Keepers of the Flame

52 weeks!! In this episode, we celebrate our one year mark for episodes. Every Wednesday for an entire year, Keepers of the Flame has rolled out educational and support episodes for those fighting breast cancer. In today’s special episode, we will talk about how “the next right thing” can help us inchworm our way through+ Read More

Working with Grief & Traumatic Loss: Theory, Practice, Personal Reflection, and Self-Care is a textbook for clinicians written by Alex Redcay and Elisabeth Counselman-Carpenter. In today’s episode, Dr. Elisabeth Counselman Carpenter (Beth) joins us to talk about their book. She helps us better understand what grief and traumatic loss are, how the theories on trauma+ Read More

Juliet Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts, died from breast cancer; and many Girl Scout troops honor their founder’s memory by spreading about breast cancer awareness. These young girls are making a giant impact in the lives of women in our communities and in our country. In today’s episode, Catherine M. (a local Girl+ Read More

After breast reconstruction, women may choose to have 3D nipple and areola tattooing done. In today’s episode, professional medical tattoo artist, Renee Maschinot, joins us to help us better understand the process. Renee trained with Vinnie Myers and travels the US to do tattooing for plastic surgeon’s patients; and in today’s episode, she explains what+ Read More

Information empowers! Change is made on a much larger scale when we can understand and address some of the disparities between medical needs and resources available. Education and accessibility to care are among the two biggest barriers; and in this episode, we will explore them through pertinent topics such as: understanding your risk, breast density,+ Read More

Get your mammograms! Early detection saves lives! In this episode, Dr. Dromi (Director of Breast Imaging at Memorial) explains the different methods of breast imaging: mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds. He explains what mammograms are, how they work, and when women should begin their annual screenings. He covers breast density, screenings vs diagnostics, as well as+ Read More

In today’s episode, we hear from a 30 year survivor!!! Thirty years!! That’s incredible! Elaine Spencer, director of Effingham Family Connection, joins us to share her experiences. Her authenticity, humor, and refreshing perspective helps to kindle hope for others diagnosed with breast cancer. This is an inspirational episode and part of our survivor series. #togetherweweatherthisstorm

Pathologists are the hidden heroes of our cancer journeys. What they do and the data they gather provides our surgeons, oncologists, and radiation oncologists with critical information that’s used to determine the most appropriate treatment plans for our cancer.  Without these medical heroes working diligently behind the scenes, our healing from cancer would never take+ Read More

In this episode, we talk about what exactly self-care is and why is it so important…especially when dealing with cancer treatments. We talk about different physical, spiritual, emotional, and social forms of self-care that might work for you. #togetherweweatherthisstorm

In this episode, we take a look at some of those vulnerable ‘truths’ after breast cancer. We share some of the conversations between two cancer sisters and disclose those raw honest truths that give us permission to be human…to truly be honest…to acknowledge and refocus with our new reality. This episode exposes some of these+ Read More

This year’s Savannah Race for the Cure, originally set for April 18, 2020,(Ellis Square), has been postponed due to the corona virus. It is their goal to keep patients, survivors, those living with metastatic breast cancer, our support networks, and our communities safe. Stay tuned to their website for updates (www.komencoastalgeorgia.org). In today’s episode, we+ Read More

Lymphedema 101. What do you need to know about it? Our primary goal when faced with a cancer diagnosis is to get cancer out of our bodies and to keep it out. There are of course side effects that can accompany some of our treatments, and lymphedema is one of them. In this episode, Corie+ Read More

In this episode, we hear from another inspiring survivor, Candy Stone. When you’re faced with the trials of breast cancer, it can be helpful to hear from those who “get it” best, from those who’ve actually walked that road before you. Hearing from these authentic and courageous women helps to encourage us in our own+ Read More

Chemotherapy! It’s a systemic treatment for cancer. In today’s episode, Vanessa Brink (NP in medical oncology) joins us to explain more about it. She helps us better understand who can benefit from treatment, why combination treatments are typically given for breast cancer patients, and what you can expect when you go in for transfusions. Vanessa+ Read More

Cancer is rough! Often times the very treatments designed to save our lives can leave us tired, weak, and physically and emotionally exhausted. It’s important to remember that although the journey is long and arduous, you don’t have to weather it alone. #togetherweweatherthisstorm. In this episode, we’ll hear from Marian Marshall who launched a new+ Read More

When something big and scary happens, we can often fixate on that monster. I can’t believe this happened? Why did this happen? I wish it didn’t happen. It can be helpful in these moments to change our perspective. This doesn’t mean that we deny our experiences. On the contrary, we own them. And, it doesn’t mean+ Read More

If you can relate to the physical and emotional traumas of breast cancer, then THIS is a MUST HEAR episode! Mackensey Alexander, a professional photographer and owner of Lilith and Lavender (www.lilithandlavender.com), joins us to talk about how, as survivors of trauma, we can learn to love, accept, and reclaim our authentic selves. She talks+ Read More

Did you know that every somatic cell in your body has the same DNA? Picture your skin cells and white blood cells; they have the same DNA. But why then do they look and function differently from one another? The answer lies in epigenetics. Consider this analogy: if your DNA is like the blueprint for+ Read More

Everyone who’s been through breast cancer will tell you that healing emotionally is just as much a part of the journey as healing physically. But, what are the tools and techniques to help us heal? Building Blocks Family Counseling in Pooler, GA has developed a curriculum (Making Lemonade) that helps women learn these strategies; and+ Read More

There are several different ‘flavors’ of breast cancer; and in today’s episode, we’ll learn more about a kind of breast cancer that doesn’t present itself as a lump. Inflammatory Breast Cancer, or IBC, is caused when cancer cells block vessels in the skin covering the breast. Although it is relatively rare, one out of three+ Read More

When diagnosed, it can be helpful to hear from those who ‘get it’ best: those who’ve walked that road before you. So, today’s episode features our third survivor series, where Andrea Harris shares with us her journey. Andrea is both authentic and inspiring; and you will walk away feeling both validated in your own emotions+ Read More

This year’s resolution boils down to a two-word mantra: Mosaic Grace. After cancer we may feel broken. Trust that you will assemble those shards into a beautifully crafted mosaic; and embrace your new mosaic and know that you have grace “as is.” In this episode, we talk about how this two-word mantra can lead to+ Read More

Feel how the three ingredients for magic can help you shift your perspective and take ownership of your mind, body, and soul. My Christmas gift to you is an episode on where/how to unwrap your own magic; and it starts with faith, hope, and love. #togetherweweatherthisstorm

Sex after breast cancer?? We’re calling in the experts! Dr. Pam Gaudry is an MD and certified medical sex therapist who specializes in menopausal medicine. She’s written the well known book, Love, Sweat, & Tears, where she talks about how to keep the romance alive and how to enjoy intimacy after menopause. Her book was+ Read More

Who exactly is at an elevated risk for acquiring breast cancer within their lifetime, and what can they do about it? Information is meant to empower us; and early detection saves lives. Since patients who are at a high risk for developing breast cancer (above 20% lifetime risk) should discuss this with their providers and+ Read More

Did you know that you can get breast cancer after your breasts have been removed?  In today’s episode, we hear from fellow cancer sister: Carrie Mott.  Carrie was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer 3 ½ years AFTER her prophylactic mastectomy.  Hear why she did the prophylactic surgery and how you can still get breast cancer+ Read More

In honor of Thanksgiving, when people keep telling you to count your blessings, yet it frustrates you immensely because you’re not at all grateful for cancer (who would be?), where and how do you find thanks? In this episode we talk about radical acceptance, shifting our perspective, and finding courage. NONE of that means that+ Read More

When you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, it can be helpful to hear from others who have been there and truly understand. This episode is our second in our ‘Survivor Series’, where we bring these inspiring stories to you. Let the stories and voices of our cancer sisters be heard because you are not alone and+ Read More

BRCA mutations significantly elevate a person’s risk for developing breast cancer within their lifetime. In this episode, Stefanie Saporito (a previvor) joins us to talk about the mutation and prophylactic surgery. When Stefanie’s young cousin discovered that she had the BRCA mutation and soon died from breast cancer as a result, Stefanie examined her family+ Read More

When you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, it can be helpful (educational and inspiring) to hear from women who’ve been there, who truly ‘get it.’ So, we’re bringing these conversations to you with our ‘Survivor Series‘. Let their stories and voices be heard; because although each journey is unique to the woman walking it, there is+ Read More

When life gets hard, we can rise from our falls. In this episode, we hear how rising strong together, how walking in unity, really does impact the individual, our communities, and the world. We talk about the Susan Komen 2019 New England 3-day, where participants walked 60 miles in 3 days to raise funds and+ Read More

Grieve, laugh, cry, and rise again! How can one person change the world? How can YOU recognize the power of your own actions? Recognize that rising strong and pushing forward for change does not mean that you’ll never experience pain and heartache. When you feel those things (because you’re human and cancer is a REALLY+ Read More

Zoe Siegel, an oncology genetic counselor in Savannah, joins us to talk about genetic counseling. We give a quick crash course in basic genetics and explain why it’s relevant with our understanding of hereditary cancers. Zoe helps us understand what genetic counseling is all about, who could benefit from going, why it matters, and what+ Read More

Julie Schwartz, the Community Engagement Manager at Susan G. Komen Coastal Georgia, joins us in today’s episode to talk about the kinds of programs that Komen makes possible in our own back yard. We talk about the history of the organization and their mission; we discuss the educational programs available, ways that Komen helps women+ Read More

In honor of breast cancer awareness month, this episode is dedicated for those who’ve been newly diagnosed. This episode walks you through what to expect and how to prepare for things one step at a time. What do you do in those initial moments after getting the news, how can you prepare for treatments (surgery,+ Read More

In this episode, Morphia Scarlett (Memorial’s Oncology Community Resource Liaison) joins us to talk about integrative therapies. Morphia discusses what sort of services are out there, how they can be beneficial to those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, and how patients can find them in their area. A few of the integrative therapies we discuss+ Read More

In today’s episode, Livestrong trainer Sarah Puente joins us to talk about the advantages that exercise has on your physical health after a cancer diagnosis. She explains more about the Livestrong program, which is a free 12-week fitness and support program for anyone who has battled cancer. These free programs are offered at YMCAs across+ Read More

Breast surgical oncologist, Dr. William Burak Jr, joins us in today’s episode to help us understand more about breast cancer and surgery. We talk about the different kinds of breast cancer, the treatment options and their risk reduction, surgery expectations, and healing. He also discusses with us the reasoning for a sentinel node biopsy, what+ Read More

In this episode, we hear how breast cancer is viewed from a distance. One of my besties, Kellie Knight, joins us to talk about how breast cancer and understanding women’s health is viewed from a different culture and upbringing. Kellie was born in Barbados, raised in Trinidad, and comes from a conservative family where breast+ Read More

In this episode, Ashley Moore, MS, LMFT joins us to continue our understanding of the emotional healing that accompanies a breast cancer diagnosis and/or treatments. We discuss trauma, how it relates to breast cancer, and how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can also develop. Ashley helps us better understand what the signs and criteria are for+ Read More

As human beings, we are hardwired to experience emotions…ALL emotions; and fear is most definitely among them. However, after a cancer diagnosis, fear may be felt with an increased intensity. In this episode, we explain why that is and discuss a basic understanding of fear itself. Fear may be part of us, but it doesn’t+ Read More

Savannah Plastic Surgery’s surgeon, Dr. Carl Pearl and his nurse, Mary, join us to talk about reconstruction with implants. If you have breast cancer and need a mastectomy done, what should you know about reconstruction with implants? When does it happen; what can you expect when you go in for that first appointment; what does+ Read More

This is a tale of BRCA and how understanding basic genetics can save your life. Why does science matter? Who cares about biology and genetics if you’re not going into the medical field? Well, this it! Genetics matters past the classroom, past any medical career, but actually for each and every one of us. In+ Read More

In this episode, Margie Singleton joins us to talk about breast density. What is breast density, why does it matter, who does it affect, and what did Margie Singleton do for all of Georgia women. (Hint: she changed legislation). Margie joins us today to talk about breast density, HOW the law was actually changed, and+ Read More

Sometimes you just need to talk to your girlfriends to get that personal insider scoop perspective on things. We turn to our best friends when we start our period for the first time, when we go out on our first date, or even when we have a baby. These are big “girl moments” in our+ Read More

In this episode, Dr. Michael Hasselle, a radiation oncologist, joins us to help women better understand radiation therapy. We talk about what radiation therapy does, how it can help, and what we can expect when we go in for treatment. Cancer may be scary, but we are not alone in our journey through it. Information+ Read More

In this episode, we talk about some of the most helpful and inspiring books and songs for those battling breast cancer (or any intimidating adversity for that matter). We explain why these books and songs are so empowering: what nugget of information do these authors and artists actually arm us with, and how do they+ Read More

In this episode, we discuss five topics to consider when diagnosed with breast cancer and the ‘top fives’ of them. We talk about the top five questions to ask your providers, top five helpful things you/loved one can do to prepare and recover, top five things NOT to say to someone battling breast cancer (and+ Read More

In this episode, Ashley Moore, MS, LMFT (owner and therapist at Building Blocks Family Counseling) joins us to talk about the emotional wounds that accompany a breast cancer diagnosis. We let women know two things: 1)emotional healing is a huge piece to this cancer journey (you’re not alone), and 2) what they can do about+ Read More

In this episode, we discuss how breast cancer is viewed from the friend and community’s perspective. We talk about how this journey of our own is not only seen through our friend’s eyes, but also what they can do to help support those who are diagnosed. You can’t wipe away our pain and take cancer+ Read More

In this episode, we discuss how breast cancer is viewed through our family’s eyes. How does this journey of our own affect our spouse, parents, and children. We have to let go of what we can’t control and focus on what we can. The same holds true for our loved ones, so what is their+ Read More