In our final Tit Talk episode for Season 3, Rosalina explores an intriguing (but small) study exploring how breast milk might aid early breast cancer detection using ctDNA. Published through Cancer Discovery, she discusses how this study uncovered a potential noninvasive screening method for pregnant and postpartum women. Rosalina unpacks the study's findings, discussing their implications for early detection and their possible influence on healthcare practices and insurance coverage. Join us as we uncover the fascinating potential of breast milk in breast cancer screening.

Resources:

The study: https://aacrjournals.org/cancerdiscovery/article/13/10/2180/729382/Early-Stage-Breast-Cancer-Detection-in-Breast

Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky’s Instagram reel about this study: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0QRzeAgi9N/

Oncology Central article about the study:

https://www.oncology-central.com/how-a-maternal-instinct-led-researchers-to-the-latest-breast-cancer-detection-tool/

Cristina Saura interview with Oncology Central: https://www.oncology-central.com/could-breast-milk-hold-the-secret-to-early-breast-cancer-detection-an-interview-with-cristina-saura/

VHIO article about the study:

https://vhio.net/2023/09/14/vhio-discovers-potential-use-of-breast-milk-liquid-biopsy-for-the-early-diagnosis-of-breast-cancer/

2020 cancer cell in breast milk study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7642166/

For this season 3 finale, we've saved the best episode for last. Rosalina and Shauna explore the intricate relationship between cancer and personal identity. They reflect on how the perception of being a "cancer patient" evolved from diagnosis to different life stages. The discussion spans how others perceive them, the challenges of disclosure, and the balance of embracing cancer as part of their story while maintaining separate personal spaces.

Episode Timestamps:

[00:02:09] Is Cancer a Part of Your Identity

[00:10:25] From Cancer Patient to Advocate

[00:11:26] Cancer Labels

[00:13:28] Cancer Survivor or Cancer Patient?

[00:26:03] It’s OK to Take a Break

[00:28:56] Feeling Like a Cancer Veteran

[00:31:30] Who is Shauna and Rosalina?

You can follow us on Instagram @TYFTSpodcast and email us at tyftspodcast@gmail.com

Please consider donating to our “Buy Me A Coffee” page. Your generous support will greatly assist us in continuing to produce quality content for our listeners. Every donation will get a shoutout on our podcast, as well as a free TYFTS sticker.

www.buymeacoffee.com/tyftspodcast

If you want to submit a quote about your breast cancer journey, visit the link below: Submit A Quote

In the third episode of Tit Talk, Rosalina guides us through a study featured in JAMA Oncology in November 2023. Examining data from nearly 50,000 women in the UK, the study investigates the potential link between vaginal estrogen therapy and breast cancer-related mortality. The study's findings reveal no evidence of an elevated risk. As always, Rosalina encourages listeners to stay informed, seek advice from healthcare professionals, and feel empowered to make decisions that align with their well-being.

In this third season of the podcast, we had a dedicated episode on sexual health, where we spoke to medical oncologist and sexual health expert Dr. Laila Agrawal on a misconception about hormone-positive breast cancer and the use of vaginal estrogen. It's an episode worth catching up on, especially since discussions about women's sexual health are often overlooked.

Resources:

Main study: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/article-abstract/2811413

Dr. Agrawal analysis of the main study: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0HTzb2Ad9k/

More info on the model used in the study: https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/mph-modules/bs/bs704_survival/BS704_Survival6.html

ASCO 2018 recommendation: https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.2017.75.8995

Medical study general analysis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHsdpg1OOf0

North American Menopause Society recommendation: https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/nams-2022-hormone-therapy-position-statement.pdf

Recurrence study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37535961/

Dr. Agrawal’s post re: recurrence study: https://www.instagram.com/p/C0P9wdsg1nf/

Shauna and Rosalina welcome Maddy Pollack and Shannon Cury, survivors of Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and the cohosts of the podcast "Cancer Actually Fucking Sucks." In this episode, Maddy and Shannon discuss their individual experiences with navigating an under-30 diagnosis, IVF, cancer survivorship, and the tools they used to reconnect their bodies and minds.

They share their personal reasons for starting their own podcast and the tough decision to end their show in early 2024. Although the podcast is ending, Maddy and Shannon are excited to expand their coaching careers and continue to help others in their health journeys.

Episode Timestamps:

[00:02:35] Maddy's Cancer Diagnosis

[00:05:38] Shannon's Cancer Diagnosis

[00:11:13] The "Good" Cancer

[00:12:34] Fertility Preservation

[00:27:56] Genetic Testing

[00:31:31] Finding Your Support Community

[00:37:45] Starting Cancer Actually Fucking Sucks

[00:46:47] Stopping the Podcast

[00:54:26] Cancer and Your Identity

[01:02:14] Lifestyle Changes

[01:14:59] Health Coaching and Breathwork

You can find Maddy and Shannon, their coaching programs, and their podcast on Instagram:

@maddypollak_health

@shancury

@canceractuallysuckspod

Website links can be found in their IG bios.

You can follow us on Instagram @TYFTSpodcast and email us at tyftspodcast@gmail.com

Please consider donating to our "Buy Me A Coffee" page. Your generous support will greatly assist us in continuing to produce quality content for our listeners. Every donation will get a shoutout on our podcast, as well as a free TYFTS sticker.www.buymeacoffee.com/tyftspodcast

If you want to submit a quote about your breast cancer journey, visit the link below: Submit A Quote

In today’s episode, Shauna shares the confusing, isolating, and difficult road that is survivor’s guilt. While she navigated how to continue on with her second chance at life, she was met with pockets of darkness when she felt she should be grateful for the light of remission. Rosalina shares the boundaries she created to protect herself and why she hasn’t experienced survivor’s guilt, while Shauna speaks on the spiraling grief she has felt watching members of the cancer community advance in their diseases and how it’s a stark reminder of mortality when members pass on. Rather than succumbing to a guilt-ridden existence, Shauna continues to learn how to balance holding space for others.

Episode Timestamps:

[00:01:39] Survivor’s Guilt

[00:06:54] When Guilt Sends You Spiraling

[00:18:38] Take Me Instead Mentality

[00:20:59] Getting Lost in Grief

You can follow us on Instagram @TYFTSpodcast and email us at tyftspodcast@gmail.com

Please consider donating to our “Buy Me A Coffee” page. Your generous support will greatly assist us in continuing to produce quality content for our listeners.Every donation will get a shoutout on our podcast, as well as a free TYFTS sticker.

.www.buymeacoffee.com/tyftspodcast

If you want to submit a quote about your breast cancer journey, visit the link below: Submit A Quote

Chiara, who faced stage IV breast cancer at 27, chats with Rosalina and Shauna about the misconceptions about cancer and the challenges of relationships after diagnosis. She opens up about the emotional and physical struggles of living with stage IV cancer, reflecting on how cancer changes who you are and what you want in life.

On dating apps, Chiara didn’t have much luck. She shares experiences of ghosting, judgment, and fetishization(yes, you read that correctly!), leading her to disengage from these platforms. But one day, at a friend’s party, she met David. After a few months, they hit it off and became more than just friends. However, Chiara shares how being in a serious relationship while dealing with a terminal illness is difficult for both her and David.

Episode Timestamps:

[00:02:58] You're Probably "Too Young For Cancer"

[00:05:30] We've Caught This Early, You'll be "Fine"

[00:09:33] I was Clueless About Breast Cancer

[00:13:17] Challenges of Living with Stage 4 Cancer

[00:16:17] The Nightmare of Insurance with Stage 4 Cancer

[00:21:36] Relationship Changes Due to Terminal Illness

[00:27:24] Dating with Terminal Cancer

Resources:

B-present.org

Metavivor.org - donates 100% of donation to Stage IV breast cancer research

You can follow us on Instagram @TYFTSpodcast and email us at tyftspodcast@gmail.com

Please consider donating to our “Buy Me A Coffee” page. Your generous support will greatly assist us in continuing to produce quality content for our listeners.Every donation will get a shoutout on our podcast, as well as a free TYFTS sticker.

www.buymeacoffee.com/tyftspodcast

If you want to submit a quote about your breast cancer journey, visit the link below: Submit A Quote

Rosalina and Shauna dive deep into the intricacies of managing careers while navigating a cancer diagnosis. Their conversation encompasses crucial aspects such as disclosing a diagnosis at work, handling treatment while maintaining a career, and understanding legal rights like the American Disability Act and Family Medical Leave.

They share personal experiences regarding returning to work, establishing boundaries, seeking accommodations, and addressing job dissatisfaction. Additionally, they explore transitioning jobs during treatment, post-treatment job challenges, and the essential role of self-care and prioritization. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of recognizing your rights, managing guilt, and accessing support from resources like Triage Cancer and Careers and Cancer.

Episode Timestamps:

[00:02:06] Our Jobs

[00:03:23] Approaching Employers About A Cancer Diagnosis

[00:07:56] Navigating Your Diagnosis While Working

[00:10:13] Paid Family Medical Leave

[00:13:20] Domestic Partner’s Insurance

[00:14:52] Domestic Partnership Insurance

[00:19:17] Advocate for Yourself by Creating a Work Plan

[00:26:58] When You’re Still Not Satisfied

[00:38:21] Should I Tell My Employer About My Diagnosis?

[00:41:58] Set Boundaries & Take Time For Yourself

[00:45:15] Learn About Your Rights

Resources:

https://www.domesticworkers.org/

https://triagecancer.org/

https://cancerandcareers.org/

You can follow us on Instagram @TYFTSpodcast and email us at tyftspodcast@gmail.com

Please consider donating to our “Buy Me A Coffee” page. Your generous support will greatly assist us in continuing to produce quality content for our listeners.Every donation will get a shoutout on our podcast, as well as a free TYFTS sticker.

www.buymeacoffee.com/tyftspodcast

If you want to submit a quote about your breast cancer journey, visit the link below: Submit A Quote

Join us for an intimate conversation featuring four remarkable women—Aliza, Ashleigh, Jamie, and Nari (BIPOC)—as they candidly share their journeys through diagnoses, offering an up-close exploration of how they navigated the paths of motherhood and cancer. This special 'Part B' bonus series invites you to witness their unfiltered experiences, providing a heartfelt glimpse into the highs, lows, and unwavering strength that define their unique stories.

A huge thank you to Jamie for graciously sharing her experience in the POSITIVE Study— a study that looks at women who are looking to pursue pregnancy by temporarily pausing their hormone therapy medication in hopes of conceiving. Jamie's journey led to the miraculous birth of her son, Cash. For more information about the study, we've included some helpful links below.

Episode Timestamps:

[00:01:29] Aliza Bochner

[00:10:07] Ashleigh Van Son

[00:23:09] Jamie Pelishek

[00:34:28] Nari Baughman

[00:45:34] Outro

Resources:

https://www.dana-farber.org/newsroom/news-releases/2022/new-study-provides-encouraging-data-for-younger-breast-cancer-patients-looking-to-pursue-pregnancy

https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2023/pausing-breast-cancer-treatment-to-conceive

Nari also spoke to us about Camp Kesem, which provides support for children whose parents have cancer. You can find out more here: https://www.kesem.org/

Instagram:

-Aliza @alizapollak

-Ashleigh @healthyhappyash

-Jamie @babyafterbreastcancer

-Nari does not have Instagram, but you can find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nlhbm125?mibextid=LQQJ4d

You can follow us on Instagram @TYFTSpodcast and email us at tyftspodcast@gmail.com

Please consider donating to our “Buy Me A Coffee” page. Your generous support will greatly assist us in continuing to produce quality content for our listeners.Every donation will get a shoutout on our podcast, as well as a free TYFTS sticker.

www.buymeacoffee.com/tyftspodcast