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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.

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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.

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In this heartfelt conversation, Vanessa Mooney speaks with Sharon and John Fitzmaurice about their journey through prostate cancer. They discuss the unexpected diagnosis, the emotional impact on both the patient and their loved ones, and the importance of open communication and support. The couple shares insights on how nutrition played a crucial role in recovery and how their relationship strengthened through adversity. They emphasize the need for awareness, early detection, and the power of community in navigating the challenges of cancer. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to prioritize their health and seek support.

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In this very first episode, I’m sharing my own story — the one that started it all.

From being diagnosed with breast cancer at 40 to going through treatment, dealing with the physical and emotional rollercoaster, and figuring out who I was afterwards… this is my honest, unfiltered journey.

I talk about the grief, the fear, the laughs (yes, there were a few), and the moment I realized I wanted to create Someone Like Me, Your Cancer Community App — a space I wish had existed when I needed it most.

Whether you’re going through cancer, have been through it, or love someone who has, this podcast is for you.

Thanks for being here 💗