In today's episode, I explore the question: Why does breast cancer come back after treatment?

I discuss the mechanisms that can lead to cancer recurrence, offering insights into microscopic spread, lymph node involvement, resilient cells, dormant cancer cells, incomplete treatment, and genetic mutations.

Join me in this solo episode where I uncover the reasons behind breast cancer recurrence and learn about the possible treatment options for those who experience a recurrence.

You can connect with me on Instagram and let me know your thoughts. Also, if you have any particular topics you want to discuss with me, then let me know too.

I hope you find this episode useful.

Tasha

In this episode of "My Breast, My Health," I delve into the lesser-known but crucial topic of inflammatory breast cancer.

I explore the challenging diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and prognosis of this aggressive type of breast cancer.

I discuss the unique presentation of inflammatory breast cancer, the importance of seeking medical attention for persistent symptoms, and the evolving treatment options.

Join us as we uncover essential insights about this rare form of breast cancer and shed light on valuable information for both patients and caregivers.

DM me on Instagram and let me know your thoughts.

Thank you for listening.

Tasha 

In this episode of "My Breast, My Health," host Tasha Gandamihardja is joined by special guest Sarah Newman, founder of Get Me Back. Together, they dive into the crucial topic of exercising post-surgery, particularly for those recovering from breast cancer treatment. 

The episode delves into the importance of strength training, the benefits of consistent physio exercises, and strategies for maintaining motivation for exercise. Listeners will gain insights into recommended exercise timelines post-surgery, the significance of gradual strength training progression, and the positive impact of physical activity on overall health. Plus, they'll discover Sarah's personal journey from cancer diagnosis to becoming a cancer rehabilitation trainer and the launch of an online community for women's fitness. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking guidance on exercise after breast cancer treatment and a deeper understanding of the role of fitness in post-surgery recovery.

Connect with Sarah on IG @getmebackuk

You can also check out her website www.getmeback.uk

You can connect with Tasha on IG and TikTok @DrTashaG.

You can check out her YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/@DrTashaG

Thank you for listening.

Breast cancer in the South Asian community is a topic that doesn't get talked much about.  My guest on today's show, Iyna Butt, knows all about this.

You see, Iyna is a British South Asian woman, and when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she soon realised that cancer in general, let alone breast cancer specifically, seems to be a subject that nobody talks about.

Although no doubt the intentions were good, she was given all sorts of strange advice about what she needed to do to get rid of her cancer; like wearing a black bra for example!

She knew then that she had to do something about this.

In this episode, Iyna talks about her breast cancer diagnosis, her charity work in raising breast cancer awareness within the South Asian community, and the challenges that need to be overcome to ensure that women from all backgrounds are catered for within the health care sphere.

Check out the show notes at https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode40

Connect with me on social @DrTashaG and say hi! It would be great to see you there.

Happy listening!

Tasha x

How does yoga help with breast cancer recovery? We all know that exercise and movement are not only good for our health, it also has a positive impact on the outcome of breast cancer treatment. Many of you may already practice yoga, and no doubt you already know about the various benefits it brings. But, if you have had treatment for breast cancer, can yoga help with recovery?

In this episode, Marcia Mercier, explains how she embraced yoga and its impact on her own recovery following her breast cancer diagnosis. Now as a fully qualified yoga instructor, she talks about the dos and don'ts of yoga practice in breast cancer recovery. She describes the best classes to take as well as the poses one should avoid.

Marcia also explains how yoga not only benefits the physical aspect of recovery, but also the mental side of things. Yoga is such a holistic practice and the benefits can be far-reaching.

You can check out the show notes:

https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode39

Do connect with me on IG @DrTashaG and say hi!

Happy listening
Tasha x
 

In this episode, we are talking about all things bra-related. 

If you think you know about bras..think again. In this episode, I talk to Julie Blanche who is an expert bra fitter. It was a great conversation and you wouldn't believe how complex the world of bras can be. You don't know what you don't know. That is so true.

At the end of this episode, you will learn so much.
We talked about so many things, including the best way to put on a bra, how to look after them as well as ways to achieve symmetry following breast surgery. 

Give it a listen, your bras will thank you for it!

Follow me on social media. Find me on IG and Twitter @DrTashaG.

Happy listening!

Tasha x

Life is predictably unpredictable. Things happen randomly, unexpectedly, and out of our control.

A breast cancer diagnosis for example is such a life event. Similarly, after breast cancer treatment has finished,  you can't predict how you recover. You may find changes to the breast. You may be feeling certain symptoms that you are not particularly sure of. You may need support for your mental well-being. All of these don't happen on a particular day at a particular time. So, what happens when you do find unusual symptoms and need help?

An open-access follow-up service may be the solution. This is an alternative way of following up with those who have finished treatment for their primary breast cancer. Instead of going to a follow-up clinic once a year, you can get support at a time that is suitable for you.

In this episode, Kieva Noble who runs such a service discusses how an open-access follow-up service works. We talk about how she ensures the holistic needs of patients are addressed, who is eligible to join and what happens when someone does indeed need help and support. 

It was a great conversation, which I know you'll enjoy.

Let me know what you think about this episode and all the others by saying hi to me on social media @DrTashaG.

Happy listening.

Tasha x

Welcome back to the podcast!

In this solo episode, I talk about all things related to breast cancer recurrence. This is the one thing most patients fear... the fear of cancer coming back. In this episode, I talk about the types of breast cancer recurrences, what can be done to treat it and what symptoms to look out for.

I hope this is useful, and if you want to check out the show notes, head over to:

https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode36

Connect with me on Instagram @DrTashaG and let me know what you think about this or any of the other episodes.

Happy listening!

Tasha x

Dr Bob Octovianus is a breast surgeon in Indonesia, one of the most populous countries in the world. With that comes many challenges. Limited resources, financial restrictions and cultural barriers. He also explains the lack of breast cancer awareness in the community leading to patients presenting to his clinics with locally advanced cancers.

This episode highlights the differences in health care provisions across the world. Certain things taken for granted in one country can be the reason why a different treatment decision is made in another.

Dr Bob was honest in sharing his experiences, not only the challenges that he faces, but also his triumphs. He is passionate to increase breast cancer awareness in Indonesia and for this he leverages the power of social media, especially Instagram. 

Do connect with Dr Bob on Instagram @AskBobRSOS.

Connect with me on Instagram @DrTashaG.

It was a fantastic conversation from which I learnt a great deal. If you want to have an insight into how breast cancer treatment is in a developing country, this is the episode to check out.

Happy listening.

Tasha x

So, this episode is slightly different. Today I am going to take you behind the scenes on an operating day.

For those who have never had surgery, you may wonder what happens on a day when a surgeon operates? What time does it start? How does the day run? What are the different activities that happen behind the scene to make sure that all surgeries are done and all patients are taken care of?

This episode was recorded nearly 12 months after the first lockdown was instigated. You can compare this episode to the one I recorded when the UK went into the first lockdown here:

https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode14.

It would be interesting to hear your thoughts when you compare the two episodes.

Do connect with me on Instagram @DrTashaG and let me know what you think about this episode, and let me know if you want me to do more of these behind the scenes types of podcasts.

Happy listening. 

Tasha x

We live in a digital age and more and more of us are downloading health apps in order to boost and improve our health and wellbeing.

But, how can a health app be helpful for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer?

Dr Anne Bruinvels is the founder of the app OWise, a health app that is designed to help patients with breast cancer. It is essentially a one-stop shop which can be used to store information surrounding the cancer treatment, record and monitor side effects and allows the information to be shared to doctors or family members. It even has a recording facility within the app that allows clinic consultations to be recorded to be listened to later. And all this is within an app where the data is encrypted and is GDPR compliant and secure.

It was a great conversation and Anne shares so many important tips surrounding health tech in general. Do listen to the end as she describes the things to look out for before downloading a health app, to make sure it is safe, robust and secure.

Check out the show notes at:

https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode33

Do DM me on Instagram @DrTashaG and let me know what you think about this or any of the other episodes you may have checked out.

Happy listening!

Tasha x

The field of functional and integrative medicine is becoming increasingly recognised by the mainstream. If you haven't come across these areas, then this is the podcast episode for you.

Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel is my guest today. She is an integrative medicine practitioner, who initially trained as a natural scientist and then entered medicine. She became slightly disillusioned by how very disease centric medicine is and she realised that the other areas of nutrition, health and wellbeing of patients were not being addressed adequately.

Her diagnosis of breast cancer in her early 30s became the catalyst of her entering this field. We talked about the differences between functional and integrative medicine, and how the two complement each other. She explains why she feels modern medicine as it currently stands is not equipped in dealing with the person holistically and what needs to be done to change that.

It was a great conversation which you will enjoy.

You can find the show notes at:

https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode32

Connect with me on social media, either Instagram or Twitter.

Happy listening.

Tasha x

Hi friend,

Today, we delve into the world of radiotherapy and explore its potential side effects. 

The majority of people tolerate radiotherapy well. However, like with most clinical treatments, there can be potential side effects.

Short-term side effects of radiotherapy may include skin reactions, fatigue, and breast changes. 

Whilst long term side effects can range from changes in breast appearance, lymphoedema, and nerve damage, to rare risks such as angiosarcoma.

In this episode, I cover all things related to this type of treatment.

Radiotherapy can have its challenges, but modern techniques have minimised many of these issues. Remember, communication with your healthcare team is key.

Hope you enjoy the episode.

PS, if you want to learn more about how exercise can be beneficial in combating fatigue around breast cancer treatment, then I recommend you listen to this episode with Sarah Newman.

Tasha x

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial. But, what is a clinical trial? Am I eligible to participate? What are the benefits? What does it involve? Do I have to pay?

These are some of the questions we discuss in this week's episode with Danielle Ralic. Danielle is a technologist and her career has revolved working on solving tech problems in healthcare. Her passion is to use technology to improve quality of care and making healthcare accessible to all.

When she learnt about the difficulties and the challenges some patients have been faced in finding out about clinical trials, Danielle thought of creating a solution. She cofounded Ancora.AI, a platform that aims to use technology and a patient-first approach to democratise access to clinical trials and improve the trial experience. 

As well as clinical trials, we also talked about the impact of the pandemic on health care in general and how technology has been embraced allowing more adaptive working. It was a fascinating conversation and one I am sure you will enjoy.

For the show notes, you can head over to:

https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode31

I would love to connect with you too. DM me on Instagram @DrTashaG and let me know what you enjoyed about this episode, or any of the other episodes. I would love your feedback.

Happy listening!

Tasha x

Jo was diagnosed with primary breast cancer at the age of 38 years, 14 years ago. At the time, she had a 5-month daughter, a 2-year-old son, and her life was turned upside down.

Since her primary diagnosis, she has been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer affecting her lymph nodes in her neck, her sternum, and recently brain metastasis.

Throughout the years, Jo has been a passionate advocate for those affected by breast cancer, whether primary or secondary breast cancer. She collected resources that lead her to create her website abcdiagnosis where she provides information and resources that are accessible.

Whilst attending a conference about secondary breast cancer, she noticed that information about the red flag symptoms that may represent secondary/metastatic breast cancer was not readily shared with patients. As a result, she created infographics about the common sites where breast cancer may spread too.

She is also a co-founder of the secondary breast cancer website metupuk.org which advocates for patients with secondary breast cancer.

Jo has done all of this work whilst having to deal with her own primary and secondary breast cancer diagnosis.

It was a fantastic conversation, and listening to Jo's story was inspirational.

If you want to check out all the links, please head over to the show notes at:

https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode30.

Do connect with me on Instagram @DrTashaG. Let me know what you think about the show, who you want me to invite on and topics you would like me to talk about. It'd be great to connect.

Happy listening!

Tasha x

Hello again and welcome to the second part of a two part series where we talk all things benign.

Today's conversation is with Dr Peter Davis, who works as a histopathologist. He and his team are responsible for analysing any tissue that we take either from a biopsy or at surgery. They process it, examine it under the microscope and deliver a diagnosis.
It is really clever stuff.

We left off following our previous conversation, and talk about a few other commonly encountered benign conditions we find in the breast. These included, fibrosis, ADH (atypical ductal hyperplasia and microcalification).

Once again, it was an extremely educational conversation, and I hope you enjoy it.

If you haven't done yet, I would love you to connect with on social media.

You can find me @DrTashaG on twitter and Instagram.

Happy listening!

Tasha x

When you have a breast abnormality, you may need to have a biopsy. This is where a sample is taken from the breast and sent to the lab for analyses.

The majority of biopsies come back as a benign (non-cancerous) diagnosis. Of course this is always a great relief. But the actual terminology of the results can be confusing and unclear.

Today I have a conversation with Dr Peter Davis, who is a histopathologist. He and his team are responsible for analysing all the specimens in the lab and come back with a diagnosis.

We talked today about the various benign conditions that we may find in the breast. This included conditions such as cysts, fibroadenomas and fat necrosis amongst others.

Because there was so much information packed into the episode, I have split it into two parts. The next episode being published next week.

If you fancy a recap of what we talked about in this episode, then head over to the show notes at:

https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode28.

It would be lovely to connect with you on social media. 

I am @DrTashaG on  Twitter |  Instagram |  TikTok | Clubhouse.

Happy listening!

Tasha x

What happens when you are diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28?  You reflect on your life, consider what is important and then you pivot. You pursue a path that you find meaningful and fulfilling.

This is what happened to my guest today, Paulina Golozd.

Paulina had a secure high flying corporate job. However, a breast cancer diagnosis made her realise that perhaps what she was doing wasn't enough. She wanted to make an impact on people's lives and be the difference. 

So, she quit her prestigious job with all the trapping that came with it, and became a student again. She completed her degree in counselling psychology and is now busy undertaking research as part of her PhD thesis. As part of her project,  Paulina is looking at the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis, not only on those who have undertaken treatment, but also the  on surgeons involved in treating the disease. 

Paulina is passionate about helping those who have been affected by breast cancer. Listen to this episode to learn more about her story, from her breast cancer diagnosis to the breast cancer surgeon who inspired her and ultimately to the work she is doing right now. 

Head over to the show notes at:  https://mybreastmyhealth/episode27.

It was a great conversation and I hope you enjoy it.

Happy listening!

Tasha x

What to eat and what not to eat? That is the question.

There is so much information and mis-information out there surrounding nutrition and food. Navigating through the noise can be really difficult, this is more so when you are looking for reliable and accurate information surrounding nutrition around a breast cancer diagnosis.

Tamar Rothenberg is a nutrition dietician who specialises in nutrition supporting those who have had a breast cancer diagnosis.  She’s an adjunct professor of nutrition at Touro College and University and most recently, she co-led the study, Coping with Cancer in the Kitchen, published in Nutrients.

So she knows her stuff!

In this episode we talked about so many topics; from debunking diet myths, to the roles of pre and pro-biotics as well as the role of anti-inflammatory foods and the different types of the mediterranean diet. 

Tamar also brilliantly describes how focusing on 'what you will eat' rather than 'what you won't eat' is a better way to reframing how we approach food.

It was such a great episode, and Tamar shared so much information on foods that are beneficial, specifically if you are either going through a breast cancer diagnosis, or are coming through the other side.

Please check out the show notes for all the links:

https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode26.


Thanks for listening.

Tasha x

We all know that exercise is good for you. However, this is especially true if you have had treatment for breast cancer. There is emerging evidence suggesting that regular exercise not only improves your general fitness, but it can also reduce cancer recurrence and improve outcome post treatment.

Today's guest is Tom Cowan, an exercise physiologist who works closely with those affected by cancer. Tom's work has been recognised by Public Health England and the Faculty for Sport and Exercise Medicine UK, who selected him to become a member of their Cancer and Exercise expert panel.

Tom prescribes specific exercises tailored to the individual and understands the challenges faced by patients, either during or after treatment.

Topics  we covered include: how to beat fatigue (a common side effect of treatment), exercises we can do to boost our immune system, the importance of bone health, as well as strategies to help with lymphoedema.

It was a conversation full of extremely helpful advice, and Tom shares tips and tricks of what you can do to to incorporate exercise into your daily life.

Check out the show notes at:

https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode25 

Happy listening.

Tasha x

So, 2020 has been no ordinary year.
We have suffered loss, faced numerous challenges and setbacks, as well as experience inspirational moments and joy...all bundled into 12 extraordinary months.

I wanted to share what I have learnt over the past year. The things that have resonated with me the most. The things that have inspired me the most. Taking time to reflect is always beneficial, for me at least. It allows me to take stock, learn and grow.

Head over to the show notes at https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode24

Let's embrace 2021 with hope and optimism.

Tasha x

Have you ever wondered what a mammogram is? Does it hurt? Can you have a mammogram if you have breast implants? Am I too young to have a mammogram?

If you want to learn more about all things related to mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and breast screening, then this is the episode to listen to.

In this episode, I have a conversation with Dawn McDonald who works as a consultant radiographer. Dawn has been in this field for many years, and in this episode, she explains all things related to breast imaging. What it involves, what happens if you need a biopsy, and what you can expect if you get a recall from your screening mammogram.

After listening to this episode, you will no doubt feel more comfortable and hopefully less intimated if you ever need a mammogram or breast ultrasound.

It was a great conversation and I hope you enjoy it.

You can visit the show notes at:

 https:www.mybreastmyhealth.com/episode23

In the meantime, enjoy the festive season, and catch up with you on the other side.

All my best,
Tasha x

In today's episode, I have a conversation with Kath Elliott.

Kath, who is based in Melbourne, Australia, was diagnosed with breast cancer in her mid-40s, just over a year ago. 

In this episode we talked about her she coped with her breast cancer treatment, how her family and friends got her through her chemotherapy, and that telling her 3 boys about her cancer was the hardest thing to do.

Her cancer diagnosis also changed the way she looked at her life. It made her become more reflective about her past and hopeful for the future. She described how meditation, her journaling habit and practicing gratitude have helped her through her treatment and beyond.

She has an incredibly positive outlook and has turned the trauma of a breast cancer diagnosis into a positive.

I really found this conversation inspirational, and I am sure you will too.

You can connect with Kath on instagram @healingbreastcancer.

Her website is www.kathrynelliott.net

You can check out the show notes at www.mybreastmyhealth.com/episode22

Happy listening.

Tasha x

Welcome to a solo episode of "My Breast My Health," where your host, Tasha Gandamihardja, delves into the cutting-edge realm of cancer detection using a blood test.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr Tasha sheds light on the groundbreaking potential of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in transforming the landscape of cancer detection and monitoring.

Discover the advantages of ctDNA, its promising role in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, and its ability to guide personalised treatment decisions.

Join us as Dr Tasha uncovers how ctDNA testing could revolutionise early-stage cancer detection, monitor treatment response, and even play a pivotal role in guiding personalised treatment decisions.

I hope you enjoy this episode.

You can connect with Dr Tasha on Instagram and let her know what you thought about the episode.

xx

Welcome to Season 2!

In this episode, I have a conversation with Toral Shah. Toral is a chef, nutritionist and an advocate of functional medicine. She is passionate about the role of food in the prevention of diseases in general, and cancer in particular.

In this episode, we talk about so many things, from what motivated her to become interested in food, her own breast cancer diagnosis at a young age and how she became a passionate advocate of functional medicine.

We also talk about the health inequities and challenges that affect those from the BAME community, the various ways we can improve this situation and the different strategies she has implemented to spread this message.

Toral also explains what functional medicine is all about, the importance of nutrition in health and what we can do to kick start a healthier lifestyle.

It was a fascinating conversation and I hope you enjoy it.

The show notes are at https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode21

Please connect with Toral at www.theurbankitchen.co.uk

Connect with me on social media platforms @DrTashaG

Tasha x

Welcome to the best bits of the My Breast My Health podcast.

In this episode, I have collated snippets from all the guests who have appeared on the podcast so far and wrapped them into one lovely package for your listening pleasure. It was such fun editing this episode for you, and I have to say that you are in for a treat.

Today you can listen to stories of those affected by breast cancer and experts who share their knowledge surrounding various breast cancer topics. I also make an appearance describing what working has been like during the Covid-19 pandemic.

You can find all the links of these episodes in the show notes:

www.mybreastmyhealth.com/episode20.

I am taking a small break for the summer and will back very soon. In the meantime, connect with me on Twitter and IG @DrTashaG.

Happy listening and have a great summer!

Tasha x

Breast cancer is the commonest cancer that affects women. However, can it affect men too?

The answer to this question is, yes it can!

The incidence of male breast cancer is relatively low, however, it does exist. 

This is not something men really think about as breast cancer has been so strongly associated as a disease that mainly affects women.

Because the incidence is low, we don't talk about it very much. Awareness surrounding this topic is poor which actually means that men don't seek help as readily as women would if they experience breast symptoms.

This may be one of the reasons why men present with larger cancers and in a more advanced stage compared to women.

So, if you want to learn something new and find out more about male breast cancer, then check out this episode.

You can find the show notes at:

https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode19

Happy listening!

Metastatic (stage 4) breast cancer is when the primary breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body and so the disease is therefore incurable. 

The number of people living with stage 4, metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is increasing every year. It is estimated that around 35000 people in the UK are currently living with MBC.

In this episode, I have a conversation with Mary Huckle. Mary is a personal trainer and pilates instructor. She has also been living with MBC since 2014 following her primary breast cancer diagnosis 7 years earlier, just shy of her 42nd birthday.

It was an amazing and honest conversation and I thank Mary for sharing her story.

You can check out the show notes at https://mybreastmyhealth/episode18.

Follow me on IG and Twitter @DrTashaG

Enjoy listening.

Tasha x

In this podcast episode, we talk about all things related to the benefits of fat in breast surgery. 

Yes, you read that right, F.A.T. So, you may be wondering, how can we use this precious commodity in order to help the appearance of the breast following surgery?

Today's guest is Dr Jacqueline Lewis. She is an oncoplastic breast surgeon, who has a background in plastic surgery. As a result, she has the expertise to operate on those with breast cancer, whilst at the same time ensuring the best aesthetic outcomes.

This podcast episode was really fun to record as I have known Jackie for some time. We talked about all things fat-related incuding, how it can be used to benefit breast surgical outcomes, what part of the bodies is best for liposuction and which patients this technique would work best on.

Check out the show notes at https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode17.

If you want to connect with me, and say hello, then check me out on twitter and Instagram @DrTashaG.

Enjoy listening and stay safe.

Tasha x

The emotional effects of a breast cancer diagnosis can be life-changing. How can we cope with such varying emotions from fear, anxiety to depersonalisation and depression? 

In this episode, I have a fascinating conversation with Nazanin Derakhshan who is a professor of experimental psychopathology at Birkbeck University London. Her academic work involves looking at the cognition and emotional interactions in emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Recently she has concentrated her work specifically investigating emotional vulnerability in those affected by breast cancer and developing ways to help increase resilience.

She shares the story of her own breast cancer diagnosis and the reasons that have motivated her work in this field. At the end of the episode, she shares some helpful and proven strategies that can reduce symptoms such as anxiety, fear and depression, to help achieve a balance in life after a breast cancer diagnosis.

You check out all the good stuff including her facebook group and details of where to find her at:

https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode16


Enjoy listening!

Tasha x

In this episode, I talk to Juliet Fitzpatrick who opted to have a mastectomy and go flat and decided not to have breast reconstruction.

Juliet was diagnosed with screen-detected breast cancer at the age of 54. She did not find or feel any lumps or abnormalities and so a breast cancer diagnosis came as a complete shock. We talk about how her initial operation was unable to remove all the cancer and how ultimately she needed a mastectomy. Juliet decided not to have any form of breast reconstruction and she explains the reasons behind her decision and how it made her feel empowered and in control.

Juliet now advocates passionately in spreading the message of how 'going flat' is a choice and that it is an area of breast cancer treatment that should be talked about more openly.

It was a fascinating conversation and one that I think you will enjoy.

Juliet has blogged about her cancer experience, so please check out her website at www.bloomingcancer.co.uk.

You can also connect with Juliet on social media:
Instagram @Julietkfp
Twitter @Juiletfitzy

You can connect with me on social media:
Instagram @DrTashaG
Twitter @DrTashaG

If you want to check out the show notes then please head over to  www.mybreastmyhealth.com/episode15

Hope you enjoy the episode, and stay safe.

Tasha x

Everything has changed. The way we live our lives, work and play. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is far-reaching and will no doubt be long-lasting.

The way we are living our lives has changed, we all have had to adapt, including how we work. As a breast cancer surgeon, I continue to go to the hospital and provide a breast cancer service as best as we can given the circumstances. 

In this podcast episode, I take you behind the scenes where I describe what I do in a typical snapshot of a week. You'll find out how so many things have changed, from what we do in clinics and the way we conduct them, to the impact the pandemic has on our operating capacity.

The format of this episode was different from the usual solo or interview episodes I normally put out. If you enjoyed listening to this please connect on social media. You can find me on Twitter or Instagram @DrTashaG and let me know if you want more of these types of 'behind the scenes episodes'.

You can also go to the show notes at https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode14.

Thanks for listening and stay safe.

Tasha x

Welcome to a new episode of the podcast. In this episode, I talk to Sarah Robart who is a genetics counsellor. Her role is to assess the risk of an individual of developing breast cancer based on their genetic makeup, as well as their family history of breast cancer and other related cancers.
 
It was a fascinating conversation where we delve deeper into what predetermines whether someone may be eligible for testing, the logistics of the actual test and what impact a positive result may have on other family members.

We also talk about the DIY genetic testing kits or the direct consumer kits and the various dangers associated with them.

You can find the show notes at https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode13.

This episode was recorded before the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic outbreak that has since affected our lives in unimaginable ways. The release of this episode was as a result delayed as I recorded an unscheduled episode about the effect of the pandemic on breast cancer services (episode 12).

As always, I would love to hear from you. If you want to connect with me then please say hi on twitter or Instagram @DrTashaG.

Enjoy listening and stay safe

Tasha x

Hello and welcome to this special episode of the podcast.

In this podcast episode, I talk about what impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on breast cancer services and treatment in the UK. 

We are currently living in extremely difficult and uncertain times. The Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has affected the world in unimaginable ways. Certain countries are being affected more than others. Wherever we live however, this is a virus that is affecting us all. 

Hospitals are preparing for the influx of people we know will need acute life-saving medical treatment. More ITU beds are being created, doctors and nurses are being trained in different areas in order to be ready for deployment to the front line. Retired doctors and nurses are being recalled to cover the increasing staff shortages as more health care workers fall ill or having to self-isolate.

As a result, the way other medical conditions are being treated is, at the moment, changing. This includes breast cancer.

The guidelines mentioned in this episode can be found at:

www.mybreastmyhealth.com/episode12.


Stay safe and if you want to connect, reach me on Twitter or Instagram @DrTashaG.


Tasha x

 

Welcome back to "My Breast My Health," where we shed light on important topics related to breast health. In today's solo episode, we're delving into the world of DCIS, also known as ductal carcinoma in situ. We'll be tackling what it is, how it presents, the treatment options available, and the prognosis associated with it.

DCIS is a non-invasive form of breast cancer, confined to the milk ducts and not spreading into the surrounding breast tissue. It often goes undetected without presenting symptoms and is usually identified through breast screening, such as mammograms. However, it can manifest through calcifications on mammograms, nipple discharge, or as a less common breast lump.

As we navigate through this episode, we'll explore the diagnostic process, surgical and non-surgical treatment options, and the reasons behind treating a non-invasive condition. We'll also dive into the risk of recurrence following treatment and the crucial role of regular follow-up and maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-treatment.

So if you've ever wondered about DCIS and its implications, stick around as we unpack its complexities and implications. And don't forget, you can always reach out to me on Instagram @DrTashaG with any questions or feedback. 

I hope you enjoy this episode!

Welcome to episode 11 of the podcast. 

When someone is diagnosed with breast cancer, I commonly get asked whether this cancer may be due to a genetic cause. In fact, only between 5-10% of breast cancer cases are due to a genetic predisposition. So, the majority of breast cancers are what we call sporadic cancers.

It was a pleasure to have Dr Munaza Ahmed on the podcast today, who works as a consultant clinic geneticist. It was an absolutely fascinating conversation where we go deep into the various aspects of genetics and breast cancer. 

Amongst many things, we talk about what the functions of the commonly known high-risk genes i.e. BRCA 1 and BRCA2, what the lifetime risk is if you have a mutation in one of these genes, and the various strategies available to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer if you are a mutation carrier. We also talk about the implications of testing positive for a mutation in these high-risk genes on other members of the family, including men.

If you want to learn more about this topic, then this is the episode you want to listen to.

Go to https:\\mybreastmyhealth.com\episode11 for the show notes.

I hope you enjoy this episode. If you'd like to connect, say hi to me on Twitter or Instagram @DrTashaG.

Happy listening!

Tasha x 

Helen Deverell was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 29 years old. At a young age, her life was suddenly turned upside down. When you are in your 20s, cancer is certainly not something you even think about let alone consider happening to you.

In this podcast episode, Helen talks openly about her cancer diagnosis and the story behind why she started to check and examine her breasts in the first place.

She discusses the very difficult issue of not knowing whether she could ever have children as a result of her treatment and how she coped with the mental struggles she faced during but especially after her treatment had ended.

We also talk about how she is now wanting to give back to the breast cancer community by volunteering with the charities Coppafeel and Breast Cancer Now.

I hope you enjoy listening to this episode. If you want to check out the show notes, then head over to https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode10.

And, if you want to connect with me on social, I'd be delighted to say hello @DrTashaG.

Tasha x

Being told you have breast cancer is devastating. At that moment in time, your life is turned upside down and you will need all the support and guidance you can get. This is where a breast care nurse specialist can be an amazing human to have in your life. 

In today's episode, I talk to Sally Shanley, a breast care nurse with over 20 years of experience. We talk about why it is important for those affected by breast cancer to have someone advocate for them, the different strategies that can help someone come to terms with a diagnosis and she also gives some practical advice on how to move forward.

If you want the show notes then go to www.mybreastmyhealth.com/episode9.

I would also love to hear from you, tell me what you think about the podcast and you can also give me some ideas for future guests. So do connect with me on Twitter and Instagram @DrTashaG.

Hope you enjoy this episode and thank you for listening.

Tasha x

Welcome back to another episode of the podcast. Today I am talking to Helena Traill. Helena has recently published the 100 Stories book, that has curated 100 stories, from 100 people who were generous to share their cancer stories. 

The aim of the book was to open up discussions surrounding the topic of talking about cancer. We know that cancer can be a difficult and challenging topic to discuss with others; fear, embarrassment, guilt, sadness, cultural, these are just a few reasons amongst many others that prevent people from talking about their cancer diagnosis. 

In this episode, we discuss the reasons behind the creation of the book, the power of social media in creating cancer communities and how this project has helped Helena's dad talk more freely about his own cancer diagnosis.

If you want to get the show notes, please head to:

https://mybreastmyhealth.com/episode8.

You can follow me on social on Twitter and Instagram @DrTashaG.

Hope you enjoy listening to the episode!

Tasha x

In today's episode, I will be giving an overview of the possible options for breast reconstruction following a mastectomy.

In the UK, anyone who has been recommended or choose to have a mastectomy should be offered the opportunity to have breast reconstruction as part of their treatment. In this episode, I go through the commonest options and explain in detail what the operations involve.

You can check out the blog post at https://mybreastmyhealth.com/breastreconstruction/

I would also love to connect with you and hear what other topics you would like me to talk about or even guests you would like me to interview.

Connect with me on Twitter https://twitter.com/DrTashaG

and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drtashag/

Thanks for listening!

Welcome to this episode of the podcast.

In this solo episode, I talk about the common side effects that may be experienced by those who have had breast cancer surgery. I explain the reasons why these side effects can occur and what steps you need to do if you have them. 

As always, you can find all about this episode and the resources I mention, in the show notes at:

www.mybreastmyhealth.com/surgerysideeffects

If you want to suggest topics that you'd like me to talk about in future episodes, or if you want me to have a certain guest on, or if you just want to say hi, then I would love to hear from you. 

You can find me on instagram or twitter @DrTashaG.

Thanks for listening and all the very best for 2020!

xx

In today's episode, Dr Tasha has a conversation with Sara Liyanage. Sara is a blogger, author and was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 40s. In this episode, the conversation revolves around Sara's breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and the amazing website she created following her diagnosis. Sara has also recently written a book that chronicles her story.

Dr Tasha and Sara had an insightful and in-depth conversation that no doubt you will enjoy listening to.

If you would the show notes, please go to:

www.mybreastmyhealth.com/episode5

You can follow Dr Tasha on Twitter and Instagram @DrTashaG. You can also carry on the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #mybreastmyhealth.

Thanks for listening!

Do you know how to do a breast examination? Many patients I see in the clinic ask me what is the best way to do a breast check for lumps and changes? A lot of people find it intimidating and confusing. They don't know where to start, what to look out and feel for and how best to do it.

In this solo podcast episode, I will guide you step by step on how to do a breast examination, which you can follow if you wish. That is the beauty of a podcast! You can pause and play at your own pace. By the end of the episode, you should be able to examine your breasts in a confident manner.

You can check out the show notes at:

https://mybreastmyhealth.com/breastexamination

If you have found this podcast helpful, why don't you share the episode with your family and friends? You will share the knowledge and may help them at the same time!

Thanks for listening!

Breast Cancer Pathology Results

What does my breast cancer grade mean? What is ER positive and HER2 negative breast cancer?

If you have had a breast cancer diagnosis, it is likely that you would have received a lot of information that may seem rather confusing and difficult to understand.

In this episode, I have a conversation with a consultant breast pathologist, Dr Peter Davis. This is a fascinating episode where we discuss the various processes that occur from the moment a piece of breast tissue arrives in the pathology lab, all the way to when he looks at it underneath the microscope. We also unpick all the medical terminologies you may find in a breast cancer pathology report.

If you want to find out more, then head to the show notes at:

www.mybreastmyhealth.com/breastcancerpathology

Hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

In the next episode, I will talk you through how to do a breast examination. If you don't want to miss out, then do subscribe to the show!

See you in the next episode!

What happens in a breast clinic?

Visiting a breast clinic appointment may feel a little bit daunting and stressful, but hopefully, once you listen to this episode, you will feel less intimidated.

In this episode, I will guide you through what you may expect to experience. I will explain what happens when the doctor/surgeon sees you in the clinic room, as well as the various possible scans you may get.

If you want to get the links and the transcript of this episode, please head to:

www.mybreastmyhealth.com/breastclinic

Thanks for listening and don't forget to subscribe to the show for more useful episodes!

In this episode, I have a conversation with Dr. D Dizon, an oncologist who will be shedding light on an important topic that many breast cancer patients are apprehensive about – chemotherapy.

Dr. Dizon is a professor of medicine and surgery at the prestigious Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. With a clinical focus on pelvic cancers, including those of the ovary, uterus, and cervix, Dr. Dizon also provides care for individuals with breast cancer and soft tissue sarcoma. Beyond his clinical practice, he has developed a special interest in survivorship, particularly in the area of sexuality after cancer, recognizing the unique challenges and needs of cancer survivors in their post-treatment journey.

Dr. Dizon will delve into what chemotherapy is, how it works, and its role in treating different subtypes of breast cancer. We will learn about the advancements and new treatment options available, including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, that provide more personalized approaches for patients.

We'll also be exploring the concept of survivorship and how it extends beyond just being cancer-free. Dr. Dizon will discuss the importance of addressing aspects like healthy lifestyles, sexuality, and nutrition for individuals with metastatic breast cancer through the Oncology Wellness Lifestyles and Survivorship Program offered at Brown University.

Embracing the power of social media as a platform for education and advocacy, Dr. Dizon has made a significant impact by actively engaging with diverse audiences on various platforms, including Twitter and TikTok. Through these channels, he seeks to raise awareness, offer support, and share valuable insights to promote a greater understanding of cancer survivorship and the importance of addressing the holistic needs of individuals impacted by cancer.

Join us as we unravel the truths and misconceptions about chemotherapy, learn about the latest developments in breast cancer treatment, and understand the significance of survivorship.

Connect with Dr D Dizon on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

You can access CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians here.

Connect with Dr Tasha on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Tasha

Welcome to the first episode of the podcast! I am so thrilled you are here.

In this episode, I introduce myself and explain the reasons why I created this podcast. It is me saying hello and welcome if you will.

This podcast, that comes out twice a month, is about breast cancer, breast health and learning ways to live a healthier life.

There will be solo episodes as well as fascinating interviews with experts in the field of medicine, surgery, and the health and wellness space. Most importantly, however, I will be having conversations with those who have been affected by breast cancer and will be sharing their stories and experiences. 

I am looking forward to having you listen to the upcoming shows.

If you want to learn more, then please check out the website at:

www.mybreastmyhealth.com


Please subscribe to the show and thanks for listening!

Welcome to the My Breast, My Health podcast. In this episode, our host and breast surgeon, Tasha Gandamihardja, dives into the different types of breast cancers. 

Tasha discusses the common types encountered in clinical practice, including invasive ductal carcinomas, invasive lobular carcinomas, triple-negative breast cancers, inflammatory breast cancers, and DCIS. 

She provides insights into the origins of these cancers, their presentation, and the potential treatment approaches. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these prevalent breast cancer types and their implications for health and treatment.

You can connect with Tasha on IG and TikTok @DrTashaG.

You can check out her YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/@DrTashaG

Thank you for listening.

In this episode of "My Breast My Health," host Tasha Gandamihardja, a breast cancer surgeon, delves into the topic of "Embracing Emotional Resilience" in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis. 

She outlines four strategies designed to help cope with the mental and physical impact of a breast cancer diagnosis, offering actionable steps and a bonus strategy. Tasha emphasizes the importance of understanding one's emotional landscape, cultivating coping mechanisms, building a support system, and prioritizing self-care. 

She also highlights the value of finding strength in information and encourages listeners to connect with her on social media to share their thoughts. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights and practical advice on navigating the emotional journey of a breast cancer diagnosis.

You can connect with Tasha on IG and TikTok @DrTashaG.

You can check out her YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/@DrTashaG

Thank you for listening.