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Summary

In this episode of 'Someone Like Me', host Vanessa Mooney speaks with Natasha O Byrne, a young mother diagnosed with bowel cancer at 26. Natasha shares her roller coaster journey from the initial symptoms to her diagnosis, treatment, and the impact on her family. She emphasizes the importance of early detection, the role of support systems, and her efforts to raise awareness through a fundraising concert. Natasha also discusses the mental health aspects of her journey and offers advice for those newly diagnosed with cancer.

takeaways

• Natasha's journey with bowel cancer began with unusual symptoms.
• Early detection is crucial in cancer treatment.
• Support from family and friends is vital during treatment.
• Mental health plays a significant role in coping with cancer.
• Fundraising efforts can help raise awareness and support for cancer patients.
• It's important to listen to your body and seek medical advice.
• Counseling can provide a safe space to discuss fears and emotions.
• Living with cancer changes one's perspective on life.
• Preventative measures and screenings can save lives.
• Every cancer journey is unique, and support from others who understand is invaluable.

titles

• A Young Mother's Battle with Bowel Cancer
• Navigating the Challenges of Cancer Treatment

Sound Bites

• "I do not want to know stages."
• "It takes a village, doesn't it?"
• "Prevention is better than cure."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Natasha's Journey

03:33
The Signs and Symptoms of Bowel Cancer

06:22
The Diagnosis Process

09:23
Navigating Treatment Decisions

12:20
The Impact on Family and Children

15:04
The Role of Support Systems

18:01
Fundraising and Raising Awareness

20:59
Advocacy for Early Detection

22:34
Facing the Diagnosis

25:45
The Importance of Support

29:24
Mental Health and Counseling

31:11
Life Lessons from Cancer

32:23
Finding Community

35:21
Navigating Conversations About Cancer

38:13
Advocating for Early Detection

40:18
Vanessa-Outro.mp3

keywords

cancer, bowel cancer, chemotherapy, early detection, support systems, mental health, awareness, fundraising, family impact, patient journey

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Vanessa sits down with Samantha to talk about her powerful lung cancer journey.

Samantha was diagnosed in her 40s, and her story is a reminder of the importance of listening to your body and pushing for answers when something feels off.

She opens up about the first symptoms she noticed, what it was like hearing the words “you have cancer,” and how she found the strength to keep going. Samantha also shares how she decided to start speaking up and raising awareness, offering advice for anyone who might feel afraid to seek help.

This is an honest, heartfelt chat about resilience, community, and the power of trusting yourself — a conversation you won’t want to miss.

About Samantha

Samantha is a passionate advocate for lung cancer awareness and has become a strong voice in breaking the stigma around the disease. Since her diagnosis, she’s dedicated her time to sharing her story and encouraging others to listen to their bodies and not ignore the small signs.

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In this mini-podcast, Vanessa talks about what really happens after you hear those words — you have cancer.

She chats about all the appointments, surgeries, oncology visits, chemo, and the mental side of it all… the fear, the confusion, and trying to figure everything out.

Vanessa also shares a few little tips on how to not let the fear of recurrence take over your life — things she’s learned herself, five years on after finishing her own breast cancer treatment.

It’s an honest, supportive chat to remind you that you’re not alone, and it’s okay to feel completely lost.