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

In this episode, Gill Costelloe opens up about her melanoma journey — from an early diagnosis in 2016 to the shocking moment it spread to six parts of her body. She shares the emotional toll of treatment, the impact on her mental health, and why support groups and sun safety are now central to her life. Gill’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of community in facing cancer.

Takeaways

• Gill was diagnosed with stage one melanoma after a friend noticed a mole.
• Early detection is crucial in melanoma treatment.
• Gill experienced a shocking turn when her melanoma spread to six parts of her body.
• She underwent various treatments, including a clinical trial and targeted therapy.
• Mental health plays a significant role in coping with cancer.
• Support groups can provide essential emotional support for cancer patients.
• Gill advocates for sun safety and the use of SPF.
• The journey through cancer can lead to unexpected friendships and support.
• Living with cancer requires ongoing treatment and monitoring.
• Gill’s story highlights the importance of sharing experiences to raise awareness.

Titles

• From Diagnosis to Survival: Gill’s Melanoma Journey
• Facing Melanoma: A Survivor’s Story

Sound Bites

• “I owe him my life.”
• “I’m a big advocate for SPF now.”
• “I’m delighted to share my story.”

Chapters

00:00 – The Journey Begins: Early Signs of Melanoma

03:50 – The Unexpected Diagnosis: From Stage One to Stage Four

09:33 – Facing the Reality: Terminal Cancer Diagnosis

13:27 – Treatment Trials: Navigating Chemotherapy and Clinical Trials

16:52 – The Struggles of Treatment and Recovery

18:25 – Milestones in the Cancer Journey

20:29 – The Impact of Cancer on Mental Health

22:13 – Navigating Life After Cancer

24:50 – Building a Support Network

26:56 – Reflections on Friendship and Community

28:45 – Raising Awareness About Skin Cancer

👉 Follow Gill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igillo

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Pamela Deasy to talk about the fight of her life and how persistence and self-advocacy saved her. Pam trusted her instincts, pushed for answers, and got the treatment that made all the difference.

She shares the heartbreak of losing her mum to lung cancer, the pain of losing friends, and how her own diagnosis has opened doors to raise awareness. We discuss the signs and symptoms to watch for, her strength, and her choice to live every day like it matters, because none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.

Pam’s drive to shine a light on pancreatic cancer is as inspiring as it is unforgettable.

Keywords

pancreatic cancer, diagnosis, treatment, mental health, resilience, advocacy, awareness, symptoms, personal growth, hope

Takeaways

Pamela experienced extreme fatigue as her only symptom before diagnosis.
She faced disbelief and confusion upon receiving her cancer diagnosis.
Pancreatic cancer often presents with vague symptoms, making early detection difficult.
Mental health can be significantly impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
Pamela's treatment journey included chemotherapy and surgery, which were challenging.
She emphasizes the importance of resilience and maintaining a positive outlook.
Pamela co-founded a charity to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer in Ireland.
Her experience led her to undertake the Camino pilgrimage as a personal challenge.
She encourages others to trust their instincts and seek medical advice when something feels off.
Pamela advocates for better training for GPs to recognize pancreatic cancer symptoms early.

Titles

Facing the Unthinkable: A Journey Through Pancreatic Cancer
From Diagnosis to Advocacy: Pamela's Inspiring Story

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Early Symptoms
02:38 Diagnosis Journey and Initial Reactions
05:33 Understanding Pancreatic Cancer Symptoms
08:40 The Impact of Diagnosis on Mental Health
11:34 Treatment Journey and Challenges
14:33 Advocacy and Support for Pancreatic Cancer
17:38 Future Goals and Awareness
19:11 The Importance of Early Detection
20:51 Pamela's Inspiring Journey on the Camino
25:25 Resilience in the Face of Cancer
25:38 Advice for Newly Diagnosed Patients
30:36 The Impact of Cancer on Relationships
34:36 Living Life to the Fullest After Cancer
36:51 Embracing New Opportunities and Education

Learn more about pancreatic cancer here.

Follow Pam on Instagram: me_the_big_c_and_life_after

In this episode of Someone Like Me, I sit down with my big brother Paddy for a chat that means a lot to both of us. We talk about how cancer hit our family, our mum, our sister, and myself, and how it left its mark on all of us in different ways.

It’s raw, honest, and full of the kind of stuff people don’t always say out loud. We talk memories, what it’s like being on the sidelines watching someone you love go through it, and how you just keep going when your family is hit again and again.

This episode is about how cancer ripples through the whole family, and about love, loss, and showing up for each other.

I sat down with Francesca, who was diagnosed with breast cancer just nine weeks after giving birth to her beautiful baby girl. This is a real, raw, honest conversation. Fran shares how she found the lump, going through chemo, having both her breasts removed, the fear, the anger, the ups and downs of it all—while navigating life as a brand new mam. It’s powerful stuff.

Please follow and share this episode with anyone who needs to hear it. Let’s make cancer a little less lonely together.

Vanessa opens up about scanxiety - the fear that creeps in before scan results. Five years cancer free, but the panic still hits. From chemo flashbacks to late-night overthinking, this honest mini-episode is for anyone who’s been stuck in the waiting.