Shows
Only 4 WordsScans, Dr's appointments and taking advantage of Every DayJoin Karen and Melanie as they talk scans (part 2) Dr's appoiontments and possible new treatments. Melanie talks about the Mother's Day holiday and remembering to live each day and make memories. Next week Karen and Melanie talk about the second in person meeting and who they met. Our next in person meeting will be June 8th at Worthy Coffee in Roy, Wa at 2:00pm. If you are are breastie, friend or family member, or have been touched by cancer in any way, come join us for coffee and conversation. 2025-05-2148 min
Only 4 WordsMelanie Takes a Road TripJoin Melanie and her husband Kyle from the road as they talk road trips, living life to the fullest and how they cope with scaniety. 2025-05-1541 min
Only 4 WordsTypes of Surgery, Remission Terminology and ImmunotherapyJoin Karen and Melanie as they discuss types of breast cancer surgery, remission terminology and the latest reports on Immunotherapy. Like and follow us @only4wordspodcastEmail us at: questions@only4words.comIn person meetupOur next in person get together will be at Worthy Coffee in Roy, Wa at 2:00pm on May 18th, 2025. Has breast cancer effected you or a loved one? Join Karen and Melanie for a heartfelt gathering of friends, where you will find community, support...2025-05-0859 min
Only 4 WordsInterview with Nerisa McQueenJoin Karen and Melanie for an episode filled with laughter and sisterhood as they interview breast cancer survivor Nerisa McQueen. Nerisa is a triple negative breast cancer survivor and tells about her journey as well as what promted her to create a crowd funded venture called Happy Mail. To date she has mailed over 700 "Happy Mail's" to people going through treatment. Nerisa's linktree is: linktr.ee/its.Nerisa. All of the forms to fill out to request a Happy Mail can be found here. In addition, links to donate to help cover shipping costs...2025-04-2950 min
Only 4 WordsAdvancements in Breast Cancer Research and TreatmentsIn this episode of Only 4 Words, hosts Karen and Melanie delve into recent advancements in breast cancer detection and treatment. They explore the role of AI in predicting breast cancer risks, the importance of early detection , and the impact of healthcare funding cuts on access to necessary screenings. (During this dicussion, Medicare was referenced and we should have said Medicaid). The innovation of 3D Mammograms is discussed at length, as well as new treatments available. https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/national-politics/concerns-over-possible-medicaid-cuts-some-fearing-worst/281-aa83974d-f6e1-44c2-80e0-852761ed6cb72025-04-221h 01
Only 4 WordsOur very first in person gatheringJoin us as we talk about our very first Only 4 Words in person meeting. We chatted with some amazing people about their stories and it was a wonderful afternoon. Our next in person gathering will be:May 18th, 20252:00pm Worthy CoffeeNo need to RSVP, just show up. Thank you to everyone who showed up and supported us, and for everyone who came and enjoyed conversation and community. 2025-04-1554 min
Only 4 WordsWhat to pack in your chemo bag (and what not to pack)Join Karen and Melanie as they talk about what to expect before during and after chemo, what to pack in your chemo bag (and what not to pack).2025-04-081h 09
Only 4 WordsCancer 2.0, Part 3This is our final episode in this series. Recorded from the road. So, apologies for any technical difficulties. Join Karen and Melanie as they talk about some of the things that no one shares when you when you have cancer and are going through chemo. From odd side effects to energy, hair loss and so much more, they share all of the things they encounter going through this journey. This is the Survivor Caregiver Celebration information we talked about:We are honored to invite you to our annual Survivor and...2025-04-021h 00Only 4 WordsCancer 2.0 Part 2If you haven't had a chance to check out Part 1, go there first. Part 2 picked up where Part 1 ended. We talk about the things that we have experienced during and after treatment that no one tells you about. Did you know that Taxol might make your nails fall off. We tell you how we saved our nails and so much more. We offer some tips and resources for you. Melanie talks about going through menopause during chemotherapy and offers some resources to help.Part 3 is next. Don't miss the entire series. 2025-03-2147 minOnly 4 WordsCancer 2.0, Part 1Join Karen and Melanie as they discuss things that happened to them during their breast cancer journey that no one warned them about. From Melanie's Afib and getting the paddles while she was awake to strategies to keep their nails from falling off, there is a ton of info. This is a jam packed hour and since we didn't get to everything, we are doing a part 2 next week. 2025-03-1354 minOnly 4 WordsA Few of Our Favorite ThingsJoin Karen and Melanie as they highlight some of their favorite things they have found during their breast cancer journey. Some have even been highlighted in previous podcast episodes.They also talk books and the escape they can bring during treatment and beyond.Orchard House Spaorchardhousespa.comThe Busted Tankbustedtank.comFleshworks Tatoo Studiofleshworkstattoostudio.comColor Streetcolorstreet.comKnitted Knockersknittedknockers...2025-03-101h 05Only 4 WordsInterview with Corinn WohlJoin Karen and Melanie as they chat with fellow Relayer and breast cancer survivor Corinn Wohl. Find out about discovering a lump, mastectomy, the BRCA gene mutation, her daughter's brave decision and how she ended up passionate about volunteering for Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society.2025-03-031h 00Only 4 WordsUpdates on Metastatic Cancer, New Warnings on Alcohol and Melanie's latest Dr. VisitJoin Karen and Melanie as they look at new research on metastatic cancer, new warnings on alcohol and talk about the Rutgers Clinical Trial that is still going on. Melanie talks about her latest scans and gives an update also.Metastatic: Advanced, spread beyond original locationOften Stage 4, but Stage 4 has other factors(size, treatment options)Can’t be “cured”American Cancer Society is investing $31.3 million nationwide dedicated to metastatic breast cancer research. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/diet-physical-activity/alcohol-use-and-cancer.html#:~:text=with%20the%20fetus.-,What%20does%20the%20American%20Cancer%20Society%20...2025-02-261h 03Only 4 WordsMaking Strides Against Breast Cancer Interview with Cheri LarsenJoin Karen and Melanie as they chat with Cheri Larsen, board member for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Snohomish Washington. Cheri has a wonderful story and we loved chatting with her about her passion. To find out more about a Making Strides Walk in your area, go to www.makingstrideswalk.org or email Cheri at cheriann376@gmail.com.The C-Suite Center for Hope was also referenced during the podcast. Contact them at:425-626-5141 conact@c-suitehope.orgwww.c-suitehope.org2025-02-1446 minOnly 4 WordsMelanie's Day at the CapitalJoin Karen and Melanie as Melanie shares about her Day at the Capital. She shares about meeting with Legislators, their Aides and what she learned.Every state has a Day at the Capital like Washington State does, and volunteers from American Cancer Society and many other organizations attend so that they can talk to Legislators first hand and give them their experiences. American Cancer Society's branch is called Cancer Action Network. Check out www.fightcancer.org to find out more.2025-02-1049 minOnly 4 WordsWe are going to Cancer Day at the CapitalKaren and Melanie are heading to the Capital for Cancer Day at the Capital. We are talking to our legislaters about biomarker testing and health equity for cancer patients.
HB 1062 Biomarker testing coverage.
Next episode Karen and Melanie will report back with who they talked to and what happened during their day at the capital.2025-02-0546 minOnly 4 WordsHow Breast Cancer is portrayed on TVLast week, we talked about celebrities that have had breast cancer and some of the things they chose to do and not to do as they were going through treatment and surgery.
This week, we are looking at TV Characters and how Breast Cancer is played out on some tv shows. Both Melanie and I found characters that we resonated with, both were portrayed very differently. We only touch on this and list only a fraction of characters who have had breast cancer. Email us with a character that resonated with you when their story was told...2025-01-2453 minOnly 4 WordsBreast Cancer and CelebritiesThis is the first of 2 episode about breast cancer and pop culture. We all know a celebrity that has had a very public battle with breast cancer. Celebrities have reach and they have a platform. We look at a few in this episode.
Join us next week when we talk about our favorite tv shows and how they have handled the subject of breast cancer.
We would love to hear your thoughts on topics you would like to see in upcoming episodes. Email us at questions@only4words.com...2025-01-1744 minOnly 4 Words#2 Interview with Trish ClaridgeJoin us as we continue our interview with Trish. She tells a little more of her story and shares about a trip she just took with her family.
Here is the scale that Trish referred to:
Physical Score yourself 1-5
Emotional Score yourself 1-5
Spiritual Score yourself 1-5
Hope Score yourself 1-5
Then pick a word for the day.
2025-01-1047 minOnly 4 WordsInterview with friend and chemo buddy BeckyJoin Karen and Melanie for this amazing episode with Becky. Becky tells her inspiring story about her journey with breast cancer and talks about a very special trip that her she and her family just took. Don't miss this incredible episode.2024-12-201h 02Only 4 WordsInterview with Michelle GilbreathOn this very special episode, we interview breast cancer survivor Michelle Gilbreath on the 21st anniversary of her mastecomy. Her story will inspire you and give you hope. Michelle has a history of cancer in her family, so find out how she found her lump and what happened after. This is a not to be missed episode!
2024-12-1356 minOnly 4 WordsInterview with Trish ClaridgeJoin Karen and Melanie for a very special interview with cancer survivor Trish Claridge. You will be inspired by her amazing story of overcoming the odds. This is an episode that is not to be missed.2024-12-051h 09Only 4 WordsThanksgiving EpisodeJoin Karen and Melanie as they talk about what they are thanksful for and so much more.
We are off next week for Thanksgiving, but we want to take a moment to tell you how grateful we are for you. Thank you for all of your support. We truly appreciate it.
We will return in December with all new episodes, interviews and topics. Have a story to share? A topic to suggest? Email us at questions@only4words.com
2024-11-2152 minOnly 4 WordsDense Tissue Mammograms and moreJoin Karen and Melanie as they dive into another fascinating discussion on a new dense tissue mammogram, whether or not dairy causes cancer, the upcoming Cancer Day at the Capital and how you can get involved in your own area.
2024-11-1644 minOnly 4 WordsMelanie attends a ConferenceJoin Karen and Melanie as Melanie shares about a Metastatic Breast Cancer conference she attended.
Doctors spoke about financial, emotional and physical aspects of Metastatic Breast Cancer and gave resources, insights and valuable clinical information.
Here are the resources shared on the podcast:
Financial: info@centsprogram.orgfamilyreach.orgtriagecancer.org
Emotional: Imerman AngelsWelcome to Cancer Connect | CancerConnect
Physical: Healthy Cooking for People Affected By Cancer | Cook for Your LifeAmerican Institute for Cancer Research - Prevention and Survivorship
Book recommendation: The Vagina Bible2024-11-111h 03Only 4 WordsBreast Cancer Awareness Month and Special updates from MelanieUpdates from Melanie! Join Karen and Melanie as Melanie dives into her latest scans and talks about what is coming up for her. They will also share some statistics for the last episode of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 2024-10-311h 01Only 4 WordsBreast Cancer Awareness Month - Special episode #3 Karen's TBYDJoin Karen and Melanie for another special episode for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Karen shares about a very special trip celebrating her" Take Back Your Day" and both Karen and Melanie share some statistics and updates for Breast Cancer.
Like and follow @only4wordspodcast.
Email us at questions@only4words.com
Resources:
breastcancer.org
cancer.org
BCRF.org2024-10-2658 minOnly 4 WordsBreast Cancer Awareness Month Special Episode 2Join Karen and Melanie as they talk about second opinions, newly approved government funding for research and so much more.
Like and follow us @only4wordspodcast
Email us at questions@only4words.com
2024-10-1857 minOnly 4 WordsBreast Cancer Awareness Month (Our take)Join Karen and Melanie as they talk about Breast Cancer Awareness Month and what it means to them.
If you would like to know more:
cancer.org
Karen's Relay For Life fundraising link:
https://bit.ly/405fp7R
Melanie's Relay for Life fundraising link:
https://bit.ly/3YkEKJB
2024-10-1244 minOnly 4 WordsInterview with Cynthia Brown from Fleshworks Tattoo StudioJoin Karen and Melanie in a great fireside chat with Cynthia Brown who owns Fleshworks Tattoo Studio with her husband Travis. On Mondays, Fleshworks Tattoo Studio does Mastectomy coverups for free. We also chat with Cynthia about some of the other things they do to give back to the community and so much more. This is a podcast you don't want to miss.
fleshworkstattoostudio.com
fleshworks@msn.com
facebook.com/fleshworks.tattoostudio
@fleshworkstattoostudio
They have a new location in Tumwater. Check them out.2024-09-3052 minOnly 4 WordsTake Back Your DayJoin Karen and Melanie as Melanie talks about her "Take Back Your Day." Take Back Your Day is a national campagin from the American Cancer Society. As cancer patients every day is impactful, but some are more impactful than others. This is encouraging people to take those negative days and turn them into a positive.
We want to hear from you. Take a picture and tag us @only4wordspodcast and use #TBYD, #takebackyourday, #ACStakebackyourday2024-09-2338 minOnly 4 WordsMore updates from MelanieJoin Karen and Melanie as Melanie gives us updates on her treatment, shaves her head, and talks about what it's like to be bald again.
Like and follow us @only4wordspodcast.
We so appreciate your support.
2024-09-1358 minOnly 4 WordsQ & A with Melanie and KarenJoin Melanie and Karen as they answer your biggest questions and address the questions that they each get asked the most.
2024-08-2753 minOnly 4 WordsUpdates and Clinical TrialsMelanie gives updates after starting the new chemo treatment as well as talks with Karen about clinical trails and clarifies some things discussed in previous episodes about clinical trials. They also discuss a conversation with their Oncologist that Melanie had discussing the BRCA gene and whether that determines mastectomies.
This is a great episode, especially if you have been following us for a little while.
2024-08-121h 04Only 4 WordsUpdates from MelanieMelanie gave an update in May about where her progression is and in this episode talks frankly about the newest updates and treatments she is undergoing. If you have been following her story from the beginning of the podcast you will want to listen to this episode. 2024-08-0241 minOnly 4 WordsIntimacy After Breast Cancer Diagnosis Wrap up and ResourcesMelanie gives the resources she talked about in all of the previous episodes in this series. To get the entire list, email us at questions@only4words.com.
Email us with questions for Kyle or any questions about this series.
Like us and follow us @only4words. Please pass this information on to any friends or family that might benefit from it. 2024-07-2220 minOnly 4 WordsIntimacy After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Session 4The one with Kyle.
Join Melanie and Karen as the talk to Melanie's husband about the clinical trials they are participating in and get his take on it from the partners perspective. Kyle has a great insight. Come hang out with us for a little while.
We'd love your feedback. Like and follow us @only4wordspodcast.
Email us at questions@only4words,com.2024-07-1554 minOnly 4 WordsIntimacy After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Episode 3Join Melanie and Karen as Melanie continues the discussion with what she learned in the Intimacy After Breast Cancer Diagnosis Clinical Trials. This episode tackles negative thinking and Melanie gives tips and techniques that they learned in session with the therapist.
Next episode, Melanie invites her husband Kyle onto the podcast to give his perspective. 2024-06-271h 14Only 4 WordsIntimacy After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Part 2Join Melanie as she dives into the 2nd episode in our series on Clinical Trials: Intimacy after Breast Cancer Diagnosis.
Melanie and Karen discuss Communication as it relates to intimacy after breast cancer and Melanie offers some tips and ways to reframe thoughts.
Join us next time for episode 3 in the series.
2024-06-151h 04Only 4 WordsIntimacy After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Part 1Melanie discusses with Karen a new clinical trial that she is participating in that tackles issues of intimacy after a breast cancer diagnosis. This is the first of several parts in a series. Next podcast Melanie will talk about furthering intimacy through communication.
Resources that we talked about on the podcast were:
Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book
Places to learn more about clinical trials:
towercancer.org
clinicaltrials.gov
cancer.org2024-05-291h 22Only 4 WordsKaren and Melanie interview Tracy MarquisKaren and Melanie interview Tracy Marquis who does Electro Lymphatic Therapy. She helps us to understand the lymphatic system and how lymph nodes work.
Tracy can be found at:
feelthetransformation.net
360-870-7923
tracy@feelthetransformation.net
2024-05-1627 minOnly 4 WordsUpdates from MelanieFor those that have been following Melanie's journey, this is an update and we talk a little bit about progression, weight loss and a few other things.
Thanks for your support. Like us and follow us @only4wordspodcast.2024-05-1151 minOnly 4 WordsKaren and Melanie interview an Oncology AestheticianBrenna is an Oncology Aesthetician and talks with Karen and Melanie about her training and services she offers. This is a fascinating topic and we are so glad that these resources are available to people going through treatment.
You can find Brenna at orchardhousespa@gmail.com
orchardhousespa.com
@orchardhousespa
haleandhush.com2024-05-0243 minOnly 4 WordsInterview with breast cancer survivor Alexa JohnsonJoin Karen and Melanie as they interview breast cancer survivor Alexa Johnson. Her story is raw and vulnerable and it will touch you. So grab your tissues and listen to her heartfelt story.
We gave shoutouts during the podcast to Amy at The MayDay Foundation. Her foundation helps people with bills while they are dealing with treatment. Incredible organization. She can be found at maydayfoundation.org.
We also talk about the American Cancer Society Cancer Action network. They can be found at fightcancer.org.2024-04-2557 minOnly 4 WordsInterview with Breast Cancer Survivor Andrea WallaceKaren and Melanie interview breast cancer survivor Andrea Wallace. She tells her story of survival and hope.
Shoutout to Travis at Fleshworks Tattoo in Olympia. Travis does mastectomy cover tattoos on Mondays for free. They can be found @fleshworks.tattoostudio. 2024-04-1241 minOnly 4 WordsFinding the HappyIn this episode Karen and Melanie discuss doing the normal things that don't have anything to do with cancer and finding ways to do things that make you happy.
2024-03-271h 12Only 4 WordsWhat to say when you don't know what to say.This episode Karen and Melanie discuss what to say to a cancer patient when you don't know what to say.2024-03-071h 03Only 4 WordsEpisode 9 - Cancer Day at the CapitalThis episode Melanie catches us up on her upcoming surgery and they discuss Cancer Day at the Capital.
For more information on Cancer Day at the Capital and HB 1450, fo to fightcancer.org.
The shoutout Karen did was for Judy's Intimate Apparel in Olympia. www.judysintimateapparel.com2024-02-2539 minOnly 4 WordsPart 2 about StagingThis is part 2 of our discussion on breast cancer staging.2024-02-1429 minOnly 4 WordsA discussion about stages Part 1 of 2Melanie and Karen discuss the different stages of breast cancer and what that means.2024-02-0936 minOnly 4 WordsThe other side of cancerJoin us as Melanie shares a recent medical incident with us, reminding us to take care of ourselves outside of cancer.2024-02-0134 minOnly 4 WordsInterview with Janet ThereseJanet talks about meditations and affirmations and staying grounded while going through treatment. At the end she does a guided meditation.
www.janettherese.com2024-01-1828 minOnly 4 WordsEpisode 6 Part 2Join us for Part 2 of our fireside chat with our daughters, Kaitlyn and Amanda.2024-01-1129 minOnly 4 WordsEpisode 6 Part 1A fireside chat with our daughters, Kaitlyn and Amanda.2024-01-0443 minOnly 4 WordsEpisode 5 Part 2Here is part 2 of our interviews with Kyle and Mark, our spouses as we talk about their experiences going through this journey with us. And, if you were curious, more about Barney.2023-12-1434 minOnly 4 WordsEpisode 5, Interviews with our spouses (Part 1)This is a first of 2 interviews with our spouses where we talk to them about their experiences with us and breast cancer.2023-12-0750 minOnly 4 WordsEpisode 4 The Same but DifferentKaren and Melanie explore the differences and similarities in treatments and diagnosis.2023-11-2949 minOnly 4 WordsEpisode 3 - Wrapping up our storiesKaren and Melanie are wrapping up their stories. 2023-11-0947 minOnly 4 WordsEpisode 2 - The rest of the storyMelanie and Karen continue to tell their stories in the continuation of Episode 2.2023-11-0149 minOnly 4 WordsEpisode 1 - Diagnosis and treatmentKaren and Melanie talk about Melanie's journey with diagnosis and treatment.2023-10-2539 minOnly 4 WordsOnly 4 Words (Trailer)2023-09-2500 min