My Breast My Health

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

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 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