PODCAST · health
Stage Free
by ArmorUp for Life
When it comes to Cancer, survivorship begins on the day of diagnosis and continues through treatment, recovery, and beyond. But mastering survival comes with its own set of physical, emotional, and social challenges. That’s where we can help.In this weekly series Journalist and 2x cancer survivor Loriana Hernández Aldama talks with notable experts and other survivors to help you navigate the complicated road all survivors must travel.
Episodes
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Why Biomarker Testing Matters and How to Speak Up for Your Care
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...
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Mental Health and Cancer: PTSD, Anxiety & Coping Strategies
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...
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Biomarker Testing Explained: An Important Step After a Lung Cancer Diagnosis
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,...
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Dr. Catalina Lawsin on Reclaiming Your Body and The Intimacy You Deserve
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,...
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Dr. Stephanie Ross on Mental Health, Sexual Wellness, and Navigating Life After Cancer
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…
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Megan Mulvey on Faith, Prehab, and the Emotional Aftershock of Leukemia
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…
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Tiah Tomlin-Harris on Turning Pain into Purpose – Mental Health, Sisterhood, and Survival
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...
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Dr. Kevin Fox on Fears of Recurrence, Weight Gain, GLP-1 & Intimacy Challenges
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...
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Dr. Kate Rosenblum: From Caregiver to Patient — A Doctor’s Journey
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...
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Density Matters: What you need to know before your next mammogram
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…
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Risa Arin: From Fear to Fighter – Becoming an XpertPatient
“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…
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Dr. Dina: Together After Cancer – Recovering Your Relationship
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...
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Dr. Kevin Kalinsky: The Future of Breast Cancer Treatment Is Here
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...
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Shashi Shankar: Democratizing Access to Patient Health Records
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...
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Molly MacDonald: Financial Toxicity and Cancer
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...
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Dr. Mohammad Jahanzeb: The Debate Rages On – Genetic Testing and Survivorship
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.…
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Kristy Cheney: Oncology Nurses Are the Unsung Heroes of Cancer Care
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...
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Dr. Mohammad Jahanzeb: Cancer Care is a Team Sport
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...
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Dr. Marisa Weiss: Done with Treatment? Now What?
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...
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Dr. Santosh Rao: Integrative Oncology and Quality of Life
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...
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Dr. Sandra Reed: The Truth About Sex After Cancer
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...
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Dr. Maryam Lustberg: The Internet Needs to Come with a Warning Label for Cancer Patients
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…
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Dr. Daniel Hughes: Please Don’t Feed the Cancer
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…
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Dr. Brian Fricke: What the PREhab???
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....
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Dr. Maryam Lustberg: Breast Cancer 101
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…
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Lisa Scarbrough: It Runs in the Family
Loriana and her sister Lisa Scarbrough—both survivors—share their intertwined journeys, including Lisa’s life-saving bone marrow donation. They reflect on genetics, family, and the lessons learned from surviving together. A sisterhood of survival—and the gift of life itself. Want to make sure you...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
When it comes to Cancer, survivorship begins on the day of diagnosis and continues through treatment, recovery, and beyond. But mastering survival comes with its own set of physical, emotional, and social challenges. That’s where we can help.In this weekly series Journalist and 2x cancer survivor Loriana Hernández Aldama talks with notable experts and other survivors to help you navigate the complicated road all survivors must travel.
HOSTED BY
ArmorUp for Life
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Stage Free have?
Stage Free currently has 26 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Stage Free about?
When it comes to Cancer, survivorship begins on the day of diagnosis and continues through treatment, recovery, and beyond. But mastering survival comes with its own set of physical, emotional, and social challenges. That’s where we can help.In this weekly series Journalist and 2x cancer survivor...
How often does Stage Free release new episodes?
Stage Free has 26 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Stage Free?
You can listen to Stage Free on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Stage Free?
Stage Free is created and hosted by ArmorUp for Life.
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