Ep 06 - Hope Kicks Strong: Hazel Martin’s Breast Cancer Journey During Pregnancy
In this episode, Hazel Martin, originally from Wicklow and now living in Drogheda, opens up about her journey with stage 1, grade 3 triple negative breast cancer while pregnant with her first baby at just 33 years old.
Hazel shares how a small ache led her to discover a lump, and despite being vigilant with self-checks, she didn’t think it was cancer – especially while pregnant. After her diagnosis, she began a treatment plan unlike most, surgery and pregnancy-safe chemotherapy, later followed by another surgery and radiotherapy after giving birth to her happy healthy baby girl, Leia.
Hazel opens up about the emotional impact of sharing the news with her family, the strength she found in feeling her baby’s kicks during treatment and the challenges of undergoing cancer treatment while bonding with her newborn daughter.
Join us as Hazel shares her story of strength, motherhood and trusting the path ahead.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
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Ep 05 - From Patient to Advocate: Trish Farrell’s Breast Cancer Journey
In this episode, Trish Farrell, a counsellor psychotherapist in private practice from Dublin, shares her deeply personal journey through stage 2 HER2-negative breast cancer. Trish talks about her history of monitoring benign breast lumps and how her instinct told her something was different in June 2021. Although her initial medical checks felt familiar, her GP and Consultant sensed something different.
Following a triple assessment, Trish was later diagnosed with breast cancer with lymph node involvement. She shares how she chose to have surgery first, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, believing it was the right decision for her. She opens up about telling her sons and family, the emotional impact of treatment during COVID and the physical and emotional challenges of surgery and hair loss.
Trish reflects on her coping mechanisms that supported her, from photography to taking time away before her treatment began. She also speaks about the additional emotional weight of losing two siblings to cancer during her treatment.
Trish is now three years post-surgery, cancer-free, continuing hormone blockers and is a patient representative for breast cancer at St. James’s Hospital, helping to improve the experience for patients.
Join us as Trish share her powerful journey, reminding others to trust your instincts and find the treatment that fits you best.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
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Ep 04 - Doing It Her Way: Gert O'Rourke’s Journey Through Breast Cancer
In this episode, Gert O'Rourke, originally from Portlaoise and now living outside Galway, shares her journey through aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer. With a family history of cysts, she knew the routine when attending the Breast Clinic – but this time she noticed that this lump felt different. Diagnosed in 2018, Gert was reassured by her medical team, including Professor Ray, that research into this type of breast cancer is going very well and now it is one of the more treatable ones.
She talks through her treatment plan, which included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and eight different surgeries. She opens up about her experience with the effects of chemotherapy and how she decided to continue working during the chemo as she remained determined to face the journey her own way.
Gert mentions how writing everything down helped her stay informed and highlights that every breast cancer journey is different.
Join us as Gert shares her powerful story and her inspiring message: trust the treatment and trust the people.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
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Ep 03 - Staying Positive: Lorraine Gallagher’s Journey Through Breast Cancer
In this episode, Lorraine Gallagher, a mom of four girls from Sligo, shares her journey through rapid and aggressive HER2-positive breast cancer. With no family history of breast cancer, feeling fit and walking a lot, she reflects on the surprise of her diagnosis.
Lorraine discusses her treatment plan including aggressive chemotherapy, two surgeries, and 20 rounds of radiotherapy and highlights the amazing care she received. She talks about the physical and emotional challenges of her treatment, including hair loss, while continuing her regular walks, remaining positive and having a strong support network.
Now, Lorraine is feeling better, she is back to running, has climbed a mountain and finished writing her novel, “Kitty: Finding Love in War”, inspired by her grandmother’s story.
Join us as Lorraine shares her story and reminds listeners to stay strong and not listen to the negatives.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
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Ep 02 - Finding Strength in Vigilance: Laura Duane’s Breast Cancer Story
In this episode, Laura Duane, a proud mom of two boys from Athenry, opens up about her journey through triple negative breast cancer and recurrence. She reflects on the shock of her diagnosis, her treatment plan – which included chemotherapy, immunotherapy with pembro and surgery – and the unwavering support she received from her family, friends and the medical teams both in Galway and Ballinasloe.
Laura talks about the power of positivity, the impact of hair loss on her and her children and how she learned to accept help from others. She highlights the importance of not being afraid to ask for help and having a strong support network around you.
Join us as Laura shares her story of vigilance, positivity and the power of community.
Produced by www.GKMedia.ie
About Staying Abreast, brought to you by The National Breast Cancer Research Institute.
This new podcast dives deep into the impact of breast cancer, featuring real conversations with women, families, & medical experts. We’ll discuss living with a diagnosis, life after treatment, and how to support loved ones through the journey. Across these episodes, we’ll explore inspiring personal stories, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. We’ll talk to experts who will update us on the latest medical advancements in breast cancer treatment and care. You don’t want to miss this!
Listen to Staying Abreast, brought to you by The National Breast Cancer Research Institute., The Sinead Says Podcast and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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