Symptoms Spotlight: Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ) with Abigail Johnston and Melanie Sisk
Abigail Johnston and Victoria Goldberg discuss osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a rare but serious side effect of bisphosphonates used to treat bone metastases. Both hosts are ONJ patients who share their personal diagnostic journeys, surgical treatments, and ongoing management strategies. The episode emphasizes that while ONJ is uncommon, awareness and proactive dental care are essential for anyone taking bone-strengthening medications.
Symptoms Spotlight: Chemo-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) with Abigail Johnston and Melanie Sisk
When nausea and vomiting is caused by a substance that you're taking like chemotherapy, your go-to remedies for addressing nausea and vomiting may not work as well. I had my bag of tricks that I would use, especially like during pregnancy—things I could smell or different pressure points—those kinds of things. But none of that worked when it came to chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Symptoms Spotlight: Ascites with Abigail Johnston and Melanie Sisk
Dr. Jill Tirabassi joins Abigail and Melanie to explain ascites — the fluid buildup in the abdomen that can occur with metastatic breast cancer. Speaking as both a physician and a patient who's experienced it firsthand, she covers the symptoms to watch for, treatment options like paracentesis, and why advocating for your own comfort matters. A candid, hopeful conversation about a daunting topic — including why ascites isn't always permanent, or even always caused by the cancer itself.