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In this episode, my guest shares her unique experience of cancer.    Dr Liz O'Riordan was working as a consultant breast surgeon in 2015 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time.  After decades of treating people with breast cancer, the doctor was now the patient and Liz realised how little she knew about the treatments and experience for breast cancer.  Three years later cancer returned on her chest wall. She had both breasts removed which meant she couldn't move her left shoulder and was forced to retire.    We cover:  - what it is like going from doctor to patient  - Losing your career and identity - how little we are taught about menopause   And more!    Liz’s links Website https://liz.oriordan.co.uk/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/oriordanliz/   Helen's links: Goodpods Facebook Instagram Website   The C Word Radio is a podcast that asks WTF does young cancer survivorship mean. If you got cancer and all you got was a darker sense of humor and PTSD join host, Helen King, and regular guests, for raw and at times inappropriate conversations about life after a cancer diagnosis.

Today’s episode will be a continuation of our theme of dealing with cancer during the covid pandemic. It’s basically the two Cs no one wants.    Amanda Wallace joins us from deep in the US mid-west, Idaho. She was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019 after experiencing flu-like symptoms. At the time she was working at her local movie theatre but once she was diagnosed treatment happened almost instantly.    Amanda had a recurrence in 2020 right in the middle of the pandemic.  "And you're trying to figure out what normal is because it just doesn't seem to exist anymore." - Amanda   Going through cancer treatment is one thing, but going through it during a global pandemic?  No one prepares you for that kind of situation.    In this episode, we talked about:   What is it like going through a whirlwind of tests and scans for chemotherapy maintenance. How to manage cancer recurrence and remission amid the pandemic. The staggering effect chemotherapy has on the brain. How cancer confronts people and reveals their true selves in relationships. And why being a cancer patient is like being a fish in ‘Finding Nemo’... And more!    Helen's links: Goodpods Facebook Instagram Website   The C-Word Radio is a podcast that asks WTF does young cancer survivorship mean. If you got cancer and all you got was a darker sense of humor and PTSD join host, Helen King, and regular guests, for raw and at times inappropriate conversations about life after a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer, Covid, and children are three C’s you never hope to experience at the same time. In this episode, Jessica Licata shares her experience of having a beautiful baby and being diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma during the pandemic.  Accessing healthcare as Covid ripped through Chicago was challenging, Jessica shares the lengths she went to in order to get a diagnosis. And why it’s important to learn how to advocate for yourself.  In this episode, we talked about:   The challenge of a cancer diagnosis during the Covid pandemic How do friendships or relationships dynamics change during and after a cancer diagnosis The different experiences of pregnancy after cancer remission What is the importance of having a support group as you battle cancer Why do you need to celebrate your cancer wins And more! Check out the full episode.  Helen's links: Goodpods Facebook Instagram Website    The C Word Radio is a podcast that asks WTF does young cancer survivorship mean. If you got cancer and all you got was a darker sense of humor and PTSD join host, Helen King, and regular guests, for raw and at times inappropriate conversations about life after a cancer diagnosis.

Cancer can be a traumatic experience in both mind and body. Once treatment ends many of us struggle with the fear of reoccurrence. But what if happens when you discover that your cancer has returned? Our guest for this episode is Olivia Clarke, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. At the end of 2021, her cancer returned. Despite the challenges she faced in her life, she decided to find humor in her own little ways. This experience has also motivated her to form an online community where she helps people who are undergoing cancer treatment by raising money and awareness with her blog Humor Beats Cancer. I met Olivia on Instagram in 2018 when I was going through treatment for breast cancer. She reached out to me and I submitted a post for Humor Beats Cancer. I shared one of my more embarrassing stories! You can read it here.   In this episode, we talked about: How do you move on after having cancer Why you don’t need to be as active as you were pre-cancer How does cancer affect our relationship with friends and family What is the importance of a therapist while dealing with cancer Is it possible to go back to your life pre-cancer   Resources and Links Mentioned In This Episode Olivia Clarke: Website:https://www.humorbeatscancer.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humorbeatscancer/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/humorbeatscancer Twitter: https://twitter.com/humorbeatcancer?lang=en   If you want to contribute or have any funny thing to share, reach out at editor@humorbeatscancer.com

What's the worst birthday present you've ever had? For New Yorker Jonny Puglia a shock diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer was not the gift he was expecting on his 30th birthday. Fortunately, Jonny decided not to dwell on it and decided to face it with his humor. After battling stage IV colorectal cancer for years,  beating cancer not once but twice, he has now used his experience to help adults who are also affected by cancer with his blog Thrivr. In this episode, we talked about: - Living through cancer symptoms without the benefit of insurance - Why mental health is just as important as chemotherapy - How to properly use other people's experiences to help yours - The importance of having someone come with you to doctor's appointments - Why you shouldn't shy away from asking your doctor everything you need to know   Jonny's links:  Website Instagram Facebook   Helen's links: Goodpods Facebook Instagram Website   The C Word Radio is a podcast that asks WTF does young cancer survivorship mean. If you got cancer and all you got was a darker sense of humor and PTSD join host, Helen King, and regular guests, for raw and at times inappropriate conversations about life after a cancer diagnosis.  

What would motivate someone to start their own charity in the midst of a shock cancer diagnosis? Jane Ludemann was in her early 30s when she was diagnosed with low-grade serous ovarian cancer in 2017. A rarer form of ovarian cancer, patients are usually given a life expectancy between 5-15yrs and is more common in younger women.  Jane started the charity Cure Our Ovarian Cancer when she realised how little research or funding there was for her type of ovarian cancer. She works tirelessly to advocate and raise awareness.  Jane had experienced niggling health problems for a number of years before she was diagnosed. Her story is all too familiar for younger people - she was dismissed a number of times before finally getting her diagnosis.    We discuss Jane's story and answer these questions: What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer? What is the life expectancy of someone with ovarian cancer? How to advocate for yourself in the doctor's office  How much funding does ovarian cancer receive? Why is ovarian cancer called 'the silent disease?'   ...and more!  Jane's links:  Donate Instagram Facebook Helen's links: Goodpods Facebook Instagram Website   The C Word Radio is a podcast that asks WTF does young cancer survivorship mean. If you got cancer and all you got was a darker sense of humor and PTSD join host, Helen King, and regular guests, for raw and at times inappropriate conversations about life after a cancer diagnosis.

How many times have you been asked ‘you’re over it now, right?’ by a well-meaning friend or family member? In this episode, I’m joined by Mandi Chambless who shares her experience of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 28. Mandi was given a 20% chance of survival beyond five years, 13-years later she’s beaten the odds.  Mandi shares the first five years after her diagnosis she was terrified of reoccurrence, in fact, the fear of her cancer coming has never gone away.    In this episode we talk about:  - Ovarian Cancer  - Infertility after cancer treatment  - Young people cancer survivorship  - Relationships & cancer    ‘Survivorship to me does not mean I'm a hero. It actually doesn't mean not a warrior to be completely honest with you. It doesn't mean I am special. It doesn't mean that I should be an inspiration. So I've done a lot of writing in the past few years and. One of the things I've written over and over is I'm just a girl that was lucky enough not to die.’   Don’t miss this refreshingly honest conversation about what it’s like navigating long-term cancer survival and why we never get over a cancer diagnosis.  Ovarian Cancer Links Talk Peach Cure Our Ovarian Cancer Mandi’s Links Instagram @chamblessmandi Facebook    Helen's links: Ripple App Goodpods Facebook Instagram Website   The C Word Radio is a podcast that asks WTF does young cancer survivorship mean. If you got cancer and all you got was a darker sense of humor and PTSD join host, Helen King, and regular guests, for raw and at times inappropriate conversations about life after a cancer diagnosis.

Can you imagine being diagnosed with stage four cancer six months after you got married? In 2016 a bomb went off in the middle of Vicky Pellowe’s world. The 29 was in newlywed bliss when she found a lump in her neck. The Perth local was diagnosed with stage four non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and her life was turned upside down.    Vicky’s cancer treatment impacted her fertility, income, and mental health. Like so many young cancer survivors, Vicky struggled to find a post-cancer treatment that resonated with her experience. The first 24 months after her diagnosis was a rollercoaster as she tried to piece her life back together. Vicky shares everything had changed and she felt confused about how to move forward.    “I remember saying to friends and family, I don't know why I feel like this. I'm so happy. I'm so over the moon, I am literally the most grateful in the world that I am still here.   So why do I feel confused? Why am I sad? Why am I crying in the car?”   In this episode we talk about:   Young cancer survivorship Navigating infertility after cancer treatment  Mental health challenges after a cancer diagnosis  Dealing with toxic positivity    Vicky now inspires other young cancer survivors through public speaking. Don’t miss this important discussion about how you can navigate post-treatment life.    Vicky's links:  https://www.instagram.com/vickypellowe/?hl=en Helen's links: Membership on Ko-Fi Facebook Instagram Website   The C Word Radio is a podcast that asks WTF does young cancer survivorship mean. If you got cancer and all you got was a darker sense of humor and PTSD join host, Helen King, and regular guests, for raw and at times inappropriate conversations about life after a cancer diagnosis.

Welcome back to the first new episode for 2022! In this episode I'm joined by the founder of Chuan Skincare, Ada Chen, to talk about her experience as a caregiver to her parents.  In 2020 Ada had just moved from San Francisco to Colorado when her father was hospitalised after a fall. As the eldest, Ada took charge of coordinating his care, along with her sister, and making decisions for his welfare. When he contracted Covid during his stay in the hospital, Ada and her sister experienced what millions have during the pandemic, they were unable to be inside their father's hospital room in his final hours. Fast forward a few months into 2021 and Ada's mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. This time taking on the role of caregiver was slightly easier with her mum living in the same city.   "If you're caregiving, make sure that you have a self-care routine once a week, or however often you need it. Just taking 15 minutes where you don't look at your phone, don't answer anything, like have it on for emergency". In this episode we talk about:  - Losing a parent/ family member to covid - What it's like being a caregiver - The change in dynamic when your parent gets sick - Caregiving from long distance - How to take care of yourself when you are experiencing caregiver burnout - Supporting someone through breast cancer  Our conversation is important for anyone who is impacted by covid or facing cancer with a loved one. We talk about how families are impacted by serious illnesses.    Ada's links Chuan Skincare The Asian Sewist Collective Helen's links: Membership on Ko-Fi Facebook Instagram Website   The C Word Radio is a podcast that asks WTF does young cancer survivorship mean. If you got cancer and all you got was a darker sense of humor and PTSD join host, Helen King, and regular guests, for raw and at times inappropriate conversations about life after a cancer diagnosis.    

When I finished cancer treatment I felt more like Winona Ryder's character emerging from the bomb blast at the end of Heathers than I did a strong cancer warrior.  Join me in 2022 as I try and figure out WTF young cancer survivorship means. I'll be talking to fellow cancery people about how they have navigated the dumpster fire of post-treatment life.  You can expect the same funny, honest, and relatable content with a focus on young survivorship.  Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! 

For the last episode of 2021, I'm joined by Bari Roberts Ross to share her incredible story of being diagnosed with cancer at the same time as her husband.  Bari has written a book about their experience "Stronger with Two: The Inspiring True Story of a Husband and Wife Winning the Battle Against Cancer Together" and she joined me to share how they have come through two cancer diagnosis, and one reoccurrence in the past 12 years.  "My daughter, when she hears that he has leukemia, she arranged the call with his doctor and the doctor at, at Emory university hospital. And they started talking, and they're like, we have to get him here. Because both of you all are in pretty bad shape, even though I was still at walking and talking I was in bad shape. So were both diagnosed within 72 hours. We were both diagnosed with very serious cancers."  In 2009 Bari and her husband Charles were in the doctors office to find out what was causing Charles' fatigue. Her husband pointed out Bari had a lump on her neck, what happened was lifechanging.  Bari was diagnosed with stage four metastatic head and neck cancer, Charles with leukemia.  In this episode, we talk about - How the couple coped with both undergoing cancer treatment at the same time - Why it's important to ask for help - How a relationship survives both people having life threatening illness - The challenge of recovering after cancer treatment - The US health system and insurance - Why Bari is now advocating for people of colour to gain access to better treatment This episode dives into how a family copes when it's in crisis, how cancer changes us, and the battle for equality in healthcare.  Don't miss it!    Bari's Links Buy the book  Website Helen's links: Membership on Ko-Fi Facebook Instagram Website   Music - Happy Days, Scott Holmes    

Cancer can challenge our ability to remain hopeful. As we near the end of 2021 I wanted to bring you episodes with a message of resilience and hope.   In this episode, I'm joined by author Hilda Manyo Dickson to talk about her book Osunyameye: Nothing is Impossible with God.  Hilda's story starts with the joy of having a child she was told she would never be able to have. But happiness was quickly followed by the devastation of her child being diagnosed with cancer.  Onsunyameye was just a toddler when she was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma. Hilda traveled to the US from Nigeria for her beloved child to have treatment.  When your child is diagnosed with cancer you go into survival mode. We discuss how Hilda coped with her experience and how cancer has changed her life. She shares how she got through a parent's worst nightmare by leaning into her faith.  Don't miss it! Hilda's links Buy the book Website Helen's links: Membership on Ko-Fi Facebook Instagram Website Music - Happy Days, Scott Holmes      

In this episode, I'm joined by Julia Becker Collins, ultramarathon runner, COO, and cancer lady.  Julia shares her experience of being diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the start of the pandemic in 2020. As covid caused the State of Massachusett to shut down, Julia was waiting for a biopsy to be booked.  After navigating an overloaded health system during cancer treatment she struggled to figure out how to rebuild her life.  We talk about what happens when you're life changes overnight, how to cope when you don't have a thyroid, why it's important to find your people, and more! Julia's Links Instagram Linktree   Helen's links: Membership on Ko-Fi Facebook Instagram Website   Music - Happy Days, Scott Holmes    

In this episode of The C Word Radio, I sat down with Josh Hickford, chief executive of the Taranaki Foundation, to talk about his diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2017 when he was 27.  Josh described the diagnosis like a bomb went off. After returning home from his OE, Josh was looking for his next challenge. He wasn't expecting the challenge to be cancer.  He was a few months in remission when he was accepted as a contestant on the reality series 'Survivor'. Josh shares how he approached his cancer diagnosis like Sir Ed climbed Mt Everest, what his cancer diagnosis has taught him about resilience, and more! Josh's links: Instagram Website Ripple App Helen's links: Membership on Ko-Fi Facebook Instagram Website Music - Happy Days, Scott Holmes  

Have you ever experienced burnout? Before my diagnosis of breast cancer in 2018 I had gone through yet another burnout. Burnout has been a theme during my adult life but cancer and the pandemic have led me to a place of creating a lifestyle that puts my wellness first. In this episode, I'm joined by Natalie Woodman a London-based transformation coach to talk about recovering from a health crisis or burnout. We chat about our personal experiences with not listening to our bodies and what led to choosing a different path. Natalie's background is in neurological physio and rehab, which led her to work with women who are seeking to reconnect with their bodies. Natalie's links: Instagram Website Helen's links: Vote for The C Word Radio in the NZ Podcast Awards Donate to Sweet Louise  Membership on Ko-Fi Facebook Instagram Website Music - Happy Days, Scott Holmes        

In this episode, I'm joined by Tina Conrad aka DJ Breast Cancer to talk about her new project a book of poetry, "From C to C". Tina was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, she shares that writing was an instrumental part of her journey. Days after her diagnosis she woke up in the middle of the night with a story in her head about a magic potion. And that cancer was like a poison, yet also a beautiful gift that you could be given.  She jumped out of bed to write the story down, afraid it would be fleeting like a dream. We talk about how writing helped her process the wide range of emotions cancer brings with it. The other 'C' in her book title is covid and she talks about many of the same feelings coming back when the pandemic hit.  This is a powerful conversation about how we process our cancer diagnosis, the impact on faith and, creating something beautiful from loss.  Tina's links: Instagram DJ Breast Cancer Buy her book 'From C to C' Helen's links: Donate to Sweet Louise  Membership on Ko-Fi Facebook Instagram Website Music - Happy Days, Scott Holmes

In this episode, I'm joined by Niya Kight. Niya shares her journey of healing after her breast cancer diagnosis on her Instagram page and she is such a joy to follow! Niya’s experience hasn’t been straightforward - like many of us, cancer was a wake-up call that we need to radically change the way we do things. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in the early stages of her second pregnancy, in the middle of a pandemic. Her birth story is extraordinary and that's we where kicked off our conversation.  Niya's links: Instagram Helen's links: Donate to Sweet Louise  Membership on Ko-Fi Facebook Instagram Website Music - Happy Days, Scott Holmes  

Cheryl Carr has been living with breast cancer for 12 years. At 38 when she was first diagnosed, she was reeling from a divorce and parenting two young children, the diagnosis was a huge shock. There was no family history, she had led a healthy lifestyle.  When cancer comes back After her first experience with cancer, Cheryl was determined to live more intentionally. She felt the stress from her divorce had been a factor in her cancer so did everything she could to live as stress-free as she could. She never expected her cancer to return, she had maintained a positive frame of mind, built her life to a great place. Cancer coming back was not part of the plan. Living with cancer Cheryl shares her experience of the difference in approaches to stage 4 breast cancer in Australia, where she was living at the time of her diagnosis, and when she returned to New Zealand. She explains the importance of having a team who are working with you and open to finding different ways of managing your cancer.  Sweet Louise One of the most important elements of living with incurable breast cancer is having a good support network. Cheryl was introduced to Sweet Louise and talks about how vital they have become to her. Living with breast cancer can be lonely and has a financial impact. Cheryl explains how Sweet Louise has helped her, even down to providing the funds to do something special for her daughter's birthday.  Helen's links: Vox article on Pinkwashing Donate to Sweet Louise  Facebook Instagram Website Music - Happy Days, Scott Holmes          

Nadine Riwai is passionate about cervical screening! The Waikato-based nurse leads the dedicated team at Cervical Screening Waikato. Her work takes her all over the area and helps people access smear tests. She's even performed a smear test on a patient's living-room floor! Cancer is everywhere Both of Nadine's nans died from cancer. She's had several family members and close friends diagnosed with the disease. These first-hand experiences are part of what drives her to advocate for screening in her community.  She explains it often feels like everybody's family has been affected by cancer. And if you don't know someone personally, you will hear of a friend or person in your community.  Taking screening to the people Cervical screening has been around for 30 years but as Nadine points out we're still not getting the message.  That's why Cervical Screening Waikato and Smear Your Mea take screening into the community. Nadine recalls a colleague borrowing a caravan from their uncle and they used it as a mobile clinic.  Continuing a legacy The late Talei Morrison challenged her community to take action with their health. She died a year after she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2018. But her legacy of Smear Your Mea has had a lasting impact.  Nadine explained Talei had a bad experience with a smear test and found the information about cervical screening didn't resonate with her.  Through her advocacy, Talei has influenced many women to get their smear tests.  Links Smear Your Mea Cervical Screening Waikato Helen's links: Facebook Instagram Website Instagram live stream Sign up for the C Word Radio and be the first to hear about updates or extra content click here.  Music - Happy Days, Scott Holmes    

Talita Kuki is lucky she pushed to get to the bottom of symptoms she knew weren't normal for her. The 28-year-old from Kirikiriroa in the Waikato was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2020 and shares her story in this episode of the C Word Radio. Diagnosed with cervical cancer Talita explained she had often experienced heavy periods but she knew there was something different going on. She started feeling pain that got worse over a few days until she finally saw a doctor.  She was told she probably had constipation and was given laxatives but her instincts told her to keep pushing for an answer. Going through cancer treatment Talita was shocked when she was diagnosed with cancer, her whanau were just getting over losing their nana from esophageal cancer when they were hit with her diagnosis.  She had chemo and radiation treatment which she found mentally and physically challenging.  Talita describes feeling frustrated by her body not being able to do what she used to before her cancer diagnosis. She says it felt like her body aged overnight with the heavy-duty chemo and radiation treatments.  Back to normal life after a cancer diagnosis I was amazed when I asked Talita what changed after her cancer diagnosis because she said she went straight back to work! Like many of us she just wanted to feel normal again and get back into a routine.  Talita was surrounded by people who wanted her to get through her cancer treatment. Her partner walked with her as she had her treatment and her kids helped their mum when she couldn't do things herself. Talita says she now considers her workmate's family because they gave her amazing support.  Advice from someone who's had cancer Like a lot of people, Talita often put off having her smear test. Now she encourages people to make sure they are up to date. She says after being brushed off by the first doctor she found someone who would listen to her.  She says her advice for anyone facing cancer is to try and keep positive, it's OK to have down days and it's important to feel those feelings. But positivity will also help get you through those tough times.  Links Smear Your Mea Talk Peach Talita's story Helen's links: Facebook Instagram Website Sign up for the C Word Radio and be the first to hear about updates or extra content click here.  Music - Happy Days, Scott Holmes