pieces back together after breast cancer.
Sharon Carlson, a 31 year breast cancer survivor, joined me on this episode to share her story behind the pink ribbon. Sharon was in her early 40s when she was diagnosed in 1989. She talked about find the lump, her diagnosis, the horribly tragic story of her primary doctor, her treatments, and the loneliness she experienced that led her to become an advocate for others.
My guest on this episode is Rachel Mehl. She was first diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in February 2016, followed by a recurrence of not only ductal carcinoma but also a rare form of breast cancer, metaplastic breast cancer. Rachel was then diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in her lung. We talked about her diagnoses, course of treatment, and the decision she made to create her own healing path.
Kirby Lewis joined me on this episode of Behind the Pink Ribbon. He was diagnosed at the age of 52 with stage 2 breast cancer. He shared how he found the cancer, his course of treatment, and how he feels breast cancer saved his life. In 2016, Kirby had a recurrence of breast cancer that had metastasized to his lung. Kirby views breast cancer as an adventure and won’t stop living life because of the diagnosis.
On this episode, Dr. Shannon Puhalla, medical oncologist and hematologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, joined us on the podcast to talk about the coronavirus and the influences on cancer treatments. She talked about the most critical population- those currently undergoing active treatment. She offers suggestions on how these individuals can stay healthy and safe. She also talked about those who may be experiencing symptoms and what to do if you have a lump or symptoms.
Jeanine Patten-Coble is my guest on this week’s episode. She is an 11-year breast cancer survivor and founder of Little Pink Houses of Hope. In 2009, at the age of 39, Jeanine was diagnosed with stage 3, HER2 invasive ductal carcinoma. Jeanine shared her story behind the pink ribbon from diagnosis to treatment. She also talked about Little Pink Houses of Hope and how the organization supports breast cancer families.
