In this inspiring episode, Dani is joined by two breast care clinical nurse specialists from Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to explore what’s possible when healthcare professionals truly listen, learn and work together to improve menopause care for women after cancer treatment.

If you’re a patient, this is a must-listen so that you can set realistic expectations of what’s possible. If you’re a healthcare professional, you’ll be blown away by what Jaqcui and her team have achieved through hard work and persistence.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Jacqui shares how she helped shape and evolve the support offered within her team around menopause after cancer, bringing colleagues together, opening up important conversations, and helping create more compassionate, informed care for patients navigating life after treatment. She is joined by her colleague, Christina for an honest discussion about what they’ve learned from patients over the years, the gaps they began to recognise, and the practical changes that can happen even within stretched NHS services and limited resources.

Dani says, “Thank you for being utterly amazing!”

Jaqcui and Christina mention Dani’s book and say how helpful it is for them. You can buy a copy here: https://amzn.eu/d/04P0N9FX

And here is www.menopauseandcancer.org for more information and support.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

08:06 Addressing menopause post-cancer treatment

14:24 Learning from patient engagement

17:06 New prescribing practices in oncology

20:25 Discussing Tamoxifen Prescription Options

26:16 Discussing hormone therapy side effects

27:46 Discussing bone health in menopause

36:37 Challenges in patient care response

37:53 Menopause care post-cancer

42:44 Focusing on menopause and cancer

43:52 Planning patient support events

49:11 Empowering patient-doctor conversations

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

Do you know your rights to work after a cancer diagnosis and with ongoing menopause symptoms?

From navigating time off, to returning to work, to managing menopause symptoms in the workplace, it can feel overwhelming to know what your rights are and what support you should expect.

I’m joined by Barbara Wilson, from Working With Cancer, who brings over 50 years of experience supporting people through cancer at work.

Together, we break this down in a really practical way— so you can feel more informed and more confident in advocating for yourself.

In this episode, we cover:

• Whether cancer is automatically considered a disability under UK law
• Your rights when returning to work after treatment
• What a good return-to-work plan should actually look like
• What “reasonable adjustments” mean — and real-life examples
• What counts as discrimination in this context
• How much do you need to disclose about your diagnosis (including when applying for a job)
• Whether menopause is recognised as a disability under UK law
• How treatment-induced menopause after cancer is considered in the workplace
• Whether employers are expected to support menopause symptoms

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

06:31 Supporting employees with cancer

08:07 Discussing cancer diagnoses and menopause

13:38 Creating flexible workplace plans

15:29 Discussing cancer disclosure at work

20:23 Discussing return to work planning

22:00 Discussing phased return to work

28:48 Supporting employees with health challenges

31:22 Menopause and post-cancer life changes

37:16 Flexible work schedule adjustments

43:07 Reevaluating work after cancer diagnosis

44:39 Easing back into work

47:52 Disclosing cancer to an employer

Link to Working with Cancer: https://workingwithcancer.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 very special community conversation, I sit down with a group of incredible women from our Menopause and Cancer community to explore something so many of us struggle with after cancer treatment… identity. I’m so grateful the group allowed me to get this conversation out to you! Lucky us.

Who are we now?

Together, we talk openly about the physical and emotional changes that can leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves — from body image and confidence, to work, relationships, grief, loss, purpose and rebuilding.

Rather than bringing in an expert, I thought it might be best to just have an honest conversation, share experiences and learn from one another. Because the wisdom in our community is WONDERFUL!

What became clear throughout this discussion is that so many of us are living in what I call “the messy middle” — no longer who we were before cancer, but not yet fully arrived in who we are becoming.

If you’ve ever felt lost, changed, disconnected or uncertain about your place in the world after treatment, this episode is for you.

YouTube Wellness Series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsUEBZ4ZwowoJ0t4pV-gmwGSqruDPm-2P&si=7UE81giK-2v5eByM

Episode 214 - What It Really Feels Like & And Your Questions Answered: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/episode-214-what-it-really-feels-like-and-your/id1631842514?i=1000762984322

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

03:18 Exploring identity and personal growth

07:51 The jar and pebbles analogy

12:31 Coping with treatment and diagnosis

13:49 Discussing challenges of societal expectations

16:47 Struggles with overthinking and doubt

22:47 Facing the unknown post-treatment

23:47 Sharing post-cancer treatment experiences

29:24 Reflecting on life after cancer

32:42 Coping after a mastectomy

35:11 Morning mirror positivity trick

40:24 Navigating daily challenges with compassion

45:36 Navigating menopause and survivorship

47:42 Reflecting on personal growth journey

49:40 Focusing on self-care and being present

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 episode, I’m joined by Rob and Andy, two partners navigating life alongside their wives through cancer and menopause.

I actually asked in our Facebook community if anyone’s partners would be willing to come on the podcast… and these two were put forward by their wives — earning themselves serious brownie points in the process.

This is a really honest conversation about what it feels like to be on the other side.

We talk about the overwhelm, the uncertainty, and that feeling of wanting to help but not always knowing how. From the emotional impact to the mood changes, this episode sheds light on a perspective we don’t hear enough about.

Because supporting someone through cancer and menopause doesn’t come with a manual — and partners need support and understanding too.

And yes - I did bring up intimacy and low libido - and they did not just quit the call! I am so grateful to Rob and Andy! Thank you so much!

If this resonates, do share this episode with your partner — so we can include them in this conversation too.

This one is for you… and for them.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction

04:13 Discovering and diagnosing cancer

14:49 Discussing menopause challenges and support

18:50 Discussing impacts of menopause

21:49 Challenges in managing menopause symptoms

22:55 Dealing with post-cancer anxiety

30:41 Discussing intimacy post-cancer

34:43 Importance of communication in relationships

37:46 Discussing menopause and HRT advice

42:05 Discussing medically induced menopause

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 episode, I’m joined by the incredible Lisa, founder of Make 2nds Count and The House of Hope charity in Edinburgh, who is living with secondary breast cancer while continuing to support so many others.

This is an honest, heartfelt conversation about what it really means to live with ongoing cancer treatment. I ask Lisa if she feels excluded from other menopause conversations and even from the many cancer chats out there.

We talk about saying it as it is, the emotional reality of menopause and secondary cancer, and the strategies that help day-to-day, alongside the strength, purpose and perspective that can still exist within it all.

Lisa’s work has been a shining light for me personally, especially when I was building Menopause and Cancer and recording this episode while one of our community support sessions was taking place at The House of Hope felt like a real full-circle moment.

We also share more about our upcoming Menopause Awareness Day event on the 18th June, which we’ll be marking at The House of Hope. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter here https://menopauseandcancer.org/, and we will let you know of all of our upcoming events!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

03:55 Founding Scotland's first support center

09:31 Menopause and cancer diagnosis discussions

12:52 Discussing treatment decisions and surgery

18:27 Discussing menopause treatment options

20:36 Navigating menopause and chemo challenges

26:06 Founding a Make 2nds Count and The House of Hope

27:50 Starting a charity from my hospital bed

33:34 Charitable collaborations and community building

37:59 Balancing work and mindfulness

40:25 Menopause workshop

Links:

House of Hope: https://houseofhope.org.uk/

Make 2nds count: https://make2ndscount.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 episode, I’m joined by GP and menopause specialist Dr Helen Wall, and we’re exploring something that so many of you have been talking about in our community — struggling with brain fog, focus, memory, total overwhelm, and that feeling of just not feeling like you can manage anymore.

We often call it brain fog. But what if, for some of us, it could be something more?

Today, we’re diving into ADHD in women, and how it can show up — or become more noticeable — during menopause and after, especially cancer treatment.

Because the reality is, many women are only being diagnosed later in life. And for those of us navigating sudden menopause, hormonal changes, and the impact of cancer treatment, it can feel even more confusing to understand what’s really going on in our brains.

This episode is here to help you make sense of it all.

We also talk about:

How do I know what’s what?

Does lifestyle help my ADHD brain?

Can you take ADHD medication after cancer?

And so much more.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:55 Discussing menopause and mental load

10:04 Navigating neurodivergence and perimenopause

16:24 ADHD, oestrogen, and perimenopause link

17:58 The impact of menopause on brain function

22:38 Lack of education on female hormones

25:43 Understanding ADHD in women and girls

28:07 Challenges with post-cancer employment and support

34:08 ADHD medication challenges and support

39:24 ADHD and diet considerations

44:45 Navigating ADHD and menopause

You can find Helen’s book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Menopause-ADHD-neurodivergence-Vermilion-Empowered/dp/178504642X

And this is Helen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorhelenwall/

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 episode, I’m joined by Lindsey Lester, a British Menopause Society-accredited specialist and breast cancer survivor, for an essential conversation on bone health after cancer and menopause.

Bone health is one of the most common — and least talked about — long-term effects of cancer treatment. Whether your menopause was triggered suddenly by treatment or has developed over time, the impact on your bones can be significant.

We explore how treatments such as chemotherapy, endocrine therapies (including tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors), steroids, and treatment-induced menopause can all affect bone density — across different types of cancer, not just breast cancer.

We also talk about who may be most at risk, how quickly bone density can change, and why bone loss is often called a “silent” condition — with many people not realising until much later.

A key part of this conversation is understanding DEXA scans — when to have one, how often to monitor your bone health, and what it really means if you’re told you have osteopenia or osteoporosis.

But most importantly, this episode is about what you can do.

From nutrition and movement to medications and monitoring, Lindsey shares clear, practical ways to protect your bones — and answers one of the biggest questions so many people have after cancer:

Can we improve our bone health without HRT?

This episode will help you feel more informed, more in control, and better equipped to make decisions about your long-term health.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

06:09 Participant introductions and background questions

09:00 Discussing osteoporosis awareness plan

13:03 Postmenopausal bone health risks

15:16 Discussing bone health awareness

20:08 Young people unaware of health risks

22:49 Discussing tamoxifen and ovarian function

28:51 Experiencing medical and surgical menopause

31:37 Calcium and vitamin D for bone health

39:52 Tracking calcium on a vegan diet

44:54 Discussing exercise for bone health

49:30 Cholesterol management with exercise

51:47 Benefits of building muscle

Here are some links we mentioned:

https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/bone-health/nutrition-for-bones/calcium/calcium-rich-food-chooser/

https://strwebstgmedia.blob.core.windows.net/media/0lhowmrk/about-exercise-fact-sheet-february-2019.pdf

You can find Lindsey here: https://healthinmenopause.co.uk/meet-the-team/

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