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