In this raw and heartfelt episode, Ann Brown, Chief Marketing Officer for ArmorUp For Life®, shares her deeply personal story of being a caregiver for her husband during his cancer journey. From sleepless nights and emotional exhaustion to the quiet strength that comes from love, Ann opens up about the hidden realities of caregiving — and how the experience forever changes relationships, identity, and perspective. This candid conversation explores the toll, resilience, and grace that define what it truly means to love someone through cancer. Because cancer doesn’t just happen to one person — it happens to everyone who loves them. Helpful Links for Caregivers: American Cancer Society – Caregiver Support https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services.html CancerCare – Caregiver Resources https://www.cancercare.org/tagged/caregiving National Cancer Institute – Caring for the Caregiver https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/caring-for-the-caregiver   00:00 Welcome & The Overlooked Role of the Caregiver01:57 Dual Perspectives: Sister and Spouse03:03 Calm in the Storm, Crumbling Inside05:41 The Practical and Emotional Weight of Advocacy07:21 George’s Diagnosis and the Shift to Survival Mode10:10 When It All Blows Up13:23 Taking the Reins as Caregiver and Advocate15:26 Navigating Love and Control in a Marriage Under Stress17:29 The Caregiver’s Guilt and Isolation19:46 Resentment, Rage, and Emotional Whiplash21:03 Burnout and the Struggle to Ask for Help25:40 Hidden Emotional Challenges of Caregiving27:59 Wave the Flag: You’re Not Alone29:33 Advocating for Yourself in Medical Appointments32:45 Communication Beyond the Illness34:50 Growth, Gratitude, and Family Support37:19 The Ambiguity of the Journey39:53 Community Resources and Asking for Help42:13 Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait to Offer Help

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, 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. 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!   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/

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. 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!

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. 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!

In this episode of Stage Free, host Loriana Hernandez-Aldama sits down with Dr. Kevin Fox, a leading oncologist, to address the most pressing concerns for breast cancer survivors. They dive into fears of recurrence and progression, the impact of hormone therapy (aromatase inhibitors), and the often-debilitating side effects like bone pain and weight gain. Dr. Fox also breaks down the latest research on GLP-1 medications for weight management, the challenges of intimacy after treatment, and the complex decisions survivors face regarding alcohol consumption and its impact on recurrence risk. This candid conversation provides survivors and caregivers with essential insights to navigate survivorship with confidence and clarity.

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. 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!  

Do you have dense breasts?? Would you even know if you did? The truth is, the only way to find out for sure is for a radiologist to read your mammogram and make an annotation to your chart. Your breast density matters and understanding your breast density could save your life... so listen up. Dense breast tissue increases breast cancer risk and can conceal tumors! Getting your annual mammogram may not be enough to detect cancer. My guest Leslie Yerger learned this the hard way. 6 1/2 years ago Leslie was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer just two months after having an all-clear mammogram and ultrasound. She was shocked, "How could this be!"   Well, it turns out that the error rate on mammograms is real. If you have dense breasts a mammogram can be like shining a light through concrete. Or to put it another way, it's like trying to find a polar bear in a snow storm -- it becomes a big game of Where's Waldo. 20% of dense breasts get misdiagnosed at mammogram 35% of the time radiologists miss it on a mammogram So, I always say, ask for the ultrasound! But even the ultrasound can miss cancer in dense breasts Ultrasound will find 2-3 more breast cancers per 1000 in women with Dense Breasts. (that's a drop in the bucket) MRIs find 9-15 more cancers per 1000 That tells you what we're missing. A breast MRI should be a standard of care, but it's not...   So what can you do to reduce your risk of a missed or delayed diagnosis? That's where MyDensity Matters comes in. Their website, app, and SMS-based service serve up life-saving resources. To begin with, their Breast Cancer Screening Guide will let you know if you are more at risk; so even if you're not yet 40, you should take this screener and if you turn out to be high risk, ask your doctor for a mammogram sooner. Next, Check Your Chart. If you have dense breasts, your radiologist should have indicated that in your chart. MyDensity Matters even tells you what words to look for, and offers guides to help you talk to your physician and ask for additional screening. The big takeaway here is that you have to advocate for yourself, and MyDensity Matters gives you the tools to do that. Remember, as wonderful as they are, doctors make mistakes too; do not be afraid to find a new doctor if you're not getting the tests you need. (Leslie suggests finding a breast surgeon as they are true specialists and they tend to listen more to people who are at high risk.) Learn more about your best density and associated risks and screening protocols today. For more information visit:   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. 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 Find a doctor and treatment team at a top cancer center that you like -- a partner Educate yourself- know what’s going on in your body Set goals, big is great but small is more important @Treatment Decision Compare your options (especially side effects)  Get a second opinion Know what to expect in the short term and longer term, as scary as it might be (“I wish I knew…”) @Treatment Management Friends/Family/Experts: Ask for help or don’t - tell your caregivers what you want. Take advantage of free tools/services; support groups, advocacy, mental health Exercise, as much as you can 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 Lifehttps://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. 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! 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. 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!   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. 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!  

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. 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! 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? 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!    

Oncology nurses are the heart of cancer care. Loriana speaks with Kristy Cheney, Head Nurse of Oncology at Tidelands Health—and her own trusted nurse during treatment. They discuss the pivotal role nurses play in guiding patients through fear, pain, remission, and recurrence. The story behind the caregivers who carry us through our hardest days. 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!

Successful cancer care requires more than a single doctor—it takes a team. From oncologists and radiologists to nutritionists and integrative specialists, each plays a role. Dr. Mohammad Jahanzeb, known by his patients as Dr. MJ, explains what to look for in your care team and why assembling the right one is essential. No survivor fights alone—it takes a team to win. 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!

Survivorship doesn’t begin when treatment ends—it’s the next chapter. Dr. Marisa Weiss, oncologist, survivor, and founder of Breastcancer.org, joins Loriana to discuss care plans, expectations, and thriving after cancer. The end of treatment isn’t the end of the journey—it’s the beginning of survivorship. 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! For more resources visit: https://www.breastcancer.org/about-you/finished-treatment

Top Doc Dr. Santosh Rao, Medical Director of Integrative Oncology at UH Connor Whole Health, explains how lifestyle, stress management, and holistic care can improve quality of life and even influence recovery. Whole-patient care that goes beyond treatment. 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!  

Chemotherapy and radiation bring physical and emotional changes that impact intimacy. Dr. Sandra Reed, an Emory gynecologist specializing in oncology and post-menopausal care, offers insights and solutions to help survivors reclaim their bodies and relationships. An honest, compassionate look at intimacy after cancer. 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! ----more----

The internet can overwhelm newly diagnosed patients with misinformation, outdated research, and predatory advice. Dr. Maryam Lustberg, Chief of Breast Medical Oncology at Yale, explains how to search wisely—and what red flags to avoid. Because Google isn’t always your best doctor. 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!