In this episode of the Girlfriend's Guide to Breast Cancer podcast, host Dr. Robyn Roth (@theboobiedocs) welcomes Elena Silber, CEO of Sharsheret, a national organization dedicated to supporting women with breast and ovarian cancer. The conversation delves into the origin and growth of Sharsheret, from its inception by founder Rochelle Shoratz, through its expansion to a robust network with international reach. Elena highlights the services Sharsheret provides, such as peer support, genetic counseling, financial assistance, and various tailored programs addressing the unique needs of cancer patients. The episode also discusses the importance of genetic testing, especially within the Jewish community, and emphasizes Sharsheret's inclusive approach to support, regardless of religious affiliation. Upcoming events like the Sharsheret Summit are also mentioned, providing opportunities for further education and community engagement.

00:00 Welcome to Sharsheret: A Place for Everyone

01:10 Introducing Elena Silber: CEO of Sharsheret

01:41 The Journey of Sharsheret: From Volunteer to CEO

03:41 Rochelle's Story: The Inspiration Behind Sharsheret

05:41 Expanding Services: Beyond Jewish Community

07:28 Comprehensive Support: From Peer Support to Financial Aid

12:44 Addressing Genetic Risks and Prophylactic Measures

16:09 Gynecologic Cancer Awareness and Genetic Testing

26:54 Sharsheret Summit: Education and Community Engagement

29:28 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

Register for the Sharsheret summit here: https://summit.sharsheret.org/

Attend Dr. Roth's talk Tuesday October 15, 8 pm EST: From Fact to Fad: Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Screening Options Beyond the Hype

Greetings from across the pond. I sit down with Dr. Liz O’Riordan (@oriordanliz), a UK-based breast cancer surgeon by training turned advocate after her own invasive lobular breast cancer diagnosis at age 40. She has since dedicated her life to educating and empowering people affected by breast cancer. She is an international speaker and author of “The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer: How to Feel Empowered and Take Control” and her memoir, “Under the Knife: The Rise and Fall of a Female Surgeon.

We discuss how her diagnosis changed her perspective and purpose, and she shares wisdom after having been on both sides of breast cancer.

We hope you love this episode as much as we do.

xo

Robyn

@theboobiedocs

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[00:03:18] Walking in patients' shoes.

[00:04:39] Identity crisis after breast cancer.

[00:08:48] Overcoming fear of cancer recurrence.

[00:13:08] Balancing benefits and side effects.

[00:16:04] Managing side effects of medication.

[00:19:30] Lifestyle modifications for breast cancer.

[00:21:18] Breast cancer risk factors.

[00:26:15] Breast density and mammogram reports.

[00:27:43] Mammography and misinformation on cancer.

[00:32:52] Invasive lobular breast cancer.

[00:35:47] Monthly self breast exam.

[00:39:33] Trusting medical information online.

[00:42:26] Lifestyle factors in breast cancer.

[00:45:24] Importance of regular checkups.

Let’s get real about breast cancer & menopause with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz!

Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz is a board-certified OB/GYN specializing in menopause & integrative medicine doctor. She's the Founder & author of “Menopause Bootcamp: Optimize Your Health, Empower Yourself, and Flourish as You Age.” She is also a breast cancer thriver herself. But many people, including myself, know her as Dr. Suzanne from the Drew Barrymore show.

Dr. Suzanne shares her breast cancer journey, from that initial shock of diagnosis to the decisions she made about treatment & genetic testing. We're going to dig deep into how you can navigate your own journey. Whether it's understanding the importance of screenings, having those sometimes difficult conversations with family, or figuring out your options regarding treatment & hormone replacement therapy, Dr. Suzanne is here to empower you with knowledge.

We're about to unpack a lot of important information, and hopefully, by the end of this episode, you'll feel a little more equipped to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

We cover a lot in this important conversation, including:

• Dr. Suzanne's breast cancer diagnosis and treatment
• Her perspective on self-breast exams and mammograms
• Genetic testing for breast cancer
• Talking to family members about a breast cancer diagnosis
• Importance of having a support system during cancer treatment
• Menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Misconceptions about breast cancer and HRT
• The role of the media in disseminating medical information
• Importance of considering individual needs and tailoring treatment plans
• Scrutiny of large studies and medical organizations
• A doctor's experience on becoming a tv personality

Contact Dr. Suzanne

• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/askdrsuzanne/
• Instagram | @askdrsuzanne
• Website | www.thedrsuzanne.com
• Book | Menopause Bootcamp: Optimize Your Health, Empower Your Self, and Flourish as You Age
• X (Twitter) | @askdrsuzanne
• Facebook | www.facebook.com/askdrsuzanne
• YouTube | www.youtube.com/user/askdrsuzanne

Contact Dr. Robyn

• Instagram | @theboobiedocs
• TikTok | @theboobiedocs
• YouTube | www.youtube.com/@TheBoobieDocs
• Facebook | www.facebook.com/theboobiedocs
• X (Twitter) @theboobiedocs

a huge thank you to Podcast Prime Solutions for editing this episode!

https://www.linkedin.com/company/podcastprimesolutions/

https://www.instagram.com/podcastprimesolutions

https://www.facebook.com/podcastprimesolutions

https://podcastprimesolutions.com/

I am so excited to introduce you to my cancer besties, Missi and Alice, who turned their breast cancer journeys into purpose!

Cancer Besties is an incredible online toolbox that translates your imaging & lab reports into plain English, & also provides a list of follow-up questions to ask your provider. 🤯 (When I posted about it on @theboobiedocs, you all went crazy with good reason!)

We talk about each of their breast cancer journeys & how this inspired them to create Cancer Besties. Missi was found to carry a BRCA 1 mutation and underwent a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. She then helped her friend Alice, who was diagnosed with breast cancer after her first mammogram.

We cover a lot in this important conversation, including:

•What to expect for your mammogram & biopsy

•Understanding your imaging & biopsy results

•How to calculate your own breast cancer risk score using the Tyrer-Cuzick calculator

•The real reason you can’t wear deodorant during a mammogram…

And so much more!

I hope you love this conversation as much as we do.

xo

Robyn, Missi, & Alice

Make sure you follow @cancerbesties on Instagram & check out their incredible tool at Cancer Besties!

A huge thank you to Katie Dwyer from Heartbeat Kick Prod

uctions for producing and editing this podcast! 🫶

It is my incredible honor to introduce you to my friends at the Pink Eraser Project, a newly launched nonprofit to help accelerate the development of the breast cancer vaccine, which thanks to their support & top cancer researchers around the country, could be a reality in the next 5 to 10 years. (Yes you read that right!!) 🤯

I joined by cofounder, Kristen Dahlgren, an Emmy nominated NBC reporter & medical correspondent for nearly 3 decades, who recently stepped down from her role to launch the Pink Eraser project, which as a breast cancer thriver, is a project so dear to heart.🎀

Kristen joins me with her cofounder & friend, Michele Young, who also happens to be a badass lawyer, stage 4 breast cancer thriver & advocate. Their mission, to support the ongoing clinical trials & cancer vaccine researchers including Kiran Dillon, PhD, Executive Director of the University of Washington Cancer vaccine Institute, who joins me on the podcast as well.

I promise this podcast episode will leave feeling hopeful, inspired, & wanting to support their mission of erasing breast cancer.

Sending you love. Thank you for listening. 💕

xo,

Robyn

Dr. Robyn Roth

follow me @theboobiedocs & @ggtobc for more of the BREAST info!

I am joined by my longtime friend Dr. Heidi Hutman, who also happens to be a Clinical Psychologist & Associate Professor of Psychology at a University in Philadelphia.

Not gonna lie, this conversation gets a little emo. 🖤

We reflect on 2023 & manifest for 2024, while discussing the hedonic treadmill of success & the struggles of balancing work, life, & social media.

I also open up about my diagnosis of ADHD, why she didn’t tell me, common symptoms, & tips/ treatment for ADHD.

This is a real and raw conversation that we hope you get something out of, & a reminder that it’s ok not to be ok. 🫶

We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we do.

xo

Robyn

@theboobiedocs

Produced by Katie Dwyer

Prepare to have your mind blown with this @ggtobc episode featuring my new friend & mentor, Dr. Beth Dupree. 🤯 A Breast Surgical Oncologist by training, a series of impactful life events & a spiritual awakening fueled her desire to heal the whole patient. She transformed her clinical practice towards Integrative Medicine which led her to her latest clinical interest, Psychedelics in cancer care.

@drbethdupree & I bond over our shared love of “Many Lives, Many Masters” & delve into the role of Psychedelics & Spirituality in cancer care, chronic illness, & survivorship. We also discuss the issues with Western medicine, physician burnout, & how she handles the haters & naysayers.

It is truly the Universe that led me to Dr. Dupree, & this conversation is the beginning of our beautiful bond.

It left me wanting more, & I am now halfway through her first book, “The Healing Consciousness: A Doctor’s Journey to Healing,” which I highly recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I hope you love this eye-opening conversation as much as I do! (& if you do, please leave me a review! 🫶)

xo

Robyn

@theboobiedocs

ps a huge thank you to Katie Dwyer for editing & producing this podcast episode!

I am so excited to welcome my friend Tralee Hale, to the @ggtobc podcast!

@therealtralee is better known as Mama Ringo. She is proud mama to Kelee Ringo, cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles who helped the University of Georgia win the 2022 College Football National Championship. 🏈 🏈 (sorry but go gators! 🐊)

We talk about navigating a breast cancer diagnosis at age 39 as a single mother, the importance of mammography, breast cancer in the Black community, chemo brain, how she plans to use her platform & so.👏 much.👏 more.👏

I hope you love this episode as much as I do! (if you do, please leave a 5 ⭐️ review! 😘)

xo

Robyn

Dr. Robyn Roth | @theboobiedocs