A diagnosis of cancer is life changing. Days after a diagnosis will be filled with multiple appointments, lots of different doctor visits, tests and procedures (and then, even more tests and procedures), and discussions about treatment plans (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation). As an oncologist, I spend a lot of time with my patients in planning and making sure all of the above happens. Yet, we very rarely have the opportunity to truly discuss how a cancer diagnosis affects a woman emotionally. We don’t often have the time to delve into a woman’s feelings, worries, and fears. Furthermore, women may not feel comfortable having these conversations with their physician. Discussions about intimate topics such as sexual health and relationships can be difficult. There’s so much that goes unsaid in a 15 minute follow-up visit but these conversations need to take place. Emotional health is just as important as physical health.

The goal of the “INTERLUDE: Women’s Cancer Stories with Dr. Teplinsky” Podcast is to have these difficult conversations.  In this podcast, I will be speaking with women who are all at various stages of their cancer journey (including those who are newly diagnosed, currently in treatment, survivors, and women with stage 4 disease). We will talk about anything and everything related to the cancer experience. Many women feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable at in-person support groups or may not have anyone to discuss their experiences with. My hope is that this podcast will provide support, encouragement, inspiration, hope, courage, inspiration, and most importantly, strength to women as they navigate through their own cancer journey.

Cancer brings normal life to a halt. It creates an interlude. Let’s talk about it.

If you are interested in being a guest on the show, please e-mail me at interludecancerstories@gmail.com.