Episodes

  • Ep 08 - Johanna’s Story: Rare Diagnosis, Strong Spirit

    Ep 08 - Johanna’s Story: Rare Diagnosis, Strong Spirit
    Nov 19 2024

    In this empowering episode, Johanna from Dublin opens up about her unexpected following a rare breast cancer diagnosis. While enjoying a holiday, always mindful of her health and wearing factor 50 sunscreen head to toe, Johanna realised something was wrong. What followed was a life-changing diagnosis of breast cancer.

    Johanna shares her treatment experience, including extensive chemotherapy and numerous medical appointments. She reflects on how grateful she is for the progress in research specific to her cancer type, highlighting how the outcome has significantly improved over the past five years.

    The episode also features Garry Kelly shinning a light on the amazing work that is happening in breast cancer research with special guests Grainne McDonnell, Breast Cancer Clinical Trial Nurse along with Dr Roisin Dwyer, Associate Prof of Translational Science at NBCRI.

    Join us on a moving conversation with Johanna about her breast cancer experience, offering hope and inspiration to others.

    Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
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    59 mins
  • Ep 07 - Aoife’s Journey: Battling Breast Cancer at 30

    Ep 07 - Aoife’s Journey: Battling Breast Cancer at 30
    Nov 12 2024
    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Aoife, a vibrant 30-year-old Galway native, who shares her deeply personal journey of battling breast cancer. Diagnosed with breast cancer just a month after sitting her PhD, Aoife is now undergoing chemotherapy and facing a series of life-changing decisions. Aoife opens up about how she first discovered the lump that changed everything, and the importance of paying attention to your body. The episode highlights an important message: breast cancer can happen to anyone, at any stage of life, and sometimes, something as simple as googling could make the difference between an early or late diagnosis. Aoife advises individuals not to compare themselves to others, as treatments, stages and cancer types can differ significantly. Join us as Aoife shares her strength, insight and determination in the face of this challenge.

    Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
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    31 mins
  • Ep 06 - Amanda’s Breast Cancer Story: The Good, The Bad and Everything in Between

    Ep 06 - Amanda’s Breast Cancer Story: The Good, The Bad and Everything in Between
    Nov 5 2024
    In this insightful and powerful episode, Amanda opens up about her personal experience as part of a family with a strong history of breast cancer. Diagnosed in July 2018, Amanda shares her journey through the initial shock, the treatments, and the numerous medical appointments that followed. Reflecting on the highs and lows over the past few years, Amanda offers insights into how she has navigated the challenges of living with breast cancer. From the good moments to the tough times, she discusses where she stands today and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Amanda as she shares her heartfelt story. Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
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    50 mins
  • Ep 05 - Tara’s Fight: Navigating Breast Cancer and Family Plans

    Ep 05 - Tara’s Fight: Navigating Breast Cancer and Family Plans
    Oct 29 2024
    In this compelling episode, Tara from Cavan tells shares her personal battle with breast cancer, diagnosed at the young age of 36 – when she believed breast cancer was a concern later in life. After discovering a lump during a routine self-exam, she was shocked by the diagnosis but choose to stay positive. Tara discusses her experience with various treatments, including radiotherapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy and lobectomy. Tara opens up about the emotional impact of cancer, particularly the challenges it caused on her plans to start a family with her husband. With her story, Tara hopes to offer the support and guidance she once sought, sharing her unique experience of navigating infertility and cancer. Join us as Tara shares an empowering story of resilience, offering insight to those facing similar challenges.

    Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
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    49 mins
  • Ep 04 - Karen’s Story: Family, Fundraising and Fighting Cancer

    Ep 04 - Karen’s Story: Family, Fundraising and Fighting Cancer
    Oct 22 2024
    In this heartwarming episode, Karen, a mother of three, opens up about her deeply personal story following her breast cancer diagnosis in early 2023. She walks us through the stages of her diagnosis including the many challenges she faced including physical injuries. Karen highlights the incredible support she received from her family, especially her youngest son, who – together with his friends – organised a heartfelt fundraising campaign called ‘go blonde for blonde cancer’. With great exposure on social media platforms and help from the cancer research institute, their efforts gained widespread attention, raising valuable funds to support breast cancer research. Join us for an inspiring conversation as Karen opens up about her resilience, the strength of family and the impact of community support in the fight against breast cancer.

    Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
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    50 mins
  • Ep 03 - The Importance of Care and Clinical Trials: Rachel’s Empowering Breast Cancer Journey

    Ep 03 - The Importance of Care and Clinical Trials: Rachel’s Empowering Breast Cancer Journey
    Oct 15 2024
    In this insightful episode, Rachel shares her unexpected journey of being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, despite feeling young, fit and healthy. As part of a clinical trial at the University Hospital in Galway under the care of Prof Michael Kerin, Rachel reflects on the wonderful care and monitoring she received over the years. Rachel opens about the impact of loss in her family, revealing how it compounded her struggles during an already challenging time. Rachel expresses her passion for clinical trials, research and the advancements made in the field including targeted therapy. She believes it is crucial for the public to hear the positive outcomes through patients sharing their stories. Join us on Rachel’s empowering journey as she offers a powerful perspective on the importance of research and care.

    Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
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    56 mins
  • Ep 02 - Trusting Instincts: Tammy’s Reflection on Her Mother’s Breast Cancer Journey

    Ep 02 - Trusting Instincts: Tammy’s Reflection on Her Mother’s Breast Cancer Journey
    Oct 8 2024
    In this deeply emotional episode, Tammy, a biomedical researcher from Dublin, shares the personal story of her late mother, Deirdre, who passed away from breast cancer three years ago. Tammy reflects on her mother’s journey, from routine mammograms to an unexpected stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis, and the challenges Deirdre faced during treatment and clinical trials. Tammy shares the highs and lows, from the impact of hair loss to the emotional lift her mother found in styling a wig. Tammy emphasises the importance of trusting your instincts and advocating for your health. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, love and the power of listening to your body. Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
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    51 mins
  • Ep 01 - Resilience and Recovery from Breast Cancer: Aisling Keogh's Journey from Diagnosis to Healing

    Ep 01 - Resilience and Recovery from Breast Cancer: Aisling Keogh's Journey from Diagnosis to Healing
    Sep 26 2024

    In our first episode of ‘Staying Abreast’, host Aileen Hickie interviews Aisling Keogh, a Galway native and former hockey umpire, about her journey with breast cancer. Diagnosed shortly after her wedding in January 2018, Aisling shares her life before the diagnosis, the importance of body awareness, and the challenges she faced during treatment. The conversation highlights the significance of early detection, family health history, and self-compassion. Aisling discusses her treatment experiences, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, and emphasises the need for a supportive network. The episode also features insights from Professor Michael Kerin, Director of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, on advancements in breast cancer research.

    Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
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    52 mins