SIS: Sisters in Survivorship

Sisters Network
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Non-Profit
  • Semiweekly

SIS: Sisters In Survivorship amplifies the voices of Black women navigating breast cancer and gives every sister the tools to advocate, heal, and thrive. Presented by Sisters Network Inc., the nation’s only African American breast cancer survivorship organization, SIS: Sisters In Survivorship is where truth meets healing. Each episode amplifies real stories from survivors, caregivers, and advocates while bringing expert insight from leading doctors and researchers. Together, we break the silence on the Black breast cancer crisis and give you the tools to take action. From early detection and mammograms, to genetic risk, triple negative breast cancer, mental health, motherhood, and survivorship, SIS provides culturally relevant insight, resources, and sisterhood that speak directly to our community. Hosted by Caleen Allen, SIS is not just a podcast - it’s a lifeline. Because too many sisters are being diagnosed young, too many are being dismissed by the system, and too many are being lost before their time. Every sister deserves to be seen. Every sister deserves to be heard. Every sister deserves to be supported. Subscribe now and join the movement to stop the silence, amplify the voices, and save more lives.

  1. 5d ago

    23: Married to Medicine’s Dr. Contessa Metcalfe on Self-Advocacy, Preventive Mastectomy & Body Image

    You may know Dr. Contessa Metcalfe from Married to Medicine, but behind the camera is a deeply personal story of breast cancer risk, family loss, and self-advocacy.  In this episode of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, host Caleen Allen sits down with Dr. Contessa to discuss losing her mother to breast cancer, navigating years of mammograms and uncertain genetic testing, and ultimately choosing a preventive double mastectomy. She shares why family history matters, how medical decisions aren't always black and white, and why young Black women must keep pushing for answers when something doesn't feel right. This conversation is a powerful reminder that early detection, informed choices, and speaking up for your health can make all the difference  ✨ Learn more: sistersnetworkinc.org  🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship! KEY POINTS  00:00 – Dr. Contessa’s mother was diagnosed in her 20s and had to fight to be heard 01:51 – Family history, BRCA testing, and why genetic results are not always straightforward 04:11 – Years of mammograms, MRIs, and rising risk led to a preventive mastectomy decision 07:49 – The difficult choice between risk reduction, nipple-sparing surgery, and body image 10:00 – How insurance coverage, genetic testing, and modern science shaped her decision 15:00 – Talking to her daughters about inherited risk, screening, and what science can offer them 17:19 – Why she shared her preventive mastectomy journey on Married to Medicine 20:00 – Why a prophylactic mastectomy is not the right decision for everyone 23:17 – Young women, delayed diagnosis, and why Dr. Contessa says, “Don’t shut up” QUOTES  "No news is not always good news. Just because you didn't hear back doesn't always mean that the test was normal." – Dr. Contessa Metcalfe "The reason I tell the story is not about me. It's really about my mom. She was in her 20s, so listen to your body."  – Dr. Contessa Metcalfe “We are blessed to have science and modern technology, and to have this information is power."  – Dr. Contessa Metcalfe GUEST RESOURCES:  Contessa Metcalfe MD, MSPH IG | @drcontessa Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

  2. Oct 21

    When Breast Cancer Turns Your Partner Into Your Caregiver: A Husband’s Caregiving Story

    Breast cancer affected more than Aisha’s health. In this segment of SIS: Sisters in Survivorship, Aisha and DJ Patterson open up about what happened to their marriage when DJ shifted from husband to caregiver while raising four children, running a business, and helping Aisha through treatment during the pandemic. DJ shares the fear, depression, frustration, and lack of control he experienced, while the couple reflects on the family support that helped carry them through. RESOURCES Aisha Patterson  IG - @aisha_patterson Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

  3. Oct 14

    22: What Breast Cancer Does to a Marriage: Aisha & DJ Patterson on Caregiving and Survival

    What happens when breast cancer hits a young family in the middle of raising children? In this deeply personal episode of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, host Caleen Allen sits down with Aisha and DJ Patterson to talk about navigating breast cancer as a young married couple with four children. Diagnosed with Stage 2 triple-positive breast cancer at just 30 years old, Aisha was also the mother of a 4-month-old baby when her world changed overnight. Together, Aisha and DJ open up about fear, parenting through treatment, showing up for each other in crisis, and what it looked like to navigate breast cancer not as an individual battle, but as a family journey. Now in remission, Aisha reflects on how the experience changed her perspective, strengthened their partnership, and ultimately inspired a completely different vision for life, including relocating with their extended family and choosing a slower, more intentional life. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss as it highlights its impacts on marriage, motherhood, caregiving, and family resilience.  ✨ Learn more: sistersnetworkinc.org  🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship! KEY POINTS  00:00 – What a breast cancer diagnosis changes for the entire family 02:48 – Diagnosed at 30 while breastfeeding her four-month-old baby 05:45 – Facing chemotherapy, radiation, and a double mastectomy 06:45 – Learning to accept help during treatment 07:59 – Survivorship means living life with intention 08:43 – Finding identity and healing during isolation 11:06 – How breast cancer changed a husband’s role in the marriage 12:47 – The emotional toll of caregiving and uncertainty 14:00 – The importance of family support during treatment 21:04 – Rebuilding a marriage and life after cancer changed them both QUOTES  “Breast cancer didn’t just happen to me. It happened to our family.” “Sometimes the caregiver is trying to be strong while falling apart too.” “We built a different life after surviving this.” “I was supposed to be enjoying a newborn, not fighting cancer.” RESOURCES Aisha Patterson  IG - @aisha_patterson Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

  4. Oct 7

    When Fear Shows Up During Breast Cancer, Faith Can Still Lead | Dr. Mia K. Wright

    Dr. Mia K. Wright challenges the idea that faith and fear cannot coexist. She explains how fear can show up during a breast cancer journey without taking control, and why faith, intentional thinking, and self-advocacy can help women keep moving forward even on the hardest treatment days. RESOURCES Mia Knight Wright Website - www.miawright.com Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

  5. Sep 30

    21: Breast Cancer & the “Strong Black Woman” Myth: Finding Your Voice After Diagnosis | Dr. Mia K. Wright

    In this uplifting episode of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, host Caleen Allen welcomes Pastor Mia K. Wright, co-pastor of Houston’s Fountain of Praise, motivational speaker, and powerful voice on faith, resilience, and healing. Together, they explore what it means to choose faith over fear in the face of uncertainty, how testimony and community can help women feel less alone, and why some of life’s hardest moments can become catalysts for transformation. Pastor Mia shares wisdom on purpose, emotional strength, fear, spiritual resilience, and the mindset needed to keep moving forward when life feels overwhelming. A breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t just impact the body, as it affects the mind, the spirit, the family, and the way you see your future. Listen in as this episode is for every woman navigating diagnosis, survivorship, fear, or uncertainty and needing hope. ✨ Learn more: sistersnetworkinc.org  🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship! KEY POINTS  A diagnosis is not the end of your story Faith and fear can exist at the same time Hearing survivor testimony helps women feel seen and supported Many survivors discover meaning through their experience How women frame their diagnosis can shape their emotional experience Spiritual support  is part of the journey  Emotional strength can be built in uncertainty QUOTES  “Faith and fear can coexist, but which one are you going to feed?” – Mia Knight Wright “When you hear someone else’s testimony, you realize you’re not alone.” – Mia Knight Wright “Sometimes what tried to break you becomes the very thing that helps somebody else survive.” – Mia Knight Wright “How you feed your mind determines how you live this journey.” – Mia Knight Wright “Strength doesn’t mean you aren’t afraid.” – Mia Knight Wright RESOURCES Mia Knight Wright Website - www.miawright.com Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

  6. Sep 23

    How HER2 Breast Cancer Treatment Has Changed (and What Comes Next) | Dr. Taiwo Adesoye

    Dr. Taiwo Adesoye breaks down what researchers are learning about aggressive breast cancers in Black women, the advances transforming HER2-positive breast cancer treatment, and why the future of care may mean more targeted therapy and, for some patients, less treatment. She also shares how current research is moving closer to giving each woman exactly what her cancer requires. RESOURCES Dr. Taiwo Adesoye, MD, MPH Website - sistersnetworkinc.org/who-we-are/taiwo-adesoye-md-mph/  Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

  7. Sep 16

    20: Breast Cancer Treatment Is Becoming More Personalized. Here’s What That Means for Patients | Dr. Taiwo Adesoye

    In this powerful episode of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship, host Caleen Allen sits down with Dr. Taiwo Adesoye, breast surgical oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, to unpack the latest breakthroughs in breast cancer treatment and what Black women need to know now. From HER2-positive breast cancer to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), Dr. Adesoye breaks down how targeted therapies, immunotherapy, biomarkers, and evolving research are transforming outcomes and giving patients more options than ever before. She also shares what compassionate cancer care truly looks like, why trust between patient and physician matters, and the urgent importance of Black women participating in clinical research so treatment innovations reflect the communities most impacted.  Ever felt overwhelmed by a diagnosis or unsure what questions to ask? This episode will offer you clarity, hope, and practical empowerment. ✨ Learn more: sistersnetworkinc.org  🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of SIS: Sisters In Survivorship! KEY POINTS  Breast cancer treatment has evolved dramatically HER2-positive breast cancer is no longer what it used to be Immunotherapy is changing TNBC outcomes Biomarkers help personalize care Compassionate care matters Patients need to feel empowered to ask questions  Research is shaping less aggressive treatment approaches Innovation is creating real reasons for optimism QUOTES  “Patients are coming to us in some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, and it is truly a privilege to walk alongside them.” – Dr. Taiwo Adesoye “Triple-negative breast cancer is aggressive, but immunotherapy has changed the conversation.” – Dr. Taiwo Adesoye “Biomarkers give us clues about how cancer may respond.” – Dr. Taiwo Adesoye “If Black women are not represented in these studies, then how do we know these treatments are truly serving us?” – Dr. Taiwo Adesoye RESOURCES Dr. Taiwo Adesoye, MD, MPH Website - https://www.sistersnetworkinc.org/who-we-are/taiwo-adesoye-md-mph/  Website - https://www.sistersnetworkinc.org/  IG -  https://www.instagram.com/sistersnetwork/

  8. Sep 9

    The Reality of Cold Capping for Black Women During Chemotherapy | Amanda Butler

    After being diagnosed with breast cancer at 32, Amanda Butler's treatment became far more extensive than she expected. In this segment of SIS: Sisters in Survivorship, Amanda opens up about chemotherapy, radiation, double mastectomy, ongoing fatigue, and her difficult experience with cold capping and textured hair. She also shares how friends, family, and community made sure she didn't navigate treatment alone. RESOURCES Amanda Butler IG | @hiamandabutler Website - sistersnetworkinc.org IG -  @sistersnetwork YouTube Channel - @SisInSurvivorshipPodcast

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SIS: Sisters In Survivorship amplifies the voices of Black women navigating breast cancer and gives every sister the tools to advocate, heal, and thrive. Presented by Sisters Network Inc., the nation’s only African American breast cancer survivorship organization, SIS: Sisters In Survivorship is where truth meets healing. Each episode amplifies real stories from survivors, caregivers, and advocates while bringing expert insight from leading doctors and researchers. Together, we break the silence on the Black breast cancer crisis and give you the tools to take action. From early detection and mammograms, to genetic risk, triple negative breast cancer, mental health, motherhood, and survivorship, SIS provides culturally relevant insight, resources, and sisterhood that speak directly to our community. Hosted by Caleen Allen, SIS is not just a podcast - it’s a lifeline. Because too many sisters are being diagnosed young, too many are being dismissed by the system, and too many are being lost before their time. Every sister deserves to be seen. Every sister deserves to be heard. Every sister deserves to be supported. Subscribe now and join the movement to stop the silence, amplify the voices, and save more lives.

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