In this short episode, hosts Abigail Johnston and Melanie Sisk dive deep into one of the most challenging symptoms cancer patients face: insomnia. Both hosts share their personal struggles with sleep disruption following their cancer diagnoses and explore how the cancer experience—combined with treatment side effects and life changes like menopause—can profoundly impact rest.

Abigail and Melanie discuss practical strategies they've discovered for better sleep, from creating the ideal bedroom environment to establishing consistent bedtime routines. They emphasize that sleep isn't just something to push through—it's an essential part of treatment and stress management.

The conversation covers a range of solutions including medication options, natural remedies like melatonin and lavender, the role of medical cannabis and hemp products, and how to work with healthcare providers to find what works best for you. They also discuss the importance of adjusting medication timing and consulting specialists beyond oncology, such as palliative care doctors and cannabis nurses.

Most importantly, Abigail and Melanie remind listeners that finding the right sleep solution is highly individual, requires patience and experimentation, and is an ongoing conversation as treatment plans evolve. If you're struggling with insomnia during cancer treatment, this episode offers both validation and practical guidance.

Resources mentioned:

Melatonin: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-melatonin/art-20363071

Medical Cannabis: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/medical-marijuana/art-20137855

Cannabis Nurse Association: https://cannabisnurses.org/

Hemp: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7891210/

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

In this powerful episode, Victoria Goldberg sits down with Lesley Stephen MBE, a patient advocate from Edinburgh, Scotland, who has defied all odds living 12 years with stage 4 HER2+ metastatic breast cancer—far beyond her initial prognosis of "a year or two."

Lesley shares her remarkable story: from being a busy communication consultant and mother of four who thought she had a simple chest infection, to receiving the devastating news of extensive metastatic disease in her lungs, liver, and bones. When standard treatments failed and she was told to "get her affairs in order," a last-chance clinical trial became her lifeline—keeping her stable for seven years.

This episode explores the stark realities of the UK's "postcode lottery" healthcare system, where treatment access varies dramatically between England and Scotland. Lesley candidly discusses navigating brain metastases, losing her short-term memory to whole brain radiotherapy, self-funding expensive treatments, and ultimately finding hope through clinical trials and newer therapies like Tucatinib.

Lesley has transformed her experience into extraordinary advocacy work as a trustee of Make 2nds Count, the UK's only charity focused exclusively on metastatic breast cancer. She discusses pioneering initiatives including the annual Patient Summit (the only one of its kind in Europe), the groundbreaking trial matching service, and her contributions to the Lancet Breast Cancer Commission examining global cancer disparities.

The conversation also celebrates Lesley's recent recognition: receiving an MBE (Member of the British Empire) from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle for her tireless work supporting the metastatic breast cancer community.

Throughout this 50-minute conversation, Lesley's determination, humor, and commitment to making "second count" for every metastatic patient shines through—proving that even in the face of incurable disease, one person can create extraordinary change.

Topics covered: Stage 4 breast cancer survival, clinical trials, UK healthcare system, patient advocacy, Make Second Count charity, brain metastases, HER2+ treatments, MBE honors

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

In this episode of our Symptoms Spotlight series, hosts Melanie Sisk and Abigail Johnston tackle a topic many cancer patients experience but few feel comfortable discussing—constipation. From understanding what constipation really looks like (hint: it's not always what you think) to practical remedies you can try at home, this episode breaks down the stigma around bowel health.

Melanie, a nurse and cancer patient on CDK4/6 inhibitors, shares her go-to over-the-counter solutions like MiraLax and Colace, plus an often-overlooked remedy: movement. Abigail introduces the "prune juice slider"—a surprisingly effective trick shared by her chemo nurse—and opens up about the challenge of swinging between constipation and diarrhea.

Whether you're dealing with medication side effects, reduced mobility, or just trying to understand your symptoms better, this episode offers honest, practical advice. Learn when to troubleshoot on your own, when to reach out to your care team, and why talking to a GI specialist might be the missing piece of your symptom management puzzle.

Key Topics:

• Recognizing the signs of constipation beyond straining
• Over-the-counter remedies and natural solutions
• The role of movement in digestive health
• Avoiding the pendulum swing between constipation and diarrhea
• When to seek help from your medical team

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

Join hosts Victoria Goldberg and Dr. Jill Tirabassi for a special episode where they take a break from their usual metastatic breast cancer discussions to dive deep into their latest obsession: the HBO Max series "Heated Rivalry."

In this fun and heartfelt conversation, Victoria and Jill explore why this hockey romance has captured their hearts and become the perfect escape during difficult times. They discuss their favorite episodes (especially that emotional tunnel scene in episode 5), the powerful representation of LGBTQ+ athletes in professional sports, and the cultural complexities of the story.

Victoria brings a unique perspective as a native Russian speaker, sharing personal reflections on language, cultural differences, and what it means to hear certain words for the first time. The hosts also draw parallels between the tight-knit bonds of sports teams and the MBC community, finding unexpected connections between elite athletes and their own experiences with metastatic breast cancer.

Whether you're already obsessed with the show or curious about what all the buzz is about, this episode offers a refreshing reminder that we all need joy, distraction, and a little romance in our lives—especially during the hardest times.

Content Note: This episode contains spoilers for the HBO Max series "Heated Rivalry."

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

In this candid episode of Symptoms Spotlight, hosts Melanie Sisk and Abigail Johnston tackle one of the most disruptive yet often under-discussed side effects of cancer treatment: diarrhea caused by cancer medications.

Melanie and Abigail share their personal experiences managing different grades of diarrhea, from mild disruptions to severe grade three episodes that can mean seven to 10 extra bathroom trips per day. They discuss the real impact on quality of life, including the embarrassment and isolation that can come with this challenging symptom.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Understanding diarrhea grades and what they mean for your daily life
• Practical management strategies including diet modifications, over-the-counter medications, and prescription options
• The importance of staying hydrated and managing skin breakdown
• When to seek help from specialists like gastroenterologists and pharmacists
• How to advocate for yourself with your medical team
• The role of probiotics and prophylactic treatment approaches
• Resources available through symptom management clinics

Whether you're dealing with CDK 4/6 inhibitors, Herceptin, Enhertu, or other cancer medications, this episode offers honest, practical advice from two women who understand the challenges firsthand. Melanie brings her nursing perspective while Abigail shares insights from working with specialists at Mayo Clinic and beyond.

Remember: you don't have to suffer in silence. Your quality of life matters, and there are solutions available when you know where to look and how to ask for help.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

In this episode of our Podcasters Roundtable series, we sit down with Melissa Berry, the voice behind "Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful" and founder of Cancer Fashionista.

Before her Stage 1 triple negative breast cancer diagnosis at 42, Melissa was a fashion and beauty publicist working with Vogue editors and celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker. When she couldn't find beauty and fashion resources for cancer patients all in one place, she created them herself—starting with a simple list that has grown into a thriving blog, social media presence, and podcast.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why Melissa chose the name Cancer Fashionista and how her podcast got a different name
• The transition from blogging to podcasting and why evergreen content matters
• Her most memorable episodes, including the emotional interview with her father
• How she selects topics and manages a publishing schedule of 2-4 episodes per month
• The importance of inclusive language when addressing both early-stage and metastatic breast cancer communities
• Financial toxicity and the challenges of maintaining identity during ongoing treatment
• What keeps her connected to advocacy years after her own diagnosis
• Working with sponsors and promoting podcasts through social media

We also discuss step therapy (fail first policies), the emotional toll of losing your sense of self during treatment, and why resources around intimacy and sexual health are so critically needed in the cancer community.

Special segment: Learn about Ana Ono Intimates, the chest-inclusive lingerie brand founded by breast cancer survivor Dana Donofree, now available at Victoria's Secret after a decade in business. Fun fact: they have a bra named after Melissa!

Whether you're a podcaster, advocate, patient, or supporter, this conversation offers valuable insights into building community, creating lasting resources, and helping people feel like themselves again.

Connect with Melissa Berry:

• Podcast: "Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful" (available on all platforms)
• Follow Cancer Fashionista on Instagram and social media

Hosted and produced by Victoria Goldberg and Abigail Johnston

Note: We do not accept payment for product placements. Resources are shared because they matter to our community.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

Join hosts Melanie Sisk and Abigail Johnston as they shine a light on the real experiences of managing cancer symptoms. In each episode of the Symptoms Spotlight series of short episodes, we explore different symptoms caused by cancer or its treatment, sharing practical insights and hard-won wisdom directly from patients who've been there.

This isn't just medical information—it's peer-to-peer support at its finest. Melanie and Abigail believe that patients learn best from each other, and that we're stronger together. Each episode features candid conversations about symptom management strategies, what works, what doesn't, and the collective knowledge of the cancer community.

In this episode, Melanie and Abigail Johnston tackle one of cancer's most challenging side effects: fatigue. With 5-8+ years of experience managing treatment-related exhaustion, they share practical strategies that have helped them maintain quality of life. Topics include structured exercise programs (LiveStrong at YMCA, 2Unstoppable, Cancer Wellness for Life), Medicare fitness benefits like Silver Sneakers, medication interventions including Ritalin for severe fatigue, and the value of palliative care specialists. They also emphasize basics like proper nutrition, hydration, and monitoring blood work for underlying issues like low hemoglobin or vitamin deficiencies.

Whether you're navigating treatment side effects, managing ongoing symptoms, or supporting someone who is, Symptom Spotlight offers the kind of practical, patient-centered guidance you won't find in a textbook. Have a symptom you'd like us to cover? Let us know—this series is driven by what matters most to you.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

Welcome to the first episode of 2026! Join host Victoria Goldberg in conversation with Dr. Francisco Esteva, a prominent board-certified medical oncologist specializing in the research and treatment of breast cancer, Chief of the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, and Professor of Medicine at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, as they dive deep into the groundbreaking research presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

In this comprehensive discussion, Dr. Esteva shares his expert insights on the latest advances transforming metastatic breast cancer treatment across all subtypes:

HER2-Positive Disease:

• DESTINY-BREAST09 approval: trastuzumab deruxtecan plus pertuzumab as the new first-line standard with unprecedented 40-month progression-free survival
• HER2CLIMB-05: Tukatinib's promise for preventing brain metastases
• PATINA trial: Adding CDK4/6 inhibitors to maintenance therapy
• The evolution from CLEOPATRA to combination approaches

Hormone Receptor-Positive Disease:

• Oral SERDs revolutionizing treatment: imlunestrant, elacestrant, and camizestrant
• SERENA-6 trial: Using liquid biopsies to detect ESR1 mutations and switch therapy before radiographic progression
• Personalized treatment strategies based on molecular profiling

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer:

• Sacituzumab govitecan establishing itself as the preferred first-line option
• Combining antibody drug conjugates with immunotherapy
• Expanding HER2-targeted therapy to HER2-low and HER2-ultralow patients

Dr. Esteva also discusses the role of artificial intelligence in pathology, the importance of real-world evidence, and how treatment personalization is becoming the cornerstone of modern oncology. From his early work on trastuzumab and the PI3K pathway to today's cutting-edge ADCs, Dr. Esteva provides both historical context and forward-looking perspectives on where the field is headed.

Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode offers valuable insights into how 2025 is shaping up to be a year of continued innovation and hope in metastatic breast cancer treatment.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare team about your specific treatment options.

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.

Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer.

Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.