243. Emotional and Physical Challenges Post-Treatment. Katrece Nolen on IBC Survivorship
09/19/24 • 19 min
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Katrece's journey began in her late 30s, a time when many women may not consider themselves at risk for breast cancer. With no known family history of the disease, she was caught off guard when she noticed a physical change in her body—one breast appeared larger than the other. This seemingly benign observation led her to seek medical attention, a decision that would prove to be pivotal in her healthcare journey. The initial visit to her family doctor, although met with some skepticism regarding the urgency of her symptoms, highlighted the importance of being proactive. Despite not feeling a lump during a self-exam, Katrece’s instincts pushed her to pursue further evaluation, demonstrating that awareness and self-advocacy are crucial components of health management.
You can listen to Katrece's full story with IBC in episode 242. Today we go beyond diagnosis and treatment to survivorship! Katrece shares her story 11+ years from that initial call informing her she had breast cancer. Today she is living with no evidence of disease!
SURVIVINGBREASTCANCER.ORG
Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events
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SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/
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.
Love the episode? Send us a text!
Katrece's journey began in her late 30s, a time when many women may not consider themselves at risk for breast cancer. With no known family history of the disease, she was caught off guard when she noticed a physical change in her body—one breast appeared larger than the other. This seemingly benign observation led her to seek medical attention, a decision that would prove to be pivotal in her healthcare journey. The initial visit to her family doctor, although met with some skepticism regarding the urgency of her symptoms, highlighted the importance of being proactive. Despite not feeling a lump during a self-exam, Katrece’s instincts pushed her to pursue further evaluation, demonstrating that awareness and self-advocacy are crucial components of health management.
You can listen to Katrece's full story with IBC in episode 242. Today we go beyond diagnosis and treatment to survivorship! Katrece shares her story 11+ years from that initial call informing her she had breast cancer. Today she is living with no evidence of disease!
SURVIVINGBREASTCANCER.ORG
Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events
Follow us on Instagram
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/
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.
Previous Episode
242. Breaking Barriers: Advocating for Yourself When You Have Inflammatory Breast Cancer with Katrece Nolen Part I
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I had the privilege of speaking with Katrece Nolen, a breast cancer survivor from Northern Virginia. We had such a lovely and long conversation that I ended up producing this episode in two parts. Today we dive into Katrece’s compelling story with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).
Diagnosed in her late 30s, Katrece's story began with a simple observation of asymmetry in her breasts, which led her to seek medical attention. Despite initial challenges in getting timely appointments, her persistence paid off when she was diagnosed with IBC, a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer.
Katrece detailed the rigorous treatment process, which included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, emphasizing the importance of having knowledgeable doctors and advocating for oneself. She also highlighted the emotional and logistical challenges of managing a cancer diagnosis while raising three young children, and the critical role of community and family support.
Katrece's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-advocacy, the need for specialized knowledge in treating rare cancers. In part II (EPS 423), we celebrate Katrece’s survivorship of 11+ years and what survivorship and surveillance look like for those diagnosed with breast cancer.
SURVIVINGBREASTCANCER.ORG
Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events
Follow us on Instagram
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/
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
244. Understanding Nurse Navigation: Support and Resources for Cancer Patients
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In the realm of breast cancer treatment, nurse navigators play a pivotal role in guiding patients through the complexities of their diagnosis and treatment. This episode of "Breast Cancer Conversations" features insights from Colleen Beguin, Amanda Kuller from Honor Health and Lourdes Heras, a patient advocate at SurvivingBreastCancer.org, who share their experiences and perspectives on the importance of nurse navigation.
SURVIVINGBREASTCANCER.ORG
Attend a free virtual SurvivingBreastCancer.org event:
https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/events
Follow us on Instagram
SurvivingBreastCancer.org: https://www.survivingbreastcancer.org/
Breast Cancer Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/breastcancerconversations/
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
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