In this final episode of Season 1, I sit down with Karen Kruger, Avril Tierney, and Niamh Noonan to talk openly about life with breast cancer. We share the shock of diagnosis, the physical and emotional toll of treatment, and what it feels like to face life afterwards. We talk about fear of recurrence, body image, relationships, and the personal choices involved in treatment and surgery. We also explore self-love, coping strategies, and the comfort of connecting with others who truly understa...
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In this final episode of Season 1, I sit down with Karen Kruger, Avril Tierney, and Niamh Noonan to talk openly about life with breast cancer. We share the shock of diagnosis, the physical and emotional toll of treatment, and what it feels like to face life afterwards. We talk about fear of recurrence, body image, relationships, and the personal choices involved in treatment and surgery. We also explore self-love, coping strategies, and the comfort of connecting with others who truly understa...
In this final episode of Season 1, I sit down with Karen Kruger, Avril Tierney, and Niamh Noonan to talk openly about life with breast cancer. We share the shock of diagnosis, the physical and emotional toll of treatment, and what it feels like to face life afterwards. We talk about fear of recurrence, body image, relationships, and the personal choices involved in treatment and surgery. We also explore self-love, coping strategies, and the comfort of connecting with others who truly understa...
Demelza shares her incredible journey, having brain surgery in 2017 and facing three cancer diagnoses — thyroid, salivary, and lymph node cancer of the neck. Despite everything she’s been through, she’s now helping others through her own business. Such an inspiring woman, full of strength, courage, and hope. 💚 Takeaways Demelza was diagnosed with glossopharyngeal neuralgia, leading to severe pain.She underwent a major surgery to relieve pressure on her nerve.The pain was so intense that it wa...
I had a great chat with Breandán Ó Maoldúin, who opens up about his personal journey with bowel cancer (also known as colon cancer) and Lynch syndrome, a hereditary genetic condition that increases cancer risk. Diagnosed at the age of 35, Breandán shares the emotional and physical challenges he’s faced - from treatment and recovery to managing long-term side effects. He speaks openly about the importance of mental-health support, community, and raising awareness around genetic cancers. Throug...
In this heartfelt episode of 'Someone Like Me', Caroline Corcoran shares her profound journey of loss, having lost both her parents to cancer. She recounts the struggles, the emotional toll, and the lessons learned through her experiences. The conversation delves into the impact of cancer on families, the challenges of caregiving, and the importance of seeking support. Caroline also discusses her involvement in charity work, channeling her grief into helping others affected by cancer. Takeawa...
Summary In this conversation, Martin Sweeney shares his personal journey with prostate cancer, detailing the initial signs, diagnosis, and the emotional impact it had on him. He emphasizes the importance of early detection, understanding treatment options, and the mental health challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis. Martin also discusses the significance of support systems, both for patients and their partners, and highlights the need for open communication in relationships affected by...
Summary In this episode of Someone Like Me, host Vanessa speaks with Olivia Carpenter, a breast cancer survivor who shares her inspiring journey of resilience and hope. Olivia opens up about being diagnosed at a young age while her dad was going through cancer at the same time. She reflects on the emotional challenges of supporting him while facing her own treatment, the grief of losing him, and how these experiences inspired her to create Olivia’s Gifts a heartfelt initiative providing comfo...
Dr. Liz O’Riordan, a breast surgeon who faced breast cancer not once but three times, joins me for a powerful and deeply personal conversation. Liz shares her own journey through diagnosis, treatment, and multiple recurrences, offering a unique perspective as both doctor and patient. We talk about the emotional and mental challenges that come with cancer, the importance of education and support, and how treatment can impact intimacy and relationships. Liz opens up about the need for honest co...
In this solo episode, Vanessa shares a deeply personal experience that shook her to the core. What started as a frightening health scare quickly turned into hours of fear, uncertainty and loneliness, made worse by a lack of compassion and clear communication from the medical team. Vanessa opens up about the emotions that ran through her mind, the what ifs, and the importance of compassion in healthcare. She also reflects on how moments like this remind us of the preciousness of life, and why ...
Summary What started as suspected appendicitis turned into a shocking diagnosis of Stage 4 bowel cancer. At just 33, Claire was preparing for her wedding when her world was turned upside down. In this powerful episode, Claire shares her journey from the misdiagnosis and emergency surgery, to the moment she heard the words “you have cancer,” and the emotional impact it had on her and her family. Her honesty and strength will stay with you long after listening. Takeaways Claire's journey began ...
In this episode, Gill Costelloe opens up about her melanoma journey — from an early diagnosis in 2016 to the shocking moment it spread to six parts of her body. She shares the emotional toll of treatment, the impact on her mental health, and why support groups and sun safety are now central to her life. Gill’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of community in facing cancer. Takeaways Gill was diagnosed with stage one melanoma after a friend noticed a mole.Early detection is cruc...
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Pamela Deasy to talk about the fight of her life and how persistence and self-advocacy saved her. Pam trusted her instincts, pushed for answers, and got the treatment that made all the difference. She shares the heartbreak of losing her mum to lung cancer, the pain of losing friends, and how her own diagnosis has opened doors to raise awareness. We discuss the signs and symptoms to watch for, her strength, and her choice to live every day like it matt...
In this episode of Someone Like Me, I sit down with my big brother Paddy for a chat that means a lot to both of us. We talk about how cancer hit our family, our mum, our sister, and myself, and how it left its mark on all of us in different ways. It’s raw, honest, and full of the kind of stuff people don’t always say out loud. We talk memories, what it’s like being on the sidelines watching someone you love go through it, and how you just keep going when your family is hit again and again. Th...
I sat down with Francesca, who was diagnosed with breast cancer just nine weeks after giving birth to her beautiful baby girl. This is a real, raw, honest conversation. Fran shares how she found the lump, going through chemo, having both her breasts removed, the fear, the anger, the ups and downs of it all—while navigating life as a brand new mam. It’s powerful stuff. Please follow and share this episode with anyone who needs to hear it. Let’s make cancer a little less lonely together. htt...
Vanessa opens up about scanxiety - the fear that creeps in before scan results. Five years cancer free, but the panic still hits. From chemo flashbacks to late-night overthinking, this honest mini-episode is for anyone who’s been stuck in the waiting. https://www.instagram.com/someonelikeme_cancerapp/
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 advic...
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 w...
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, support...
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 r...
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! https://www.instagram.com/someonelikeme_cancerapp/
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 navigatin...
In this final episode of Season 1, I sit down with Karen Kruger, Avril Tierney, and Niamh Noonan to talk openly about life with breast cancer. We share the shock of diagnosis, the physical and emotional toll of treatment, and what it feels like to face life afterwards. We talk about fear of recurrence, body image, relationships, and the personal choices involved in treatment and surgery. We also explore self-love, coping strategies, and the comfort of connecting with others who truly understa...
