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Writer's pictureTalaya Dendy
4 min read

Navigating Stage 3 inflammatory Breast cancer with AI & Advocacy


Katrece Nolen, Stage 3 Inflammatory Breast Cancer Survivor, AI Consultant, Speaker, Author


In a world where health challenges can feel isolating and overwhelming, stories of resilience and resourcefulness shine a light on paths of hope and healing. Our latest podcast episode of "Navigating Cancer TOGETHER" features the incredible journey of Katrece Nolen, an AI consultant, speaker, and 11-year stage three inflammatory breast cancer survivor. She is an inspiring advocate for leveraging AI tools for cancer care and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy. Let’s dive into some of the remarkable insights she shared.


Katrece Nolen's Story: Resilience and Advocacy

 

Katrece shared a poignant account of her diagnosis and treatment journey, highlighting the critical role of self-advocacy. Diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer—a rare and aggressive form at just 38—Katrece faced multiple hurdles in accessing health care. Her story underscores the importance of persistence and knowing when to seek a second opinion. She emphasized, "If there's ever a doctor who has concerns about you seeking a second opinion, you need to find another doctor."


Persistence in Seeking Answers


Katrece's journey illustrates the necessity of persistence when seeking answers about one's health. From the moment she noticed a change in her body, she took immediate action. Despite initial dismissals from healthcare professionals, she refused to accept "no" for an answer. For instance, when her family physician was unavailable, she insisted on being seen by another doctor the same day, demonstrating her commitment to understanding her health situation.


This persistence continued throughout her diagnosis and treatment journey. Katrece faced numerous hurdles, including delays in appointments and misdiagnoses. However, she consistently advocated for herself, pressing for further evaluations and consultations. Her experience highlights the importance of not accepting delays or dismissals regarding health concerns. Patients must be proactive and assertive, as Katrece exemplified, to ensure they receive timely and appropriate care.


The Power of Community and Openness

 

A consistent theme throughout Katrece's story is the importance of community and being open about one’s journey. She insists that asking for help and forming connections can make the path less daunting—"There is a community for everybody." Within this community, patients can find strength and resources that are vital for navigating their journey.


Katrece's advocacy extended beyond herself; she also sought support for her family. By communicating openly with her children about her diagnosis and informing their schools, she created a network of support that helped her navigate the emotional and logistical challenges of her treatment. This proactive approach not only benefited her but also ensured that her children received the necessary support during a difficult time.


AI: A Tool for Personalized Cancer Care

 

Katrece advocates for the use of AI tools in simplifying and personalizing cancer care. AI can assist in digesting complex medical information, offering summaries, and posing insightful questions to healthcare providers. This leads to more informed decision-making and a proactive role in one’s treatment plan.


Here are some key ways AI can enhance the cancer care experience:


  1. Help with information overload and patient empowerment

  2. Provide Personalized treatment recommendations

  3. Get access to the latest research

  4. Provide support for self-advocacy


Navigating Treatment Decisions with Confidence

 

One of the critical aspects of this discussion involved Katrece's decision to have a bilateral mastectomy, a choice that was initially met with resistance from her healthcare team. She encourages others to research, compare notes, and trust their intuition when making healthcare decisions, highlighting, "Hit it and hit it hard...as if you don’t have the opportunity to hit it again."






Promoting Health Equity and Addressing Disparities

 

Katrece touches on the significant health disparities faced by marginalized communities and the importance of equal access to cancer care. She is featured in the American Association for Cancer Research’s disparities progress report, a comprehensive examination of these vital issues.


What Breast Cancer Awareness Means to Katrece

 

For Katrece, Breast Cancer Awareness Month transcends fundraising. It's an opportunity to elevate awareness around different treatment modalities and support systems. She notes the importance of understanding that treatment isn’t just about chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation—palliative care and complementary therapies are crucial components.


Final Words


To everyone facing cancer, Katrece leaves us with a message of courage and companionship: "You are not alone. The fact you’re listening to this podcast today should tell you that you are not alone."



Engage with Us

 

We invite you to reflect and engage with us. How likely are you to use AI tools to help personalize and manage your care or the care of a loved one? Share your thoughts with us via email at nctpodcastfan@gmail.com or connect through our social media channels.




Ways to Engage with Katrece Nolen




Book: Available on Amazon - I've Been Diagnosed, Now What?

 


Listen to the Full Episode


Available on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you prefer to listen to your podcasts. For your convenience, listen to this episode with the Smartplayer

below.


Prefer to read? Check out the transcript for this episode.


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