Dr. Liz O’Riordan, a breast surgeon who faced breast cancer not once but three times, joins me for a powerful and deeply personal conversation. Liz shares her own journey through diagnosis, treatment, and multiple recurrences, offering a unique perspective as both doctor and patient.

We talk about the emotional and mental challenges that come with cancer, the importance of education and support, and how treatment can impact intimacy and relationships. Liz opens up about the need for honest conversations, why quality of life matters as much as survival, and how to find purpose and reinvention after cancer.

This episode is full of resilience, honesty, and hope and it is a must listen for anyone affected by cancer.

Listen to Dr. Liz’s YouTube channel where she shares brilliant, practical tips to help you through cancer and beyond. She’s also the author of three amazing books, all available now on Amazon. See Below:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_t0jGeR8M4vCPSb68itjRQ

https://www.amazon.ie/Cancer-Roadmap-science-backed-treatment-ORiordan/dp/0008659087/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1HCF9ZKVZR5IF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Cd8e2Go0SfGGfvL3qJImPR2cYINLb-e4ezkxfgsfu0strb3-BDnQFy5rHz9DTvqbWpKZ0Tzbo8ffsuRLxlUjqT9xf6LzVZAuSab8gt2p85RwQmnLc-FAl28WgqvEtLChWOjyaFdTgAtdmGN4gDU6NE-0ekug_ldtG1-pFuZ7kKOh9hsKvkLLQcaCAK4h7cc4gR5WJ9OkzbE0UlaglQndnJu-kySjgeojz_UstjS3Gy4.VzsR_S36bOu-F4OIDZe5CCzSLe7DDQNHikmsOTGnHW4&dib_tag=se&keywords=dr+liz+o&psr=EY17&qid=1757785646&s=todays-deals&sprefix=dr+liz+o+%2Ctodays-deals%2C47&sr=1-1

Sound Bites

• "I was floating thinking this is happening."
• "I felt like an alien during chemo."
• "It's a mental roller coaster."

Chapters

00:00
The Diagnosis Journey

03:25
The Emotional Impact of Cancer

06:24
Understanding Recurrences and Treatment Options

09:14
Navigating Mental Health Challenges

12:07
The Importance of Community and Support

14:54
Quality of Life vs. Treatment Side Effects

17:48
Planning for the Future and Mental Well-being

24:39
Navigating Grief and Acceptance

26:50
The Impact of Cancer on Relationships

30:36
Reconnecting Intimacy After Cancer

37:22
Embracing Change and Self-Discovery

42:11
Finding Positivity and Purpose Post-Cancer

45:25
Vanessa-Outro.mp3

In this solo episode, Vanessa shares a deeply personal experience that shook her to the core. What started as a frightening health scare quickly turned into hours of fear, uncertainty and loneliness, made worse by a lack of compassion and clear communication from the medical team.

Vanessa opens up about the emotions that ran through her mind, the what ifs, and the importance of compassion in healthcare. She also reflects on how moments like this remind us of the preciousness of life, and why she created Someone Like Me Your Cancer Community in the first place.

This is a raw, honest conversation from Vanessa for anyone who has ever felt afraid, unheard or left in the dark.

Summary

What started as suspected appendicitis turned into a shocking diagnosis of Stage 4 bowel cancer. At just 33, Claire was preparing for her wedding when her world was turned upside down.

In this powerful episode, Claire shares her journey from the misdiagnosis and emergency surgery, to the moment she heard the words “you have cancer,” and the emotional impact it had on her and her family.

Her honesty and strength will stay with you long after listening.

Takeaways

• Claire's journey began with severe abdominal pain.
• She was initially misdiagnosed with appendicitis.
• The discovery of a cyst on her ovary led to complications.
• Claire faced multiple hospital visits without proper scans.
• She eventually sought help from her GP after months of pain.
• The diagnosis of bowel cancer was a shock to her and her family.
• Claire emphasizes the importance of listening to one's body.
• Immunotherapy became her treatment of choice instead of chemotherapy.
• She discusses the emotional impact of her diagnosis on her family.
• Claire advocates for awareness and early detection of symptoms.

Titles

• From Pain to Diagnosis: Claire's Cancer Journey
• Misdiagnosis and the Fight for Answers

Sound Bites

• "Don't ignore, listen to your body."
• "I just don't want to die."
• "You can live with cancer now."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Initial Symptoms

02:41
Surgery and Misdiagnosis

05:37
Ongoing Health Struggles

08:26
Seeking Further Medical Attention

11:09
The Diagnosis Journey

14:00
The Emotional Impact of Diagnosis

17:03
Next Steps and Treatment Plans

28:28
The Importance of Self-Examination

29:46
Navigating Diagnosis and Treatment Decisions

32:03
Processing the News: Family and Support

33:50
Surgery and Recovery: A Turning Point

35:37
Understanding the Diagnosis: From Lumps to Cancer

37:49
The Emotional Toll of Waiting for Results

40:01
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

46:57
Treatment Options: Immunotherapy vs. Chemotherapy

50:35
Coping with Side Effects and Mental Health

52:21
Looking Ahead: Life After Cancer