Episode 165 - Bonus Friday Episode 2 - Doubt, not fitting in and no publishing deal

Welcome to a very special bonus edition of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. I’m Dani Binnington — cancer survivor, menopause advocate, and founder of Menopause and Cancer — and today marks the start of something I’ve been quietly working on for years.

This is our second bonus episode, and I’m once again inviting you behind the scenes of my brand-new book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer.

I’ve shared bits of this story before — how the book almost didn’t happen — and how I’ve personally learned so much just from listening to podcasts like this one. Today, I want to take you deeper into that journey.

No one ever asked me to write this book. There was no agent or publisher knocking at my door with a deal. But over the years, as I kept meeting more of you — in person, online, through messages — I knew there was a real need for a go-to guide. Something that brought all the insights and expert advice from the podcast together in one place.

And… right at the end of today’s episode, I’ll tell you about a little turning point in my story - writing a paragraph for Davina McCall’s book Menopausing. It was a small moment that gave me a big push forward.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn lived experience into something that can help others — or you're just curious about what didn’t make it into the final version — this mini-series is for you.

I’m so glad you’re here.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

03:40 "Creating a Menopause Support Community"

07:52 Discovering Self-Publishing Opportunities

16:05 Writing “Navigating Menopause After Cancer”

19:59 Book Collaboration Breakthrough

22:30 Trust Your Intuition

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by Dr. Tiffany Troso-Sandoval — a leading medical oncologist with over 25 years of experience — for an honest and deeply empowering conversation about cancer, survivorship, and putting yourself first.

Dr. Troso-Sandoval shares her journey in oncology and her passion for helping women navigate not only treatment, but life after cancer. From the importance of second opinions to the psychological toll of survivorship, she offers both professional insight and heartfelt advice.

Her top tip for doing survivorship? Well (Hint: it’s in the episode title!)

This is a must-listen for anyone affected by cancer — whether you’re a patient, a survivor, or supporting someone through it. It’s about reclaiming your voice, prioritising your well-being, and embracing the idea that you come first.

You can find Dr Troso here https://www.winningthecancerjourney.com/

Don’t forget to tune into the bonus episodes released every Friday as I announce something I have been working on for years!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:06 "Advocating for Second Opinions"

10:50 Patient-Doctor Communication: A Must

14:02 Bridging Gaps in Patient Care

17:05 Prepare Questions Before Doctor Visits

27:50 Reevaluating Relationships: Finding Clarity

31:03 Track Symptoms Chronologically

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Welcome to a very special bonus edition of The Menopause and Cancer Podcast. I’m Dani Binnington — cancer survivor, menopause advocate, and founder of Menopause and Cancer — and today marks the start of something I’ve been quietly working on for years.

In this episode, I’m inviting you behind the scenes of my brand-new book, Navigating Menopause After Cancer. This book didn’t just appear overnight — in fact, the journey started back in 2018, when I first signed with a literary agent and began dreaming of putting everything I’d learned into one place.

Over the next few Fridays, I’ll be sharing the real, unfiltered story of how this book came to life. From the challenges of getting published (and why I don’t think any traditional publisher would have taken this on), to the decision to self-publish, and even the surprising story behind the book’s cover — designed by a woman from our own community.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn lived experience into something that can help others — or you're just curious about what didn’t make it into the final version — this mini-series is for you.

I’m so glad you’re here.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

02:45 Cancer diagnosis whilst living in Austria on a gap year

05:28 Becoming a yoga teacher and creating a local community

10:30 First book proposal

13:12 Loss of confidence after surgery

So many of us have been made to feel like we should just be “okay” after cancer—that if we’re not constantly “beating it” or “staying strong,” then somehow we’re failing. That we should be grateful it was “only” this stage, “only” this treatment. But the truth is, it’s not only anything. It’s hard, it’s relentless, and the weight of having to hold it together for everyone else can be exhausting.

And yet, within this shared experience, there is so much strength. Today, we’re joined by the wonderful Henny Flynn, a therapeutic coach who helps people navigate change with clarity and compassion. Together, we talk about what it means to really show ourselves kindness—to acknowledge what we’ve been through, to release the guilt, and to build ourselves back up in a way that feels true.

But this episode isn’t just a conversation between the two of us. Our community was right there with us, sharing their stories, their struggles, and their moments of realisation. It’s honest, emotional, and full of the kind of support that only those who get it can give.

So, let’s talk about confidence, self-worth, and the power of compassion—not just from others, but from ourselves.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:43 "Embracing Self-Compassion During Hardships"

12:42 "It's Okay to Feel 'Not Okay'"

18:52 "Unacknowledged Truth"

32:27 Unanticipated Menopause Impact

40:54 Inner Connection and Self-Awareness

45:29 Finding Strength and Self-Compassion

50:39 "Empowerment Through Unexpected Connection"

Here are all of Henny’s wonderful resources for you:

• My darling girl - these poems are love letters to all the girls & women we have ever been. I know they have helped many women on their menopause journey. https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/my-darling-girl-vol-1
• In the Flow - journal your inner wisdom - the guide for compassion-based journaling, filled with prompts to use and really clear steps for people to take https://innerworkproject.com/product/in-the-flow/
• My website with lots of resources, books and courses for people to explore https://www.hennyflynn.co.uk/
• You can contact Henny here henny@hennyflynn.co.uk

Join the BOOST30 challenge here https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/Boost30

This episode is proudly sponsored by Pelvic Relief, a company dedicated to improving women’s pelvic health through science-backed solutions. They offer a carefully curated range of products, including vaginal probiotics, lubes, moisturisers, the onut and other super important tools to support those dealing with pelvic pain, menopause symptoms, and post-cancer recovery.

Find out more here https://pelvicrelief.co.uk/

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group:

If you’ve been feeling confused by the high-protein hype, this episode will bring clarity. In this episode, I’m joined once again by the brilliant Julie Webb – a nutritionist with decades of experience supporting people through cancer and recovery. She’s been on the podcast before, and I knew I had to bring her back because she has so much practical, no-nonsense wisdom to share.

We talk all about protein – and why more isn’t always better. I ask Julie:

• What role does protein really play for cancer survivors and people in menopause?
• How much protein do we need? What’s the evidence?
• How important are healthy fats and omega-3s – especially for brain health?
• How can we make nourishing meals feel doable, not overwhelming?

We also dive into the power of the Mediterranean diet, how to eat more mindfully, and why balance always wins over perfection.

If you are navigating life after cancer and want simple, grounded advice about what to eat and why, this conversation is for you.

I hope it leaves you feeling calm, confident, and better nourished.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Pelvic Relief, a company dedicated to improving women’s pelvic health through science-backed solutions. They offer a carefully curated range of products, including vaginal probiotics, lubes, moisturisers, the onut and other super important tools to support those dealing with pelvic pain, menopause symptoms, and post-cancer recovery.

Find out more here https://pelvicrelief.co.uk/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:43 Protein Intake Guidelines for Women

11:14 Balance Protein, Fibre, and Health

18:15 Protein Intake for Cancer Survivors

20:20 Red Meat Protein Intake Reassessed

24:19 Balanced Meal Distribution Advice

27:43 Focus on Protein, Simplify Choices

31:48 Managing Breakfast Fat Intake

42:30 Balanced Diet Simplified

Find Julie here https://www.juliewebbnutrition.org/

Join the BOOST30 challenge here https://fundraiseformenopauseandcancer.raiselysite.com/Boost30

Listen and watch Episode 147 here for more information about what you should include on your plate to ease menopause symptoms.

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Today, we’re opening up an important conversation about menopause, cancer, and the barriers that can make getting the right support even harder. My guest, Dr. Ferhat Udin, is a GP menopause specialist. She’ll be sharing her expertise on the unique challenges faced by women from ethnic minorities, alongside some of her own challenges as a female doctor wearing a headscarf—but this conversation is relevant for all of us.

No matter your background, we all need to break the silence around menopause, challenge the stigma, and push for better care. Understanding different experiences helps us support each other, advocate for change, and improve how menopause care is delivered across the board. I’m here to learn, to listen, and to get it right—and I hope you’ll join me in this journey. Let’s dive in.”

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

05:16 Breaking Menstrual Taboos in Culture

08:49 Screening Importance for Women

16:37 Empowerment Through Shared Experiences

19:03 Cultural Taboos in South Asian Communities

21:34 Healthcare Professionals Must Initiate Intimacy Discussions

28:25 Inclusive Cancer Patient Support

31:43 "Openness Over Caution in Dialogue"

34:22 "Elevating Voices: Empowering South Asian Women"

My guest, Dr Ferhat Uddin, is a GP specialising in menopause, and an accredited British Menopause Society Menopause Specialist. She is passionate about advocating for women from ethnic minority backgrounds, and raising awareness on health inequalities. You can find her at www.libertyhealthclinics.com

This episode is proudly sponsored by Pelvic Relief, a company dedicated to improving women’s pelvic health through science-backed solutions. They offer a carefully curated range of products, including vaginal probiotics, lubes, moisturisers, the onut and other super important tools to support those dealing with pelvic pain, menopause symptoms, and post-cancer recovery.

Find out more here https://pelvicrelief.co.uk/

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

Could a breakthrough in women's health change the way we manage sexual health after cancer? In this episode, I sit down with Jo Bailey, a consultant gynaecologist surgeon, specialising in gynaecological cancers, to explore an exciting and emerging treatment—vaginal probiotics.

Many cancer survivors struggle with menopause symptoms, including vaginal dryness, discomfort, and pain during intimacy. With traditional treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) not always being an option, the search for safe and effective solutions continues. Jo explains how the vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in post-menopausal health and how vaginal probiotics could be a game-changer for improving symptoms and restoring comfort.

We discuss:

- Why the vaginal microbiome matters for post-cancer care.

- How vaginal probiotics are showing promise as a non-hormonal treatment.

- The current research gaps and why more studies are needed.

- The importance of patient-centred care in sexual health post-cancer.

While more research is needed, the early signs are promising—and for many survivors, this could be the breakthrough they've been waiting for.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

05:05 Gynaecological Cancer and Menopause Treatment

17:22 Empowering Women's Health Choices

18:21 Exploring Non-Hormonal Gynaecological Treatments

22:53 "Vaginal Probiotics for Menopausal Health"

28:40 Ultimate V & Health Products

The probiotics mentioned can be found here: https://pelvicrelief.co.uk/

This episode is proudly sponsored by Pelvic Relief, a company dedicated to improving women’s pelvic health with science-backed solutions. They offer a curated range of products, including the vaginal probiotics we’ll discuss today—plus lubes, moisturisers, the Ohnut, and more to support pelvic pain, menopause symptoms, and post-cancer recovery. Check them out here https://pelvicrelief.co.uk/

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

In this powerful solo episode, Dani invites you to press pause, tune in, and reflect — while also arming you with clarity around some of the noise in the menopause space. You’ll learn how to check in with yourself emotionally, spot the signs of meno-washing in the wellness industry, and take small but meaningful steps to reclaim your voice and your story.

Whether you're newly diagnosed, deep in treatment, or navigating life years on, this episode is a reminder that you don’t need fixing — you need truth, space, and support.

Make sure to listen to the end, where Dani shares a few nuggets of an exciting new challenge if becoming active with a little support is what you need right now!

Subscribe to the newsletter here https://menopauseandcancer.aweb.page/p/4cfed538-bdea-4608-b0bf-d35f26bfa946 to stay in the loop with all of Menopause And Cancer’s events and challenges.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

07:44 Menopause Conversations: Beyond Tick Boxes

15:12 Reclaiming Identity Post-Cancer

19:23 Yoga's Healing Power for Survivors

23:00 "Boost 30 Challenge Announcement"

Connect with us:

For more information and resources visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org

Or follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancer

Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub