{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/660d7e37088d5100152d246e/680b9ee9c96a934141a72589?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"The Power of Speaking Up. Navigating a New Cancer Diagnosis","description":"<p><strong>What if your symptoms were dismissed as “just hemorrhoids”—but turned out to be cancer? What would you do if you were diagnosed at 34 with stage 3 rectal cancer while raising three young kids?</strong></p><p><br></p><p>In this moving episode of <em>Ask the Patient Advocate</em>, we sit down with <strong>Melissa Groff</strong>, a mother of three and fierce advocate who shares the raw, real, and incredibly inspiring journey through her colorectal cancer diagnosis.</p><p><br></p><p>From subtle symptoms that were brushed off, to a fight for answers, and now, to a mission of spreading awareness—Melissa opens up about what it’s like to live, heal, and thrive with cancer in your 30s. She shares how she blended conventional and holistic care, how she kept a positive mindset through chemotherapy and surgeries, and the powerful lessons she’s now using to help others.</p><p><br></p><p>💡 Whether you’re navigating your own diagnosis, advocating for a loved one, or just want to understand the signs of colorectal cancer—<strong>this is the episode you’ll want to share.</strong></p><p><br></p><p>🎙️ <strong>What You’ll Hear in This Episode:</strong></p><ul><li>How Melissa’s symptoms were initially dismissed—and why she kept pushing for answers</li><li>What it’s like navigating cancer treatment as a young mom</li><li>How she combined Western medicine with naturopathic therapies</li><li>The power of patient-led advocacy in early detection</li><li>Practical advice for anyone feeling unheard or overwhelmed by the healthcare system</li></ul><p><br></p><p>🛑 <em>Don’t wait until it’s too late.</em> Your body is always telling you something—Melissa’s story is your reminder to listen.</p><p><br></p><p>🎧 Tune in now to learn how to take control of your recovery, feel heard, and move forward — one step at a time.</p><p><br></p><p>Listen to the next episode of \"Ask the Patient Advocate\" as we continue to empower you with insights and strategies for navigating your healthcare journey with confidence.</p><p><br></p><p>If you have questions or topics you'd like us to explore, don't hesitate to reach out to us at advocate@pathwaypa.com. Remember, with the right advocate by your side, managing your health becomes a journey of empowerment and clarity.</p><p><br></p><p>For personalized assistance and support, reach out to us and discover how we can help you navigate your path to better health. Call us at (947) 517-8395</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Melissa,</strong></p><p><a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/loveitandshare\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.instagram.com/loveitandshare</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Dr. Elena Borrelli:</strong></p><p>Instagram: <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/pathwaypadvocates/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">@pathwaypadvocates</a></p><p>Facebook:<a href=\"https://www.facebook.com/PathwayPatientAdvocates\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> Pathway Patient Advocates</a></p><p>Youtube: <a href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@pathwaypatientadvocates9311\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Pathway Patient Advocates</a></p><p>Tiktok: <a href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@pathwaypatientadvocates\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Pathway Patient Advocates</a></p><p>LinkedIn: <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathway-patient-advocates/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Pathway Patient Advocates</a></p><p><a href=\"http://pathwaypa.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">pathwaypa.com</a></p>","author_name":"Elena Borrelli"}