All Talk Oncology Cancer Podcast

Preparing for Breast Cancer Surgery: Meet Bloom 43 | All Talk Oncology

What if preparing for breast cancer surgery could mean more than just getting ready for the operating room?

In this episode of All Talk Oncology, Kenny Perkins, AKA Your Cancer Guy, sits down with Dr. Sahil Mehta and Carly to discuss Bloom 43, an innovative platform designed to help patients prepare for surgery through prehabilitation, education, and support.

Bloom 43 combines a four-week prehab program through its app with a temperature-controlled device designed to precondition breast skin before surgery. The app offers guidance on sleep, physical health, mental well-being, and practical preparation, helping patients feel more informed and prepared for the journey ahead.

But this conversation goes beyond technology. Dr. Mehta and Carly share why patient education, caregiver support, and speaking up about treatment options matter so much throughout the cancer journey.

In this episode, you'll discover:

How Bloom 43 helps patients prepare for breast cancer surgery.

Why prehabilitation can play an important role before surgery.

How patients and caregivers can feel more informed and supported.

Why asking questions and exploring available treatment options matters.

How patient advocacy and community can help people feel less alone.

Their message is clear: patients deserve to know what options are available to them, and no one should have to navigate this journey without support.

🎧 Listen now to this episode of All Talk Oncology and hear how patient-centered innovation is helping reshape the conversation around surgical preparation.

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You are not alone in this. We're in this together.

In this episode of All Talk Oncology, Kenny Perkins, AKA Your Cancer Guy, speaks with Carly and Dr. Saahil Mehta about Carly’s breast cancer journey, the challenges of mastectomy and reconstruction, and the research that inspired Bloom43, an innovation designed to support breast surgery recovery.

Carly shares how she was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at age 37 in December 2019. She discusses her BRCA1 mutation, family history, treatment experience, and decision-making around breast surgery and DIEP flap reconstruction. Her story highlights the emotional and physical challenges patients may face while navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and planning treatment.

Dr. Mehta explains the clinical problem that inspired his research: mastectomy skin can sometimes lose its blood supply and develop skin necrosis, creating complications during recovery and reconstruction. He discusses his work investigating whether controlled heat applied to the skin before surgery could help prepare the tissue and improve its response to the surgical process.

In this episode, Carly and Dr. Saahil Mehta discuss:

Carly’s triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis at age 37.

The role of BRCA1 and family history in her cancer journey.

Navigating breast cancer treatment and surgical decisions.

Carly’s experience with mastectomy and DIEP flap reconstruction.

The challenges of mastectomy skin necrosis.

Dr. Mehta’s research into preparing skin before breast surgery.

How controlled heat may support blood flow and the skin’s response.

The clinical thinking behind the development of Bloom43.

The importance of patient education and informed decision-making.

How personal experiences and medical research can inspire innovation in cancer care.

Carly and Dr. Mehta’s conversation highlights the importance of research, patient advocacy, and exploring ways to improve the surgical experience for people undergoing breast cancer treatment.

 

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Invite Kenny Perkins to Speak or Participate on your event. Just fill-out this FORM.

 

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Facebook Community

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Hashtags:

#AllTalkOncology #YourCancerGuy #BreastCancer #TripleNegativeBreastCancer #BRCA1 #BreastReconstruction #Mastectomy #CancerResearch #PatientAdvocacy #PatientEmpowerment #CancerEducation #Bloom43

In this episode of All Talk Oncology, host Kenny Perkins (Your Cancer Guy) welcomes Dr. Asal Rahimi, radiation oncologist, professor, and researcher at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

 

Dr. Rahimi shares exciting breakthroughs in breast cancer radiation therapy that are changing how early-stage breast cancer may be treated in the future. She explains how her team is leading innovative clinical trials exploring single-dose radiation treatments that may allow certain patients to receive just one radiation session before surgery while achieving outstanding outcomes.

The conversation also explores how advances in imaging, radiation planning, and precision medicine are making treatment more convenient while reducing exposure to healthy tissue, minimizing side effects, and improving quality of life.

This episode offers hope and insight for patients, caregivers, and anyone interested in the future of breast cancer treatment.

In this episode, Dr. Rahimi discusses the following:

Her journey at UT Southwestern and passion for breast cancer research

How radiation therapy has evolved over the past two decades

The groundbreaking single-dose radiation clinical trial

Why treating the tumor before surgery may improve outcomes

How precision radiation reduces exposure to healthy tissue

The role of hormone therapy alongside radiation treatment

Advances in non-operative lymph node evaluation

The Fast Forward five-treatment radiation approach

New technology that allows patients to begin treatment sooner

Why clinical trials are essential for improving cancer care

Dr. Rahimi also reminds patients that early detection saves lives. Regular mammograms, timely diagnosis, and participation in research continue to improve treatment options and provide hope for future generations.

 

Podcast Website: alltalkoncology.com

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Hashtags:
#BreastCancer #RadiationTherapy #ClinicalTrials
#BreastCancerResearch #CancerInnovation #RadiationOncology
#AllTalkOncology #YourCancerGuy #BreastCancerAwareness

In this episode of All Talk Oncology, Kenny Perkins, AKA Your Cancer Guy, speaks with hematologist oncologist Tiffany Pompa about her journey from patient to physician, her compassionate approach to cancer care, and the future of circulating tumor DNA testing.

 

Dr. Pompa explains how surviving a severe asthma attack and experiencing the vulnerability of being critically ill influenced the way she cares for people with cancer. She also shares the story of a stage four melanoma patient whose final wish helped guide her toward oncology and taught her the importance of protecting quality of life.

 

The conversation explores ctDNA, a blood-based technology that may help physicians identify cancer-related DNA, personalize treatment decisions, and monitor for signs of recurrence in certain patients. Dr. Pompa discusses its potential role in stage II colon cancer and explains why patients should feel empowered to ask their physicians about emerging technologies and treatment options.

Highlights:

Dr. Pompa’s journey from patient to hematologist oncologist.

How a life-threatening asthma attack shaped her bedside manner.

The patient experience that inspired her to enter oncology.

What ctDNA, or circulating tumor DNA, means.

How ctDNA may support personalized cancer treatment.

The potential use of ctDNA in stage II colon cancer.

Monitoring cancer recurrence through blood-based testing.

The importance of early detection and informed patients.

Building a collaborative relationship with your care team.

Exercise, movement, balance, and patient-centered cancer care.

 

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread cancer education and empower patients, caregivers, and families with information about compassionate oncology care.

 

Hashtags:

#ctDNA #CirculatingTumorDNA #CancerCare #HematologyOncology #CancerEducation #CancerAwareness #EarlyDetection #PersonalizedCancerCare #ColonCancer #PatientEmpowerment #AllTalkOncology #YourCancerGuy

SHOWNOTES

Apple Podcast Description:

Episode Title:
In this episode of All Talk Oncology, host Kenny Perkins (Your Cancer Guy) talks with Dr. Jeffrey Velotta, a thoracic surgeon practicing in Northern California, to discuss a growing and often misunderstood health crisis—lung cancer in people who have never smoked.

While many people associate lung cancer primarily with smoking, Dr. Velotta explains that an alarming trend is emerging, particularly among Asian women who have never smoked. Despite California having one of the lowest smoking rates in the United States, the state continues to see some of the highest lung cancer incidence and mortality rates.

Dr. Velotta breaks down the surprising risk factors behind this phenomenon, why many patients are being diagnosed at Stage IV, and what individuals can do to advocate for themselves when symptoms appear.

This conversation is an essential listen for patients, caregivers, and anyone concerned about lung health—especially those who believe they are not at risk.

In this episode, Dr. Castro discusses:

Why lung cancer is increasing among non-smokers

The alarming rise of lung cancer in Asian women

Why many patients are diagnosed at Stage IV

Key risk factors beyond smoking

The importance of early detection and recognizing symptoms

Why persistent cough should never be ignored

When to request a chest X-ray or CT scan

Why getting a second opinion is critical for cancer care

How patients can find clinical trials and new treatment options

Dr. Velotta also encourages patients to become active participants in their healthcare by asking tough questions, advocating for themselves, and seeking the best possible care.

This episode provides vital insight into a growing public health issue and empowers patients with the knowledge needed to take action early.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help spread awareness about lung cancer and empower patients with life-saving information.

Immortalize your voice by being an ALL TALK ONCOLOGY GUEST! Just fill-out this FORM.

Invite Kenny Perkins to Speak or Participate on your event. Just fill-out this FORM.

 

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Facebook Community

WEBSITE:
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Hashtags: 

#LungCancerAwareness #LungCancerInNonSmokers #ThoracicSurgery #CancerScreening #AllTalkOncology #YourCancerGuy #CancerEducation #CancerAdvocacy