Symptoms Spotlight: Diarrhea with Abigail Johnston and Melanie Sisk
Melanie Sisk and Abigail Johnston discuss managing diarrhea from cancer medications—a common but often embarrassing side effect. Learn practical strategies for treatment, when to seek specialist help, and how to advocate for better quality of life during cancer treatment.
Podcasters Roundtable: Melissa Berry on Fashion Meets Cancer Advocacy
Melissa Berry, founder of Cancer Fashionista and host of "Dear Cancer, I'm Beautiful," joins us to discuss building beauty and wellness resources for cancer patients. From her background as a fashion publicist to creating an evergreen podcast library, Melissa shares why looking like yourself matters, how she selects topics, and what keeps her connected to advocacy. We explore inclusive language for metastatic patients, financial toxicity, intimacy after cancer, and the power of podcasting as a tool for community building.
Symptoms Spotlight: Fatigue with Abigail Johnston and Melanie Sisk
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.
Melanie and Abigail share their experiences managing cancer-related fatigue over 5+ years of treatment. They discuss practical solutions including exercise programs like LiveStrong and Two Unstoppable, Medicare fitness benefits, medication options like Ritalin, and the importance of nutrition, hydration, and monitoring vitamin levels.
Fighting for Patients: Dr. Rebecca Shatsky on Insurance, Burnout, and Hope in MBC
Dr. Rebecca Shatsky, Director of Breast Medical Oncology at UC San Diego, shares her experiences fighting for patients with breast cancer. In this episode, Dr. Shatsky discusses the growing challenges clinicians face—from insurance denials and funding cuts to the emotional toll of burnout and the spread of cancer misinformation.
Hear real stories about advocating for life-saving treatments, navigating the complexities of clinical trials, and the importance of patient empowerment. Dr. Shatsky also offers hope, highlighting the latest breakthroughs in metastatic breast cancer research and the progress being made in treatment options.
Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode delivers candid insights, practical advice, and a message of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.