Rethink Real Talk: Ask An Expert

Ask An Oncologist

Is your mind full of questions only an oncologist can answer? We might have someone that can help.

Back by popular demand, Dr. Christine Brezden-Masley will be joining us again to answer your questions March’s Rethink Real Talk.

👇Watch her Real Talk now👇

Ask The Surgeons

Diagnosed with breast cancer and/or tested positive for a breast cancer-related gene mutation? 

Then chances are you are grappling with some incredibly tough decisions. That’s why we’ve recruited Dr. Fahima Osman and Dr. Waqqas Jalil to answer your questions about breast surgery as it relates to cancer. 

Watch the recording to get their take on potential surgical options, whether you are considering going flat, revising your reconstruction, or getting a prophylactic mastectomy. 

👇Watch their Real Talk now 👇

Ask A Social Worker: Holiday Edition

We understand how lonely a breast cancer diagnosis can be – especially during the holiday season. Then add on the isolation as we physically distance from our loved ones and support people during the second wave.

That’s why we brought in Natasha Ewa for December’s Rethink Real Talk. Natasha is a 33-year-old Licensed Clinical Social Worker, (check out her private practice I-Thrive Therapy and Wellness, LLC here). and has some firsthand experience coping with cancer through the holidays and winter months as she was diagnosed at the age of 29 with stage 2 estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

👇Watch her Real Talk now 👇

Ask A Pelvic Floor Expert

Since starting breast cancer treatment have you been experiencing more: Urinary problems, like UTIs and bladder infections? Vaginal dryness and painful sex? General pelvic pain and tightness?

The thing is, you’re not alone. In fact, 50 to 70% of people will experience issues like these after starting treatment.

Despite this being such a common concern, it’s a topic that is not often addressed in general care.

That’s why we’ve recruited Katie Hauck, a registered physiotherapist with a special interest in the impact of cancer treatment on pelvic health.

👇Watch her Real Talk now 👇

Sex and Body Image

A breast cancer diagnosis comes with physical and emotional changes that can leave you with a complicated relationship with your body and feelings of loss when it comes to your sexual identity. The problem is that the topics of sex and body image often take a backseat when cancer enters the conversation. Not to mention that sex is a taboo topic that many of us feel uncomfortable talking about. Let’s change that.

Our Sex & Body Image panel sets out to spark an important conversation that challenges the current paradigms of what life looks like beyond cancer.

👇Watch the panel now 👇

Ask A Physiotherapist

Things you’ve probably discussed with your healthcare team: surgery, radiation, chemo and ongoing medication.

But what about lymphedema and its risk factors? Or lingering tightness post-radiation? Or reducing fatigue with exercise? Or ways to build up strength post mastectomy?

That’s where a physiotherapist comes in. For this month’s Rethink Real Talk, we’re brought in Lindsay Davey, a registered physiotherapist who specializes in Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphedema Treatment. Lindsay is the Owner and Clinical Director of Toronto Physiotherapy and is a well-known speaker and educator on the topics of lymphedema and cancer recovery.

👇Watch her Real Talk now 👇

Ask The Fertility Experts

When you’re hit with a life-changing diagnosis in what should be the prime of your life, your best-laid plans get put on the back burner. Suddenly, on top of cancer, you’re also scrambling to make life-defining decisions about family planning and fertility in a matter of weeks, whether or not it’s top of mind.  Sounds like you need all the help you can get.

That’s why recruited Dr. Ellen Greenblat and Dr. Arielle Cantor, two fertility experts for this Rethink Real Talk. Whether you carry a gene mutation or are heading into treatment and are considering the impacts on your future fertility, or are at the beginnings of starting or growing a family after diagnosis, this talk is for you.

👇Watch their Real Talk now 👇

Isn’t it interesting how many health “experts” you seem to know after receiving your cancer diagnosis? Albeit well meaning, the unsolicited advice certainly makes things confusing and stressful during an already overwhelming time.

Thankfully we had Dr. Shainhouse, one of the few naturopathic doctors in Ontario to obtain the highest standard of training in naturopathic oncology, answer your top questions. As the the owner and director of Insight Naturopathic Clinic in Toronto, Dr. Shainhouse’s goal in helping cancer patients is to provide safe and effective support during or after conventional therapies.  She is passionate about educating the public and “bridging the gap” between conventional and adjunctive oncology to provide her patients with the best possible outcome

👇Watch her Real Talk now 👇

Have burning COVID and cancer questions that only an oncologist can answer? Then this virtual session with Christine Brezden-Masley, MD PhD FRCPC is for you. Dr. Brezden-Masley is a practicing medical oncologist, Medical Director of the Cancer Program and Director of the Marvelle Koffler Breast Centre at Sinai Health System. Plus, she’s a long-time member of Rethink’s board. She treats both breast and gastrointestinal (colorectal and gastric cancers) malignancies, which are her major areas of research interest. On top of that, she also does clinical research on cardiotoxicity from cancer therapy.

👇Watch her Real Talk now 👇