Breast Practices with MOLLI Surgical
Breast Practices & MOLLI Surgical
Did you know I’m a host of Breast Practices produced by MOLLI Surgical?
This is a show you don’t want to miss! Each episode contains an interview with someone in the breast cancer community. This could be a fellow breast cancer survivor, physician, or another advocate within our community.
In addition to the interviews, I have segments expanding on topics such as breast cancer vocabulary and well-being before, during, and after treatment.
Below are some of the recent episodes. Make sure to check them out!
Featured Breast Practices Episodes
How New Technology and Insights Impact Our Cancer Treatment
One of the highlights of this episode was learning about the new ways that technology is helping breast surgeons reduce the risk of lymphedema.
Lymphedema can have a long-term impact on our survivorship and our quality of life.
In this episode, Dr. Dave Weintritt tells us about some promising treatments in this area.
We also discuss how treating breast cancer is a marathon, with periods of sprinting along the way.
I can definitely relate to that!
A "Survivorship Care Plan" Versus a "Survivorship Life Plan"
Similar words, big difference in focus!
A Survivorship Life Plan is a comprehensive plan for us once we enter cancer survivorship that involves many areas of our lives.
It is much more than a list of recommended medical scans and appointments we should keep up with after treatment.
In this episode, Professor Lillie Shockney and Dr. Olutayo Sogunro join me to discuss the benefits of designing a survivorship life plan.
Sail the C- How Can We Connect with Patients With Similar Diagnoses?
“Want to connect to more people afflicted with the cancer challenge that looks just like YOURS?” is the mission of Sail the C, and the topic of this episode!
I welcomed Mona Patel, a physician assistant at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center who founded Sail the C– a website to help us connect as cancer patients!
Jennifer Tatum, MOLLI Surgical’s H.O.P.E. Navigator, also joined us and talked about the AONN + 2023 conference and the connections she made attending this impactful event!
AskEllyn: A New Way to Interact with an Author and Her Book
Ellyn Winters-Robinson is a breast cancer survivor and author of “Flat Please Hold the Shame.” She is also the co-creator of AskEllyn, a conversational AI developed to help us interact with her book in a brand new way!
Topics of Discussion:
- Ellyn’s breast cancer journey
- Writing and publishing her book
- Demonstration of AskEllyn AI!
Ellyn’s book is available here on Amazon (affiliate link) : “Flat Please Hold the Shame”
Explore AskEllyn
Best of Breast Practices
A special look back to the most impactful moments of 2023 on Breast Practices!
Topics of Discussion:
- Early Detection
- Balancing education without overwhelming patients
- Communicating with patients
- Disparities in screening
- Much more– make sure to watch all of this thirty-minute episode!
A Breast Cancer Journey: The CEO of Medtech Canada
Nicole DeKort is the CEO of Medtech Canada and she joined me to talk about her breast cancer journey.
Topics of Discussion:
- Sharing her breast cancer journey and how essential a mammogram was to discover her cancer.
- Experiences with wire-guided localization
- How can companies focus on improving patient care?
- How can our family help us during our journeys?
- Sharing recommended resources.
Innovations in Surgical Techniques
If you’ve ever wondered what oncoplastic surgery is, then you’ll enjoy this episode! I interviewed Dr. Jessica A. Rayhanabad, and we talked about how this surgical technique can benefit patients.
Topics of Discussion:
- What is oncoplastic surgery?
- How can this surgical technique benefit patients?
- How can patients be wise as we seek out advice and education during our breast cancer journey?
- Sharing recommended resources.
Metastatic Breast Cancer Retreats
In this episode, I talk with Lillie Shockney, RN, about metastatic breast cancer retreats and important aspects of end-of-life preparation.
Topics of Discussion:
- Retreat reflections from the latest Metastatic Breast Cancer Retreat she facilitated.
- What these retreats offer for both the breast cancer patient and partner.
- 9 elements that are key for us as we think about our last wishes.
Introduction to Nurse Navigators
How do nurse navigators support patients and caregivers? In this episode, I interviewed Lillie Shockney, RN and we had an enlightening conversation.
Topics of Discussion:
- Role of a Nurse or patient navigator
- Benefits of nurse navigation for patients and caregivers.
- Top concerns of patients and caregivers.
- Other options for support if patients don’t have access to nurse navigation.
- Sharing resources.
Breast Cancer: A Journey of Strength & Hope
September 2023: Be inspired by this episode featuring Dr. Patrick Borgen, Chair of the Department of Surgery at Maimonides Medical Center and Rachel Lousteau, a Breast Cancer Survivor.
Topics of Discussion:
- Cancer care in Brooklyn at the Maimonides Medical Center
- Early Detection and the importance of mammography.
- Pink Runway Event: Inspirational event on October 5, 2023
- Hope for the future of breast cancer care.
- Learn more about the Pink Runway Event.
A Breast Cancer Journey: Surgeon, Survivor & Past ASBrS President
September 2023: Dr. Nathalie Johnson is a surgeon, breast cancer survivor, and the past president of the American Society for Breast Surgeons. Join us as we discuss our breast cancer journeys and our shared love of the performing arts!
Topics of Discussion:
- The journey from dancer to surgeon.
- Shared experiences and patient care: How does her experience as a breast cancer patient impact her approach to patient care?
- Children and family impacts during breast cancer. How do we talk about breast cancer with children?
- ASBrS President – her areas of focus during her term of leadership.
August 2023
How are disparities in breast cancer screening and treatment being addressed? This impactful episode with Maimah Karmo, Tigerlily Founder, CEO & Breast Cancer survivor, and Dr. Candice Thompson, Breast Surgical Oncologist at Stanford Health Care, is a must-watch!
Topics of Discussion:
- Breast Screening guidelines: Do age-based guidelines work for everyone, or are they contributing to the disparities in breast cancer treatment outcomes?
- Confusing guidance: How do we navigate the different recommendations?
- Well-Being before, during, and after breast cancer.
- Self-Advocacy and our health.
- Resource recommendations.
July 2023
In July 2023, we welcomed Dr. Randy Miles, Chief of Breast Imaging with Denver Health, and Diane Simard, Breast Cancer Survivor, author, and Mental Health Advocate.
Topics of Discussion:
- Radiology-Patient Communication: Discussion of new training methodologies to enhance patient-provider communication.
- Strategies for anxiety during and after procedures.
- Coping with uncertainty.
- Resource recommendations.
June 2023
Book Launch Episode! In June 2023, I was the guest on Breast Practices, and MOLLI Surgical’s H.O.P.E. Navigator, Jennifer Wolf interviewed me! The topic was my recently released book : “A Breast Cancer Journey: Living it One Step at a Time.”
Topics of Discussion:
- Why did I write my book after my DCIS treatment?
- How is my book different than other books for the breast cancer community?
- Discussion about breast-conserving surgery.
- Advice for aspiring writers.
March 2023
In March 2023, in honor of International Women’s Day, we aired a new episode of Breast Practices. I had the delight to interview Dr. Deepa Halaharvi, Breast Surgeon and Breast Cancer Survivor. I also welcomed Kim Frazier, MOLLI Surgical team member and breast cancer survivor to the show. Learn more about Dr. Deepa Halaharvi on her website and her H.O.P.E. wall profile.
Segments in this Episode:
- Interview with Dr. Deepa Halaharvi
- Panel discussion with Dr. Halaharvi and Kim Frazier.
December 2022
In December 2022, I flew out to Toronto to see MOLLI Surgical’s headquarters in person and record this episode! I sat down with Jennifer Wolf, MOLLI Surgical’s H.O.P.E. Navigator, and Breast Cancer survivor, to talk about what it was like for us to navigate motherhood during Breast Cancer.
Segments in this Episode:
- Fireside Chat with Jennifer Wolf
- Terminology 101: Lumpectomy, Breast-Conserving Surgery, Partial Mastectomy? What’s the difference?
- Well-Being Tips: Accepting help & taking time for yourself.
- Seasonal Care: Cancer treatment over the holidays
October 2022
In my first episode as host of Breast Practices, I talk with the President & CEO of MOLLI Surgical, Ananth Ravi, and Kim Brown, a Breast Cancer Survivor. It was an impactful conversation about knowing your options and being an educated patient.
Segments in this Episode:
- Interview with Kim Brown and Ananth Ravi
- Tip: Staying Organized with a breast cancer file
- Terminology 101: DCIS and IDC
- Well-Being: Taking care of ourselves during Breast Cancer Awareness Month
MOLLI Surgical's H.O.P.E Program
MOLLI Surgical has resources for patients and caregivers on its website as a part of their H.O.P.E. Program. H.O.P.E. stands for Help, Optimism, Positivity, and Empowerment, all of which are critical to us as we navigate breast cancer.
Here are some of the resources available to you, for free, over on the MOLLI Surgical H.O.P.E. page. It’s been a privilege to be a part of this initiative, and I hope you find the encouragement you’re looking for as you walk through your journey.
Dedicated Patient Navigator for H.O.P.E Resources
Jennifer Wolf is the H.O.P.E. Navigator. She is a breast cancer survivor and is available to talk to you as a part of the H.O.P.E program. Jennifer is a breast cancer survivor and is very familiar with all the resources shared by patients and guests on Breast Practices. You can get to know Jennifer and call her directly to chat by heading over to the H.O.P.E. page! Learn more about Jennifer W on her H.O.P.E. Wall Page.
H.O.P.E Wall
Featuring patient stories to educate and inspire because no one facing breast cancer needs to do it alone.
The H.O.P.E. Wall honors patients and survivors who choose to share their personal stories to help others and build communities.
I am honored to be on the H.O.P.E. Wall HERE.
Localization Toolkit
What is breast localization? Learn more about this procedure and how to prepare for it with MOLLI Surgical’s Breast Localization Toolkit.
Breast Practices
Access the full library of Breast Practices episodes featuring patient stories, interviews, and educational information for all people impacted by breast cancer.
Advocating and Educating together!
After working together virtually for quite some time, it was a wonderful honor to be able to strategize in-person and need a reason to bring out my cold-weather clothing. Sharing a few more photos below of my time with the MOLLI Surgical team.
Content produced as part of an ongoing partnership with MOLLI Surgical. For more information, see my website terms.