In this episode of All Talk Oncology, Kenny Perkins, AKA Your Cancer Guy, speaks with Carly and Dr. Saahil Mehta about Carly’s breast cancer journey, the challenges of mastectomy and reconstruction, and the research that inspired Bloom43, an innovation designed to support breast surgery recovery.

Carly shares how she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at age 37 in December 2019. She discusses her BRCA1 mutation, family history, treatment experience, and decision-making around breast surgery and DIEP flap reconstruction. Her story highlights the emotional and physical challenges patients may face while navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and planning treatment.

Dr. Mehta explains the clinical problem that inspired his research: mastectomy skin can sometimes lose its blood supply and develop skin necrosis, creating complications during recovery and reconstruction. He discusses his work investigating whether controlled heat applied to the skin before surgery could help prepare the tissue and improve its response to the surgical process.

In this episode, Carly and Dr. Saahil Mehta discuss:

• Carly’s triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis at age 37.
• The role of BRCA1 and family history in her cancer journey.
• Navigating breast cancer treatment and surgical decisions.
• Carly’s experience with mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction.
• The challenges of mastectomy skin necrosis.
• Dr. Mehta’s research into preparing skin before breast surgery.
• How controlled heat may support blood flow and the skin’s response.
• The clinical thinking behind the development of Bloom43.
• The importance of patient education and informed decision-making.
• How personal experiences and medical research can inspire innovation in cancer care.

Carly and Dr. Mehta’s conversation highlights the importance of research, patient advocacy, and exploring ways to improve the surgical experience for people undergoing breast cancer treatment.

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#AllTalkOncology #YourCancerGuy #BreastCancer #TripleNegativeBreastCancer #BRCA1 #BreastReconstruction #Mastectomy #CancerResearch #PatientAdvocacy #PatientEmpowerment #CancerEducation #Bloom43

In this episode of All Talk Oncology, host Kenny Perkins (Your Cancer Guy) welcomes Dr. Asal Rahimi, radiation oncologist, professor, and researcher at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Dr. Rahimi shares exciting breakthroughs in breast cancer radiation therapy that are changing how early-stage breast cancer may be treated in the future. She explains how her team is leading innovative clinical trials exploring single-dose radiation treatments that may allow certain patients to receive just one radiation session before surgery while achieving outstanding outcomes.

The conversation also explores how advances in imaging, radiation planning, and precision medicine are making treatment more convenient while reducing exposure to healthy tissue, minimizing side effects, and improving quality of life.

This episode offers hope and insight for patients, caregivers, and anyone interested in the future of breast cancer treatment.

In this episode, Dr. Rahimi discusses the following:

• Her journey at UT Southwestern and passion for breast cancer research
• How radiation therapy has evolved over the past two decades
• The groundbreaking single-dose radiation clinical trial
• Why treating the tumor before surgery may improve outcomes
• How precision radiation reduces exposure to healthy tissue
• The role of hormone therapy alongside radiation treatment
• Advances in non-operative lymph node evaluation
• The Fast Forward five-treatment radiation approach
• New technology that allows patients to begin treatment sooner
• Why clinical trials are essential for improving cancer care

Dr. Rahimi also reminds patients that early detection saves lives. Regular mammograms, timely diagnosis, and participation in research continue to improve treatment options and provide hope for future generations.

Podcast Website: alltalkoncology.com

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Hashtags: #BreastCancer #RadiationTherapy #ClinicalTrials #BreastCancerResearch #CancerInnovation #RadiationOncology #AllTalkOncology #YourCancerGuy #BreastCancerAwareness

In this episode of All Talk Oncology, Kenny Perkins, AKA Your Cancer Guy, speaks with hematologist oncologist Tiffany Pompa about her journey from patient to physician, her compassionate approach to cancer care, and the future of circulating tumor DNA testing.

Dr. Pompa explains how surviving a severe asthma attack and experiencing the vulnerability of being critically ill influenced the way she cares for people with cancer. She also shares the story of a stage four melanoma patient whose final wish helped guide her toward oncology and taught her the importance of protecting quality of life.

The conversation explores ctDNA, a blood-based technology that may help physicians identify cancer-related DNA, personalize treatment decisions, and monitor for signs of recurrence in certain patients. Dr. Pompa discusses its potential role in stage II colon cancer and explains why patients should feel empowered to ask their physicians about emerging technologies and treatment options.

Highlights:

• Dr. Pompa’s journey from patient to hematologist oncologist.
• How a life-threatening asthma attack shaped her bedside manner.
• The patient experience that inspired her to enter oncology.
• What ctDNA, or circulating tumor DNA, means.
• How ctDNA may support personalized cancer treatment.
• The potential use of ctDNA in stage II colon cancer.
• Monitoring cancer recurrence through blood-based testing.
• The importance of early detection and informed patients.
• Building a collaborative relationship with your care team.
• Exercise, movement, balance, and patient-centered cancer care.

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#ctDNA #CirculatingTumorDNA #CancerCare #HematologyOncology #CancerEducation #CancerAwareness #EarlyDetection #PersonalizedCancerCare #ColonCancer #PatientEmpowerment #AllTalkOncology #YourCancerGuy