The Breast of Everything

Many women rule out getting Botox or dermal fillers because they don’t want to look unnatural. But if you ask Dr. Lara Devgan, neuromodulators like Botox and other facial fillers can improve your skin without making you look plastic or frozen in any way. In fact, if you work with the right professional, you can retain normal movement and achieve very subtle, natural-looking results. Dr. Devgan is a top board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of the luxury medical-grade skincare line Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty. She has made a career caring for some of the most beautiful and frequently photographed faces in the world, and Dr. Devgan is an expert in Botox and other injectables for the face, breasts and body. On this episode of The Breast of Everything, Dr. Devgan joins hosts Kim Schott and Dr. Linsey Gold to explore the three major categories of dermal fillers and explain how neuromodulators like Botox work to improve skin quality. Dr. Devgan addresses concerns around looking unnatural, describing how injectables and even plastic surgery can be done without changing your facial identity—provided you choose a board-certified surgeon with extensive anatomic expertise. Listen in for insight around preventative Botox and learn how to maintain a youthful, radiant complexion with or without injectables! Key Takeaways How neuromodulators like Botox work to relax facial muscles and improve skin quality How preventative Botox helps women avoid the formation of deeply etched lines in the face Dr. Devgan’s response to women concerned that Botox will make them look unnatural What differentiates Botox from dermal fillers and how fillers create structure or volume The 3 major categories of facial fillers (hyaluronic acid, calcium and collagen biostimulating) Why it’s crucial to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive anatomic expertise Dr. Devgan’s insight on getting cosmetic surgery without changing your facial identity What breast cancer survivors need to know about their rights re: reconstructive surgery What inspired Dr. Devgan to create her medical-grade skincare line Some of the skin conditions Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty products address Why Dr. Devgan is a fan of erbium laser resurfacing and gold microinfusion microneedling Connect with Dr. Devgan Dr. Devgan’s Website Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty [Discount Code THEBREAST] Dr. Devgan on Instagram Dr. Devgan on TikTok Connect with Dr. Gold The Breast of Everything The Breast of Everything on Instagram The Breast of Everything on Facebook Subscribe to The Breast of Everything Email info@thebreastofeverything.com Resources Beauty Bosses Podcast Dr. Devgan’s Blog on Preventative Botox

Many breast cancer survivors second-guess their food choices and worry that the foods they love caused their breast cancer. But do you have to stop eating what you love to avoid recurrence? Cathy Leman is the registered dietitian, nutrition therapist, certified personal trainer and breast cancer survivor behind the Peaceful Plate, a program designed to help women stop feeling anxious and confused about food after breast cancer treatment. Cathy graduated with honors from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a bachelor’s in human nutrition and dietetics and holds a master’s degree in health psychology from National Louis University. She shares her professional expertise and personal experience with the hormone-positive breast cancer community on the dam. mad. about BREAST CANCER blog. On this episode of The Breast of Everything, Cathy joins hosts Kim Schott and Dr. Linsey Gold to explain why she suggests a plant-forward diet with whole foods for breast cancer survivors. Cathy walks us through the three most common myths in the breast cancer community around what to eat and what to avoid and offers advice to survivors who are unhappy with their weight. Listen in to understand why there is no one ‘right’ nutrition plan for every survivor and learn how to eat for breast health without enduring a diet of deprivation. Key Takeaways Cathy’s experience with hormone-positive breast cancer and why the diagnosis caught her off guard Why Cathy suggests a plant-forward diet with whole foods if you’ve received a breast cancer diagnosis Cathy’s response to women who feel like they have to stop eating what they love to avoid recurrence Why there is no one ‘right’ nutrition plan for every breast cancer survivor and what factors to take into consideration as you make food choices post-treatment The 3 most common myths in the breast cancer community re: what to eat and what to avoid and how to discern good advice from misinformation Cathy’s insight into 3 breast cancer diets that harm rather than heal What foods Cathy recommends to clients to prevent cancer recurrence and what foods to avoid What research says about the link between alcohol and breast cancer and Cathy’s advice to survivors who aren’t prepared to give up drinking completely How chemotherapy, steroids and tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor medication can cause weight gain Cathy’s advice to breast cancer survivors who are unhappy with their weight How breast cancer survivors can leverage resistance training to improve bone health How Cathy’s Peaceful Plate program helps hormone-positive breast cancer survivors end food anxiety Connect with Cathy The Peaceful Plate The Peaceful Plate on Facebook Cathy on Instagram Cathy’s Blog Connect with Dr. Gold The Breast of Everything The Breast of Everything on Instagram The Breast of Everything on Facebook Subscribe to The Breast of Everything Resources The 5 Foods Survivors Should Eat ‘3 Breast Cancer Diets That Harm Not Heal’ AICR Nutrition Guidelines World Cancer Research Fund Continuous Update Project AICR Recommendations on Limiting Alcohol Consumption

We all want to live a long, healthy life. And we know that what we eat directly impacts our ability to do just that. But for busy parents and professionals, it’s often challenging to make healthy choices on a budget, given our time constraints. Are there simple, convenient ways to make mealtime more nutritious? And what foods best address your specific health concerns? Liz Weiss, MS, RDN, is the voice behind the food and nutrition blog Liz’s Healthy Table and the podcast Eat, Drink, Live Longer. A sought-after speaker, TV personality and cooking instructor, Liz is a regular contributor to Today’s Dietitian magazine and recipe writer for the American Institute for Cancer Research. On this episode of The Breast of Everything, Liz joins hosts Kim Schott and Dr. Ashley Richardson to discuss nutrition for longevity, challenging us to start with small goals like eating one extra serving of fruits and vegetables each day. Liz discusses what people eat in the five longevity hot spots known as the Blue Zones, describing how the MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) fosters heart health and protects against cognitive decline. Listen in for Liz’s advice on making mealtime less stressful yet more nutritious and learn how to change your diet in a way that fits your lifestyle and promotes long-term health! Key Takeaways How Liz’s interest in nutrition for longevity led to the launch of Eat, Drink, Live Longer How young moms can lean on conveniences to make mealtime less stressful and more nutritious Why Liz recommends fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, beans and seeds How Liz thinks about high-protein, high-fat fad diets The 5 longevity hot spots known as the Blue Zones and what people eat there How the standard American diet lacks important nutrients and promotes chronic inflammation Why Liz suggests starting with small goals like eating one extra serving of fruits and vegetables each day Liz’s advice on meal planning and prep as a busy parent or professional How the MIND diet protects against cognitive decline Which foods maximize heart health (and which ones to avoid) What foods Liz recommends for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer Liz’s strategies for making mealtime a positive time to connect with friends and family Connect with Liz Liz’s Healthy Table Eat, Drink, Live Longer Podcast Liz on Instagram Liz on TikTok Connect with Dr. Richardson The Breast of Everything The Breast of Everything on Instagram The Breast of Everything on Facebook Subscribe to The Breast of Everything Email info@thebreastofeverything.com Resources Manic Mommies Podcast Meal Makeover Moms Liz’s Last-Minute Black Bean Soup Nick Buettner on Liz’s Healthy Table Podcast EP099 Liz’s Cookbooks & Freebies ‘Snacking for Brain Health’ in Today’s Dietician Liz’s Egg & Kale Dinner Muffins AICR’s New American Plate

In 2017, Tami Burdick noticed a hardened area and lump in her breast. And she braced herself for a breast cancer diagnosis. But after seven grueling months of testing, she was diagnosed with granulomatous mastitis or GM, a poorly understood and under-practiced chronic inflammatory breast disease. Beyond being a survivor of GM, Tami is an advocate for women suffering from breast disease and passionate proponent of patient self-advocacy. Tami has been featured in multiple TV interviews, as well as a recent New York Times article, “How to Spot ‘Medical Gaslighting’ and What to Do About It,” and she is the author of the compelling memoir, Diagnosis Detective: Curing Granulomatous Mastitis. On this episode of The Breast of Everything, Tami joins host Kim Schott to share her journey through GM, describing the painful symptoms of granulomatous mastitis and how she discovered the source of the bacteria that caused it. Tami explains how she found a GM support group and why it was invaluable to her, exploring the importance of doing your own research and advocating for yourself in a healthcare setting. Listen in to understand how Tami's medical team treated her GM and learn her A List for Advocacy Plan for being an active participant in your own health care journey. Key Takeaways When Tami noticed soreness and a lump in her breast and why she expected a cancer diagnosis Why it took Tami 7 months to find out she had granulomatous mastitis The steps Tami took to identify the bacteria from contaminated water that caused her GM How Tami connected with a GM support group and how it helped her find the cause of her GM What it's like to suffer from granulomatous mastitis How Tami found Dr. Kelly McLean and the team at Christ Hospital How Tami's surgical breast oncologist and functional medicine doctor treated her GM Tami's A List for Advocacy Plan—act, assemble, ask, acquire and apply What inspired Tami to write Diagnosis Detective: Curing Granulomatous Mastitis Connect with Tami Granulomatous Mastitis Book & Tips on Facebook Connect with Kim The Breast of Everything The Breast of Everything on Instagram The Breast of Everything on Facebook Subscribe to The Breast of Everything Email info@thebreastofeverything.com Resources Diagnosis Detective: Curing Granulomatous Mastitis by Tami Burdick “How to Spot ‘Medical Gaslighting’ and What to Do About It” in The New York Times Dr. Kelly McLean at Christ Hospital Dr. Jared Seigler at the Living Proof Institute

A breast cancer diagnosis can lead to many questions and concerns for a pregnant or breastfeeding mother. What type of treatments are available? Are chemotherapy and other cancer treatments safe for my baby and me? And will breastfeeding my baby still be an option, and what are the risks? Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths and misinformation surrounding the treatment of breast cancer during pregnancy and lactation. August is National Breastfeeding Month, and on this episode of The Breast of Everything, Dr. Eric Brown sits down to discuss the importance of shared decision-making in delivering optimal breast cancer care for pregnant and breastfeeding women. He walks us through the different types of oncologic breast surgical procedures available and explains the safest chemo and drug therapy options for women in all stages of pregnancy and lactation. Listen in to learn about the myths associated with breast cancer in pregnant and lactating women, and the importance of shared decision-making to determine the best treatment options for you and your baby. Key Takeaways Why radiation therapy is contraindicated for pregnant women The different mastectomy options and their outcomes for breastfeeding What are the options for obtaining the health benefits of breastfeeding for post-mastectomy patients and their babies Why Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is safe for pregnant women (but not those breastfeeding) The safety concerns of antiestrogen therapy for hormone-positive breast cancers and pregnancy Why aromatase inhibitors (Tamoxifen) are contradicted during breastfeeding How to determine when pregnancy after breast cancer treatment is the safest decision Connect with Dr. Brown The Breast of Everything The Breast of Everything on Instagram The Breast of Everything on Facebook Subscribe to The Breast of Everything Email info@thebreastofeverything.com Resources National Breastfeeding Month Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine United States Lactation Consultant Association: USLCA

If you have scarring from breast surgery or a skin issue of any kind, you may have considered visiting a dermatologist. But there are so many different treatment options. Should you consider laser rejuvenation? Microneedling? Cryotherapy? How do these treatments work? And which one is right for you? Dr. Eshini Perera is a Specialist Dermatologist and Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists who practices at Cutis Dermatology in Brisbane, Australia. She holds a Master of Medicine with First Class Honors from The University of Melbourne and a Master of Public Health and Epidemiology from the University of Sydney. Dr. Perera has been published widely in both Australian and international medical journals and is first author for multiple textbook chapters. She has a special interest in medical, pediatric and cosmetic dermatology. On this episode of The Breast of Everything, Dr. Perera joins hosts Kim Schott and Dr. Linsey Gold to explain how a personal struggle with acne inspired her interest in dermatology and share her expertise in treatments for scar removal. Dr. Perera describes when it’s appropriate to treat scarring with laser rejuvenation versus radiofrequency microneedling, discussing how each process works and what to consider before you seek treatment. Listen in to understand what skin conditions Dr. Perera treats with cryotherapy and learn how her individualized approach to dermatology helps patients look and feel better about themselves! Key Takeaways How Dr. Perera’s personal struggle with acne inspired her interest in dermatology Dr. Perera’s individualized approach to a consult with women who want to look younger The different types of scars and how hypertrophic and keloid scarring are common after surgery Why Dr. Perera typically treats thick keloid scars with steroid injections When it’s appropriate to use laser rejuvenation to treat scarring What people with darker or Asian skin types and patients with photosensitizing conditions should consider before getting laser treatment Dr. Perera’s experience diagnosing systemic illnesses based on skin manifestations Why dermatologists get referrals from breast surgeons, gynecologists and ophthalmologists What to expect after getting CO2 laser scar treatment and how long it takes to heal The process of radiofrequency microneedling and how it’s used in scar treatment What conditions Dr. Perera treats with cryotherapy and how it works Connect with Dr. Perera Dr. Perera on Instagram Dr. Perera’s Website Connect with Dr. Gold The Breast of Everything The Breast of Everything on Instagram The Breast of Everything on Facebook Subscribe to The Breast of Everything Email info@thebreastofeverything.com

For pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, finding a lump or experiencing other symptoms of breast cancer comes with extra anxiety. Is it safe to do a screening mammogram when you’re expecting or lactating? What if you need a breast biopsy? Will the procedure interrupt breastfeeding or negatively impact your breast milk? August is National Breastfeeding Month, and on this episode of The Breast of Everything, Dr. Eric Brown sits down to discuss the diagnostic workup and evaluation of women with breast symptoms during lactation. He walks us through the American College of Radiology guidelines for breast imaging of pregnant and lactating women, explaining how little radiation exposure is involved in each technique and why there’s no need to ‘pump and dump’ after any breast radiology study. Listen in to understand why women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should feel safe with any of the three breast biopsy techniques and find out what to do if you experience symptoms of cancer during lactation. Key Takeaways What to do if you find a breast lump or have symptoms of cancer during lactation How breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer The ACR guidelines for breast imaging of pregnant and lactating women What’s involved in 3D Tomosynthesis and why it’s better than a traditional mammogram for lactating women How much radiation exposure is involved in traditional mammograms, 3D Tomosynthesis and breast ultrasounds Who should use a breast MRI to screen for cancer (and who shouldn’t) The rare complication of biopsy in a lactating breast known as milk fistula Why Dr. Brown recommends a core needle biopsy to obtain tissue for diagnosing breast cancer How anesthesia impacts breast milk Why pregnant or lactating women should feel safe with all 3 biopsy techniques Connect with Dr. Brown The Breast of Everything The Breast of Everything on Instagram The Breast of Everything on Facebook Subscribe to The Breast of Everything Email info@thebreastofeverything.com Resources National Breastfeeding Month American College of Radiology Guidelines for Breast Imaging of Pregnant and Lactating Women Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine La Leche League International United States Lactation Consultant Association

Do you have symptoms of a hormone imbalance? Many women struggle for years with issues like heavy or irregular periods, acne, hair loss, fibrocystic breasts, fibroids and infertility. And most people think that hormone imbalances are the problem in and of themselves. But the truth is, hormone imbalances are a sign that something's imbalanced elsewhere in the body. So, how do you identify and address the root cause of these hormone challenges? Could it be as easy as modifying your diet and making a few lifestyle changes? Melissa Groves Azzaro, RDN, LD, is Founder of The Hormone Dietician, an integrative health practice that helps busy women with hormone imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other fertility issues regain regular, symptom-free periods and get pregnant naturally. Melissa is also the creator of The Period Problems Root Cause Roadmap, the author of A Balanced Approach to PCOS, and host of the podcast Hormonally Yours with The Hormone Dietitian. On this episode of The Breast of Everything, Melissa joins hosts Kim Schott and Dr. Linsey Gold to explain how traditional medicine fails women by prescribing the Pill as a cure-all for our hormone imbalances. Melissa walks us through her multifaceted approach to identifying the root cause of a hormone imbalance and shares the story of a client she helped avoid ovarian wedge resection surgery and get pregnant naturally. Listen in for Melissa’s insight on using nutrition to adjust your estrogen level and learn how to minimize the hormone disrupters in your environment that contribute to hormone imbalance and fertility issues. Key Takeaways How Melissa’s own health issues inspired her to become a dietitian Why Melissa’s focuses on polycystic ovary syndrome and other hormone imbalances How traditional medicine fails women by prescribing the Pill as a cure-all Melissa’s insight on the foods that support estrogen metabolism Melissa’s comprehensive approach to identifying the root cause of a hormone imbalance How to offset the side effects of meds that reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence How to lower your estrogen levels with a plant-forward diet The hormone disruptors in our environment that contribute to fertility issues The client Melissa helped avoid ovarian wedge resection surgery and get pregnant naturally How conventional doctors would benefit from training on nutrition Connect with Melissa The Hormone Dietitian Hormonally Yours Podcast Melissa on Instagram Connect with Dr. Gold The Breast of Everything The Breast of Everything on Instagram The Breast of Everything on Facebook Subscribe to The Breast of Everything Email info@thebreastofeverything.com Resources A Balanced Approach to PCOS: 16 Weeks of Meal Prep and Recipes for Women Managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Melissa Groves Azzaro, RDN, LD Melissa’s PCOS Root Cause Quiz

How does a cancer patient prepare for hair loss? “I don’t think any woman ever is prepared,” announces Hair Restoration Specialist Maggie Varney. The licensed cosmetologist and facilitator for the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better” program, was a featured guest on The Breast of Everything podcast, hosted by Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeon Ashley Richardson, DO, FACOS. She talks about the importance of women feeling a sense of normalcy during their cancer treatment and how they can make that happen. Women go through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, but when they start losing their hair, they are telling the world they have cancer; they can’t hide it anymore. “This is such a struggle for women because they want to keep looking good and feeling good,” Maggie says. In this podcast, she provides tips on headwear, wigs, makeup and skin care – including manicure and pedicures. Celebrate your life … every day, Maggie tells cancer patients, and she can help them celebrate by looking good and feeling good.

“When cancer comes into a marriage, it really can alter your life.” That is why cancer survivors Darren and Jen Delvaux started their own podcast – “Mr. Worldwide and His Bride” – where they share stories about their cancer experiences, what they have learned along the way and how it has impacted their relationship and their marriage. During The Breast of Everything podcast, they talked with Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeon Ashley Richardson, DO, FACOS, about paying attention to the subtle signs and changes in your body, and “divine intervention,” as they call it. At the age of 36, Darren was diagnosed with brain cancer and several years later, Jen learned she had breast cancer. This young couple in their early 40s, describe the changes in their relationship – from husband and wife, to caregiver and patient, and parent and child – and how their marriage is stronger than it ever has been, thanks to open and honest conversations that brought lots of tears, laughter and defining moments. Jen learned that she couldn’t do it all and needed to ask for help, something nearly impossible for her, and Darren learned how to step up as a caregiver. “Slow down, and give yourself grace to not do it all,” the couple advises. Don’t let the disease define you!

During The Breast of Everything podcast, Justin Riutta, MD, director of Breast Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphedema for Beaumont Health in Royal Oak, Michigan, sets the record straight on lymphedema, dispelling the many myths and misinformation patients are hearing and reading. For example, here are a few facts: Thanks to improvements in surgical and radiation therapy techniques over the past decade, the incidence of lymphedema has decreased significantly. In fact, recent data shows the chance of breast cancer patients getting lymphedema has decreased from 20 percent to 10 percent over the past decade. To learn more about lymphedema and how to manage it, listen to The Breast of Everything podcast, hosted by Comprehensive Breast Surgeons Eric Brown, MD, FACS; and Linsey Gold, DO, FACS, FACOS.

What is genetic testing and what does it mean for cancer patients? During The Breast of Everything podcast, Dana Zakalik, MD, a medical oncologist and medical director of the Nancy and James Grosfeld Cancer Genetics Center at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, talks about genetic testing, why it is important and how the newest advances in cancer treatment promise to make a significant impact on patient outcomes. She begins the podcast by talking about the genetic mutations inherited from family members that can increase a person’s risk for breast cancer. Through a genetic test, clinicians can learn what those mutations are and what options are available for patients. The test is simple, Dr. Zakalik notes. The patient gives a blood or saliva sample that is sent to a lab specializing in hereditary genetics. The findings then are sent back to the patient’s physician. “Through early detection of mutations, we can help manage and even reduce a patient’s risk,” Dr. Zakalik reports. “In addition, patients can tell their family members they may be at risk so they, too, can make informed decisions.” Years ago, testing was so much easier, Dr. Zakalik explains, because clinicians only tested for the two known genetic mutations – BRCA1 and BRCA2. Today, there are more than 80 genes that can be tested. As a result of new technology, this number has exploded. Scientific advancements, and more efficient, faster and less costly tests have changed the genetic counseling world dramatically, the genetic specialist finds. When patients receive the genetic findings, they do have options, the medical oncologist reports. This is not a one-size fits all for patients. Imaging has improved dramatically over the years, which can lead to earlier detection. “We have many tools in our toolbox for patients,” she notes, adding that patients should consider other risk factors such as weight, lifestyle, level of exercise and hormone replacement therapy for example. What Dr. Zakalik is most excited about are the advances in drug therapy for people with certain gene mutations. “This is a big, exciting development in cancer genetics because it can improve patient outcomes,” she is happy to report. To hear about these new developments in cancer genetics, listen to The Breast of Everything podcast in its entirety with Dr. Zakalik and hosted by Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeons Eric Brown, MD, FACS; and Linsey Gold, DO, FACS, FACOS.

In 2004, just three months after her wedding, 31-year-old corporate giant Caryn Sullivan was diagnosed with breast cancer. Caryn’s treatment of choice was aggressive therapy; she had a bilateral mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. Physically and emotionally, she was a mess, she recalls, until she got the green light. She was cancer-free. She jumped back on the corporate bandwagon believing she was one and done, and nine years later, the cancer returned. Caryn was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. The young, corporate mother was determined to beat the odds. “It was devastating, but you don’t have to be devastated,” she reflects. Instead of trying to survive, she was going to thrive. She changed her eating habits overnight, started taking hot yoga classes, walked away from her corporate job and started her own business dedicated to inspiring others to improve their health and happiness. She even wrote a book – Happiness through Hardship, a practical guide full of ideas for cancer patients to help them navigate their unexpected journey. To hear Caryn’s inspirational story, listen to The Breast of Everything podcast, hosted by Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeons Linsey Gold, DO, FACS, FACOS; and Ashley Richardson, DO, FACOS.

“From the spiritual perspective, there is no disease or illness. There is only undiscovered purpose.” When Melissa Laborsky, MD, heard this quote, it opened her eyes to a whole new world in the field of medicine. A family medicine physician who practiced traditional western medicine for many years, Dr. Laborsky has dedicated the past 12 years of her practice and life to studying Chinese medicine and qigong. Her training involved the Chinese energy approach to understanding, preventing and healing the root cause of disease, including breast cancer. In The Breast of Everything podcast, Dr. Laborsky, who opened the Indy Healing Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, shares her personal experience that led her to learning the connection between mind, body and healing, and practicing this approach with her patients. The physician empowers those who feel stuck on their personal health journey to awaken connections among their body, mind and spirit. The key to wellness lies within you, she says Your own mental, emotional and physical health definitely has an impact on how well you will heal and how well you will manage your treatment, Dr. Laborsky says during the podcast.

“When you say the words ‘breast cancer survivor,’ it can’t get any more personal for me because that is my mother,” announces Shelly Rood, inspirational speaker, co-founder of Mission: Ambition LLC and a decorated military intelligence officer who served our country for 16 years. “Sometimes we are so concerned with getting through it, with surviving it, that we don’t take the time for genuine connection and reflection,” she says during The Breast of Everything podcast hosted by Linsey Gold, DO, FACS, FACOS, Comprehensive Breast Care surgeon. Through her work with Mission: Ambition LLC, Shelly inspires the world to be filled with thrivers, not just survivors. She hopes her message is heard loudly and clearly, especially during this time of year as we approach the holidays, a very difficult time for those living with cancer. In this podcast, she shares some advice on how cancer survivors can relax a little and still make the holidays “the most wonderful time of the year.” It is important that women learn to delegate and set boundaries when it comes to holiday activities, she urges. Don’t isolate yourself; connect with others and take the time to relax and enjoy the season. During The Breast of Everything podcast, Shelly examines this internal battle cancer survivors have with themselves. She views it as a military mission. What is your mission? Is it to enjoy the holidays? The answer should be a resounding “yes.” “You will make it through this mission,” she says with conviction. “And what is waiting on the other side for you?” Listen to The Breast of Everything podcast featuring Veteran Shelly Rood, here.

Nikki Barclay just turned 41 when she learned she had breast cancer. “My doctor recommended I start having mammograms every year beginning at age 40. This was my second routine screening,” or so she thought. “I did not expect any issues at all, especially at my age,” she begins telling her story during The Breast of Everything podcast. The mammogram showed suspicious-looking calcium deposits that required a biopsy. The results? Nikki had extensive DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), considered the earliest form of breast cancer. She didn’t feel any lumps in her breast, she didn’t feel sick, and she was so young. This was not supposed to happen to a young wife and mother of two children ages 2 and 5. After extensive conversations with her breast surgeon, Ashley Richardson, DO, FACOS, of Comprehensive Breast Care, Nikki chose a double mastectomy. The results of her genetic test were the reason for her decision. Nikki didn’t realize how learning of her genetic mutation would benefit her as well as her family. To hear Nikki’s story and the importance of genetic testing, listen to this The Breast of Everything episode, hosted by Dr. Ashley Richardson.

Tina Craciun, a 46-year-old wife, mother of two, and speech pathologist, recently added breast cancer survivor to her list of “accomplishments,” and gladly will share her story in hopes it will help other women who are just beginning their uphill battle with the disease. “You will reach the top of that mountain, and the other side is so full of hope and relief,” she says during The Breast of Everything podcast. Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeon Ashley Richardson, DO, FACOS, the podcast host and Tina’s surgeon, spoke with Tina about her cancer journey that began in November 2019 when, during her annual exam, a small lump was found in Tina’s right breast. She was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Her initial reaction was, “I don’t have time for this right now.” “Tina is a beacon of hope for other women facing a similar journey,” Dr. Richardson adds. To hear Tina’s story – how she was able to maintain her normal daily routine, while remaining optimistic and in control of her life – listen to this The Breast of Everything podcast.

Inflammation is a main driver of disease, and it all starts in the gut. Lauren Kelly, nutrition therapy master, knows this all too well. She used to live in Hollywood where everyone is obsessed with being beautiful. She was wrapped up in that world until at the age of 29, she learned she had a malignant melanoma and needed emergency surgery. “It flipped my life upside down,” she asserts. “My Hollywood-style world came to a screeching halt!” Lauren looked long and hard at her life. It was toxic, stressful and unfulfilling. She was completely focused on what Hollywood expected of her. Her sense of self-worth was lost, and now, so was her health. Fortunately, she found the inspiration and strength to restart her life in a whole new direction. That’s when she went back to school and became a nutrition therapist master and holistic coach specializing in helping people improve their gut health and reduce their risk of chronic health issues. During the Season 2 opener of The Breast of Everything podcast, Lauren shares her knowledge about how the foods you eat and how you live largely contribute to chronic disease. But you can change all this … and easier than you think! Listen to her podcast, hosted by Linsey Gold, DO, FACS, FACOS, breast surgeon with Comprehensive Breast Care.

During their 32 years of marriage Rick and Janet Stanfield have plenty of life adventures to share, but never did they think breast cancer would be one of them. They both were diagnosed within a few months of each other. While Janet was undergoing treatment, Rick learned he had Stage 3 breast cancer. It wasn’t easy, they both admit, but through support and love, they are on the road to recovery. To hear their story, listen to The Breast of Everything podcast, hosted by Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeon Linsey Gold, DO, FACOS, FACS

Survivor guilt … it’s time to talk about this reality We don’t talk enough about it … the guilt, the stress, the feelings that it’s just not fair … Cancer flips you on head. The question of “why me?” can haunt any cancer patient. Everyone knows someone who had cancer and died, and those stories surface and circle around in your head. Everyone knows someone who had cancer and survived with fewer treatments and a faster recovery, and you wonder why this isn’t you. Everyone also knows somebody who fell into a dark hole of depression after a cancer diagnosis, and you wonder when this is going to happen to you. Cancer patients often find themselves comparing their medical condition and feelings to everyone else’s and trying to figure out what to do, what to think and how to act. The result can be overwhelming stress and guilt. During The Breast of Everything podcast, Julie Larson, LCSW, a mental health therapist who specializes in oncology supportive care, talks with Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeon Linsey Gold, DO, FACOS, FACS, about dealing effectively with the stress and guilt that often accompany a cancer diagnosis.