What happens when the doctor becomes the patient, and then the advocate? In this deeply human conversation, we sit down with Dr. Liz O'Riordan, a former consultant breast surgeon whose life changed at 40 with a Grade 3 breast cancer diagnosis. After chemotherapy, a chest wall recurrence that led to going flat, surgical menopause, and a second recurrence in 2023, Liz’s world shifted again, this time from the operating theatre to survivorship, from clinician to narrator of her own story.

To close out this amazing month of solidarity, advocacy, and hope Dr. O'Riordan and I explore how illness reshapes identity, career, body image, and intimacy. Liz speaks candidly about grief, fertility loss, and the pressure to “bounce back,”. Through writing and advocacy, she’s forged a path that honors pain and possibility; becoming the woman, wife, and physician she is today.

Within this episode we also discuss:

• How caring for women with breast cancer informed Liz’s empathy, communication, and clinical lens before her own diagnosis

• Moving from physician to patient; going flat; surgical menopause; targeted therapy; and the physical and emotional realities of recurrence

• Retiring from the work she loved, navigating grief, and building a new identity and purpose through writing and voice

• Sexuality and wellness after cancer and naming libido changes without shame, co-creating intimacy, and aligning care with consent, comfort, and curiosity

• Releasing pressure to “return to normal,” setting boundaries, and rebuilding connection on your terms

This episode centers dignity, agency, and the full truth of survivorship. If you’re navigating treatment, recurrence, or life after cancer, you’ll find language, validation, and practical hope here.

Learn more about and contact Dr. Liz O'Riordan here: www.liz.oriordan.co.uk

Erinn Hoel is a licensed sex therapist and the founder of Hoelistic Health, where she specializes in helping women reclaim their natural desire and deepen intimate connection in their relationships.

As the creator of the signature Desire to Fire Method, Erinn has developed a comprehensive three-phase approach that addresses the root causes of low libido. Her methodology focuses on removing the underlying blocks that inhibit sexual desire, enhancing natural arousal responses, and empowering women to experience fulfilling intimacy that feels effortless rather than obligatory.

Through her holistic methodology practice, Erinn has helped hundreds of women reclaim their sensuality and desire, resulting in transformations that enhance not only intimate relationships but overall confidence, self-worth, and increased life satisfaction.

Contact Erinn Here:

https://www.hoelistichealth.com/

Today on this episode of the Prowl The LAB podcast, we welcome Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky, respected breast medical oncologist, educator, and advocate, to explore how social media can be a true equalizer for accessible, trusted oncology information. We talk candidly about showing up with integrity online: staying evidence‑based; centering patients and caregivers, and; providing information and/or resources that reduce harm and close equity gaps.

This matters in the virtual space because most people search online first, algorithms amplify both facts and myths, and misinformation can delay care, erode trust, and widen disparities, especially for communities already facing barriers. This conversation offers practical guardrails for clinicians, advocates, and patients: cite and date sources, align with current guidelines, be clear when data is evolving, disclose conflicts, correct mistakes openly, use inclusive language, and reject shame‑based narratives.

You’ll leave with a better understanding about why integrity and ethnical behavior is so critical to guarding against misinformation, decreased knowledge, shame, fear, or overwhelming feelings of helplessness.

Follow Dr. Teplisky here:

LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/eleonora-teplinsky-md-fasco-220aa02

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/drteplinsky/?__pwa=1#

Interlude Podcast:

https://www.Interludecancerstories.com