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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.

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Miriam shares her unexpected journey with melanoma, detailing her diagnosis, treatment, and the emotional rollercoaster that followed. She emphasizes the importance of community support, advocacy for better treatment access, and the need for patients to listen to their bodies. Miriam's story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of connection in the face of adversity.

https://www.ucanireland.ie/


Takeaways

Miriam was diagnosed with melanoma at age 45 after feeling a lump during a bike ride.
She experienced a shock when informed that her cancer was not breast cancer but melanoma.
Miriam's treatment involved surgery and a surveillance program due to the high chance of recurrence.
She faced a stage four diagnosis a year later, which opened up new treatment options.
Miriam emphasizes the importance of denial as a coping mechanism during the early stages of diagnosis.
She advocates for exercise and community support as vital for mental health during treatment.
Miriam highlights the systemic issues in cancer care, particularly regarding access to treatments.
She encourages patients to seek support and not deny themselves moments of joy.
Miriam's journey led her to become an advocate for better cancer care and support systems.
She believes there is life after cancer and encourages others to focus on what truly matters.


Sound bites

"I was completely in denial."
"It's just bad luck, that's life."
"There is life after cancer."

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In this episode, I have a co-host Laura with me, and we talk about the mad sh#t people say when they hear you have cancer.

It’s a short episode, just a bit of fun and humour - because if you didn’t laugh, you’d probably cry.

DM me and let me know the craziest stuff people have said to you. I’d love to hear it!

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In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Ray Tobin a husband and father who shares the heartbreaking and inspiring story of his wife, Mary.

Mary was first diagnosed with primary breast cancer and got the all clear. But soon after, she was diagnosed with two more separate primary cancers. It was one fight after another — scans, treatments, second opinions and through it all, Mary kept going.

She sadly passed away just 13 months ago.

Ray speaks honestly about the reality of navigating the healthcare system, pushing for answers, and the emotional toll of watching the person you love face battle after battle.

This is a story of love, loss, and unbelievable strength.

Grab a cuppa, and tune in.

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In this powerful episode, I sit down with my sister Veronica, my chemo sister. We were both diagnosed with cancer just months apart, me with breast cancer and her with lung. What followed was a whirlwind of chemo, scans, surgeries and heartbreak.

Veronica opens up about her own cancer journey, the emotional toll of treatment, and how her life was turned upside down, including going through a divorce and feeling abandoned at one of the lowest points in her life.

We talk honestly about fear, resilience, sisterhood, and the turning point that helped her reclaim her power. She also shares how important it is to get a second opinion when something doesn’t feel right, especially with X-rays or medical advice.

This one is raw, real and full of strength. You don’t want to miss it.

Note: We experienced some slight audio issues during this recording, so thanks for bearing with us. The conversation is full of heart and worth the listen 💛

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In this episode of Someone Like Me – Your Cancer Community, Vanessa speaks with Niamh Noonan, who was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer just before turning 30. Niamh talks about what it was like facing cancer at such a young age, starting a new relationship just months before she was diagnosed, and how she tries to stay positive — even on the hardest days. She doesn’t sugarcoat it. There are still moments that hit hard. This honest conversation is about navigating the ups and downs, and finding connection in the chaos.