Trust Your Instincts For Better Health Outcomes With Pam Kohl, Patient Advocate Women Leaders On The Move

In this empowering episode, we sit down with Pam Kohl, Patient Advocate, to explore the critical role trusting your intuition when receiving health care. Pam shares her personal journey from an early breast cancer diagnosis to living with metastatic breast cancer, revealing her remarkable resilience and determination. Her story underscores the importance of trusting your instincts, advocating thorough testing, and staying informed to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system effectively.

Find out how you are the best advocate for your health outcomes. Listen to the episode and discover:

Navigating the Challenges of Breast Cancer

Pam Cole's story is one of resilience and determination. After initially being diagnosed with stage 1 ER+ breast cancer in 2009, she underwent a lumpectomy, radiation, and five years of endocrine therapy. Despite being told she was cured, Pam faced a recurrence of her cancer, which eventually led to a metastatic diagnosis.

The Power of Knowledge and Self-Advocacy

Throughout the episode, Pam emphasizes the necessity of understanding diagnostic tools and the need to demand comprehensive testing, such as PET scans, when necessary.

Advancements in Breast Cancer Care and Nuclear Medicine Safety

The conversation extends beyond personal experiences, touching on advancements in breast cancer management, particularly for ER+ cases.

HER HEALTHX Improving Health Outcomes for Women

The conversation explores the implications of medical gaslight and how HER HEALTHX, a nonprofit organization is dedicated to addressing the broader impact of medical gaslighting on women and their communities.

3 Takeaways:

Feel Empowered: When you understand your diagnosis and the available medical options is crucial for effective self-advocacy. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to make choices that align with your instincts.
Safety in Nuclear Medicine: The conversation sheds light on the importance of safety standards in medical testing and the advocacy needed to improve these practices. Support H.R.6815 — 118th Congress (2023-2024)
Community Impact: Addressing how medical gaslighting affects not just the individual but the wider community.

"You need to be paying attention to your body and trusting your intuition. Trust yourself and advocate for yourself. It's the most important thing you can do."-Pam Kohl

Thank you Pam for sharing your story.

Join Pam Kohl and host Natalie Benamou on October 23rd for a panel discussion about Extravasation and Step Therapy at 11 AM CT/ 12 PM ET.

Resources:

https://www.safernuclearmedicine.org/

American Cancer Society

HER HEALTHX

About Pam Kohl

Pam Kohl, a North Carolina native with over 40 years of experience in government and nonprofit management, has dedicated her career to breast cancer advocacy. As the former Executive Director of Susan G. Komen's North Carolina Triangle to the Coast Affiliate, she advocated for equitable breast cancer support and research across 29 counties. Pam directed the Komen Metastatic Breast Cancer Collaborative Research Initiative, focusing on finding treatments and cures, especially after her own battles with breast cancer. Diagnosed initially in 2009 with Stage 1 ER+ breast cancer and declared cancer-free in 2014, she faced a recurrence in 2016 and was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer in 2017. Her treatment regimen includes Verzenio, Fulvestrant, and regular scans.

Connect with Host Natalie Benamou, Founder HerCsuite®

Natalie Benamou is the host of "Women Leaders on the Move '' and the Founder of HerCsuite®, a powerful women's network providing connect circles for women’s careers and businesses. She is dedicated to making it easier for women to achieve success in all aspects of their lives. Natalie is also the Founder and President of HER HEALTHX, a nonprofit on improving health outcomes for women.

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