Down There Aware

This week, Mary and Alex discuss Pinktober, Breast Cancer, and charitable giving.

Reposting this incredible interview with Yohanna Hoehler in honor of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month! Yohanna Hoehler (39), is a Vulvar Cancer Survivor and Advocate. She is the founder of the Vulvar Cancer Awareness Forum, a non-profit organization. VCAF focuses on raising awareness and educating on all things Vulvar Cancer and provide support to those who have been diagnosed. Yohanna also actively advocates and lobbies for new Vulvar Cancer research and treatment advancements as most of what we know about this cancer is based on outdated information. IG Handle: @vulvarcancerawareness

In case you're new here, we wanted to kick off Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month with a retelling of Mary's perspective following Alex's cancer diagnosis. During Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM), visit foundationforwomenscancer.org (link in bio) for information about gynecologic cancer symptoms and treatment, risk and prevention, clinical trials and survivor stories. Gynecologic oncologists are medical doctors with specialized training in treating gynecologic cancers. If cervical, ovarian, uterine/endometrial cancer, vaginal, or vulvar cancer is suspected or diagnosed, seek care from a gynecologic oncologist.  The Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) offers free, downloadable educational materials, many of them available in three languages: English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. These guides can help you learn about the five gynecologic cancers and related topics such as postoperative pain management, financial resources for cancer patients, survivorship and more.  #GynecologicCancerAwarenessMonth #GCAM #MoveTheMessage and #Move4Her

On this week's episode, Alex speaks with Dr. Tania Small.  Dr. Small is the Global Head of Oncology Medical Affairs and Chair of R&D Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council at GSK.  They discuss disparities in diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, and survival rates of uterine and endometrial cancer among Black, Asian, and Hispanic women.  Dr. Small shares her thoughts on ways physicians and pharmaceutical companies, as well as patients, can make changes to bring about meaningful change.  #GynecologicCancerAwarenessMonth #GCAM #MoveTheMessage #WorldGoDay #Move4Her #GynecologicOncology #RacialBias #BlackWomen #advocacy #anchor #podcast #research #spotify #nonprofits Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Summary Keywords  Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month, GCAM, Move The Message, World GO Day, Move4Her Gynecologic Oncology, Racial Bias, Black Women, advocacy, anchor, podcast, research, Spotify, nonprofits

In case you're new here, we wanted to kick off Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month with a retelling of Alex's cancer story. During Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month (GCAM), visit foundationforwomenscancer.org (link in bio) for information about gynecologic cancer symptoms and treatment, risk and prevention, clinical trials and survivor stories. Gynecologic oncologists are medical doctors with specialized training in treating gynecologic cancers. If cervical, ovarian, uterine/endometrial cancer, vaginal, or vulvar cancer is suspected or diagnosed, seek care from a gynecologic oncologist. The Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) offers free, downloadable educational materials, many of them available in three languages: English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. These guides can help you learn about the five gynecologic cancers and related topics such as postoperative pain management, financial resources for cancer patients, survivorship and more. #GynecologicCancerAwarenessMonth #GCAM #MoveTheMessage and #Move4Her

This week, Mary and Alex watched the 1944 film “Gaslight” to learn about the origin of the commonly-used term of psychology of the same name. They discuss ways in which they have been gaslit by medical professionals, as well as how to recognize medical gaslight and ways to advocate for your health when a doctor tries to downplay your symptoms. #Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #cancer #gaslighting #IIH #CSF #ocularmigraine #lumbarpuncture #shoulderdystocia Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Episode Links What is gaslighting? Examples and how to respond Shoulder Dystocia: Signs, Causes, Prevention & Complications Episode Highlights Intro [0:13] Welcome Back! [1:23] Pickleball  [1:57] Gaslighting [3:05] American 1944 movie [3:40] Mary’s personal gaslighting story [5:28] Shoulder dystocia [6:47] High risk pregnancy [8:35] Elective C-section [9:40] Advocate for yourself [11:34] Alex’s personal gaslighting story [12:05] Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) [12:20] Ocular Migraine [13:15] Lumbar puncture [13:40] Thank you, Merry-Jennifer! [15:20] Cerebral Spinal Fluid  [15:48] Vulvar Cancer Network [19:04] ER doc’s perspective needed [20:03] Opioid crisis [22:50] High pain threshold [23:03] Mary’s colonoscopy follow-up [23:43] Only apology[25:25] Ingrid Bergman & Angela Lansbury [28:33] Medical gaslighting [30:22] Thanks for listening! [31:20] Summary Keywords Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, cancer, gaslighting, IIH, CSF, ocular migraine, lumbar puncture, shoulder dystocia

This week Mary and Alex discuss the lack of attention to detail that can have devastating results, especially in the medical community. They share personal experiences and cite articles that discuss the consequences that can result from a lack of attention to detail. #Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #cancer #attentiontodetail #colonoscopy #eliquis #polyps #slowdown #trustyourgut  Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Episode Links Down There Aware Attention to Detail (or the lack thereof) – Hug the Mountain Bristol-Myers Squibb recalls pills with wrong dose - nj.com High Cost of Small Mistakes: Most Expensive Typos of All Time The Relationship of Parental Attitudes and Expectations to Children's Mathematics Achievement Behaviour - Delene Visser, 1987 Episode Highlights Intro [0:13] Welcome Back! [1:25] It is HOT!  [1:32] Back to school time [1:50] College town [2:38] Why today’s topic? [3:06] Attention to detail [3:30] Mary’s colonoscopy [3:50] Bloodthinnners [5:38] Trust your gut [6:14] That’s Sadie’s tail thumping! [6:35] Come prepared [7:17] Polyps [7:48] No one apologized [10:05] Write down names [11:59] Correct spelling of names  [13:30] Pharmaceutical mistakes [15:45] Oops! Battery died!  [16:37] Checks and balances? [16:41] Life and death [17:10] Mary’s theory [17:17] 90’s warm and fuzzy[17:30] Alex’s dishwashing lesson [21:10] My job as your mother [22:14] Children will rise to your expectations [23:16] Everything goes faster [23:27] Alex’s staple removal story [25:41] Thank heaven for Ginny! [28:35] A challenge to slow down [31:00] Thanks for listening!  [31:36] Summary Keywords  Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, cancer, attention to detail, colonoscopy, polyps, eliquis, slow down, trust your gut

This week Mary and Alex discuss period poverty, what it is and what we can do about it. They describe the kickstart project of the Down There Aware nonprofit and explain how listeners can partner with us to truly make a difference in the lives of young girls who are living the nightmare of period poverty. #Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #cancer #nonprofits #donations #DownThereAware #education #periodpoverty #femininehygieneproducts #periodshaming #Kelly&Ellie #ReadySetGoboxes  Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Episode Links Down There Aware Periods an open and honest conversation with an 11 year old and her mom Episode Highlights Intro [0:13] Welcome Back! [1:31] Thanks for voting!  [1:42] Spotlight on DTA nonprofit [2:00] Hard to know how to get the word out [3:38] Word of mouth - the best form of advertisement [4:32] First project: Ready, Set, Go (RSG) boxes [4:52] Kelly & Ellie, Season 2, Episode 12 [5:13] Period Poverty [6:02] Local girl’s initiative [8:17] Educational information for RSG boxes [8:45] Period shaming [11:54] Educate men about girl’s periods [12:28] Donations for nonprofit - Thank you! [13:16] Speak into existence - 500 RSG boxes by Christmas! [13:44] Assemble RSG prototypes [14:21] Why Ready, Set, Go? [15:30] How to donate [16:35] Goal by Christmas [17:40] Thanks for listening!  [17:44] Summary Keywords  Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, cancer, nonprofits,donations, Down There Aware, education,, period poverty, feminine hygiene products, period shaming, Kelly & Ellie, Ready Set Go boxes

This week Mary and Alex discuss nonprofits, what are they and how do they work? They, specifically, discuss their nonprofit, Down There Aware, its purpose, its mission, and how it grew out of the podcast of the same name.  #Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #cancer #nonprofits #donations #DownThereAware #ProctorandGamble #periodpoverty #femininehygieneproducts Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Episode Links www.downthereaware.com Episode Highlights Intro [0:13] Welcome Back! [1:22] July was a busy month! [3:48] Four Seasons of DTA [4:48] Sadie’s entrance [5:04] Alex’s four-year mark [5:45] Favorite Chef contest [7:20] James Beard Foundation [7:47] Down There Aware nonprofit [8:22] Tallahassee Democrat interview [9:40] Arts Admin Masters degree [11:20] Funding [13:10] Sadie’s exit [14:01] Ready, Set, Go! boxes [18:00] Kelly and Ellie inspiration [19:42] Volunteers [21:25] Video glitch - UGH! [22:54] Nonprofit documentation on website [23:27] Please consider donating to DTA [24:35] Info on feminine hygiene packaging  [24:55] Video is back!  [25:43] Proctor and Gamble plea [26:01] Toilet paper packaging in the UK  [26:27] Thank you for listening!  [28:04] Summary Keywords  Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, cancer, nonprofits,donations, Down There Aware, Proctor and Gamble, period poverty, feminine hygiene products

This week Mary and Alex speak with Barasch & McGarry Partner, Sara Director as well as 9/11 Survivor diagnosed with uterine cancer, Karen Smith-Hagman to discuss the World Trade Center Health Program recently naming Uterine and Endometrial cancer to the list of conditions covered by the Victims Compensation Fund. #Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #cancer #911 #compensation #BaraschandMcGarry #uterinecancer #endometrialcancer #MemorialSloanKettering #WorldTradeCenter  Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Episode Links https://www.911victims.com Episode Highlights Intro [0:13] Welcome Back! [1:21] Guest introductions [1:29] Uterine cancer [2:22] 9/11 Bill: Victim Compensation [2:42] World Trade Center Health Program [4:10] Compensation [4:20] Educated and informed doctors [4:32] “Never forget” [5:40] Men vs Women [6:15] 69 qualifying conditions [8:06] Karen’s story [8:50] Uterine/Endometrial cancer diagnosis [10:35] Memorial Sloan Kettering [10:45] 5 years NED [13:15] Initial symptoms [16:10] Transvaginal ultrasound [18:40] Total hysterectomy [20:51] Chemotherapy [23:01] Adding uterine cancer [27:16] Accommodations for employees with cancer [29:27] 1 in 3 people get cancer [30:31] Who is eligible for compensation? [33:35] Providers who KNOW what to look for [37:23] Autoimmune and heart conditions [38:57] Incredible work [39:34} Who to contact [40:10] Thank you! [42:58] Summary Keywords  Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, cancer, 911, compensation,  Barasch and McGarry, uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, Memorial Sloan Kettering, World Trade Center

This week Mary and Alex speak with Cliff Reed, Founding CEO, and Dennis Watson, VP Business Development, of Travera, a company specializing in new technology enhancing the landscape of late stage cancer treatment. Listen on our website, www.downthereaware.com/podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. #Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #cancer #Travera #genomics #DNA #MIT #FDA #CLIA #LDT #cancerresearch #technology #cancertechnology #innovation #groundbreaking #latestagecancer #stage4cancer #uterinecancer #ovariancancer #leukemia Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Episode Links TRAVERA Episode Highlights Intro [0:13] Welcome Back! [1:25] Guest introductions [1:44] M.I.T. technology [3:42] Genomics and DNA sequencing [3:58] Limited patients [4:05] New measurement tool [4:48] MIT/Dana Farber Cancer Institute partnership [5:32] Infectious disease comparison [5:48] Multiple Myeloma [6:38] “Cheat code” [7:30] Commercial launch [9:09] Test offered for free [10:15] Working with physicians [10:55] Trial and error process for patient [13:20] Advocacy groups [15:25] Patient profile [16:01] Cancer mutation [17:57] Access to live cancer cells [18:38] Quick turn-around for results[21:30] No additional burden on patient [23:35] Early stage testing and limited data [24:28] Predictive accuracy over 80% [25:12] Late stage cancer patients [26:25] Response from oncology community [28:00] Difference in this x vivo test [29:25} No financial risk [30:00] Great value to research and future patients [31:57] MIT intent [34:57] Great creative minds in scientific research [36:15] Future of Travera’s efforts [36:55] The bigger plan [39:01] FDA approval/CLIA certification [40:05] Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) [40:21] Potential to greatly benefit newly diagnosed patients[41:49] Microchip specs [43:45] Physics vs biochemistry[46:20] Simple comparison to a diving board [47:05] Speed and logic [49:47] If someone is listening today and is interested [51:30] dwatson@travera.com [52:23] PHI and HIPAA [53:35] Hearing from those who know best [55:03] Thanks for listening! [56:19] Stay Connected  Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, cancer, Travera, genomics, DNA, MIT, FDA, CLIA, LDT, cancer research, technology, cancer technology, innovation, groundbreaking, late-stage cancer, stage 4 cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, leukemia

This week Mary and Alex discuss Sympathy Fatigue. Is it really a “thing” and what can be done if we are suffering from it?   #Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #sympathyfatigue #Hank Green #HodgkinsLymphoma #LynchSyndrome #leukemia #compassion #cancer #communication #fertility Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Episode Links Are you experiencing compassion fatigue? Hank Green Lynch syndrome - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Episode Highlights Intro [0:13] Welcome Back! [1:25] Is Sympathy Fatigue a thing? [2:28] Cancer muggle [3:05] Compassion Fatigue [4:45] “I’m sorry.” [5:23] “Es tut mir leid.” [6:49] Cancer jokes [8:35] Communication from patient [9:20] Be intune to the patient [9:28] Difficult subjects [12:23] Leukemia [14:45] Fertility was the cost of treatment [17:30] Lynch Syndrome [18:05] Hank Green [18:18] Parent’s response to sympathy [20:17] “No” is a complete sentence. [21:05] Thanks for listening! [22:06] Summary Keywords  Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy,  sympathy, fatigue, Hank Green, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Lynch Syndrome, leukemia, compassion, cancer, communication, fertility

This week Mary and Alex discuss how transitioning from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset might affect our daily lives, especially regarding unexpected medical diagnoses. #Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #ALS #GrowthMindset #FixedMindset #funding #MariaMenounos #BrookeEby Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Episode Links https://mariamenounos.com/ https://iamals.org/stories/brooke-eby/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxfJtE9W11E https://www.mindsetworks.com/science/ Episode Highlights Intro [0:13] Welcome Back! [1:25] What’s happening? [1:40] Maria Menounos [4:20] Oops! Pancreatic, NOT breast cancer [4:36] Happening FOR me, not TO me [4:43] Growth Mindset [5:20] Fixed Mindset [6:23] Health perspective [7:58] Parosmia/Dysgeusia [8:15] Alex’s cancer journey led to podcast [9:58] Alex advocates for her friend [11:30] Important to take someone to doctor appointments [12:18] Life lessons [12:56] Brooke Eby [14:23] Parent’s response [17:17] Research funding [18:16] Grieving loss [19:15] Importance of continually choosing Growth Mindset [19:47] Thanks for listening! [21:34] Summary Keywords  Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy,  ALS, Growth Mindset, Fixed Mindset, Choices, funding, Maria Menounos, Brooke Eby

This week Mary and Alex discuss three articles covering a ground-breaking vaccine trial, heart transplant anti-rejection drug risks, and colon cancer diagnoses in young adults. There is some shocking news in each of these articles and this mother/daughter duo feels it’s very important to share what they’ve learned. #Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #vaccinetrial #cancerprevention #hearttransplant #immunosuppressantdrugs #antirejectiondrugs #coloncancer #youngadults #earlysymptoms #als #procterandgamble #mands Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Episode Links Victoria's Secret From The B00BLESS BABE'S POV @Theebooblessbabe 💪😍 ... | TikTok  Amy Silverstein speaks up for change in drugs tied to organ transplants https://twitter.com/CBSSunday/status/1655207103915589633 Is There a Lynch Syndrome Vaccine on the Way? Colon cancer is on the rise in younger adults: What you should look for I am Brooke Eby Episode Highlights Intro [0:13] Welcome Back! [1:24] Mary fumbling the beginning [1:35] Bits of info in cyberspace [2:17] Ground-breaking vaccine trial [3:13] Lynch Syndrome [3:25] First vaccine for non-viral disease [5:28] Not a cure, but a prevention [5:50] Kudos, MD Anderson [11:10] Amy Silverstein [11:18] Immunosuppressant drug risks [11:10] Cloak of silence [12:54] Life expectancy for heart transplant patients [15:34] Under-funded research [16:15] Brooke ALS [20:50] Younger adults with colon cancer diagnoses [21:59] Qualifications for colonoscopy [22:33] Sadie Mae’s sneaky entrance [25:52] Color-rectal cancer early symptoms [27:33] Be your own advocate! [31:00] Age is not the only factor. [32:56] M & S packaging labels [33:13] Procter & Gamble [33:36] Thanks for listening!  [35:14] Summary Keywords  Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy,  vaccine trial, cancer prevention,  heart transplant, immunosuppressant drugs,  anti-rejection drugs,  colon cancer,  young adults, early symptoms, Procter & Gamble, M & S, ALS

This week Mary and Alex respond to Hank Green’s recent video in which he shares his cancer diagnosis. Hank was very open and honest as he begins this journey. Mary and Alex discuss their reactions to Hank’s perspective, expectations from the audience of content creators, and the many life lessons to be learned when faced with a serious diagnosis. #Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #Hodgkinslymphoma #bloodcancer #chemo #contentcreator #lifelonglearner #cancersucks #control Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Episode Links Looking for Alaska: Green, John: 8601400593011: Amazon.com: Books So, I've got cancer It's Not about Me: Lucado, Max: 9789575879532: Amazon.com: Books Episode Highlights Intro [0:13] Welcome Back! [1:24] Hank Green [2:33] John Green [2:45] Fault in Our Stars [3:06] Content creators [3:56] “It’s probably nothing” [4:10] American Healthcare System [6:37] Sadie Mae joins us [10:00] Hodgkin’s Lymphoma [10:45] Smiling when discussing serious issues [11:01] Emotional processing in private [12:17] Difference between blood cancers and solid mass tumor cancers [13:04] Risk factors for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma [16:05] Knowledge is power [18:35] Audio issues [20:15] Practicalities and logistics [20:50] “This is your job now.” [23:30] Expectations of content creators [24:22] It’s Not About Me [25:05] Sadie’s afraid of the rain [25:16] Specific requests [26:50] “Let’s fight this thing together” - NOT. [28:40] Good science, good healthcare, good outlook/attitude, chance [28:55] Nerdy science guy [29:30] Control is a spectrum [30:10] I can be both. [30:55] Grieving the person who’s never had cancer [31:02] Friendships:Joyful in the moment, wise in the long term [31:38] What you give comes back to you, multiplied.[32:40] “I’m fine, but I’m not fine.” [33:27] The “Big C” [33:53] Tuberculosis? [34:37] Effects of cancer on an entire community [35:53] No apology necessary [37:17] Cancer sucks! [38:07] We wish you well, Hank! [40:12] Thanks for listening! [40:14] Summary Keywords Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy,Hodgkin’s lymphoma, blood cancer, chemo, content creator, life-long learner, cancer sucks, control

This week Mary and Alex have an informal chat about the medical community and ever-changing guidelines for testing and care. They share research, articles, and personal experiences about how far we’ve come. #Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #pectusexcavatum #cervicalcancer #guidelines #insurance #colonoscopy #risk #tuberculosis #infertility #menstruation Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Episode Links Looking for Alaska: Green, John: 8601400593011: Amazon.com: Books Pectus excavatum: Not just a cosmetic concern What Is Cervical Cancer? - NCI Da Vinci Robot | Robotic Assisted Systems | Intuitive Fact Sheets | General | Tuberculosis: General Information | TB | CDC Episode Highlights Intro [0:13] Welcome Back! [1:25] New look in the studio! [1:35] Sadie in the spotlight! [1:55] Katie Couric [2:52] Dense breast tissue [3:52] Medical recommendations and insurance [4:20] Guidelines lagging behind research [5:20] Colonoscopy recommendations [6:45] The risk factor [8:10] What can colonoscopy diagnose? [9:32] The ever-changing hysterectomy [10:12] DaVinci machine [12:25] FL DOT [14:55] Decisions to benefit whom? [16:06] Pectus Excavatum repair [19:35] Global society [21:50] John Green [22:05] Tuberculosis [22:30] Eradicating cervical cancer [23:05] Check out our TikTok [23:38] Maternal mortality rate [24:10] Challenge for audience! [25:11] Like, Subscribe, Rate, and Share! [25:20] Previous podcast episodes [25:56] Alex’s story [26:15] Infertility [26:28] Preteens and menstruation prep [27:05] Thanks for listening! [27:49} Summary Keywords Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy,pectus excavatum, cervical cancer, guidelines,  insurance,  colonoscopy,  risk,  tuberculosis,  infertility,  menstruation

This week Mary and Alex discuss the reasons for and the process through which we might go about seeking a 2nd opinion. 1. To gather information, 2. Not comfortable with diagnosis, 3. Unsuccessful treatment #Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #pectusexcavatum #IdiopathicIntracranialHypertension #discectomy #2nd opinion Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Episode Links The Gift of Fear: And Other Survival Signals That Protect Us from Violence Pectus excavatum: Not just a cosmetic concern Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Episode Highlights Intro [0:13] Welcome Back! [1:24] Happy Birthday, Mary & George! [1:48] Second opinions [2:20] Negative stigma? [2:58] Gathering more information [3:31] Will’s 2nd opinion for pectus excavatum [4:31] Alex’s 2nd opinion for IIH [7:13] The Gift of Fear [12:04] Treatment is unsuccessful [16:35] Didn’t seek 2nd opinion [17:10] Back injury [18:28] No need to rush into decisions [23:31] Sadie may enters [26:07] Thanks for listening! [26:15] Summary Keywords  Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, pectus excavatum, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, discectomy, 2nd opinion

This week Mary and Alex reflect on an article written by a woman who left her fiancé when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor because, in her words, “I knew the future we had planned out was over.” #Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #caregiver #empathy #commitment #braincancer Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Episode Links I Dumped My Man Because He Has Cancer. Now I'm Running in His Honor Woman Reveals Broke Fiancé  Recovering Brain Surgery Danielle Epstein: Londoner left partner Jelle Fresen because his cancer was ‘damaging my mental health’ | PerthNow "How to remain single forever": Danielle Epstein slammed over London marathon fundraiser after abandoning cancer-stricken boyfriend Leaving my boyfriend after his cancer diagnosis was the best thing for both of us Woman who left fiancé because he had cancer ended their relationship while he was in hospital Episode Highlights Intro [0:13] Welcome Back! [1:25] Unexpected break [2:05] Alex’s disclaimer [2:50] Danielle and Jelle’s story [3:55] It’s not about you! [6:30] In sickness and in health [6:40] Me, myself, and I [7:00] Caregivers [8:04] Seeking validation [9:05] Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs [10:10] Ann-Forest’s story [11:30] Change in life’s trajectory [12:55] Mental Health Awareness [15:35] Negative response [17:33] You can do both! [19:02] Benefits of caregiving [20:35] Divorce rate [23:28] Oops! Lost the video, but still have sound! [24:23] Video is back! [24:46] LOVE  [26:06] Michael J. Fox [27:45] We just don’t get it. [29:52] Thanks for listening! [32:49] Summary Keywords  Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, brain cancer, caregiver, empathy, commitment

This week Mary and Alex chat about the term “health anxiety.” Is it real? Is it a positive or negative concept? Is there any value in it? #Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #healthanxiety #trepidation #anticipation #fear #hypochondria #worry #munchausensyndrome #familyphysician #TodayShow #UFHealth Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Episode Highlights Intro [0:13] Welcome Back! [1:25] Time to chat [1:46] The TODAY Show [1:53] Peloton instructor dx with breast cancer [2:03] Health Anxiety [3:19] “Scanxiety” [3:39] Hypochondria [6:45] Negative connotation [7:40] Worry [8:35] What Ifs [10:05] Hug the Mountain [12:30] Shout out to Victoria [14:50] Alex’s teaching emergency [15:20] Sadie Mae [16:57] Healthy attitude and preparation [17:18] Munchausen Syndrome [18:20] Shands experience [18:48] Develop honest relationships with doctors [20:40] Trusted Internet sites [22:50] Yikes! We lost our  video!  [24:11] Importance of regular check-ups [25:25] Vital role of family physicians [26:04] Thanks for listening! [27:16] Summary Keywords Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, advocacy, health anxiety, trepidation, anticipation, fear, hypochondria, worry, munchausen syndrome, family physician, Today Show, UF Health

This week Mary discusses (and Alex reacts) to the medical and legal ramifications that can come from a delay in diagnosing endometriosis. #Podcast #Spotify #Anchor #research #advocacy #travel #endometriosis #delayeddiagnosis #patient advocacy Stay Connected  Email Us: downthereaware@gmail.com Instagram:@downthereaware  Facebook: Down There Aware  Twitter: @downthereaware Pinterest: Down There Aware TikTok: Down There Aware Episode Highlights Intro [0:13] Welcome Back! [1:23] Happy Easter! [1:40] What is the cost of a delayed diagnosis? [2:27] The overlap between endometriosis and other conditions. [3:32] Where a diagnosis starts  [4:37] Pitfalls of specialist referrals [10:05] Primary care physician superstars [12:32] Diagnosis stats [15:37] Why are there delays? [16:51] Dismissal of symptoms [17:20] Taking the easy route [20:22] Let’s be real, some doctors are lazy [21:09] Will doesn’t have a clue [21:27] The legal perspective of a delayed diagnosis [22:55] Whoops lost the camera feed! [23:02] Sadie joins us (and is bored with all of the liturgical talk [23:34] Patient vs. Doctor responsibility in a delayed diagnosis [24:23] Maggie’s diagnosis [25:46] Sometimes delayed diagnosis is unavoidable [26:33] Signs of a delayed diagnosis [27:00] Lack of coordination between specialist [30:15] It’s a team effort [32:10] Thanks for listening! [34:47] Summary Keywords Podcast, Spotify, Anchor, research, travel, ovarian cancer, insurance, delayed diagnosis, endometriosis, miscommunication, specialists, team effort, patient advocacy