What we cover in this episode about Calming the Cancer Chaos: A Conversation with Dr. Tiffany Troso
- Why Dr. Troso wrote Calming the Cancer Chaos after 25 years of watching patients struggle to understand their own diagnoses and choices
- The free downloadable workbook included with the book, and why using it (not just reading it) is what makes the material yours
- Practical tips for managing medical records and scan discs across different hospital systems
- Why women default to caretaking even during their own cancer treatment, and Dr. Troso’s advice to “put yourself first” (literally written on a prescription pad)
- How to match the people in your life to the right roles (who comes to appointments and takes notes vs. who picks up the kids)
- Why “just let me know if you need anything” isn’t actually helpful, and what to ask instead
- What it means to be an empowered patient: understanding your diagnosis, knowing the language, and asking every question, even the ones that feel basic
- The “Teach Back” method for making sure you understood what your doctor told you
- Menopausal symptoms in cancer patients, including vaginal dryness and painful intercourse, and why patients need to bring these up even when doctors don’t
- The single most important question many patients forget to ask: “Am I being treated for cure?”
- Navigating body image, identity, and surgical decisions (lumpectomy vs. mastectomy, reconstruction options) as a midlife woman
- Building a caregiving support system, including appointing a “point guard” to coordinate help
- Where to find community support you might not know about, including your place of worship, senior centers, and your oncology social worker
- Why Dr. Troso built an online community and course for patients, and what she’s learned about treating the whole person, not just the disease
- Dr. Troso’s Shopify store of practical products she’s recommended to patients over the years (cooling pads, lap desks, soft tape measures, and more)
Welcome to another episode of the Women in the Middle® Podcast!
If you or someone you love has ever faced a cancer diagnosis, you know how overwhelming it can feel to try to understand your options, organize your care, and advocate for yourself while everything in your life is upended.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tiffany Troso-Sandoval, an oncologist with over 25 years of experience treating women with breast and gynecological cancers, including time at Memorial Sloan Kettering. She is the author of her new book, Calming the Cancer Chaos: An Oncologist’s Guide for Women to Understand, Organize, and Take Control of Their Cancer Care.
Currently, she’s retired from Memorial Sloan Kettering and redirected her expertise toward a broader mission: empowering women with cancer through education, community, and advocacy. Dr. Troso’spersonal experience as a patient deepened her understanding of the gaps in cancer care and strengthened her commitment to helping women navigate the system with confidence and control.
Dr. Troso is also the founder of The Empowered Cancer Patient Community, a professionally curated online women’s community and education hub designed to help women navigate their cancer journey with confidence and clarity.
We talk about what it really means to be an empowered patient, why women in tend to put everyone else first even during their own treatment, how to build the right support team around you, and the questions most patients don’t know to ask but should.
This conversation is full of practical, specific tools, plus a reminder that self-advocacy, in a doctor’s office or anywhere else, starts with putting yourself first.
I know you’re going to get so much from this interview. Let’s dive in.
Mentioned in This Episode
- Suzy’s Midlife Quiz: www.midlifequiz.com
Connect with Dr. Tiffany Troso-Sandoval, MD:
- Book:Calming the Cancer Chaos:An Oncologist’s Guide for Women to Understand, Organize, and Take Control of Their Cancer Care
- Website: https://drtiffanytroso.com/home (free guide on website)
- Shop: The Empowered Patient Store
- Community: https://drtiffanytroso.com/community
- Podcast: The Empowered Cancer Patient Podcast
- SubStack: https://substack.com/@drtiffanytroso
- FB: https://www.facebook.com/ttrososandoval/
- You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@drtiffanytroso?sub_confirmation=1
- Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/drtiffanytroso
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/drtiffanytroso/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@winningthecancerjourney
- Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/drtiffanytroso
Connect with Suzy
Midlife Doodle-Think™ Club: Slow down with Zentangle-inspired doodling. As a Certified Zentangle® Teacher (CZT), I invite you to slow down and create a space to think. Doodle-Think™ is about a simple, mindful doodling practice for midlife women who want more presence, clarity and confidence; no art skills or creative talent required! Join here! www.doodlethink.com
Next Chapter Direction Session Free: Next Chapter Direction Session: A Private 50-Minute Conversation to Help You Get Clear on What You Want Now. If something in your life feels a little off, unclear, or out of sync…this is where you figure out what’s really going on and what you want to do about it. session, This insightful session is designed to help you see where you may be getting in your own way and how I might be able to help you turn the page on your next chapter! Book Now www.talktosuzy.com
Midlife QUIZ: You’re also invited to take the free “Next Chapter Midlife Quiz” to discover if your next chapter is trying to get your attention! It only takes about 90 seconds! You can start the quiz here: www.midlifequiz.com.
Work with Me: Group Coaching Women in the Middle Academy: Learn to start living like time matters…because it does! The Academy helps you do this in a 12 month group format that includes coaching, community, creativity and connection. Get unstuck and create your happiness blueprint for your future! Apply now: www.womeninthemiddleacademy.com and book your free call to learn how I can help you find what’s missing so that you love your life after 50.
Private Coaching – Limited Availability. Midlife transformation coaching is the fastest way to rediscover joy and purpose after 50! Regret-Proof Private Coaching to get unstuck, clear and excited about your life again. Available in 3 month, 6 month and 1 year options. Powerful results! Flexible payment plans. Book your free, no obligation Momentum Call here
Masterclass: Get Unstuck: Midlife Clarity Fast &Easy: Take this fun DIY midlife masterclass and get clear about your next chapter priorities without spin, confusion and overwhelm in less than an hour!www.midliferoadmap.com
Download Suzy’s eBook: 50 Ways to Celebrate Life after 50: Get unstuck, avoid regrets, and live your best life: www.50waystocelebrate.com and Amazon
OTHER RESOURCES:
- Free Resources
- Free Monthly Webinars and Workshops offered by Suzy Rosenstein: https://suzyrosenstein.com/webinar/
- Email your feedback: info@suzyrosenstein.com
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