207. Is the Medicine Working? Exploring Treatment Efficacy in Breast Cancer with Dr. Rodriguez.
10/21/23 • 48 min
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In this episode, we discuss the use of ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) in surveillance for breast cancer patients. Dr. Rodriguez, being a board-certified medical oncologist, has extensive experience in breast cancer oncology and has conducted clinical research in ctDNA application and breast cancer management.
Together we dive into the different stages of breast cancer, ranging from early stage (zero through stage three) to late stage (metastatic or de novo breast cancer) and highlight the importance of monitoring the effectiveness of treatments and understanding whether the medicine is working. This is where ctDNA surveillance plays a crucial role.
Topics Discussed in this Episode
00:06:07 Understanding breast cancer recurrence.
00:11:27 Predicting cancer recurrence is complex.
00:20:07 Lifestyle changes reduce cancer recurrence.
00:24:13 Open communication with doctors is important.
00:30:06 Monitoring treatment effectiveness is challenging.
00:34:52 Circulating tumor DNA improves cancer detection.
00:42:00 Improving adherence to breast cancer treatment.
About Our Guest, Angel Augusto Rodriguez
Dr. Angel Augusto Rodriguez is Oncology Medical Director at Natera. Natera is a company with expertise in cell-free DNA technology which delivers platforms in prenatal care, transplant medicine, and oncology. Dr. Rodriguez is a board certified medical oncologist and attended Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas where he completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology.
He was the recipient of a Komen for the Cure Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer grant and specialized in breast oncology at Baylor College of Medicine where he conducted clinical research in ctDNA application in breast cancer management.
Before joining Natera, Dr. Rodriguez practiced in Houston Methodist Cancer Center where he was Director of the Clinical Trials Office and led the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Clinic. He is based in Austin, Texas.
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Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.instagram.com/survivingbreastcancerorg/
+++++++++++++++++++++
SBC’s Mission: To empower those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families from day one and beyond.
About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.
Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Love the episode? Send us a text!
In this episode, we discuss the use of ctDNA (circulating tumor DNA) in surveillance for breast cancer patients. Dr. Rodriguez, being a board-certified medical oncologist, has extensive experience in breast cancer oncology and has conducted clinical research in ctDNA application and breast cancer management.
Together we dive into the different stages of breast cancer, ranging from early stage (zero through stage three) to late stage (metastatic or de novo breast cancer) and highlight the importance of monitoring the effectiveness of treatments and understanding whether the medicine is working. This is where ctDNA surveillance plays a crucial role.
Topics Discussed in this Episode
00:06:07 Understanding breast cancer recurrence.
00:11:27 Predicting cancer recurrence is complex.
00:20:07 Lifestyle changes reduce cancer recurrence.
00:24:13 Open communication with doctors is important.
00:30:06 Monitoring treatment effectiveness is challenging.
00:34:52 Circulating tumor DNA improves cancer detection.
00:42:00 Improving adherence to breast cancer treatment.
About Our Guest, Angel Augusto Rodriguez
Dr. Angel Augusto Rodriguez is Oncology Medical Director at Natera. Natera is a company with expertise in cell-free DNA technology which delivers platforms in prenatal care, transplant medicine, and oncology. Dr. Rodriguez is a board certified medical oncologist and attended Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas where he completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology.
He was the recipient of a Komen for the Cure Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer grant and specialized in breast oncology at Baylor College of Medicine where he conducted clinical research in ctDNA application in breast cancer management.
Before joining Natera, Dr. Rodriguez practiced in Houston Methodist Cancer Center where he was Director of the Clinical Trials Office and led the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Clinic. He is based in Austin, Texas.
+++++++++++++++++++++Follow us on Instagram
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.instagram.com/survivingbreastcancerorg/
+++++++++++++++++++++
SBC’s Mission: To empower those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families from day one and beyond.
About SurvivingBreastCancer.org: SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.
Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Previous Episode
205. Finding Strength and Joy in Parenting with Metastatic Breast Cancer with Carrie Danny
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In this podcast episode, we speak with Carrie Danny, a mother of two daughters who are autistic. Carrie shares her experience of being a parent with MBC and the challenges she faces in raising her children. Carrie expresses her gratitude for being able to be there for her children despite the difficulties of a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. The conversation also includes personal anecdotes about celebrating birthdays, having pets, and resources for moms living with MBC.
Topics Discussed in this Episode
00:02:18 Parenting with MBC: Challenges and Gratitude.
00:06:26 Reframing difficulties with gratitude and presence.
00:14:31 Embrace diversity and self-acceptance.
00:21:13 Educating others about personal challenges.
00:25:03 Open communication is important.
00:33:10 Open and honest communication about cancer.
00:39:09 Adapt parenting to accommodate limitations.
00:43:05 Importance of connection in parenting.
00:59:01 Legacy planning for children
01:01:07 Support and resources for parenting
About Our Guest, Carrie Danny
Homeschool Educator, Support Group Facilitator, Neurodiversity Advocate.
Carrie is living with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer that spread throughout her ribs, hips, spine, and skull in 2017. She is currently stable on oral chemo. She is a mom to two amazing kids with high support needs. Carrie, her children, and co-parent are all ADHD. " Every day of my life is a challenge and a gift I cherish!"
+++++++++++++++++++++Follow us on Instagram
Laura and Will: https://www.instagram.com/laura_and_will/
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.instagram.com/survivingbreastcancerorg/
+++++++++++++++++++++
SBC's Mission: To empower those diagnosed with breast cancer and their families from day one and beyond.
About SurvivingBreastCancer.org.:SurvivingBreastCancer.org, Inc. (SBC) is a Federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit virtual platform headquartered in Boston with a national and global reach. Through education, community, and resources, SurvivingBreastCancer.org supports women and men going through breast cancer. We provide a sanctuary of strength, compassion, and empowerment, where those diagnosed with cancer unite to share their stories, learn invaluable coping strategies to manage wellness and mental health, and find solace in the unbreakable bond that fuels hope, resilience, and the courage to conquer adversity.
Fit, Healthy & Happy PodcastWelcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Next Episode
208. Unveiling the Realities of Metastatic Breast Cancer in October
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Our annual Pinktober MBC Panel on October 29 featured guests Megan-Claire Chase, Janice Cowden, Kathleen Friel, Victoria Goldberg, Claudia Gonzalez, Kirby Lewis, Amy Parliman, and Stephanie Walker.
In this episode, these women share their experiences living with metastatic breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The panelists discuss how their perspectives have changed or evolved considering the realities of living with a terminal illness.
- 00:02:03 - "How do we bring more awareness to what's not pink?"
- 00:03:18 - "So what does October mean to us when everything is pink ribbon and you're living with a terminal illness?"
- 00:26:26 - "I felt very betrayed that I participated in something that I thought was one thing and was actually something different."
- 00:40:36 - "We are more than just the body parts."
- 00:44:58 - "I need to remember people who have gone and people who are still with us and I want to make sure that those who are newly coming into this, as Emily Garnett used to say, the worst community with the best people."
Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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