The Breast of Everything

Many women rule out getting Botox or dermal fillers because they don't want to look unnatural. But if you ask Dr. Lara Devgan, neuromodulators like Botox and other facial fillers can improve your skin without making you look plastic or frozen in any way. In fact, if you work with the right professional, you can retain normal movement and achieve very subtle, natural-looking results.Dr. Devgan is a top board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of the luxury medical-grade skincare line Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty. She has made a career caring for some of the most beautiful and frequently photographed faces in the world, and Dr. Devgan is an expert in Botox and other injectables for the face, breasts and body. On this episode of The Breast of Everything, Dr. Devgan joins hosts Kim Schott and Dr. Linsey Gold to explore the three major categories of dermal fillers and explain how neuromodulators like Botox work to improve skin quality.Dr. Devgan addresses concerns around looking unnatural, describing how injectables and even plastic surgery can be done without changing your facial identity—provided you choose a board-certified surgeon with extensive anatomic expertise.Listen in for insight around preventative Botox and learn how to maintain a youthful, radiant complexion with or without injectables! Key Takeaways  How neuromodulators like Botox work to relax facial muscles and improve skin quality How preventative Botox helps women avoid the formation of deeply etched lines in the faceDr. Devgan's response to women concerned that Botox will make them look unnaturalWhat differentiates Botox from dermal fillers and how fillers create structure or volumeThe 3 major categories of facial fillers (hyaluronic acid, calcium and collagen biostimulating)Why it's crucial to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive anatomic expertiseDr. Devgan's insight on getting cosmetic surgery without changing your facial identityWhat breast cancer survivors need to know about their rights re: reconstructive surgeryWhat inspired Dr. Devgan to create her medical-grade skincare lineSome of the skin conditions Dr. Devgan Scientific Beauty products addressWhy Dr. Devgan is a fan of erbium laser resurfacing and gold microinfusion microneedlingConnect with Dr. DevganDr. Devgan's WebsiteDr. Devgan Scientific Beauty [Discount Code THEBREAST]Dr. Devgan on InstagramDr. Devgan on TikTokConnect with Dr. GoldThe Breast of EverythingThe Breast of Everything on InstagramThe Breast of Everything on FacebookSubscribe to The Breast of EverythingEmail info@thebreastofeverything.com Resources Beauty Bosses PodcastDr. Devgan's Blog on Preventative Botox

Many breast cancer survivors second-guess their food choices and worry that the foods they love caused their breast cancer. But do you have to stop eating what you love to avoid recurrence?Cathy Leman is the registered dietitian, nutrition therapist, certified personal trainer and breast cancer survivor behind the Peaceful Plate, a program designed to help women stop feeling anxious and confused about food after breast cancer treatment.  Cathy graduated with honors from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a bachelor's in human nutrition and dietetics and holds a master's degree in health psychology from National Louis University. She shares her professional expertise and personal experience with the hormone-positive breast cancer community on the dam. mad. about BREAST CANCER blog.On this episode of The Breast of Everything, Cathy joins hosts Kim Schott and Dr. Linsey Gold to explain why she suggests a plant-forward diet with whole foods for breast cancer survivors. Cathy walks us through the three most common myths in the breast cancer community around what to eat and what to avoid and offers advice to survivors who are unhappy with their weight. Listen in to understand why there is no one ‘right' nutrition plan for every survivor and learn how to eat for breast health without enduring a diet of deprivation.Key Takeaways  Cathy's experience with hormone-positive breast cancer and why the diagnosis caught her off guardWhy Cathy suggests a plant-forward diet with whole foods if you've received a breast cancer diagnosisCathy's response to women who feel like they have to stop eating what they love to avoid recurrenceWhy there is no one ‘right' nutrition plan for every breast cancer survivor and what factors to take into consideration as you make food choices post-treatmentThe 3 most common myths in the breast cancer community re: what to eat and what to avoid and how to discern good advice from misinformationCathy's insight into 3 breast cancer diets that harm rather than healWhat foods Cathy recommends to clients to prevent cancer recurrence and what foods to avoidWhat research says about the link between alcohol and breast cancer and Cathy's advice to survivors who aren't prepared to give up drinking completelyHow chemotherapy, steroids and tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor medication can cause weight gainCathy's advice to breast cancer survivors who are unhappy with their weightHow breast cancer survivors can leverage resistance training to improve bone healthHow Cathy's Peaceful Plate program helps hormone-positive breast cancer survivors end food anxietyConnect with Cathy The Peaceful PlateThe Peaceful Plate on FacebookCathy on InstagramCathy's BlogConnect with Dr. GoldThe Breast of EverythingThe Breast of Everything on InstagramThe Breast of Everything on FacebookSubscribe to The Breast of EverythingResources The 5 Foods Survivors Should Eat‘3 Breast Cancer Diets That Harm Not Heal'AICR Nutrition GuidelinesWorld Cancer Research Fund Continuous Update ProjectAICR Recommendations on Limiting Alcohol Consumption

We all want to live a long, healthy life. And we know that what we eat directly impacts our ability to do just that.But for busy parents and professionals, it's often challenging to make healthy choices on a budget, given our time constraints.Are there simple, convenient ways to make mealtime more nutritious? And what foods best address your specific health concerns?Liz Weiss, MS, RDN, is the voice behind the food and nutrition blog Liz's Healthy Table and the podcast Eat, Drink, Live Longer. A sought-after speaker, TV personality and cooking instructor, Liz is a regular contributor to Today's Dietitian magazine and recipe writer for the American Institute for Cancer Research.On this episode of The Breast of Everything, Liz joins hosts Kim Schott and Dr. Ashley Richardson to discuss nutrition for longevity, challenging us to start with small goals like eating one extra serving of fruits and vegetables each day. Liz discusses what people eat in the five longevity hot spots known as the Blue Zones, describing how the MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) fosters heart health and protects against cognitive decline.Listen in for Liz's advice on making mealtime less stressful yet more nutritious and learn how to change your diet in a way that fits your lifestyle and promotes long-term health!Key Takeaways  How Liz's interest in nutrition for longevity led to the launch of Eat, Drink, Live LongerHow young moms can lean on conveniences to make mealtime less stressful and more nutritiousWhy Liz recommends fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, beans and seedsHow Liz thinks about high-protein, high-fat fad dietsThe 5 longevity hot spots known as the Blue Zones and what people eat thereHow the standard American diet lacks important nutrients and promotes chronic inflammationWhy Liz suggests starting with small goals like eating one extra serving of fruits and vegetables each dayLiz's advice on meal planning and prep as a busy parent or professionalHow the MIND diet protects against cognitive declineWhich foods maximize heart health (and which ones to avoid)What foods Liz recommends for women undergoing treatment for breast cancerLiz's strategies for making mealtime a positive time to connect with friends and family Connect with LizLiz's Healthy TableEat, Drink, Live Longer PodcastLiz on InstagramLiz on TikTokConnect with Dr. RichardsonThe Breast of EverythingThe Breast of Everything on InstagramThe Breast of Everything on FacebookSubscribe to The Breast of EverythingEmail info@thebreastofeverything.com Resources  Manic Mommies PodcastMeal Makeover MomsLiz's Last-Minute Black Bean SoupNick Buettner on Liz's Healthy Table Podcast EP099Liz's Cookbooks & Freebies‘Snacking for Brain Health' in Today's DieticianLiz's Egg & Kale Dinner MuffinsAICR's New American Plate 

In 2017, Tami Burdick noticed a hardened area and lump in her breast. And she braced herself for a breast cancer diagnosis. But after seven grueling months of testing, she was diagnosed with granulomatous mastitis or GM, a poorly understood and under-practiced chronic inflammatory breast disease. Beyond being a survivor of GM, Tami is an advocate for women suffering from breast disease and passionate proponent of patient self-advocacy. Tami has been featured in multiple TV interviews, as well as a recent New York Times article, “How to Spot ‘Medical Gaslighting' and What to Do About It,” and she is the author of the compelling memoir, Diagnosis Detective: Curing Granulomatous Mastitis. On this episode of The Breast of Everything, Tami joins host Kim Schott to share her journey through GM, describing the painful symptoms of granulomatous mastitis and how she discovered the source of the bacteria that caused it. Tami explains how she found a GM support group and why it was invaluable to her, exploring the importance of doing your own research and advocating for yourself in a healthcare setting. Listen in to understand how Tami's medical team treated her GM and learn her A List for Advocacy Plan for being an active participant in your own health care journey.Key Takeaways  When Tami noticed soreness and a lump in her breast and why she expected a cancer diagnosisWhy it took Tami 7 months to find out she had granulomatous mastitisThe steps Tami took to identify the bacteria from contaminated water that caused her GMHow Tami connected with a GM support group and how it helped her find the cause of her GMWhat it's like to suffer from granulomatous mastitisHow Tami found Dr. Kelly McLean and the team at Christ HospitalHow Tami's surgical breast oncologist and functional medicine doctor treated her GMTami's A List for Advocacy Plan—act, assemble, ask, acquire and applyWhat inspired Tami to write Diagnosis Detective: Curing Granulomatous MastitisConnect with Tami Granulomatous Mastitis Book & Tips on FacebookConnect with KimThe Breast of EverythingThe Breast of Everything on InstagramThe Breast of Everything on FacebookSubscribe to The Breast of EverythingEmail info@thebreastofeverything.com Resources  Diagnosis Detective: Curing Granulomatous Mastitis by Tami Burdick“How to Spot ‘Medical Gaslighting' and What to Do About It” in The New York TimesDr. Kelly McLean at Christ HospitalDr. Jared Seigler at the Living Proof Institute

A breast cancer diagnosis can lead to many questions and concerns for a pregnant or breastfeeding mother. What type of treatments are available? Are chemotherapy and other cancer treatments safe for my baby and me? And will breastfeeding my baby still be an option, and what are the risks? Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths and misinformation surrounding the treatment of breast cancer during pregnancy and lactation. August is National Breastfeeding Month, and on this episode of The Breast of Everything, Dr. Eric Brown sits down to discuss the importance of shared decision-making in delivering optimal breast cancer care for pregnant and breastfeeding women. He walks us through the different types of oncologic breast surgical procedures available and explains the safest chemo and drug therapy options for women in all stages of pregnancy and lactation. Listen in to learn about the myths associated with breast cancer in pregnant and lactating women, and the importance of shared decision-making to determine the best treatment options for you and your baby.Key Takeaways  Why radiation therapy is contraindicated for pregnant womenThe different mastectomy options and their outcomes for breastfeeding What are the options for obtaining the health benefits of breastfeeding for post-mastectomy patients and their babiesWhy Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is safe for pregnant women (but not those breastfeeding)The safety concerns of antiestrogen therapy for hormone-positive breast cancers and pregnancyWhy aromatase inhibitors (Tamoxifen) are contradicted during breastfeedingHow to determine when pregnancy after breast cancer treatment is the safest decisionConnect with Dr. BrownThe Breast of EverythingThe Breast of Everything on InstagramThe Breast of Everything on FacebookSubscribe to The Breast of EverythingEmail info@thebreastofeverything.com  ResourcesNational Breastfeeding Month Academy of Breastfeeding MedicineUnited States Lactation Consultant Association: USLCA

If you have scarring from breast surgery or a skin issue of any kind, you may have considered visiting a dermatologist.But there are so many different treatment options. Should you consider laser rejuvenation? Microneedling? Cryotherapy?How do these treatments work? And which one is right for you?Dr. Eshini Perera is a Specialist Dermatologist and Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists who practices at Cutis Dermatology in Brisbane, Australia. She holds a Master of Medicine with First Class Honors from The University of Melbourne and a Master of Public Health and Epidemiology from the University of Sydney.Dr. Perera has been published widely in both Australian and international medical journals and is first author for multiple textbook chapters. She has a special interest in medical, pediatric and cosmetic dermatology.On this episode of The Breast of Everything, Dr. Perera joins hosts Kim Schott and Dr. Linsey Gold to explain how a personal struggle with acne inspired her interest in dermatology and share her expertise in treatments for scar removal. Dr. Perera describes when it's appropriate to treat scarring with laser rejuvenation versus radiofrequency microneedling, discussing how each process works and what to consider before you seek treatment.Listen in to understand what skin conditions Dr. Perera treats with cryotherapy and learn how her individualized approach to dermatology helps patients look and feel better about themselves! Key Takeaways  How Dr. Perera's personal struggle with acne inspired her interest in dermatologyDr. Perera's individualized approach to a consult with women who want to look youngerThe different types of scars and how hypertrophic and keloid scarring are common after surgeryWhy Dr. Perera typically treats thick keloid scars with steroid injectionsWhen it's appropriate to use laser rejuvenation to treat scarringWhat people with darker or Asian skin types and patients with photosensitizing conditions should consider before getting laser treatmentDr. Perera's experience diagnosing systemic illnesses based on skin manifestationsWhy dermatologists get referrals from breast surgeons, gynecologists and ophthalmologistsWhat to expect after getting CO2 laser scar treatment and how long it takes to healThe process of radiofrequency microneedling and how it's used in scar treatmentWhat conditions Dr. Perera treats with cryotherapy and how it worksConnect with Dr. PereraDr. Perera on InstagramDr. Perera's WebsiteConnect with Dr. GoldThe Breast of EverythingThe Breast of Everything on InstagramThe Breast of Everything on FacebookSubscribe to The Breast of EverythingEmail info@thebreastofeverything.com 

For pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, finding a lump or experiencing other symptoms of breast cancer comes with extra anxiety.Is it safe to do a screening mammogram when you're expecting or lactating? What if you need a breast biopsy? Will the procedure interrupt breastfeeding or negatively impact your breast milk?August is National Breastfeeding Month, and on this episode of The Breast of Everything, Dr. Eric Brown sits down to discuss the diagnostic workup and evaluation of women with breast symptoms during lactation. He walks us through the American College of Radiology guidelines for breast imaging of pregnant and lactating women, explaining how little radiation exposure is involved in each technique and why there's no need to ‘pump and dump' after any breast radiology study.Listen in to understand why women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should feel safe with any of the three breast biopsy techniques and find out what to do if you experience symptoms of cancer during lactation.Key TakeawaysWhat to do if you find a breast lump or have symptoms of cancer during lactationHow breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancerThe ACR guidelines for breast imaging of pregnant and lactating womenWhat's involved in 3D Tomosynthesis and why it's better than a traditional mammogram for lactating womenHow much radiation exposure is involved in traditional mammograms, 3D Tomosynthesis and breast ultrasoundsWho should use a breast MRI to screen for cancer (and who shouldn't)The rare complication of biopsy in a lactating breast known as milk fistulaWhy Dr. Brown recommends a core needle biopsy to obtain tissue for diagnosing breast cancerHow anesthesia impacts breast milkWhy pregnant or lactating women should feel safe with all 3 biopsy techniquesConnect with Dr. BrownThe Breast of EverythingThe Breast of Everything on InstagramThe Breast of Everything on FacebookSubscribe to The Breast of EverythingEmail info@thebreastofeverything.com ResourcesNational Breastfeeding Month American College of Radiology Guidelines for Breast Imaging of Pregnant and Lactating WomenAcademy of Breastfeeding MedicineLa Leche League InternationalUnited States Lactation Consultant Association

Do you have symptoms of a hormone imbalance?Many women struggle for years with issues like heavy or irregular periods, acne, hair loss, fibrocystic breasts, fibroids and infertility.And most people think that hormone imbalances are the problem in and of themselves. But the truth is, hormone imbalances are a sign that something's imbalanced elsewhere in the body. So, how do you identify and address the root cause of these hormone challenges? Could it be as easy as modifying your diet and making a few lifestyle changes?Melissa Groves Azzaro, RDN, LD, is Founder of The Hormone Dietician, an integrative health practice that helps busy women with hormone imbalances, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other fertility issues regain regular, symptom-free periods and get pregnant naturally. Melissa is also the creator of The Period Problems Root Cause Roadmap, the author of A Balanced Approach to PCOS, and host of the podcast Hormonally Yours with The Hormone Dietitian.On this episode of The Breast of Everything, Melissa joins hosts Kim Schott and Dr. Linsey Gold to explain how traditional medicine fails women by prescribing the Pill as a cure-all for our hormone imbalances.Melissa walks us through her multifaceted approach to identifying the root cause of a hormone imbalance and shares the story of a client she helped avoid ovarian wedge resection surgery and get pregnant naturally.Listen in for Melissa's insight on using nutrition to adjust your estrogen level and learn how to minimize the hormone disrupters in your environment that contribute to hormone imbalance and fertility issues.Key Takeaways  How Melissa's own health issues inspired her to become a dietitian Why Melissa's focuses on polycystic ovary syndrome and other hormone imbalancesHow traditional medicine fails women by prescribing the Pill as a cure-allMelissa's insight on the foods that support estrogen metabolismMelissa's comprehensive approach to identifying the root cause of a hormone imbalanceHow to offset the side effects of meds that reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrenceHow to lower your estrogen levels with a plant-forward dietThe hormone disruptors in our environment that contribute to fertility issuesThe client Melissa helped avoid ovarian wedge resection surgery and get pregnant naturallyHow conventional doctors would benefit from training on nutritionConnect with MelissaThe Hormone DietitianHormonally Yours PodcastMelissa on InstagramConnect with Dr. GoldThe Breast of EverythingThe Breast of Everything on InstagramThe Breast of Everything on FacebookSubscribe to The Breast of EverythingEmail info@thebreastofeverything.com ResourcesA Balanced Approach to PCOS: 16 Weeks of Meal Prep and Recipes for Women Managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Melissa Groves Azzaro, RDN, LDMelissa's PCOS Root Cause Quiz

How does a cancer patient prepare for hair loss? “I don't think any woman ever is prepared,” announces Hair Restoration Specialist Maggie Varney. The licensed cosmetologist and facilitator for the American Cancer Society's “Look Good, Feel Better” program, was a featured guest on The Breast of Everything podcast, hosted by Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeon Ashley Richardson, DO, FACOS. She talks about the importance of women feeling a sense of normalcy during their cancer treatment and how they can make that happen. Women go through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, but when they start losing their hair, they are telling the world they have cancer; they can't hide it anymore. “This is such a struggle for women because they want to keep looking good and feeling good,” Maggie says. In this podcast, she provides tips on headwear, wigs, makeup and skin care – including manicure and pedicures.  Celebrate your life … every day, Maggie tells cancer patients, and she can help them celebrate by looking good and feeling good. 

“When cancer comes into a marriage, it really can alter your life.” That is why cancer survivors Darren and Jen Delvaux started their own podcast – “Mr. Worldwide and His Bride” – where they share stories about their cancer experiences, what they have learned along the way and how it has impacted their relationship and their marriage. During The Breast of Everything podcast, they talked with Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeon Ashley Richardson, DO, FACOS, about paying attention to the subtle signs and changes in your body, and “divine intervention,” as they call it.At the age of 36, Darren was diagnosed with brain cancer and several years later, Jen learned she had breast cancer.This young couple in their early 40s, describe the changes in their relationship – from husband and wife, to caregiver and patient, and parent and child – and how their marriage is stronger than it ever has been, thanks to open and honest conversations that brought lots of tears, laughter and defining moments. Jen learned that she couldn't do it all and needed to ask for help, something nearly impossible for her, and Darren learned how to step up as a caregiver.“Slow down, and give yourself grace to not do it all,” the couple advises. Don't let the disease define you!

During The Breast of Everything podcast, Justin Riutta, MD, director of Breast Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphedema for Beaumont Health in Royal Oak, Michigan, sets the record straight on lymphedema, dispelling the many myths and misinformation patients are hearing and reading. For example, here are a few facts:Fewer than 10 percent of breast cancer patients will develop lymphedema.Exercise is recommended for patients with lymphedema.Don't reach into a hot oven if you have lymphedema.Thanks to improvements in surgical and radiation therapy techniques over the past decade, the incidence of lymphedema has decreased significantly. In fact, recent data shows the chance of breast cancer patients getting lymphedema has decreased from 20 percent to 10 percent over the past decade. To learn more about lymphedema and how to manage it, listen to The Breast of Everything podcast, hosted by Comprehensive Breast Surgeons Eric Brown, MD, FACS; and Linsey Gold, DO, FACS, FACOS. 

What is genetic testing and what does it mean for cancer patients? During The Breast of Everything podcast, Dana Zakalik, MD, a medical oncologist and medical director of the Nancy and James Grosfeld Cancer Genetics Center at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, talks about genetic testing, why it is important and how the newest advances in cancer treatment promise to make a significant impact on patient outcomes.She begins the podcast by talking about the genetic mutations inherited from family members that can increase a person's risk for breast cancer. Through a genetic test, clinicians can learn what those mutations are and what options are available for patients. The test is simple, Dr. Zakalik notes. The patient gives a blood or saliva sample that is sent to a lab specializing in hereditary genetics. The findings then are sent back to the patient's physician.“Through early detection of mutations, we can help manage and even reduce a patient's risk,” Dr. Zakalik reports. “In addition, patients can tell their family members they may be at risk so they, too, can make informed decisions.”Years ago, testing was so much easier, Dr. Zakalik explains, because clinicians only tested for the two known genetic mutations – BRCA1 and BRCA2. Today, there are more than 80 genes that can be tested. As a result of new technology, this number has exploded. Scientific advancements, and more efficient, faster and less costly tests have changed the genetic counseling world dramatically, the genetic specialist finds. When patients receive the genetic findings, they do have options, the medical oncologist reports. This is not a one-size fits all for patients. Imaging has improved dramatically over the years, which can lead to earlier detection. “We have many tools in our toolbox for patients,” she notes, adding that patients should consider other risk factors such as weight, lifestyle, level of exercise and hormone replacement therapy for example. What Dr. Zakalik is most excited about are the advances in drug therapy for people with certain gene mutations. “This is a big, exciting development in cancer genetics because it can improve patient outcomes,” she is happy to report. To hear about these new developments in cancer genetics, listen to The Breast of Everything podcast in its entirety with Dr. Zakalik and hosted by Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeons Eric Brown, MD, FACS; and Linsey Gold, DO, FACS, FACOS.

In 2004, just three months after her wedding, 31-year-old corporate giant Caryn Sullivan was diagnosed with breast cancer. Caryn's treatment of choice was aggressive therapy; she had a bilateral mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. Physically and emotionally, she was a mess, she recalls, until she got the green light. She was cancer-free. She jumped back on the corporate bandwagon believing she was one and done, and nine years later, the cancer returned. Caryn was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. The young, corporate mother was determined to beat the odds. “It was devastating, but you don't have to be devastated,” she reflects. Instead of trying to survive, she was going to thrive.She changed her eating habits overnight, started taking hot yoga classes, walked away from her corporate job and started her own business dedicated to inspiring others to improve their health and happiness. She even wrote a book – Happiness through Hardship, a practical guide full of ideas for cancer patients to help them navigate their unexpected journey. To hear Caryn's inspirational story, listen to The Breast of Everything podcast, hosted by Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeons Linsey Gold, DO, FACS, FACOS; and Ashley Richardson, DO, FACOS.

“From the spiritual perspective, there is no disease or illness. There is only undiscovered purpose.”When Melissa Laborsky, MD, heard this quote, it opened her eyes to a whole new world in the field of medicine. A family medicine physician who practiced traditional western medicine for many years, Dr. Laborsky has dedicated the past 12 years of her practice and life to studying Chinese medicine and qigong. Her training involved the Chinese energy approach to understanding, preventing and healing the root cause of disease, including breast cancer.In The Breast of Everything podcast, Dr. Laborsky, who opened the Indy Healing Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, shares her personal experience that led her to learning the connection between mind, body and healing, and practicing this approach with her patients. The physician empowers those who feel stuck on their personal health journey to awaken connections among their body, mind and spirit. The key to wellness lies within you, she says Your own mental, emotional and physical health definitely has an impact on how well you will heal and how well you will manage your treatment, Dr. Laborsky says during the podcast. 

“When you say the words ‘breast cancer survivor,' it can't get any more personal for me because that is my mother,” announces Shelly Rood, inspirational speaker, co-founder of Mission: Ambition LLC and a decorated military intelligence officer who served our country for 16 years. “Sometimes we are so concerned with getting through it, with surviving it, that we don't take the time for genuine connection and reflection,” she says during The Breast of Everything podcast hosted by Linsey Gold, DO, FACS, FACOS, Comprehensive Breast Care surgeon. Through her work with Mission: Ambition LLC, Shelly inspires the world to be filled with thrivers, not just survivors. She hopes her message is heard loudly and clearly, especially during this time of year as we approach the holidays, a very difficult time for those living with cancer.In this podcast, she shares some advice on how cancer survivors can relax a little and still make the holidays “the most wonderful time of the year.” It is important that women learn to delegate and set boundaries when it comes to holiday activities, she urges. Don't isolate yourself; connect with others and take the time to relax and enjoy the season.During The Breast of Everything podcast, Shelly examines this internal battle cancer survivors have with themselves. She views it as a military mission. What is your mission? Is it to enjoy the holidays? The answer should be a resounding “yes.”“You will make it through this mission,” she says with conviction. “And what is waiting on the other side for you?” Listen to The Breast of Everything podcast featuring Veteran Shelly Rood, here.

Nikki Barclay just turned 41 when she learned she had breast cancer. “My doctor recommended I start having mammograms every year beginning at age 40. This was my second routine screening,” or so she thought. “I did not expect any issues at all, especially at my age,” she begins telling her story during The Breast of Everything podcast. The mammogram showed suspicious-looking calcium deposits that required a biopsy. The results? Nikki had extensive DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), considered the earliest form of breast cancer. She didn't feel any lumps in her breast, she didn't feel sick, and she was so young. This was not supposed to happen to a young wife and mother of two children ages 2 and 5.After extensive conversations with her breast surgeon, Ashley Richardson, DO, FACOS, of Comprehensive Breast Care, Nikki chose a double mastectomy. The results of her genetic test were the reason for her decision. Nikki didn't realize how learning of her genetic mutation would benefit her as well as her family.To hear Nikki's story and the importance of genetic testing, listen to this The Breast of Everything episode, hosted by Dr. Ashley Richardson.

Tina Craciun, a 46-year-old wife, mother of two, and speech pathologist, recently added breast cancer survivor to her list of “accomplishments,” and gladly will share her story in hopes it will help other women who are just beginning their uphill battle with the disease.“You will reach the top of that mountain, and the other side is so full of hope and relief,” she says during The Breast of Everything podcast.Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeon Ashley Richardson, DO, FACOS, the podcast host and Tina's surgeon, spoke with Tina about her cancer journey that began in November 2019 when, during her annual exam, a small lump was found in Tina's right breast. She was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.Her initial reaction was, “I don't have time for this right now.” “Tina is a beacon of hope for other women facing a similar journey,” Dr. Richardson adds.To hear Tina's story – how she was able to maintain her normal daily routine, while remaining optimistic and in control of her life – listen to this The Breast of Everything podcast.

Inflammation is a main driver of disease, and it all starts in the gut.Lauren Kelly, nutrition therapy master, knows this all too well. She used to live in Hollywood where everyone is obsessed with being beautiful. She was wrapped up in that world until at the age of 29, she learned she had a malignant melanoma and needed emergency surgery.“It flipped my life upside down,” she asserts. “My Hollywood-style world came to a screeching halt!”Lauren looked long and hard at her life. It was toxic, stressful and unfulfilling. She was completely focused on what Hollywood expected of her. Her sense of self-worth was lost, and now, so was her health. Fortunately, she found the inspiration and strength to restart her life in a whole new direction. That's when she went back to school and became a nutrition therapist master and holistic coach specializing in helping people improve their gut health and reduce their risk of chronic health issues.During the Season 2 opener of The Breast of Everything podcast, Lauren shares her knowledge about how the foods you eat and how you live largely contribute to chronic disease. But you can change all this … and easier than you think! Listen to her podcast, hosted by Linsey Gold, DO, FACS, FACOS, breast surgeon with Comprehensive Breast Care. 

During their 32 years of marriage Rick and Janet Stanfield have plenty of life adventures to share, but never did they think breast cancer would be one of them. They both were diagnosed within a few months of each other. While Janet was undergoing treatment, Rick learned he had Stage 3 breast cancer. It wasn't easy, they both admit, but through support and love, they are on the road to recovery. To hear their story, listen to The Breast of Everything podcast, hosted by Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeon Linsey Gold, DO, FACOS, FACS

Survivor guilt … it's time to talk about this realityWe don't talk enough about it … the guilt, the stress, the feelings that it's just not fair … Cancer flips you on head. The question of “why me?” can haunt any cancer patient. Everyone knows someone who had cancer and died, and those stories surface and circle around in your head. Everyone knows someone who had cancer and survived with fewer treatments and a faster recovery, and you wonder why this isn't you. Everyone also knows somebody who fell into a dark hole of depression after a cancer diagnosis, and you wonder when this is going to happen to you. Cancer patients often find themselves comparing their medical condition and feelings to everyone else's and trying to figure out what to do, what to think and how to act. The result can be overwhelming stress and guilt. During The Breast of Everything podcast, Julie Larson, LCSW, a mental health therapist who specializes in oncology supportive care, talks with Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeon Linsey Gold, DO, FACOS, FACS, about dealing effectively with the stress and guilt that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. 

Chemotherapy can wreak havoc on the skin. Chemotherapy kills off cancer cells but often it hits healthy cells, too, especially those of the skin, which can cause discoloration, irritation, burning, acne, skin rashes and dryness. During The Breast of Everything podcast, Danielle DeLuca-Pytell, MD, plastic surgeon, talks with Linsey Gold, DO, breast surgeon with Comprehensive Breast Care, about what cancer patients can do to protect their skin from the side effects of chemotherapy and rebuild the skin barriers broken down as a result of treatments. Dr. DeLuca-Pytell recommends CPMS: cleanse, protect, moisturize and soothe. A patient's skin regimen should start about a week before treatment begins and continue during and after chemotherapy. 

Erin Simonetti was 10 years old when her mother died of cancer at the age of 38. Erin turned to art as an outlet for dealing with her grief. She found comfort and relief by expressing her thoughts and feelings on paper instead of through words. It was not until she went to college that she realized art was a tool many cancer centers incorporated in their treatment programs. Erin's life and career path made a drastic turn. She had experienced the healing power of art first-hand, and wanted to help others in their journey, too. Today, she serves as a registered art therapist at Karmanos Cancer Institute in Flint, Michigan, where she facilitates week art therapy programs for patients and families touched by cancer. The goal of art therapy is to create a safe space in a non-judgmental environment where cancer patients can externalize their emotions on paper. Patients can release their stress, frustrations and anxiety when words just aren't enough. They use art as a visual form of self-reflection to externalize their emotions that are locked inside so patients gradually can begin to heal emotionally and mentally. Each patient has his or her own unique perceptions about their cancer and they capture these through their art.

Comprehensive Breast Care (CBC) endorses and sells a few products on its website that the breast surgeons feel will improve the health and comfort of breast cancer patients immensely. During The Breast of Everything podcast, the physicians talk with product representatives who share details about the products they've created specifically for breast cancer patients. Featured guests include: Jean Soulios, creator of Jeans Cream; Rocky Storm of Prairie Wear bras; and Dr. Katie Deming of MAKEMERRY bras. They discuss how they got started in the business of helping breast cancer patients and why their products can make a difference in a patient's quality of life.Jean Soulios, founder and president of Jeans Cream, is a two-time breast cancer survivor who created a cream for her own personal use during radiation treatments. Today, more than 40,000 people across the US use her product for radiation side effects, eczema, sunburn relief, shingles, psoriasis and overall general healing. Rocky Storm, of Prairie Wear bras, blended his art, architecture and technical design background to create a line of bras that breast cancer patients will find comfortable, functional and beautiful. A closet full of failed bras was the initial outcome, until his team of experts found the exact combination of features that resulted in a perfect, body-friendly bra.Dr. Katie Deming, radiation oncologist, inventor, entrepreneur and physician leader, is the CEO and founder of MAKEMERRY, a line of soft, stylish, sexy intimates meticulously designed to provide pain-free support for breast cancer patients. For years, she watched her patients struggle to find bras that wouldn't cause additional skin irritations during and after radiation treatments. After countless unsuccessful attempts to alter current bras on the market, she took the plunge – and decided she was going to design the perfect bra … and she did!

Tami Lysher is a cancer survivor and thriver. It's been 15 years since the Grand Blanc, Michigan business owner learned of her breast cancer diagnosis. Through her journey, and with the help of Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeon Linsey Gold, DO, FACOS, FACS, Tami has plenty of advice to share with other breast cancer patients – those newly-diagnosed, those undergoing treatment, and those who are trying to resume a normal life again. During The Breast of Everything podcast, she talks about the value of a second opinion – which changed her life drastically, the importance of yoga in maintaining physical and emotional health, and how a traumatic event such as a cancer diagnosis can affect a person's entire wellbeing.At the time of her diagnosis, Tami was a divorced mother of two teenagers, a full-time early childhood educator and the owner of a yoga and pilates studio. She found exercise kept her grounded through her cancer ordeal, and practicing yoga regularly really helped her through some tough days. Keep moving; the recovery process will be faster and easier, she recommends.Through her experience, she also learned a great deal about trauma, which can be an overlooked and very critical part of a cancer journey. That's why she started “Trauma-Informed Movement,” a program designed to help people successfully manage the affects of a traumatic event on their life.  People tend to compartmentalize their feelings, but they have to take the lid off before it blows off. Don't bury your feelings; eventually they will resurface and in ways that can be harmful emotionally and physically.

It's been 12 years since Registered Nurse Cory Pacheco heard the one word every single person fears … cancer. “When I got that phone call, it sucked the life right out of me,” she recalls vividly. "I eat right, I exercise regularly, I don't smoke, I drink socially … I do everything I can to stay healthy and there is no family history of cancer, but I still got it. My life took an about face in just seconds,” she shares during The Breast of Everything podcast, hosted by Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeon Linsey Gold, DO, FACOS, FACS.“I have a younger relative who smokes, has high blood pressure, is overweight, eats fast food, and isn't compliant with her medications. Her mammogram was clean. I felt like my body had betrayed me,” Cory announces.“We are not as in charge as we think we are,” she reflects.Her next step was to find the right medical team to take care of her. Cory lined up three surgeons and set up visits with each. The first surgeon directed her on what she had to do, giving her no options. After her second appointment – with Linsey Gold, DO, FACOS, FACS – Cory decided she did not need a third opinion. Dr. Gold was her choice. She spent three hours with Cory answering every one of Cory's questions. “I needed everything answered and Dr. Gold did just that. She laid it all on the table and gave me my options. She didn't rush my decision; she gave me plenty of time to think it through. I had the freedom to make my choice. It is my body; it should be my decision,” Cory says with conviction.Together, Cory and Dr. Gold came up with a treatment plan that Cory was comfortable with. "I felt like I was talking with a friend," Cory notes. "Dr. Gold wanted to know my fears, she suggested I see two or three other doctors for a second opinion, and she even encouraged it. I don't see that very often with physicians." After Cory's surgery, Dr. Gold recommended radiation therapy, but, after extensive research and long discussions with Dr. Gold, Cory declined that treatment as well as chemotherapy. Dr. Gold respected and honored Cory's decision. Today, 12 years later, Cory is cancer-free and looking forward to retirement in a couple of years. “This experience changed my life,” she reflects. “I got rid of the toxic relationships in my life, I'm going to church again, my faith is stronger than ever before, and I don't focus on the negative. It's changed me as a nurse, too. I listen more intently when patients talk with me, and I've learned I can learn a lot from my patients just by listening more.”

When a woman finds out she has breast cancer, in many cases she needs someone to “hold her hand” through this unanticipated and frightening journey into the unknown. Women face a confusing maze of questions and often become overwhelmed very quickly. As physicians, we do our best to provide as much support and information as possible, but often we rely on a breast cancer navigator to fill in the gap for us to make sure patients have the resources they need throughout their entire cancer journey. A breast cancer navigator literally helps patients navigate the seemingly endless barrage of medical appointments, tests and treatments. They provide an invaluable service for breast cancer patients. Breast care navigators guide patients through their entire journey – from diagnosis, surgery and treatment, to life after treatment. They educate, advocate, provide resources and support, help with financial and insurance-related problems, resolve issues and remove obstacles patients face along the way – from understanding their diagnosis, to telling family members about their illness, answering questions about insurance coverage, or finding the right post op bra. During The Breast of Everything podcast, Marsha Schmit, RN, breast care navigator at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan, talks in depth about the role of a breast care navigator and the services she offers patients. She knows from experience what it is like to navigate a breast cancer journey. Marsha is a 12-year breast cancer survivor. 

Who would ever think that a young mother with a toddler would have to deal with breast cancer? It happened to Sue Glader, a 33-year-old wife, mother of a 13-month-old son, and freelance copywriter.  She survived in stride with every step of her cancer – from diagnosis, to surgery, chemotherapy and radiation – and it only made her more determined and stronger. She became a breast cancer survivor with a mission – to help other women who would “walk in my shoes.” In hopes of educating herself on what to expect during her cancer journey, Sue read many books and articles only to feel terrified and traumatized from the content. She decided to use her talents as a writer and her experience as a breast cancer survivor to publish a story that was realistic but not frightening. Her article turned into “Nowhere Hair,” a children's book that uses a hip and beautiful bald mama to explain cancer of a loved one to children. The little girl in the book knows her mom's hair is not on her head anymore so it must be somewhere. After searching all around the house for it, she learns her mother is undergoing cancer treatment, but she still is the same silly, attentive, happy mom; just very tired and sometimes cranky. In the book, Sue explains hats, scarves, wigs, baldness in public, and why it is important to be nice to people who may look a little different. What is inside of us is far more important than how we look on the outside. Being bald is a time to be brave, bold and beautiful.When talking with your children about your illness, be honest but reassuring, Sue suggests. Have age-appropriate conversations. Get into the mind of a child. Since her son was so young when she learned of her diagnosis, Sue was most worried about how he would react to her baldness so she took him with her to the barber to watch her head getting shaved. Kids are not judgmental, they are curious. Take them along for the ride – physically and emotionally. Reassure them they cannot catch cancer, and neither can Dad. Relieve them of their worries. You can tell them your hair is falling out because the medicine is working. Let them know you are still there for them. You may not be able to drive them to soccer practice, but you will be home waiting for them. Talk with your kids, but do it in small bits, not the “let's sit down and talk” conversation. That will scare any child. Make them part of the journey. If the family is together, mom will not feel so alone.If readers can take away one message from her book, it is this, Sue points out: treat people kindly, treat them the way you want to be treated. You still are an amazing, creative, powerful woman but with no hair! And take the time to talk with other women who have walked in your shoes to gain perspective.

Finding out if you have a genetic mutation can be lifesaving for patients, their families and future generations. Genetic testing plays a vital role in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. So much can be done once your physician knows if a mutation exists. Jackie Smiley, nurse practitioner and high-risk genetics coordinator for Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan, was a guest on The Breast of Everything, sharing her knowledge about genetic testing, and her own personal story. She is a 13-year breast cancer survivor with a BRCA gene mutation.Jackie knows, not only from counseling patients, but from her own experience, why genetic testing can be a lifesaving measure people should not overlook. Jackie's family was immersed with cancer – five aunts, many uncles, a grandmother and other relatives. When she learned her father had a cancerous tumor, she made the decision to be tested and get a mammogram. She was not yet 40, the age when doctors recommend women obtain their first mammogram. They found two masses that had spread to her lymph nodes, and genetic tests revealed she was carrying the BRCA gene mutation. Jackie was lucky. She was the first woman in her family to survive cancer. When patients ask her, “Why would I want to know if I have a genetic mutation if there is nothing you can do about it?” Jackie reminds them that there is so much they can do. There are many prevention options available today. Patients can reduce their risk of developing cancer by up to 90 percent!“How do I know if I should get tested?” is another question Jackie often is asked. In general, if patients have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or if there is a known BRCA1, BRCA 2 or other inherited mutation in the family, testing is recommended. A genetic counselor can meet with you to determine if you would benefit from genetic testing. Anyone can seek genetic counseling to learn if the testing makes sense for them. You do not have to have a family history of cancer to be tested. Cancer can run in families even if there is not a family history or an inherited mutation, she points out. And even if an abnormal gene is found and is linked to a higher breast cancer risk, not every person in the family will inherit the abnormal gene. A genetic counselor can provide advice on who should be tested. A genetic counselor also will review the test results with you and explain what a positive test means. If you have a positive test result, this means you have a genetic mutation and you can begin to take proactive steps to reduce your risk of getting cancer. Your parents, children, sisters and brothers each have a 50 percent chance of having the same mutation.A negative test result means no mutation was found, but this does not mean you will not get cancer. Your genetic counselor will discuss these findings, too. Jackie also reminds women that paternal family history does matter. You can get breast cancer from either side of your family. Men pass along the mutations, too. You have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the mutation from your father's side of the family.Most insurances cover the cost of genetic testing. Tests usually include more than 40 gene panels (a gene panel is a test that analyzes multiple genes at once for cancer-associated mutations).Jackie also notes that over-the-counter genetic testing kits only test for a few different variants. Exercise caution when purchasing these.Don't stick your head in the sand when it comes to learning your risk for cancer, she advises. It shouldn't be a question of “if I get tested,” but “when should I get tested?” 

When we break the news to women that they have breast cancer, it is one of the most difficult conversations to have; and even though we've had these talks countless times, they never get easier. Our patients are anxious and worried; the information we are giving them will change their life forever. As surgeons, we have the skills to heal them physically, but emotional healing is another story.During The Breast of Everything podcast, Dr. Joe Kort, a psychotherapist and director of The Center for Relationship and Sexual Health in Royal Oak, Michigan, shares his insights about breast cancer and grief, and how to help women effectively deal emotionally with their diagnosis.Allow yourself some time to feel angry and upset. When you express these feelings – verbally or in writing – it tends to help you let go of them. For spouses, they also are dealing with the emotional toll of your diagnosis. They feel helpless; allow them to be helpful. Even though cancer patients often are not willing to ask for help and want to remain in charge, remember that your partner wants to help you. Let him. What about the kids? Do you tell them you have cancer? How do you tell them? What is the best approach? First, don't lie to them. Kids know. They will sense something is wrong. Tell them the truth but in terms understandable for their age. They may blame themselves, thinking they were bad and that is why you got cancer. Reassure them. Be real, provide the facts, and keep it as positive as possible. Listen to them and answer their questions the best way you can. Breast cancer patients not only grieve over their diagnosis, but also over how their cancer may change their appearance. They may never look or feel the same way again, they believe. Their breasts are part of their sexuality and they worry about losing that. How will their spouse react? Will it affect their relationship? Breast cancer can be a growth experience for couples depending how each person is coping with the diagnosis. Grief can take unexpected forms. Expect the unexpected. Expect guilt, expect self-blame, expect blaming others. Women are faced with a whole new set of issues they never have encountered before in their life.  During this time, find ways to help yourself relax, try to stay as active as you can, keep your life as routine as you can, try to find activities that bring you joy, and control what you can control and let go of what you cannot control. It is important to know there is help and support if you need it. Talk with your physician and seek counseling if you feel you need additional help.

“Cancer wasn't even on our radar, now it is a major focus.” Amanda Moran, MA, Ed, EdS, group fitness director for Ascension Genesys Health Club, was a featured guest on The Breast of Everything podcast, sharing not only her own family experience with breast cancer, but also advice on how to live a healthy, happy, active, and truly enjoyable life as a cancer survivor.Amanda admits she hadn't gone for a mammogram screening until after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She, her mother, and her five sisters, all led a very active lifestyle and made healthy choices most of their life. Why should they worry about anyone getting cancer? Amanda uses her own personal experience when working with Ascension Genesys Health Club members looking for ways to live a more active lifestyle.For cancer patients – as well as everyone– getting started with an exercise routine is the toughest part. Choose an activity that is fun for you, one that keeps your interest and one you look forward to, she recommends. For some women, it may be Zumba, for others a Spinning class makes them happy. You shouldn't be saying with an ugh, “I have to work out.” Instead, it should be “I want to work out.” Find an activity that gets you excited and motivated.After cancer, patients are weak, tired and think it will be too hard to get back into exercise or begin to add exercise to their life. Take one day at a time, she advises. Start with some simple body weight strengthening exercises. No matter what age you are, you can start strength training. It never is too late to rebuild your body.Exercise can be a great social outlet; patients have been through so much emotionally and physically, however, now, more than ever, they need to keep their body and mind healthy.Diet is another concern. What do you like to eat? What do you not like to eat? Take out the bad fat. Cut down on red meat consumption. Add more plant-based foods to your diet and keep it simple. Choose the foods you like that are nutritional. You don't – and shouldn't – go on a diet, she advises. Diets do not work. Start small, make one tiny change at a time, and little by little you will see the unhealthy habits substituted for healthy ones. This should help you stay on the path of success because it is the path you chose.  Remember, you can do everything possible to control your risk for cancer, but even vegetarian marathon runners can get cancer. Focus on what you can control, get your regular screenings, stay active, stay healthy, be happy and make it a good life! 

As clinicians, we find the majority of our patients will experience side effects from their cancer treatment, including a disruption in their sex life. In fact, many say it comes to a screeching halt. They feel their focus should be on beating cancer, not on sex and intimacy, so they don't even bring up the subject.During The Breast of Everything podcast, Comprehensive Breast Care surgeons Linsey Gold, DO; and Ashley Richardson, DO; talk candidly and openly on this topic with expert Rachel Needle, PsyD, a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist. Women in general aren't comfortable talking about sex, and breast cancer patients just assume sex will not happen while they are undergoing treatment. Sex is the overlooked elephant in the room; patients don't talk about it and many doctors often don't open the door for a discussion. It is okay to talk about it; in fact, it should be discussed. A woman should be talking about how she is feeling on the inside as well as the outside. First, it is okay to have sex. Some women may lose their sex drive from the time of diagnosis through treatment and even long after treatment. About 50 percent of women who have had breast cancer treatment experience long-term sexual dysfunction, and 40 percent to 100 percent of these dysfunctions are related to how a woman feels about her body. Breast cancer treatment can cause premature menopause, vaginal atrophy, fatigue and depression as well as self-image issues – all impacting a woman's sex drive. At least 70 percent of women will experience depression during and after treatment. Women think, “I'm lucky to be alive, I shouldn't be wanting to have sex,” however, we are sexual beings! We cannot ignore this. We can remain sexual in our own ways.Your body is changing and your relationship with your partner also may change. Women worry … “will he still want me?” Studies show that if you had a positive sexual relationship prior to your cancer diagnosis, you will continue to have a positive sexual relationship.Being informed of what to expect is critical. A patient's physician is there to provide education, information, support and encouragement. If you are not comfortable talking with your physician, find a certified sex therapist who has the training and knowledge to help you.So, how do you restore sexuality after cancer?First, make sure both partners are on the same page. Communicate. Talk about what you like and don't like and what makes you uncomfortable. You can begin with non-sexual touching, or experiment with different positions. You may have to change your usual ones.Women may lose nipple sensation, especially those who had plastic surgery following a mastectomy. The nipple does not retain its function or feeling. Most important: start the conversation! Redefining sex can be empowering. Rethinking your concept of intimacy can be healing. Dr. Needle is the Executive Director of Whole Health Psychological Center and the Co-Director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, an organization that provides continuing education and certifications in sex therapy, LGBTQIA affirmative therapy, and much more. You can visit DrRachel.com.

Repeatedly, in our office, we hear the same questions and concerns from women about their breast health. Sugar causes cancer; underwire bras shouldn't be worn; don't use deodorant; if there is no family history of breast cancer, I won't get it; I'm too young to get breast cancer … we hear the same misconceptions over and over. Social media doesn't help. Friends share fabricated cancer horror stories, and the epidemic of bad information intensifies. During The Breast of Everything podcast, Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeons Linsey Gold, DO; along with Ashley Richardson, DO; set the record straight on breast health and what women should want to know about their breasts and breast cancer.Here are a few highlights from the podcast:Sugar does not cause cancer, underwire bras do not cause cancer and wearing deodorant does not cause cancer. When women go for a mammogram, they are told not to wear deodorant, antiperspirant or other lotions or powders under their arms or in the chest area because these products may contain metallic substances (usually from aluminum in the product) that resemble calcifications, which show up as bright white specs or dots on the mammogram. Sometimes calcifications in the breast can mean an early cancer is developing. Breast cancer risk-reduction products you may see on the shelves of stores will not reduce your risk of breast cancer. Many women overestimate their risk for breast cancer, while others underestimate their risk. For example, if your grandmother had breast cancer when she was in her 70s, that does not necessarily mean you are at high risk for getting breast cancer. Don't overestimate this, but also don't overlook it. Learn what your risks are, and what risk reduction strategies you can take by talking with your health care provider. Some risk reduction strategies include monthly breast self-exams, reducing your body mass index (BMI) and knowing your family history of cancer. Remember to look at your entire family history (not just your mother's) and all cancers in the family, not just breast cancer.Talk with your family physician about genetic testing if you are concerned about your family's cancer history. Today, testing can be conducted for more than 80 different gene mutations and the cost can be as little as $250.The breast surgeons also find that many women go on auto pilot after breast cancer surgery and treatment, thinking they are cured. They need to continue regular imaging tests, stay active, eat right and follow their physician's post cancer recommendations. --------- The surgeons of Comprehensive Breast Care recently launched “The Breast of Everything” podcast series as a trusted resource for breast health information, support and encouragement.If you have a subject you would like the surgeons to discuss, please email your ideas to compbreastcare.com. The doctors want to hear from you. The views, thoughts and opinions shared in these podcasts are intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice, treatment or care from your physician or health care provider. Always consult your health care provider first. 

It used to be taboo to worry about cosmetic results following breast cancer surgery. Surgeons and patients were focused on one result – removing all of the cancer. How a woman's breasts looked after surgery was not important. Fortunately, times have changed, and so have medical advancements. Dedicated breast surgeons and reconstructive surgeons can accomplish both – remove the cancer and restore a woman's breasts to a cosmetically natural look! During The Breast of Everything podcast, Eric Brown, MD, Comprehensive Breast Care surgeon, and William Stefani, MD, plastic surgeon, talked about breast reconstructive surgery advancements and what women can expect today. As surgeons, we ask our patients what is important to them. What do they want their breasts to look like after surgery and treatment? We know their cancer will be treated effectively, but we also want them to have the best cosmetic results. Most women have their whole life ahead of them, and they want to feel good and look good.This is when oncoplastic surgery merges with breast surgery to achieve the results women are hoping for. The two surgeons have a meeting of the minds prior to the woman's surgery to determine the best course of treatment for the patient and map out a plan for the best breast conservation possible with the most cosmetically natural looking breasts. During surgery, the breast surgeon takes out as much breast tissue as possible so the pathologist can have a large specimen. The oncoplastic surgeon sculpts and shapes the remaining tissue of the breast and performs a breast reduction (if needed) and a breast lift. During this one operation, the plastic surgeon also looks at the healthy breast to see if it has any pre-cancerous cells.Patients report they love the results and love that they only need a single surgery in most cases! That is why it is so important to have dedicated surgeons with specialized training to conduct the surgery. National data shows that if the surgery is conducted by a dedicated breast surgeon, the need for a second surgery is only 15 percent; when an oncoplastic surgeon is involved, the number drops to less than 5 percent.Dr. Stefani points out that radiation will affect the size of the breast. Radiation doesn't discriminate, he reports. The breast will shrink over time as a result of radiation, so the surgeon will reduce the size of the healthy breast to match the size of the lumpectomized breast. Patients should also know that, in order to achieve the best cosmetic outcome, traditional radiation will be recommended. This means about 30 to 35 treatments in lower doses over a longer period of time.One of the most significant issues breast surgeons face is obtaining clear margins. A clear, negative, or clean margin means there are no cancer cells at the outer edge of the tissue that was removed. A positive margin means that cancer cells come right out to the edge of the removed tissue. During a lumpectomy, your surgeon's goal is to take out all the breast cancer plus a rim of normal tissue around it to make sure all of the cancer has been removed. If women without breast cancer want voluntary breast reduction, Dr. Stefani notes the three risk factors involved: smoking, diabetes and a high BMI. In the majority of cases, he will not conduct elective breast reduction surgery on these high-risk patients.During the podcast, Dr. Brown and Dr. Stefani also discussed fat grafting (also sometimes called lipo-filling). The plastic surgeon uses liposuction to harvest fat as a measure to keep as much of the collagen content as possible, which helps restore the breast's shape and suppleness, helps improve blood supply and helps with wound healing.   Fat grafting has revolutionized medic

During The Breast of Everything podcast, Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeon Eric Brown, MD; talked with Plastic Surgeon William Stefani, MD; about reconstructive surgery after breast surgery, and what women should know. Dr. Stefani is a board certified plastic surgeon who also completed a fellowship in aesthetic surgery. He has been voted “Top Doctor” many times by Hour Detroit magazine, Consumer Guide and Castle Connolly (an organization that helps consumers find top doctors and the best health care in America), and practices at some of Michigan's top ranked hospitals. Many years ago, women underwent a radical mastectomy with massive reconstruction of the chest wall with back flaps. Fortunately, this archaic technique has taken a revolutionary turn and has been replaced with a new procedure that truly has changed a woman's appearance … and her life. Today, surgeons will do everything in their power, not only to remove all of the cancer, but also to restore a woman's natural-looking breasts so she will have a cosmetic outcome that makes her feel and look great again.In many cases, a woman can have one reconstructive implant surgery, Dr. Stefani reports.The second option involves surgically implanting a tissue expander after the mastectomy, followed by a permanent implant at a later time. During the tissue expander surgery, the plastic surgeon expands the breast skin and muscle using a temporary tissue expander (an inflatable breast implant). A few months later, during the second surgery, the expander is removed and replaced by a breast implant. Dr. Stefani chooses the best option for his patients based on what he calls “mapping” of the breast to see what the tissue looks like after surgery, and to determine which procedure provides the safest and best results.During the podcast, Dr. Stefani also talked about animation deformity in breast reconstruction. To alleviate this problem, he performs a pre-pectoral reconstruction on top of the muscle instead of under it. This holds the implant in position better, there is no risk of the implant extruding through the incision and the outcome is “beautiful,” he reports. The breast looks natural, softer and it alleviates what he calls “animatory movement.”Dr. Stefani and Dr. Brown also discussed the importance of breast cancer patients quitting smoking at least six weeks prior to breast surgery. Smoking causes a tightening of the blood vessels that delays and decreases wound healing capabilities. The controversy regarding breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BI-ALCL) also was a topic of discussion. Social media has created an unnecessarily alarming concern for women with breast implants, the doctors find. BI-ALCL is very rare, generally very slow-moving, and affects only a small number of women who primarily have received textured implants, which Dr. Stefani does not use. Fewer than 10 patients a year are diagnosed with BI-ALCL, while there are more than 10 million women globally who have breast implants. The doctors also talked about breast implant-associated illness. This term describes a wide range of mostly mild and easily treatable symptoms that can develop from implants. __________________________________If you have a subject you would like the surgeons to discuss, please email your ideas to https://compbreastcare.com. The doctors want to hear from you! The views, thoughts and opinions shared in “The Breast of Everything” podcasts are intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice, treatment or care from your physician or health care provider. Always consult your health care provider first.

During a recent The Breast of Everything podcast, Breast Surgeon Linsey Gold, DO; talked with Radiologist Randy Hicks, MD; about questions women are asking regarding mammography screenings and the use of technology in detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages. Dr. Hicks is co-founder and co-director of Regional Medical Imaging, serving physicians and patients throughout mid-Michigan and southern Michigan for the past 35 years. There is a lot of controversy regarding screening mammography – when to do it, who should do it and how it should be done. As a result, women often are confused and don't know where to turn for credible, consistent and accurate answers.Dr. Hicks and his team of radiologists believe women should have a baseline mammogram at age 35 and then yearly screening mammograms beginning at age 40. The American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology agree on this. Risk stratification increasingly is becoming key in the detection of breast cancer, Dr. Hicks finds. Each woman has her own individual risk factors for breast cancer and every woman should be aware of what they are. The “one size fits all” model no longer works when it comes to screenings and treatment for breast cancer.A woman's breast density also is an important factor for physicians and patients to know, Dr. Hicks points out. The denser the breasts, the harder it is to identify cancer.About 25 percent of women have dense breasts and about 50 percent of those cancers are missed in a mammogram. However, “we have other technologies we can use to see through the density,” Dr. Hicks assures patients. These are: 3D mammography, whole breast screening ultrasound, contrast enhanced mammography, nuclear medicine and screening breast MRI. 

When patients hear the word ‘radiation,' they immediately think of the yellow symbol: it can cause cancer and it will do harm. However, when properly used in a controlled environment, it effectively will help treat and often cure cancer. Comprehensive Breast Care Surgeon Ashley Richardson, DO, discussed this topic with Radiation Oncologist Kiran Devisetty, MD, to help dispel the many myths about radiation therapy and explain why it is a critical component of cancer care, particularly in breast cancer patients. It often is called the biggest black box because it is a very small specialty and people have so many questions about it.Here are a few myths about radiation therapy:If the cancer is removed in surgery, patients don't need radiation therapy. This is not true. Tiny, hidden cancer cells still can be growing inside other areas of the breast. In addition, cancerous cells also can return to the same area. The entire breast should be removed to make sure the cancer doesn't return. This is not true.Mastectomy alone compared to lumpectomy with radiation produces the same patient outcomes. If I undergo radiation therapy, I will become radioactive. This is not true. The radiation goes in and out of a person. Radiation will affect my heart. Radiation oncologists use a few techniques to minimize exposure to the heart: deep inspiration breath hold is one. Partial breast radiation is better than whole breast radiation. This is not necessarily true. There is a small chance more cancer cells are hiding in other areas of the breast. --------- The surgeons of Comprehensive Breast Care recently launched “The Breast of Everything” podcast series as a trusted resource for breast health information, support and encouragement.If you have a subject you would like the surgeons to discuss, please email your ideas to compbreastcare.com. The doctors want to hear from you. The views, thoughts and opinions shared in these podcasts are intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice, treatment or care from your physician or health care provider. Always consult your health care provider first. 

Through genetic testing, Shana Carter, a Young Fives teacher with Lake Fenton Community Schools and mother of two, learned she had a mutation in her ATM gene, placing her in the high-risk category for developing breast cancer. In The Breast of Everything podcast, she talks with Comprehensive Breast Care surgeon Ashley Richardson, DO, regarding the decision she made about her cancer risk, and why she feels a prophylactic mastectomy was the best option for her.

How do you find reliable, credible, accurate information when it comes to your breast health?So much information is available literally at our fingertips when we search the web on a myriad of subjects, and breast cancer seems to be an especially popular topic. Comprehensive Breast Care surgeons Eric Brown, MD; Linsey Gold, DO; and Ashley Richardson, DO; discussed this topic on a recent podcast to help consumers better understand how to navigate through the endless information on the internet, which often is not scientifically factual.One of the best resources for reliable, credible, accurate and up-to-date information is a health care provider's site. When searching the web for general information on breast cancer, good sites are those with an “org,” or an “edu,” the breast surgeons find.Always remember: no information should replace seeing a doctor or other health professional who can give you advice specific to you and your medical condition.__________________________________Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Play,   or listen wherever you get your podcasts.Comprehensive Breast Care recently launched “The Breast of Everything,” a podcast series designed to serve as a trusted resource for breast health information, support and encouragement.If you have a subject you would like the surgeons to discuss, please email your ideas to https://compbreastcare.com. The doctors want to hear from you! The views, thoughts and opinions shared in “The Breast of Everything” podcasts are intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice, treatment or care from your physician or health care provider. Always consult your health care provider first.

It's all about pink … all year round was the topic of a recent “The Breast of Everything” podcast featuring Jennifer Nagy of the American Cancer Society. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Eric Brown, MD, breast surgeon with Comprehensive Breast Care, talked with Jennifer about the wealth of free resources the American Cancer Society offers to women and men throughout the entire year.“Everyone knows or should know that the American Cancer Society is a research organization, in fact, we are second only to the national government when it comes to research,” Jennifer points out. Since 1946, the American Cancer Society has invested $4.9 billion in cancer research. In the US, approximately $69 million has been invested in breast cancer grants, and in Michigan, $10.1 million went toward the funding of 21 grants for breast cancer.Jennifer also wants to remind everyone to take advantage of the wealth of resources the American Cancer Society provides. This is where people will find reliable, credible information – information that will help walk them through their journey. You can find treatment information, nutrition information, financial resources, caregiving resources, a scheduling assistance tool, support groups in your area, and much more.The American Cancer Society also offers a Reach to Recovery program for newly diagnosed cancer patients. Patients can talk with other patients who can provide information and support.The American Cancer Society's call center is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Simply call 1.800.227.2345 or visit the institution's website at cancer.org.  --------- The surgeons of Comprehensive Breast Care recently launched “The Breast of Everything” podcast series as a trusted resource for breast health information, support and encouragement.If you have a subject you would like the surgeons to discuss, please email your ideas to compbreastcare.com. The doctors want to hear from you. The views, thoughts and opinions shared in these podcasts are intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice, treatment or care from your physician or health care provider. Always consult your health care provider first. 

There is no good way to tell a patient she has cancer. In a recent podcast, the breast surgeons at Comprehensive Breast Cancer discussed the best way to deliver a cancer diagnosis.They all agree that an initial telephone conversation is the option they choose.“If we wait until a patient comes to our office to receive the news for the first time, in the vast majority of cases, as soon as the patient hears she has breast cancer, she stops listening and the rest of our conversation is pointless,” finds Linsey Gold, DO.Receiving the diagnosis over the telephone allows the patient an opportunity to bring family members to the in-person consult, gives the patient time to be better prepared to ask questions, and most importantly, provides time – time for the patient to absorb the news, get over the initial shock, scream, cry … release all of the emotions she is experiencing. __________________________________Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Play,   or listen wherever you get your podcasts.Comprehensive Breast Care recently launched “The Breast of Everything,” a podcast series designed to serve as a trusted resource for breast health information, support and encouragement.If you have a subject you would like the surgeons to discuss, please email your ideas to https://compbreastcare.com. The doctors want to hear from you! The views, thoughts and opinions shared in “The Breast of Everything” podcasts are intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice, treatment or care from your physician or health care provider. Always consult your health care provider first.

During a recent podcast, Comprehensive Breast Care surgeons Eric Brown, MD; Linsey Gold, DO; and Ashley Richardson, DO; discussed a few of the countless myths they hear from patients regarding breast cancer. Here are a few. #1 If you have breasts you can get breast cancer. True. Cancer has no age limitations.#2 Young women don't get breast cancer. False.#3 Finding a lump is the only way to detect breast cancer. False. #4 If your mammogram is normal, you do not have breast cancer. False. #5 I have no family history of breast cancer so I will not get breast cancer. False. #6 Breast cancer has to be removed immediately. False. #7 If you remove your breast, the cancer will not return. False.__________________________________Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Play,   or listen wherever you get your podcasts.Comprehensive Breast Care recently launched “The Breast of Everything,” a podcast series designed to serve as a trusted resource for breast health information, support and encouragement.If you have a subject you would like the surgeons to discuss, please email your ideas to https://compbreastcare.com. The doctors want to hear from you! The views, thoughts and opinions shared in “The Breast of Everything” podcasts are intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice, treatment or care from your physician or health care provider. Always consult your health care provider first.

Comprehensive Breast Care recently launched a podcast series entitled “The Breast of Everything,” hosted by breast surgeons Eric Brown, MD; Linsey Gold, DO; and Ashley Richardson, DO.The surgeons chose to offer this program as a trusted resource for breast health information, support and encouragement. Through “The Breast of Everything,” the three breast surgeons will talk about every aspect imaginable when it comes to breast health.The podcasts provide the surgeons with an opportunity to dispel myths and rumors about breast cancer by bringing listeners the most reliable and current information explained in an easy-to-understand way. During the podcasts, the surgeons also will talk with many leading experts in the field of breast cancer who will share their knowledge on a specific aspect of the disease.__________________________________Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Google Play,   or listen wherever you get your podcasts.Comprehensive Breast Care recently launched “The Breast of Everything,” a podcast series designed to serve as a trusted resource for breast health information, support and encouragement.If you have a subject you would like the surgeons to discuss, please email your ideas to https://compbreastcare.com. The doctors want to hear from you! The views, thoughts and opinions shared in “The Breast of Everything” podcasts are intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice, treatment or care from your physician or health care provider. Always consult your health care provider first.