Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes shares some personal news. Subscribe to Cancer Straight Talk to get notified when new episodes air.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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2:13
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2:13
Alternative Cancer Treatments: The Science vs. The Hype
In this episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with Dr. Jun Mao, Chief of MSK’s Integrative Medicine Service, and Jason Hou, herbalist and acupuncturist at MSK, to break down the facts about alternative medicine—an approach that combines conventional cancer treatments like surgery, radiation, chemo, immunotherapy and targeted treatments, with holistic therapies like acupuncture, mindfulness, natural herbs and supplements. They tackle common misconceptions about alternative medicine, explaining what the science says, what’s safe, and what to avoid. Offering guidance on how these natural therapies can complement other cancer treatments – and how to recognize misleading claims – this episode empowers patients and caregivers with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about their cancer care and the use of alternative therapies. Resources:MSK's "About Herbs" DatabaseMSK's Meditation LibraryMSK's Integrative Medicine at Home Program Episode Chapters:2:05 - Integrative vs. Alternative medicine3:14 - Which integrative therapies are right for me?6:29 - Do these therapies actually treat/kill cancer?7:59 - The very real benefits of human connection9:36 - Ivermectin10:18 - Cannabis oil and Castor oil11:55 - Vitamin C13:53 - Turmeric14:30 - Medicinal mushrooms14:59 - Ashwagandha15:42 - Traditional Chinese medicine18:25 - The dangers of "Why not try?"21:49 - Resources: herbs, meditation, yoga, music, etc.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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23:55
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23:55
Preserving Fertility During Cancer Treatment: Options, Costs and Success Rates
In this empowering episode, Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks to a panel of onco-fertility experts about preserving fertility during cancer treatment. MSK oncologists Dr. Julia Brockway-Marchello and Dr. José Flores discuss the timing and options for patients who want to have biological children without delaying life-saving cancer treatments, like radiation and chemotherapy. Dr. Lucky Sekhon, reproductive endocrinologist and fertility specialist at RMA of New York, explains the safety, success rates, and evolving technologies used to freeze eggs and bank sperm. A nurse from MSK's fertility preservation program, Lauren Martino, explains what patients should know about the cost and the importance of early referrals. Emotional stories from cancer survivors, new parents, and patient advocates offer hope to anyone, man or woman, who faces cancer and wants to have a baby someday. Episode Chapters:2:26 - Timeline from diagnosis to preservation3:17 - Why fertility preservation is recommended4:27 - Preservation options for women5:58 - Egg retrieval success rates7:31 - Testing embryos for cancer-causing genes9:12 - Breast cancer patient testimonial10:23 - Embryos or eggs: Which is better to freeze?12:39 - Testicular cancer patient testimonial13:26 - Preservation options and timeline for men14:43 - Will the preservation process delay my treatment?16:14 - Will the preservation process worsen my cancer?17:25 - Preservation options during/after treatment19:25 - Pregnancy success rates for various methods22:40 - Cost of sperm banking23:16 - Cost of egg and embryo freezing24:41 - Insurance and financial grants28:23 - It takes a villageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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30:41
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30:41
Miracles on York Avenue: Inspiring Stories from MSK Patients & Staff
In this special episode, MSK patients, caregivers and clinicians share the miracles they’ve witnessed, even in the darkest of times. From life-saving medicine to gratitude for caregivers and a surprise romance, these stories remind us of the power of human connection. Episode Chapters:1:15 - A Marathon Bond5:09 - 2000 Miles Apart, United by a Breakthrough7:55 - Showing Up for the Little Things9:42 - Love After Loss, With Help from Two Angels13:10 - More Time, More Memories: Marley’s Gift14:57 - A Village for Ryan: MSK’s Creative Care19:39 - The Healing Touch: Cecilia’s Miracle22:13 - Cancer Hits Home for Dr. Reidy23:28 - The Gift of Meaning: Michael's "Revelation"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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25:53
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25:53
Breast Cancer Treatment Part 2: Chemo, Hormone Therapy and Life After Treatment
In this episode (part 2 of 2), Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes speaks with a team of MSK experts to explore the complexities of breast cancer treatment and life afterwards. Breast medical oncologist Dr. Julia Brockway-Marchello and nurse Jenna Galinsky explain chemotherapy and hormone therapy, their potential side effects, and ways they can be alleviated. Nurse Adriana Olivo discusses how survivors can cope with emotional challenges, like the fear cancer will come back. Breast cancer patients and survivors offer advice on asking for support while navigating life during and after cancer treatment. Listen to episode 52 "Breast Cancer Treatment Part 1: Surgery, Radiation and Reconstruction" Listen to episode 39 "How to Manage Side Effects During Cancer Treatment: Fatigue, Hair Loss, Skin Care and More" Listen to episode 12 "A Woman's Guide to Sex and Cancer" Episode Chapters:1:44 - Why use some treatments over others?2:55 - Types of breast cancers & their treatments4:50 - Patient testimonial on self-advocacy6:02 - Length of treatment & why it can change7:38 - Quality of life advice during treatment9:10 - Mitigating chemotherapy side effects9:57 - Maintaining sexual health during treatment10:46 - When is taking estrogen a bad idea?13:07 - Quality of life concerns & when to switch meds16:16 - Mitigating hormone therapy side effects17:32 - Patient testimonial on finishing treatment18:22 - Managing fear & life after treatment19:34 - Mitigating long-term side effects of treatment21:24 - Patient testimonial on fear of recurrence22:49 - Why scanning for recurrence isn't recommended26:25 - The reason for all this: live your life!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cancer Straight Talk from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center brings together national experts and cancer patients to have straightforward, evidence-based conversations. Our mission is to educate and empower patients and their families to make the right decisions and live happier, healthier lives.