Triple Negative Breast Cancer: How She Caught It Early and Came Back Stronger | Thrive on Plants #53

Welcome back to the Thrive on Plants podcast. Today's conversation is deeply personal. It's very practical, and it could be potentially life-saving. Our guest today is Laurie Baum. Laurie is a cancer survivor, a plant-based eater, a medical specialist at the University Hospital Seidman Cancer Center at Firelands. Laurie's story reminds us that even when someone is doing so many things well, eating intentionally, staying active, caring for their health, that family history matters, that your risk matters, and that screening is so important and screening matters. According to Firelands and University Hospitals, Lori sought genetic evaluation after losing multiple family members to cancer, including her mother to ovarian cancer. Her genetic testing did not identify a known hereditary cancer mutation, but her family history remained concerning enough that she sought the input from a genetic specialist and was referred to a high-risk breast clinic. That referral led to a breast MRI, which found masses in both breasts, even though her regular mammogram had been negative. Just months before. This is exactly why I wanted to have Lori on the show. Her journey is not just about breast cancer. It's about listening to your story, understanding that a negative genetic result does not always completely erase the risk, and it's about knowing that personalized screening and surveillance can make a difference. The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends familial risk assessment, genetic counseling, and when indicated, testing for women with certain personal or family histories. The National Cancer Institute also notes that a negative or uninformative test result still has to be interpreted in the context of family history. And for women at high risk, the American Cancer Society states that breast MRI may be used in addition to mammography not instead of it. So today we're going to talk about Lori's family history, what genetic counseling actually uncovered, how her cancer was found, what it meant to face triple negative breast cancer, and how she navigated treatment, survivorship, and now being a forceful advocate for women's health. We'll also talk about what every listener can do right now to become a more informed, empowered participant in their own health. So please join me in welcoming Laurie to the Thrive on Plants podcast. Laurie, welcome to the Thrive on Plants podcast. I am so appreciative that you've taken time to join us today.

Thank you. Thank you for having me. I'm excited to be here.

Laurie, after spending some time with you at the recent Zion Retreat and learning more about your story, I knew I wanted you to share more about yourself and about your journey with our community. But I'd like to rewind a bit. And can you tell me first how you joined the Cancer Center? Because I feel that that's a key part of your story.

Yes, actually, I think it is a key part of my journey. Basically, I have been a medical assistant since 2003, so I was in family practice for 17 years and I just decided that I needed a change and I wanted to go into oncology because I have a big family history of cancer and I just thought it would be a place where I could make a difference.

And You obviously have. Do you— is there— is it general oncology, or do you see a specific type of community member with a particular diagnosis?

We see all kinds of cancers at our center, and then we also treat patients on the hematology side as well.

And what prompted you to have a conversation with the genetics team?

To be honest with you, I'm thankful that they came down to our clinic because I really never thought about genetics. Um, I never really understood genetics and I am the person that rooms their patients. And due to my family history, I asked the doctor one day, I explained to her my family history and I asked her like, "Hey, should I get an appointment with you?" And she's told me, yes, it'd be a very good idea for me to have an appointment with them.

And do you mind sharing what your family history is?

Yes, I'd be glad to. I have a big family history of cancer. I lost my dad to lung cancer when he was 57. I lost my mom to ovarian cancer in 2021. I've lost a grandmother to kidney cancer, my other grandmother to kidney cancer. I have two aunts that are alive and well. They both have had breast cancer. I have another aunt that died of breast cancer. I have 3 of my uncles that have passed away from cancer. Um, my cousin Corey had breast cancer. She is the daughter of one of my aunts who— my Aunt Carol, who's alive and well and had breast cancer 2 times. And I just recently found out this week actually that her sister, my other cousin, now has breast cancer. So that basically concludes all the cancer. Oh, and my sister, I almost forgot my sister Carrie. She did, she has had thyroid cancer in the past.

Oh, Laurie, that is a significant family history. Yes. And so prior to you approaching the genetics team with all of the family history, had no one actually sat down and done a family tree and had conversations with all of you?

You know, we all were aware of this, of the history that we have had. Mm-hmm. But no one really sat down and discussed it necessarily. Um, I did have a couple sisters get, um, some testing done themselves. Mm-hmm. Um, and their genetic testing was normal due to our family history. Um, but we really never sat down and talked about it that much. Um, we are more of a situation that we are just aware that we have a lot of cancer in our family. Mm-hmm.

And what happened after you met with the genetics team?

So when I met with the genetics team, it was kind of interesting to be on the patient side. Um, you actually had a genetics, um, appointments, spend more time with the counselor than you do the doctor. And she goes over extensively your family history, how genetics plays into the role of your, your history, and also what testing might be beneficial for you to have. So due to my family history, she did have me have blood testing done. And they did test for the BRCA genes, which of course the BRCA genes, if you have them, that means you really have to pay attention to and get some additional testing and you're more likely on the road to have cancer. So with, when the results came back, they were all negative. And when they're all negative, um, basically They told me that with your family history, I would recommend that you go to a breast specialist. So at this point, I wanna make a point that this is a point where you have to really be your own advocate. You have to take your health in your own hands. I could have very easily said, ah, my mammograms are normal. Um, I don't have to worry about it. My testing was negative, but I did not do that. I made an appointment right away with the breast specialist, and that's when I got connected with Jennifer Emrick, who is up at University Hospitals.

So up till that point, you had been regularly getting your mammograms, everything looked good, but genetic testing was negative. They still advocated that you meet with a breast specialist at University Hospitals of Cleveland.

Yes. So what happened after that is when I met with Jennifer Emmerich, the nurse practitioner, she basically said, you know, I am going to take care of all your breast care from now on, but let's do a screening MRI just to have it, a base MRI just to see, you know, where you're at and we can have it on file for your records. So what happened after I got that breast MRI MRI was in— after I got the breast MRI, Jennifer told me that I personally call all my patients with the results. Mm-hmm. And so when I got the result, I was— excuse me, I'm trying to collect my thoughts here. So basically she did the breast MRI. Sorry about that. And she, to my surprise, found a mass in each breast and underneath my arm. So at that point, they decided to do biopsies. They couldn't do a biopsy underneath my arm because the mass was right on a vein. So they did both, um, biopsies on both of my breasts. And after that was done, She told me that I personally call all of my patients with the results, but she did warn me that I may see the result in my chart ahead of time. So of course there in this day and age in technology, there's an app for every medical facility. And of course I was curious, who wouldn't be, about my results. I went, I was at lunch. And I looked at my phone. I'm like, hey, I'm gonna just check and see what my results are, you know, if they happen to be there. And I looked at my phone and I'm like, oh, my results are here. And to my surprise, I saw invasive carcinoma. And working at the Cancer Center, I knew that meant that I had cancer. Uh, I was very shocked when I saw that result. And even though I knew deep down that it was cancer, I handed the phone over to my coworker Danielle, who was in the break room at the time. I go, Danielle, is this what I think it is? And she's like, yes, Lori, you know what it is. And she actually sat down in the break room and prayed with me. And that was very helpful to have her in the break room because of course that was a very shocking moment. That I found out that I had breast cancer.

Oh, Lori, that's quite a way to find out too.

Yes. And unexpected. Yeah. I was just going, you know, I'm just going for an appointment just to see a breast specialist, um, just to get a screening MRI. You know, no one ever thinks that you're going to hear the word cancer or read the word cancer. Um, also, I'm healthy. I, I'm an active person. I eat healthy. And, but the thing about cancer, um, cancer doesn't care. So it can get you if you're healthy, unhealthy. And it was just a very shocking, um, experience for me when I found out. Okay.

And going back to what you shared previously about advocating for yourself, had you not had the breast MRI? You would not have known.

No, I never had the breast MRI. All I had ever had done was mammograms. Mm-hmm. Uh, one thing that was good though, due to my family history, is I did start having my, um, mammograms early. I think I was like 38 when I got my first mammogram. Um, so that was something they did start having me get my mammograms early. But, um, no, I never had an MRI ever. Before that time.

So after seeing that diagnosis in— on your portal, what next? What— first of all, that is a— that it's really hard. No one ever wants to see or hear the fact that you have cancer. And I'm pretty sure knowing what you know, working in an oncology center, lots of things started going through your head. But what happened over the next couple of weeks to months?

So after I found out, I actually called Jennifer's office and I told her, hey, I know my results. And so she basically, you know, said, sorry that you had to find it that way. You know, I wanted to call you and and give you the results. But what was nice about my journey is how fast everything happened. She set me up with, um, uh, that's my surgeon, Dr. Ashley Simpson. So I had an appointment with her right away. And after I found out, of course, I called my husband right away and let him know and let my family members know what was going on. Um, you know, that was a big thing to let everyone in my family know. What was going on and my coworkers and the doctors I worked with. And after I got the diagnosis, my doctors that I worked with were so kind. They were— they told me, Lori, you know, if you want to have your privacy, you can go someplace else. But I room with the patients. I see what goes on in our center every day. And I told them, no, you are the best. I want you to take care of me. So I made the doctor I work with, Dr. Amy Reese, be my oncologist. And so she was set up for my oncologist. Dr. Simpson was set up for my surgeon. And so when I met with her, decisions were made, what were the next steps? So the next step was, is she wanted to do a lumpectomy. Mm-hmm. So I found out like at the beginning of November of 2022, and again, I was so impressed of how fast everything happened. And I actually had— she decided to do a lumpectomy. And she— my surgery was actually the day before Thanksgiving. Oh, wow. So that Thanksgiving, not much happened there. And I actually never had a surgery up until that time. I've never had a surgery in my life. And I was a little nervous about that. But I got my surgery done at University Hospitals. And I couldn't have asked for a more pleasant experience. Not saying that everybody wants to have a surgery done, but it was a pleasant experience. Everyone acted and treated me with, you know, extreme care. So then after I recovered from surgery and Dr. Reese was waiting on the final pathology to find out exactly what type of cancer I have, because when you have cancer tumors, they check and see if you have progesterone, estrogen, and HER2 protein. And so that will determine what type of treatment that you get. So when we were waiting on the results, we had the results for the estrogen and the progesterone, and those were negative. And the last one we were waiting on is the HER2. What was silly at the time is there's so many different kinds of breast cancers out there and it, even though I work at an oncology department, it was, I didn't really understand what triple negative meant. Um, so I thought that negative was good. And so then I realized that obviously it wasn't as triple, it ended up being all 3 were negative and I was triple negative breast cancer and So when you have triple negative breast cancer, the only tool in your toolbox really is chemotherapy and surgery. And I already had the surgery. And I do wanna back— backtrack to the surgery. So when they did the surgery, that was at the point that they were gonna determine to see if the mass underneath my arm, if it has spread. And that was a part that, um, I was very nervous about. My family was very nervous about. Because that changes the treatments that you get and how long you have to have, you know, chemotherapy. So, two, I was very excited that it was negative. So I was very thankful that it did not spread and it just stayed localized on my right breast. So I was very thankful for that. So I had to go back to that part of the story. So after, um, you know, we got the final pathology back, then that was when I had my appointment, official appointment with Dr. Reese. And at that point she told me that the only treatment really for me is chemotherapy. So I had to have, um, 16 rounds of chemotherapy, um, 2 different types of chemo, and then, um, also 15 rounds of radiation afterwards. So that was my journey after I found out that I did have the cancer.

That's a lot to digest.

Mm-hmm.

Yeah. Lori, if the, so post-diagnosis, did you have any conversations? I mean, I don't know the, um, the whole oncology process at Cleveland. But in many centers, you get to meet with an interdisciplinary team. So you have your surgeon, you have your oncologist. Did you also have an opportunity to meet with a nutritionist or anyone who would help you with understanding how to optimize your lifestyle so that you can recover from surgery better, be primed for your chemotherapy, and also um, you know, because chemo and radiation are inflammatory, how do you help your body heal?

Um, right. So basically, um, University Hospitals and Dr. Simpson, they did not go into that much. But where I work at is, um, at Firelands Health in Sandusky, and basically the, the The only two people that really on my team are my surgeon and then my oncologist. And when it came to nutrition and physical activity, they— the only thing that they really do is they give you a pamphlet. They do give you a pamphlet and it has extensively like, you know, what to eat and how to stay active and gives you, you know, tips to help you out with that. But they didn't necessarily stress it. It'd be one of those things like if you have a question, questions. Of course, you can answer— excuse me, ask the questions. If you need a nutritionist, they do have a nutritionist on hand, on staff, that they can set you up with. Um, but the main thing they gave you for when it came to healthy eating and physical activity was a pamphlet that was in your packet. That you receive when you start your journey with the chemotherapy and radiation.

And you mentioned that, you know, prior to your diagnosis, you were healthy and fit. And so were you eating well and exercising a lot? And as you were recovering post-surgery and then getting ready to start your treatments, how did you start to plan your own life? So that you could focus on all the things that were still important to you and that you knew would help your healing mentally and physically?

So when I first got the cancer diagnosis, I was of course scared and overwhelmed.

Mm-hmm.

And after the dust settles, I have a relationship with God and I gave it to God and he gave me peace and strength to get through it. And before all of this, and I also am blessed because I had so much support. From family, friends, coworkers. The support was absolutely amazing during it. So that was very helpful and I'm very blessed to have that. But I, like I said, I was luckily healthy before I started this, the whole journey with when I got diagnosed with cancer. And I think it really helped me with my journey. I think I could have had more side effects, but because I was healthy, during my cancer journey, I still ate healthy and I still drank lots of water. I think that's one of the keys during your treatment is to drink lots of water. So I still, um, ate healthy. I still drank a lot of water. Um, and I was active as much as I could. Mm-hmm. Um, the thing that was surprising to me that I did not expect when I started my journey is what it takes away from you. Um, I was lucky not to have a lot of the side effects, but it still kicked my butt. It really did. It was really hard. There'd be times that it'd be hard for me to just simply walk up the stairs, but I ate as healthy as I could during the time. I drank water and I also kept as active as I possibly could. But what was surprising is when I was going through my treatments is like, I can't do the things I once used to do. And that was a surprising point for me. I guess I didn't think it— even think about it— is I take care of 3-year-olds at church. And I was like, well, I really shouldn't be doing that anymore. I'm a runner and I didn't have the energy or to run anymore, so I couldn't run anymore. Um, so in social life, I can't really go out and be as active as I once was. And that was a part that was kind of hard for me mentally to deal with is because everything that I loved, it's like cancer took it away. So that was kind of hard to deal with, but I, um, got through it and everything that cancer took away, I got back. So I'm very thankful and very blessed for that is that everything, you know, I am now, you know, again, taking care of 3-year-olds at church. I am having my social life back. I am running again. So everything that it took away, I did get back. So, but it was just something that I guess a curveball that I didn't expect during my cancer journey to go through. And I also during my cancer journey and lost my hair. So that was part of my cancer journey too. For some people it's, it's kind of hard for them. I mean, for me, of course, nobody wants to lose their hair. But it wasn't as hard for me. And I just wore caps. I did not like not having eyebrows. That was not a fun, fun part of the, of the journey, but I just wore— I had nice little caps. We have a cancer center here in town and they donate wigs and caps and things to people. So.

And you kept working for most of your treatment, if not all?

Yeah, that was something. Too, is that I basically worked through most of my treatments. There were some days I had to absolutely call off, and there's probably some days I probably shouldn't have came to work. My coworkers could attest to that. But I— it helped me mentally and physically to keep going. To be honest with you, everybody's journey's completely different. But for me, it definitely helped to keep on working.

And what new insights did you have? I mean, it is so different being a patient.

Yes.

Than taking care of people. Um, and you know, your faith sounds like it was a big part of your journey.

Absolutely.

You had a wonderful community to support you.

Yes.

But how did it change your, how you interact with the people that you see every single day coming into the cancer center, knowing that they're on a journey of their own.

So another thing, um, in my cancer journey is after, again, after the dust settled and the shock of it all, um, I asked God to use my journey to help and inspire others. And when it just gave me a different outlook. Towards my patients. It made me look at my patients differently. And many of them, when I was wearing the caps, they could tell I was going through something, you know, that a battle of my own. And I'm— I wasn't— it didn't bother me to share my journey whatsoever. I even told the doctors, because I had to get a port for my chemo, I even told them, I'm like, if you ever need any of the patients to see what a port looks like, please use me. So sometimes I'd be the port model and I would show the patients like, look at this, isn't that bad? And there'd be times that me and the patients, we would, we could totally relate to each other and it made, it made me feel happy and I could tell it made them feel happy as well. It made them feel like, ah, someone knows what I'm going through. And that was just a really powerful part of my journey actually is knowing that my journey and what I'm going through is helping them.

In how long from the time of diagnosis to your last treatment? And I'm assuming you got to ring the bell.

Yes.

How long was that time?

So I basically found out in November of 2022. Mm-hmm. And my last radiation appointment was in at the end of July of 2023.

Okay. So that's almost 9 months, if not 9, 10 months. That's a long time.

Yeah. Yeah. And again, everyone's cancer journey, journeys are different and some people have it no longer than that. And that's why I was lucky that they found, they found it early with me, which was key. And also that I didn't have to have extra chemo, you know, because it didn't spread anywhere. So that made a big difference in my journey is that it didn't spread. So that was an important part.

And as you were coming to the end of your treatment regimen, um, how did you prepare for next? Because, and I, you know, I haven't had cancer myself, but I used to take care of individuals who had head and neck cancer. And I know part of the next part of your journey can be as fearful as the treatment part because surveillance is hard. There's always this worry about, will it come back? Am I doing the right things? How, how did mentally and physically, as you were getting ready to go into your post-treatment timeframe, how did you prepare and how did our system help or not help you with that transition?

So at the end of my treatment, um, when I was done with my radiation treatment, the radiation, my coworkers, they're like, you're gonna feel a lot of fatigue. Um, and that I did. I definitely had a lot of fatigue when I was done with all of my treatments. And then something that I did not expect to happen, um, after all my treatments was that I lost my range of motion. I couldn't do this at all.

Mm-hmm.

And I'd even have to have my husband take my shirts off at times. So I had to have physical therapy and acupuncture, which helped out with that. But after the dust settled and I got through all that and my energy kind of started coming back, you get to this point. I think it's because the point I'm gonna speak of, I think it's because you're going through so much at the time. All your different treat— what's the next treatment? What's the next thing that you don't have time to think really what you're going through. So after the dust settles, I was like, wow, emotionally, what did I just go through? What just happened to me? And I get emotional thinking about it because it is a scary part like that. You just think about what you went through and what your body went through and all the what-ifs could have happened. But then after I got over that, I decided to, um, move forward and I decided to really dial into my health. Um, it made me think of life differently. It made me think of my health journey differently. Um, they do give you, uh, a survivorship appointment and they do go over all the different recommendations that they would recommend that you do and how to move forward with your journey. And so now I have, um, I do have an appointment with my oncologist and my surgeon every 6 months. And with my surgeon, she's alternating MRI and mammogram, but you still get nervous.

Yeah.

Going to those testing. As a matter of fact, I just had one, um, last month I had MRI. Luckily it came out okay. But even though I'm that far out, you still get nervous, um, going to those tests. I think I'll forever be nervous about that. So basically it's one of those things that switched my mindset to really focus in and dial in on my health. Um, make sure I'm healthy mentally and physically, and my oncology team is there if I need it. But the only, the main tools they give you is basically your survivorship appointment.

And Lori, you, so one of the things that really impressed me when we were talking at Zion is you want to give back.

Yes.

Which is so important. What, so if you reflect back on life in general, Um, what would you wanna share with women and men? Because men can also get breast cancer, but whether it's women, whether it's families, um, you know, what are, what are the things that you wanna pour your heart into and make sure people know and understand that are a byproduct of your cancer journey to date?

I would say I want people to be proactive. With their health journeys. Men, women, know your family history. Talk to your family, know your history, and be an advocate for yourself. Look into if you need additional testing done. If your mammogram is negative, talk to your doctor, know your health risks, know your family's health risks, see if you need to get additional testing, but to really make sure that you keep up with your screenings, no matter what they are, all your screens, make that time. Life is busy, of course, but if you need to make time to take care of yourself, that is the most important thing that you could do for yourself and for your family is to make time for your health and to get the screens, to get the testing that you need done. And not to wait. The earliest— the earlier you find it, the better it is. Like me, luckily they found it early. Who knows where I'd be right now if they did not find that cancer early.

Advocate for yourself. That is huge. Mm-hmm.

Yes, absolutely.

And don't be afraid to ask questions because I still wonder if you hadn't talked to the genetics team. Yeah.

Oh yeah. I think about that all the time. If I did not happened to work at the Cancer Center, if I did not have that conversation with the genetics team, where would I be now? Yeah. So that's why I want women to be more aware of their own health journey, be more aware of your testing, have that conversation with your family, have the conversation with your doctor, because a lot of women have dense breasts.

Mm-hmm.

And I think with having dense breasts, perhaps maybe you need some additional screenings or additional testing. So just to be aware of that and to talk to your doctor and to know your risks.

100% agree. Even if you're doing everything right, which is sometimes the hardest part to wrap our heads around that. And you know, you've said it so well, I was healthy. Um, but talking about health, were you actually plant-based going into your cancer journey, or was that something that you embraced either during or post your— after your treatments were over?

Um, well, I was plant-based. I was inspiring vegan, as I would call myself, but it wasn't, uh, I started really looking into healthy eating probably in the early 2000s. I was part of, um, group at church that was called First Place, and they concentrate on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. And a girl in the group started doing research into healthy eating and Because she did that, that inspired me to do my own investigation into healthy eating. Then there are people along the way, things that happen along the way that made me dig even deeper into my health journey. So I was still an aspiring vegan until January 1st, 2025, when I found the Vegan Gym. And in 2024, um, it was a simple thing, but a powerful thing is I decided because I knew the information by the podcasts I listened to, um, the information that I gathered, the things that I was exposed to. I knew that plant-based eating was the absolute best way to go. And it was just the dairy part— meat wasn't a problem, it was the dairy part that was so addicting. And that was a hard part to give up, but I knew it wasn't good for me. So, and that's why I always call myself Inspiring Vegan, because I just could not give up that dairy. But at the end of 2024 is when I made a decision, a mind shift change that I'm going to become a plant-based vegan once and for all. And it just happened to work out is when I found the Vegan Gym and I have been a plant-based vegan ever since then. So answering your question, yes, I was plant-based before going into my journey, but I stepped it up even more afterwards. And I should have became a plant-based vegan, you know, more so after my cancer journey. But again, I was just very addicted to that dairy and I couldn't give that up, but I finally made the decision and I finally did it.

So, and every, I mean, as you shared, everyone has their own path. Forward. Um, and dairy and cheese, it's hard. Uh, one of the reasons why Dr. Barnard wrote The Cheese Trap, because it, it is not giving up some of those things that are potentially addictive, even from a food perspective. It can be hard.

Yeah. Yes, it can.

But it, you know, I love the fact that you actually have, um, a health focus in your church. And have you, so as, as you've been going through as part of giving back, are you sharing with other women in the community, in your church, in terms of helping other people, whether it's breast cancer or a different type of health journey that they are going through?

So that group actually is no longer part of the church.

Okay.

However, there was a breast cancer Bible study recently that again disbanded. But when I was with them during that time, I did explain of how I— that they did look at the way that I was living my life. And another way that I'm doing it now is, so we have a breast cancer support group and, um, I volunteered to do a talk on healthy eating with them. So actually that's supposed to happen this past Tuesday, but due to different circumstances, um, we are postponing it until next week or next month rather. So, um, I'll be talking next month to the breast cancer support group about healthy eating.

Awesome.

And, um, also, um, another woman who is on my staff and she, she has a group that is for people that have just general cancer. And she stopped me the other day and she knows how I live my life. And she's like, hey, would you be interested in being a guest speaker in our group and talk about healthy living? And I was like, sure, I would love to do that. So whenever the opportunity presents itself, I volunteer, or, um, sometimes people seek me out to talk to them about healthy living. So I just basically To summarize it up is whenever there's an opportunity to help others, I like to do that. That's—

and that's wonderful. Thank you for doing that.

Mm-hmm.

And in one of the pictures you shared, I saw you with a pair of boxing gloves on. Are you back to running again and back to doing all the things that you love to do?

Yes, that was an awesome moment when I was able to get back to my running and to the person that I am. Meant to be. Um, yeah, actually, uh, I did a half marathon this past fall. It was a local half marathon. Um, and actually it was March of 2024 because of course I was recently in Zion with all of you for the retreat. But the only other time I've been to Zion was in March of 2024. I did the Zion half marathon with my family. Oh, awesome. And that was the very first race I did post-cancer. And so that race is very important and significant for me. I wasn't fast, but at this point it was— I'm just excited that I completed it. So that was a very special moment when I finished that race. And plus I got to do it with my family and at a beautiful place, you know, in Zion. So that was a very important part. In my journey is to be able to do that. And so yes, I'm back to— I actually feel like I'm in the best shape of my life right now with the help of the Vegan Gym and my coach in the community. I just feel that is the best thing that could ever happen to me. And I just feel like I honestly, at 58, I'm in the best shape of my life right now.

Well, you don't look 58.

Thank you.

But I mean, that is so important because you've been through a heck of a lot and to be where you are now and say that you're in better shape than you were in September of 2022, that's huge.

Yes, it is huge. I feel very thankful and very blessed, but it also takes work. You have to have discipline and you have to put in the work. You can have all the information in the world and you can have the motivation, but it's the discipline. Day in and day out showing up and doing the work that, that's, I think, is important on your journey. And keeping up with your healthy eating is definitely important as well. Um, you know, I, I'm a person that mostly everyone around me doesn't eat the way I do, but they are aware of it. And, um, it's just helpful to live the life that I'm living to help me feel the way I do.

And Lori, how about the other parts of healthy living? And two in particular that I think are important during treatment and post-treatment are sleep and stress. Um, because your, your body is under— between surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, you were stressed for 9, 10 months.

Um, oh yes.

How did— How important were sleep and finding ways to manage stress important to you? And then how is, how did that change your perspective on making sure that you prioritize sleep and you prioritize finding ways to manage your stress?

Um, yes, I think, yes, going through all the chemo, all the treatments that I went to definitely put stress on your body and Actually, after I got the treatments, the night of, I would literally be awake the entire night. I could not sleep. It was awful because of the steroids. And what was interesting, that was on a Thursday and I would go into work on Friday and I was so hyper to my coworkers. And then I'd kind of crash in the afternoon. They kind of thought it was funny, but No, sleep I think is a very important thing, important thing. And I do try to prioritize that. I always have. I'm basically go to bed at 9 o'clock type person. Now I kind of wake up around 4-ish because I have to work out before work. I don't always necessarily sleep the best, but I think I need to probably do some things to improve that. Like, I know, you know, magnesium helps at night. I know we have a lot of programs on the Vegan Jen that I need to listen to. To do, but I do think I do well with going to bed at the same time and pretty much waking up around the same time because I think sleep is one of the most important parts of a health journey. And I think it is important to prioritize that. Um, stress. Um, besides going through the treatments that I went through, um, I think I do a pretty good job of handling my stress. I think exercise helps me out with my stress. My relationship with God helps me out with my stress. I do a little bit of meditation in the morning. I think that helps out with stress. I think doing self-care for yourself will help your stress level. And also to recognize when you're going through stress and deal with it at that moment and not let it— you take control of the stress versus the stress taking control of you. I mean, we're all going to have stressful moments. We're all going to have bad days, good days. And I always tell my patients one day at a time, you know, just do your best to get through each day, even if it's moment by moment, get through each moment. But I think the most important part is to recognize when you have stress and to deal with it and to overcome it and to have tools to overcome your stress.

And do you, I mean, many women internalize stress and we don't actually We don't ask for help. We don't acknowledge that stress is building up. But it does sound like that you had a— I don't want to say a support group, but a support system. How important is community— was community to you during your treatment? And has it given you a new perspective on what it means to really have a support system?

Um, yes, I feel very blessed. I had a great support system, my husband and my sisters and all my family and my relatives and my aunts and my friends and my coworkers. Um, I, I got so many different cards and things along the way. My church was there also too. They were very helpful and supportive. Um, even during my cancer treatments. I get emotional thinking about this because it was so special, is I had two friends, Barb and Brenda. They were sisters. And after every single treatment, they brought me something special. They brought me, like one time they had a bouquet of flowers delivered to my treatment room. They brought special treats. They brought little, you know, jewelry signs and things. And that just meant the world to me. And the texts that people sent me and just the support at work, it just meant the world to me. And I just think having a community is so important. I think we all need community no matter what we go through in life, no matter what we go through in life, I think we need community. And as for changing my perspective, it just, looking back, it just makes me realize even more so like how important it is to have community, to have people in your corner. And to recognize that and to make sure that they know how appreciative that you are to have them in your lives. And that's something is I made sure I thanked, you know, my doctors and my coworkers, my husband, my family, and friends. I was very thankful to them because I felt very blessed to have them in my life.

And you are, and I would say vice versa. Because you, it sounds like you were a great role model to everyone on how to navigate something really hard with grace.

Um, yes.

And, uh, so thank you for doing that.

Yes.

And for being an example for this community, cuz to look at you and to watch you do everything that you did at Zion, no one would ever know.

Yeah, that was awesome.

And you've gained full mobility back again, it sounds like.

Yeah, total. Yeah, completely. I got both. Yeah. So yeah, that was kind of scary. That was a weird thing that happened. I didn't expect that to happen. And I don't really hear a lot of our patients, but it definitely happened to me. So that was kind of a weird— I call them parting gifts that some patients get. So Some of them you do not want.

So I think, you know, one of the things, one of the themes from the Zion retreat was we're never finished. Um, what does that mean to you? Where, where, where's Laurie going next? Or what is, what are the things that you are looking forward to doing next?

So yeah, I actually have my bracelet on, never finished, that we got from the retreat. And I actually have a little block that I made myself, never finished, to remind myself. I think what that means is that you can always continue growing personally, professionally, every— in every aspect of your life, that you're never finished. I think you owe it to yourself to continually to grow. The next thing that I have on my docket is I have— I signed up to be on a team for Ironman. So I live in Sandusky, Ohio, and we have half an Ironman, um, hosted in our town. And I actually have volunteered at the finish line for the last couple years. And so now I decided to be part of a team, so I'm gonna be doing the running part. Awesome. So I'm gonna actually be coming through the chute of the finish line where I used to be volunteering at. So, um, that is something that I have to look forward to, and that is something that I had a —what we were talking about—limiting beliefs about myself because I was thinking to myself, you know, who am I to run alongside of all these athletes? But I am an athlete. You are. I've been a runner since the early 2000s, and I have it in me to do this, and I will do this. So I'm looking forward to doing that. And I also am being part of the vegan gym is something that I absolutely fell in love with is weight training. I absolutely love that. I love going to the gym and doing weights. Like, I will do that until I die. I, if I'm 99, I'll still be doing weight training because I absolutely love that. So that is something that being part of this community, being part of the Vegan Gym, that has taught me to live— I mean, to love, excuse me. And my coach, Coach James, has really helped me set up some wonderful programs to help me with that.

What, I mean, I love weightlifting too, but why do you enjoy it so much?

I just like it because it's, I don't know, it's just something different and it challenges me. And in the back of my mind, I know how healthy it is, how healthy it is for my bone health. Because with my being a smaller frame, I just know that I can be a candidate for osteoporosis. And after my cancer journey, I got a DEXA scan done and I have good bones, so I make sure I keep up with the good bones. So my real motivator is to make sure I stay healthy and to be strong. Because there's times I have to take patients on the wheelchair and sometimes I have to like move them around and I'm like, I'm glad I do strength training because to help me out with this, it just helps you in the day to day. But anyway, I just like the challenge of it. I just like the atmosphere of being in the gym and being around people who are motivated like myself.

So you've got the Sandusky Ironman ahead of you, which is— we will definitely be cheering you on. That's great. Yeah.

Yeah. I'm looking forward to that.

And do you mind if I ask you a couple of quickfire questions? Sure. And you can, you can think about it if you want to. So, um, what's one word that describes how you see your health differently now? Empowered. Oh, I love that. Yeah. Do you mind sharing why?

Just because with all the knowledge I have, what I went through, all the knowledge I have working in the medical field for over 20 years and all the knowledge that I have being part of the Vegan Gym, I just feel empowered that I can take control over my health journey.

And that is the goal. We want people to be empowered. Um, what's one question every woman should ask her family this month?

Uh, they should ask what their family history is and to use that as a tool in their own health journeys so that they can ask the doctors the questions that need to be asked. So that maybe they can get additional testing done if needed.

And it, you know, it's interesting because it's something we're taught in medical school, but I don't know if we, I don't know if outside of maybe oncology, genetics, that we're diligent about always asking details about family history or that people know, especially as families have become so global. And you kind of know, well, Aunt Mary died of this, but I don't really know. I think it's one of those things that if you do get together with family and you can start to make that little family tree, it can be helpful.

Yeah, I, I think so. Actually, my Aunt Betty, when I got my genetics appointment, I didn't realize she, she forwarded all the information about our family history to me that was typed up. And I didn't, you know, realize all that. And it was just a helpful tool to have. So sometimes people may be surprised when they, uh, look into their family history of what they have. It may be something that they don't really think about, or it may be something that they don't think that is necessarily important, but yet it really is important if they had that information available to them.

Yeah. It needs to be part of your little health book. Yeah. Yes. What's one screening or appointment that women should stop postponing?

I think I'm gonna say two. Of course, keep up with your mammograms and keep up with your pap tests. But something that I don't think the medical community puts any attention to, and I think is very important, especially me working at the cancer center, is a skin test. Get your skin looked at by a dermatologist once a year. Um, I have a moley back and basically my sisters and my husband are like, you should really go see a doctor. And so with the combination of that and working in an oncology office and seeing all the people with, um, melanoma, I, um, go and see a dermatologist once a year. And to be honest, sometimes I almost get more concerned about that than other things because when I see our patients, they have to be in the treatments that they have to have is just so long. And so I think people really should make an appointment with a dermatologist once a year and get your skin checked. Lori, that's a great one.

And thank you for sharing that because I, I don't think we think about our skin often enough. No, I mean, I shouldn't say it from the cosmetic perspective. People think about You know, putting my makeup on and putting all the other things. But if you look at all the other parts of your skin that probably, and the part that you can't see, that's the other part you need to pay attention to. Absolutely. Absolutely. And melanoma treatment is no fun.

No, it's a long treatment that they have to go through. So they have to go through a lot of testing and treatments and things like that. So I think that's a very important thing to do for people.

Lori, what's one thing you wish you had known before your diagnosis?

Basically, I would say is to be aware of your own history and to be aware of how important family history plays into your health journey and to also look at in regards to your family history, to look at your testing a little bit differently, look at your mammograms differently, because my mammogram earlier that year was completely negative. Mm-hmm. So, um, I just think people need to be more aware of that, of their, of their history. And I just wish I would've had, I think it's important for people to have that knowledge.

Great. And what's one thing now having been a patient that you would want to share with anyone who's a healthcare provider who's listening or watching?

To make sure that they know their patient's family history, to make sure they are aware of their health risks, mm-hmm, um, to think outside the box of maybe some additional testing that may be helpful for the patient, some monitoring that may be helpful for the patient that you're looking at. And to also make sure that you have to really focus in on lifestyle with healthy eating and exercising and sleep and stress management to really put that into the appointments, into their healthcare Toolbox.

And community, because support.

Yes. Community. Yes. Correct. Absolutely. That is very important. Yeah.

What's one thing that has helped you feel strong again?

One thing that has helped me feel strong again. Uh, getting back into exercising, getting back to the person that I once was. Well, not even the person I once was because I'm a different person now. But just being able to do the things that I lost when I was on my cancer journey.

And what message would you share for anyone who's listening or watching who keeps saying, I'll do it later? Because there's a lot of us that say, I'll, I don't have time now. I'll do it in a couple weeks. I'll do it in a couple months.

Uh, yes, that is something that is passionate to my heart is I think it is very important for people to make the time. Don't put it off. Don't put it off. Don't put it off because if you put it off and you wait too long, you may have to spend time with getting cancer and getting treatments and things that you could have stopped earlier if you would've had screenings. So I think it's very important for people to make the time for your health. Make that the number one priority. Everything else can wait. It doesn't take that long. Do it for yourself. Do it for your family members who love you. Just make the time. Do it now. I love that.

Um, and it, and we all know it's hard and it's easy especially for women to prioritize everyone else around them. Yes, absolutely. But if you get sick, who's going to take care of you? So you need to take care of you so that you can be there to take care of everyone else.

Yes, I agree. Absolutely.

Laurie, we've covered a lot today. Um, and I know that having a voice is really important to you. Is there anything that we didn't touch on that you wanted to share with our community, with anyone who's watching or listening, with someone who's going through breast cancer treatment right now and needs a little hug?

Yes. If you're going through cancer treatment right now, is just to let you know that you've got this and to take one day at a time. And just to do your best to take care of yourself during your cancer journey. Take care of yourself mentally, take care of yourself physically, eat as healthy as you can, drink the water, take care of yourself with your sleep, prioritize your health during your journey, and just remember to take one day at a time, one day at a time, one moment at a time. And you got this. You'll get through this. And that's about it.

And that you are never finished. Absolutely.

You are never finished. Yes, absolutely. Yes.

Well, Ori, thank you so much. I mean, first of all, I'm glad we had time at the retreat to get to know each other better. Yes. That was really fun. So thank you for sharing your story. Thank you for the gift of allowing me to share your story with other people. 'Cause you, when you see people, when, I mean, I'm sure anyone who sees you in the community or to see you crossing the finish line at the race, they won't know what Lori went through before that.

Right, right. That is correct. Yeah. It makes you a stronger person. That's one thing that cancer does in going through cancer treatments. It makes you a stronger person. It really does. It changes the person who you are. It changes your outlook on life. That mindset is key. Mindset is absolutely key.

But thank you. I really appreciate this time that we got to spend together, and I can't wait to see you crossing the finish line.

Well, thank you. Thank you. I appreciate that.

Do you— is there any place if people want to reach out and have you speak to their group or just share a little bit about your journey, is there a way people can contact you?

I guess the best way would maybe be through email. It's loriabaum@yahoo.com. You can shoot me an email and I will be glad to get in touch with you.

And I appreciate you sharing that. Hopefully you don't get too many emails, but check her out. Lori is very motivating. She's a great— if you need someone to come speak and share about all the things that we talk about in terms of nutrition, movement, mindset, sleep, stress, social connection, community, reach out to Lori because she's lived it and she will help you understand why it's all important, whether you have cancer, whether you're navigating any other type of health journey, those key pillars of lifestyle, they're the same. Correct. Yes. Laurie, have a wonderful day and thank you so much for joining us on Thrive on Plants. Thank you. I hope you enjoyed that episode as much as I did. Laurie left us with a few clear lessons. First, family history is a powerful piece of clinical information. Do not minimize it and do not assume that feeling healthy means that your risk is low. Second, a negative genetic test may still leave important unanswered questions, especially when a family history may indicate the further exploration is warranted. Third, personalized screening matters. For some women, standard screening is appropriate. Don't get me wrong. Uh, you know, we, we have these guidelines for a reason, but for others, a formal risk assessment, genetic counseling, and/or added imaging may be the difference between an early diagnosis and a later one. And Laurie's story is a great example of that truth. Your call to action today, it's very direct and very practical, and you heard it directly from Lori. Be empowered. This week I want you to write down your family history on both sides of your family. And sometimes you don't know, and that's okay. Um, whether you write it on a piece of paper, whether you wanna keep it digitally, whether you go use one of those apps where you can create a family tree. It may not be a history of cancer. It could be a history of other diseases that you need to be aware of, but it's helpful to know your family history. Ask about breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, kidney cancer, stomach cancer, and other major cancers along with the approp— approximate ages at diagnosis. If your history sounds concerning, Bring it to your healthcare provider and ask whether you need a more formal risk assessment or a referral to a genetics counselor. And as Laurie said, if you're overdue for screening, book the appointment today. Laurie's message is simple and strong. Make time for screenings because screenings could potentially save your life. I hope you join me for the next episode of Thrive on Plants. In the meantime, keep thriving on plants and living with purpose. Take care. The information shared on the Thrive on Plants podcast is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It is not medical advice, and it should never be used as a substitute for personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult with your physician or healthcare provider before making any changes to your nutrition, exercise routine, supplement use, or your overall wellness plan. The opinions and advice shared by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Vegan Gym or its team. While we aim to bring you high-quality, thoughtful conversations, these perspectives are not intended to replace professional medical care. Thanks for tuning in, and remember, you have the power to thrive on plants and live with purpose.