Live from Stage 4: MBC News for Us, by Us

Victoria Goldberg
  • 4.9 (12)
  • MEDICINE

Could a cure for breast cancer be closer than you think? Welcome to "Live from Stage 4" — a bold, hopeful podcast where people living with metastatic breast cancer, clinicians, and researchers take center stage. We share real stories, decode the science, and spotlight the ideas and breakthroughs that matter — for patients, caregivers, and anyone who believes progress is possible. This podcast is for us, by us, and all about us.

  1. Stage 4 Living: Palliative Care is Not Hospice with Dr. Mary Busowski

    5D AGO

    Stage 4 Living: Palliative Care is Not Hospice with Dr. Mary Busowski

    If you've ever heard the words "palliative care" and incorrectly assumed it meant the end was near — this episode is for you. Abigail Johnston and Amy Parliament sit down with Dr. Mary Busowski, a palliative care physician at Orlando Health, to bust one of the most persistent myths in cancer care: that palliative medicine is the same as hospice. Dr. Busowski brings a rare perspective — she trained as a neonatal ICU nurse, went to medical school, completed an infectious disease fellowship, and was among the first physicians to receive board certification in palliative medicine when the American Board of Internal Medicine officially recognized it as a specialty in 2008. In this conversation, you'll learn: The real difference between palliative care and hospiceWhy getting palliative care involved early — not just at end of life — can change your entire treatment experienceHow palliative medicine addresses more than just painWhat to look for when choosing a palliative care providerWhy Dr. Busowski calls herself a "joyful practitioner" — and what that means for her patientsDr. Busowski also shares a deeply personal story about navigating her husband's Parkinson's disease journey without palliative support — and how that experience now shapes the care she gives every patient. Whether you're newly diagnosed, deep in treatment, or supporting someone you love, this episode offers clarity, comfort, and a new way to think about the care you deserve. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.  Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer. Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

    28 min
  2. S**t We Deal With Shorts: Time Burden with Dr. Jill Tirabassi

    MAR 31

    S**t We Deal With Shorts: Time Burden with Dr. Jill Tirabassi

    Living with metastatic breast cancer isn't just about medical treatments—it's a significant time commitment that impacts every aspect of daily life. In this episode of "S**T We Deal With Shorts," Dr. Jill Tirabassi examines a 2025 JAMA Network Open study that quantifies exactly how much time patients with metastatic breast and ovarian cancer spend managing their disease. The research reveals eye-opening statistics: patients averaged one out-of-home cancer-related visit per week, with travel and wait times often exceeding actual care time. At home, cancer-related tasks consumed a median of 209 minutes per week—from taking medications to managing medical bills and scheduling appointments. For over one-third of participants, these demands disrupted their daily activities more than half the time. While most patients in the study spent 5-15 hours per week on cancer-related care—not quite the "full-time job" often described—the burden is far from insignificant. Jill brings her dual perspective as both a physician and someone living with MBC to explore how treatment lines, side effects, and care logistics impact our time and lives. This episode validates what many in the MBC community already know: managing advanced cancer requires substantial time and energy beyond what appears on any scan or lab result. Article: Time Burden in Patients with Metastatic Breast and Ovarian Cancer From Clinic and Home Demands,JAMA Network Open, December 2025 Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.  Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer. Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

    9 min
  3. Front Row Seat: We'll Never Cure Cancer Without AI, Say Steve Brown & Lisa Booth

    MAR 24

    Front Row Seat: We'll Never Cure Cancer Without AI, Say Steve Brown & Lisa Booth

    What if a misdiagnosis nearly cost you your life—and AI became your second opinion? In this episode, we sit down with Steve Brown, CEO of CureWise, and Lisa Booth, both living with cancer and pioneering the use of AI to navigate their treatment journeys. Steve, a tech veteran, was diagnosed with rare blood cancer in the emergency room after months of missed symptoms. When he fed his medical records to an AI agent he'd built, it immediately spotted what his doctors had overlooked. That AI became CureWise—where Steve is CEO and patient number one, and Lisa is patient number two. Lisa has been living with metastatic breast cancer for nearly 11 years, successfully navigating seven lines of therapy and multiple clinical trials. She uses CureWise to identify trial options, understand complex treatment data, advocate with her oncologist, and even appeal insurance denials. This conversation isn't just about technology—it's about empowerment. We explore: How AI agents trained in different medical specialties can analyze your records and offer multiple expert perspectivesThe gap between elite cancer care and what most patients receiveOff-label treatments and why insurance companies often say noHow to bring AI insights to your doctor without damaging the relationshipHIPAA compliance, hallucinations, and data protectionThe future of patient advocacy in the age of AISteve believes that someday soon, doctors who don't run patients through an AI model will be considered negligent. He also thinks we'll never cure cancer without AI—and after hearing his and Lisa's stories, you might agree. If you or someone you love has ever wondered, "Is there a better treatment option out there that my doctor doesn't know about?"—this episode is for you. Guests: Steve Brown (CEO, CureWise) | Lisa Booth (Patient Advocate) Hosted by: Victoria Goldberg with Jill Terabassi, Linda Weatherby, and Abigail Johnston Learn more: CureWise Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.  Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer. Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

    57 min
  4. Live Chat: The Courage to Choose Life on Your Terms with Dar Finkelstein

    MAR 17

    Live Chat: The Courage to Choose Life on Your Terms with Dar Finkelstein

    In one of the most powerful conversations we've ever recorded, Dar Finkelstein—known throughout the metastatic breast cancer community as "The Queen of Joy"—shares her decision to stop treatment and transition to hospice care. After nearly seven years with metastatic breast cancer and 20 years total since her original diagnosis, Dar opens up about the impossible choice many in the MBC community eventually face: quality of life versus quantity of time. With remarkable candor and grace, she discusses how she made this heartbreaking decision, how she told her oncologist and family, and what brought her peace. In this episode, Dar talks about: • The moment she knew it was time to stop treatment • Navigating the "honeymoon period" after ending chemo • How her faith and joy mission sustain her through this transition • Practical advice for planning end-of-life care • The importance of open conversations about death within the MBC community • Finding peace, setting priorities, and still choosing joy Trigger warning: This episode discusses end-of-life issues, hospice care, and death. It's intended for mature audiences living with or affected by terminal illness. Dar's vulnerability and wisdom offer a roadmap for others facing similar decisions. Her message is clear: death is a natural part of life, and we can face it with dignity, purpose, and yes—even joy. Hosted and produced by Abigail Johnston and Melanie Sisk. Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.  Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer. Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

    44 min
  5. Podcasters Roundtable: Change Your One Thing with Gary Thompson

    MAR 10

    Podcasters Roundtable: Change Your One Thing with Gary Thompson

    Join us for a moving conversation with Gary Thompson, creator of the Team Powdered Donut™️ podcast and advocate for the metastatic breast cancer community. After losing his wife Maureen to stage IV breast cancer in 2014, Gary has dedicated over a decade to cancer advocacy, keeping her memory alive through a simple yet profound tradition—powdered donuts. In this episode, Gary shares the origin of his podcast name, the challenges of raising three children as a widower, and why he's embarking on an ambitious cross-country road trip to 73 NCI-designated cancer centers. He'll capture stories from patients, caregivers, researchers, and healthcare professionals—creating what he calls "StoryCorp for cancer centers." We discuss the value of storytelling in the cancer community, sustainability in podcasting, finding your "one thing" that can create meaningful change, and how Gary is discovering himself again in the empty nest years. From his unexpected podcast guests met while Uber driving to his vision for a future retreat center, Gary reminds us that love isn't just big or small—it's always enough. Memorable quotes: "We don't have to change everything. We just have to change our one thing.""Worst club ever. Most beautiful members.""You are loved very deeply by people that you may never meet."Episode Highlights: • The powdered donut tradition and how it became a podcast • Planning a multi-year road trip to cancer centers across America • The lasting impact of cancer on caregivers and families • Why there's no such thing as too many patient stories • Advice for aspiring podcasters: start with purpose, not platform Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.  Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer. Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

    49 min
  6. Symptoms Spotlight: Insomnia with Abigail Johnston and Melanie Sisk

    MAR 3

    Symptoms Spotlight: Insomnia with Abigail Johnston and Melanie Sisk

    In this  short episode, hosts Abigail Johnston and Melanie Sisk dive deep into one of the most challenging symptoms cancer patients face: insomnia. Both hosts share their personal struggles with sleep disruption following their cancer diagnoses and explore how the cancer experience—combined with treatment side effects and life changes like menopause—can profoundly impact rest. Abigail and Melanie discuss practical strategies they've discovered for better sleep, from creating the ideal bedroom environment to establishing consistent bedtime routines. They emphasize that sleep isn't just something to push through—it's an essential part of treatment and stress management. The conversation covers a range of solutions including medication options, natural remedies like melatonin and lavender, the role of medical cannabis and hemp products, and how to work with healthcare providers to find what works best for you. They also discuss the importance of adjusting medication timing and consulting specialists beyond oncology, such as palliative care doctors and cannabis nurses. Most importantly, Abigail and Melanie remind listeners that finding the right sleep solution is highly individual, requires patience and experimentation, and is an ongoing conversation as treatment plans evolve. If you're struggling with insomnia during cancer treatment, this episode offers both validation and practical guidance. Resources mentioned:  Melatonin: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-melatonin/art-20363071 Medical Cannabis: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/medical-marijuana/art-20137855 Cannabis Nurse Association: https://cannabisnurses.org/ Hemp: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7891210/ Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.  Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer. Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

    14 min
  7. Live Chat: From Devastating Diagnosis to Distinction with Lesley Stephen MBE

    FEB 24

    Live Chat: From Devastating Diagnosis to Distinction with Lesley Stephen MBE

    In this powerful episode, Victoria Goldberg sits down with Lesley Stephen MBE, a patient advocate from Edinburgh, Scotland, who has defied all odds living 12 years with stage 4 HER2+ metastatic breast cancer—far beyond her initial prognosis of "a year or two." Lesley shares her remarkable story: from being a busy communication consultant and mother of four who thought she had a simple chest infection, to receiving the devastating news of extensive metastatic disease in her lungs, liver, and bones. When standard treatments failed and she was told to "get her affairs in order," a last-chance clinical trial became her lifeline—keeping her stable for seven years. This episode explores the stark realities of the UK's "postcode lottery" healthcare system, where treatment access varies dramatically between England and Scotland. Lesley candidly discusses navigating brain metastases, losing her short-term memory to whole brain radiotherapy, self-funding expensive treatments, and ultimately finding hope through clinical trials and newer therapies like Tucatinib. Lesley has transformed her experience into extraordinary advocacy work as a trustee of Make 2nds Count, the UK's only charity focused exclusively on metastatic breast cancer. She discusses pioneering initiatives including the annual Patient Summit (the only one of its kind in Europe), the groundbreaking trial matching service, and her contributions to the Lancet Breast Cancer Commission examining global cancer disparities. The conversation also celebrates Lesley's recent recognition: receiving an MBE (Member of the British Empire) from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle for her tireless work supporting the metastatic breast cancer community. Throughout this 50-minute conversation, Lesley's determination, humor, and commitment to making "second count" for every metastatic patient shines through—proving that even in the face of incurable disease, one person can create extraordinary change. Topics covered: Stage 4 breast cancer survival, clinical trials, UK healthcare system, patient advocacy, Make Second Count charity, brain metastases, HER2+ treatments, MBE honors Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.  Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer. Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

    52 min
  8. Symptoms Spotlight: Constipation with Abigail Johnston and Melanie Sisk

    FEB 17

    Symptoms Spotlight: Constipation with Abigail Johnston and Melanie Sisk

    In this episode of our Symptoms Spotlight series, hosts Melanie Sisk and Abigail Johnston tackle a topic many cancer patients experience but few feel comfortable discussing—constipation. From understanding what constipation really looks like (hint: it's not always what you think) to practical remedies you can try at home, this episode breaks down the stigma around bowel health. Melanie, a nurse and cancer patient on CDK4/6 inhibitors, shares her go-to over-the-counter solutions like MiraLax and Colace, plus an often-overlooked remedy: movement. Abigail introduces the "prune juice slider"—a surprisingly effective trick shared by her chemo nurse—and opens up about the challenge of swinging between constipation and diarrhea. Whether you're dealing with medication side effects, reduced mobility, or just trying to understand your symptoms better, this episode offers honest, practical advice. Learn when to troubleshoot on your own, when to reach out to your care team, and why talking to a GI specialist might be the missing piece of your symptom management puzzle. Key Topics: Recognizing the signs of constipation beyond strainingOver-the-counter remedies and natural solutionsThe role of movement in digestive healthAvoiding the pendulum swing between constipation and diarrheaWhen to seek help from your medical team Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe and leave a review — it really helps. Follow us on social media @livefromstage4 and visit our website at www.livefromstage4.org for show notes and links.  Your support helps us continue to share important stories and advocate for those living with metastatic breast cancer. Until next time, take care and keep pushing for progress.

    10 min
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4.9
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Could a cure for breast cancer be closer than you think? Welcome to "Live from Stage 4" — a bold, hopeful podcast where people living with metastatic breast cancer, clinicians, and researchers take center stage. We share real stories, decode the science, and spotlight the ideas and breakthroughs that matter — for patients, caregivers, and anyone who believes progress is possible. This podcast is for us, by us, and all about us.

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