Stage Free

Biomarker testing can reveal crucial details about a person’s lung cancer, helping care teams better understand what is happening at an individual level and find personalized care options. In this episode, Loriana talks with Danielle Hicks, Chief Patient Officer at GO2 for Lung Cancer, about why comprehensive biomarker testing is so important—and how patients can confidently start these conversati...

The emotional and mental impact of cancer is real and often overlooked. Loriana is joined by clinical psychologist and psycho‑oncology specialist Dr. Gabriel Cartagena to discuss PTSD, anxiety, depression, and how the nervous system responds to a cancer diagnosis. Dr. Cartagena shares practical coping strategies, explains how stress can influence the treatment experience, and reinforces why mental...

After a lung cancer diagnosis, it’s natural to have questions about what comes next. Biomarker testing can provide valuable information early on, helping patients and care teams better understand each person’s unique cancer. In this episode, Dr. Stewart Yang, thoracic and molecular pathologist, joins Loriana to explain biomarker testing in clear, approachable terms. They discuss what biomarker tes...

Couples often feel they can’t talk to each other about intimacy after cancer treatment. Transitioning from patient/caregiver roles back to wife/husband roles can be challenging. That’s where Dr. Catalina comes in. She believes that our sexual health is the number one indicator of our mental, physical, social, and emotional health. For cancer survivors, addressing intimacy barriers is part of the h...

Dr. Stephanie Ross, founder of Illness Navigation Resources and a pioneer in integrative psychosocial oncology, explores the lasting toll cancer can take on mental health and intimacy. From couples struggling to reconnect, to children navigating a parent’s diagnosis, this candid conversation sheds light on the emotional side of survivorship—and how healing is possible. If you’re feeling overwhelme...

Just one year into remission, Megan Mulvey opens up about the whirlwind of emotions following her acute leukemia diagnosis—the shock of illness in peak health, the trauma of separation from her children, and the emotional toll of survivorship. Together with Loriana, she explores the power of faith, the strain on marriage, the grief of lost fertility, and the importance of prehab. Megan’s story of...

At 38, Tiah Tomlin-Harris was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. Instead of letting fear define her, she transformed her pain into advocacy—founding My Style Matters and creating a virtual support group with Breastcancer.org. In this powerful conversation, Tiah and Loriana discuss trauma, sisterhood, and the emotional aftermath of survivorship. An inspiring reminder that survivorship is...

Leading breast cancer oncologist Dr. Kevin Fox speaks candidly about some of the biggest fears survivors face: recurrence, progression, the side effects of hormone therapy, weight gain, body image, intimacy, and lifestyle choices that may impact risk. This honest conversation delivers practical advice and reassurance for survivors navigating life after diagnosis. A candid talk about what keeps sur...

Dr. Kate Rosenblum shares her deeply personal shift from physician to patient, highlighting the emotional toll of cancer, the importance of seeking support, and the complexities of relationships during and after treatment. Together, she and Loriana discuss coping strategies for scanxiety and the ongoing journey of healing and empowerment. Proof that even the healers need healing—and that no one wa...

Do you know if you have dense breasts? The only way to find out is through your mammogram report—and that information could save your life. This episode explains why breast density matters, how it impacts screening, and what every woman should know before her next appointment. Breast density could change how your cancer is detected—don’t miss this one. Want to make sure you never miss an episode o...

“You have cancer.” Three words that inspire fear. Studies show patients absorb only 10% of what follows those words. That insight inspired the creation of XpertPatient, a next-gen education platform founded by Risa Arin, a two-time caregiver and industry veteran. Risa shares how XpertPatient equips newly diagnosed patients with clarity, confidence, and the tools to take back control. Because the r...

Relationships don’t escape cancer untouched. Together After Cancer / Juntos Después Del Cáncer is a groundbreaking multilingual study exploring how couples can rebuild intimacy and connection post-treatment. Loriana and Dr. Dina break down emotional and cultural challenges—and the tools to help love survive survivorship. For survivors and partners navigating love after cancer—this episode offers h...

Breakthroughs in targeted therapies and novel treatments are transforming breast cancer care. Dr. Kevin Kalinsky, director of the Glenn Family Breast Center at Emory Winship, joins Loriana to discuss advances that are reducing or even eliminating chemotherapy for some patients—and what’s next on the horizon. A hopeful glimpse into the cutting-edge treatments shaping survivorship. Want to make sure...

Accessing your complete health history can dramatically improve outcomes, but too often patients are left in the dark. Shashi Shankar, founder of Novellia, is changing that by providing fast, secure access to a decade of medical records. He and Loriana discuss how this innovation is putting patients—and their care—back in control. Your data. Your power. The future of patient-centered care starts h...

The financial toll of cancer can be devastating. Survivor and philanthropist Molly MacDonald shares her journey and how it inspired her to co-found The Pink Fund, a nonprofit providing financial support to patients in active treatment. From mortgage relief to easing medical debt, Molly’s story offers practical help and hope. Because no survivor should have to choose between treatment and financial...

Thirty years after the discovery of BRCA1 and BRCA2, questions about genetic testing remain. Should every at-risk patient be tested? And how do insurance barriers impact access? Loriana and oncologist Dr. Mohammad Jahanzeb unpack the nuances of testing and what it means for your care plan. Genetic testing could change your treatment—but is it right for you? Want to make sure you never miss an epis...

Oncology nurses are the heart of cancer care. Loriana speaks with Kristy Cheney, Head Nurse of Oncology at Tidelands Health—and her own trusted nurse during treatment. They discuss the pivotal role nurses play in guiding patients through fear, pain, remission, and recurrence. The story behind the caregivers who carry us through our hardest days. Want to make sure you never miss an episode of STAGE...

Successful cancer care requires more than a single doctor—it takes a team. From oncologists and radiologists to nutritionists and integrative specialists, each plays a role. Dr. Mohammad Jahanzeb, known by his patients as Dr. MJ, explains what to look for in your care team and why assembling the right one is essential. No survivor fights alone—it takes a team to win. Want to make sure you never mi...

Survivorship doesn’t begin when treatment ends—it’s the next chapter. Dr. Marisa Weiss, oncologist, survivor, and founder of Breastcancer.org, joins Loriana to discuss care plans, expectations, and thriving after cancer. The end of treatment isn’t the end of the journey—it’s the beginning of survivorship. Want to make sure you never miss an episode of STAGE FREE? Subscribe, like, and give us a rev...

Top Doc Dr. Santosh Rao, Medical Director of Integrative Oncology at UH Connor Whole Health, explains how lifestyle, stress management, and holistic care can improve quality of life and even influence recovery. Whole-patient care that goes beyond treatment. Want to make sure you never miss an episode of STAGE FREE? Subscribe, like, and give us a review. You can find us wherever you get your podcas...

Chemotherapy and radiation bring physical and emotional changes that impact intimacy. Dr. Sandra Reed, an Emory gynecologist specializing in oncology and post-menopausal care, offers insights and solutions to help survivors reclaim their bodies and relationships. An honest, compassionate look at intimacy after cancer. Want to make sure you never miss an episode of STAGE FREE? Subscribe, like, and...

The internet can overwhelm newly diagnosed patients with misinformation, outdated research, and predatory advice. Dr. Maryam Lustberg, Chief of Breast Medical Oncology at Yale, explains how to search wisely—and what red flags to avoid. Because Google isn’t always your best doctor. Want to make sure you never miss an episode of STAGE FREE? Subscribe, like, and give us a review. You can find us wher...

Dr. Daniel Hughes, researcher at the University of Texas Health, reveals how stress and cortisol fuel cancer growth—and how practices like yoga can change the equation. He and Loriana explore groundbreaking research and practical strategies for reducing stress. Stress is fuel for cancer—here’s how to take the power back. Want to make sure you never miss an episode of STAGE FREE? Subscribe, like, a...

Prehabilitation—or PREhab—is about showing up fit for the fight, even if you don’t have time to prepare. Dr. Brian Fricke joins Loriana to discuss how lifestyle changes before, during, and after diagnosis can improve outcomes and resilience. PREhab isn’t just preparation—it could save your life. Want to make sure you never miss an episode of STAGE FREE? Subscribe, like, and give us a review. You c...

Renowned oncologist Dr. Maryam Lustberg, Chief of Breast Medical Oncology at Yale, joins Loriana to break down the basics of breast cancer, from types and stages to the key questions patients should ask. Your crash course in breast cancer—knowledge that empowers. Want to make sure you never miss an episode of STAGE FREE? Subscribe, like, and give us a review. You can find us wherever you get your...