• Episode 7 - Real life treatment struggles - Ali Stripling
    Apr 26 2026

    The conversation delves into Ali's journey with anal cancer, from the initial symptoms and diagnosis to the challenges of treatment and its impact on her daily life. It also highlights the importance of patient advocacy and shared decision-making in the treatment process. The conversation covers Ali's journey through cancer treatment, recovery, and the challenges she faced post-treatment. It delves into the emotional struggles, reintegration into society, and the importance of support and awareness.

    Takeaways

    • Understanding the impact of cancer on daily life
    • The importance of patient advocacy and shared decision-making in cancer treatment Cancer treatment and recovery are physically and emotionally challenging
    • Support and awareness are crucial for post-treatment reintegration

    Chapters

    • 00:00 The Journey Begins
    • 06:00 Acceptance and Realization
    • 11:22 Challenges and Coping Mechanisms
    • 22:27 Impact on Daily Life
    • 30:04 Treatment Challenges and Realization
    • 35:26 Dietary Challenges and Coping
    • 41:36 Stigma and Awareness of Anal Cancer
    • 49:43 Reintegration and Support
    • 57:36 Emotional Struggles and Relationships
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    52 min
  • Episode 6 - From Cancer worker and Counsellor to Cancer Patient - Amanda Burridge
    Apr 12 2026

    Amanda Burridge shares her journey from working in the cancer field to being diagnosed with bowel cancer. She discusses her transition to becoming a counselor and the impact of her diagnosis on her work. The story highlights the challenges and emotional experiences of a cancer diagnosis and the journey of treatment and recovery. Amanda Burridge shares her personal journey through cancer, from diagnosis to recovery, highlighting the challenges and insights gained along the way. She emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and the value of being fit to cope with the effects of cancer treatment.

    Takeaways

    • Cancer diagnosis impact on work
    • Transition to becoming a counselor
    • Challenges of cancer treatment and recovery Mindfulness in the midst of illness
    • The importance of being fit to cope with cancer treatment

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Radiotherapy Experience
    • 52:01 Counseling Modality and Conclusion
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    46 min
  • Episode 5 - Not your ordinary school trip - Sarah Briggs
    Mar 29 2026

    The podcast episode features a conversation with Sarah Briggs, a cancer patient, and covers her journey from diagnosis to recovery. It explores the impact of the diagnosis, the hospital experience, mental state, and the support offered during the treatment. Sarah's determination and recovery process are also highlighted. Sarah Briggs shares her journey of survival and resilience after being diagnosed with cancer. From desperate determination to return home to living life to the fullest, Sarah's story is one of courage, hope, and finding joy in every day. Despite devastating news and financial challenges, Sarah's mindset and belief to live have been instrumental in her unexplained survival and positive outlook on life.

    Takeaways

    • Hospital experience and diagnosis delivery can have a significant impact on the patient's emotional state.
    • The support offered during the treatment plays a crucial role in the patient's recovery. Resilience and Determination
    • Finding Joy in Every Day

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
    • 07:01 Hospital Experience and Diagnosis Delivery
    • 13:19 Impact of the Diagnosis
    • 23:05 Treatment Plan and Support Offered
    • 28:47 Mental State and Surgery Preparation
    • 34:36 Managing Pain and Recovery
    • 40:16 Bucket List and Determination
    • 45:38 Navigating the Benefit System
    • 51:25 Treatment Options and Scans
    • 58:23 Peer Support and Shared Experiences
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    55 min
  • Episode 4 - Giving back to others - Sharron Moffatt
    Mar 15 2026

    The conversation covers Sharron Moffatt's journey with cancer, from her initial diagnosis to the challenges of treatment and recovery. It delves into the psychological impact of cancer, financial struggles, coping strategies, and the misconceptions surrounding cancer treatment and recovery. Sharron's work in raising awareness and fundraising for cancer support is also highlighted. The conversation covers the experiences of cancer treatment and mental health challenges, highlighting coping mechanisms, recovery, and the need for mental health support. It also delves into the impact of cancer diagnosis on mental health and the importance of advocacy and support for cancer patients.

    Takeaways

    • Psychological impact of cancer
    • Navigating the challenges of cancer treatment Cancer treatment experiences
    • Mental health challenges

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Background
    • 06:00 Impact of Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
    • 13:09 Living in the Present
    • 22:27 Navigating Benefits and Social Stigma
    • 30:29 Brave the Shave Fundraiser
    • 39:32 Mental Health Challenges and Support
    • 48:20 Mental Health and Cancer Diagnosis
    • 56:07 Advocacy and Support
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    52 min
  • Episode 3 - Cancer Whilst Pregnant - Louise Wilson
    Mar 1 2026

    The conversation covers the journey of a cancer diagnosis, pregnancy, and the challenges of managing work while undergoing treatment. It explores the emotional impact of diagnosis, the complexities of pregnancy and cancer treatment, and the support received from the workplace during this challenging time. The conversation covers Louise's journey through cancer treatment, from navigating uncertainty to life after treatment. It explores the psychological impact, fear of reoccurrence, reconstructive surgery, and ongoing health concerns. Louise shares valuable advice for cancer patients, emphasizing the personal nature of the journey and the importance of finding small wins in every experience.

    Takeaways

    • Early Cancer Diagnosis
    • Pregnancy and Cancer
    • Work and Cancer Surviving cancer is a deeply personal journey
    • The fear of reoccurrence and progression is a common experience for cancer survivors

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Employment and Organizational Support
    • 31:22 Radiotherapy and Post-Treatment Concerns
    • 40:10 Reconstructive Surgery and Complications
    • 47:58 Life After Treatment and Ongoing Health Concerns
    • 53:08 Advice for Cancer Patients
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    51 min
  • Episode 2 - A shocking twist after tragic loss - Charlotte Forster
    Feb 16 2026

    In this episode of Living With and Beyond Cancer, host Steve Pointon speaks with Charlotte Forster, who shares her deeply personal journey through love, loss, and resilience in the face of cancer. Charlotte recounts her relationship with Andy, who was diagnosed with kidney cancer, and the challenges they faced together, including treatment, side effects, and the impact on their family life. After Andy's heartbreaking passing, Charlotte unexpectedly receives her own cancer diagnosis, leading her to navigate her recovery while raising their daughter. Throughout the conversation, Charlotte emphasizes the importance of community support, mental health, and the profound changes that a cancer diagnosis brings to one's life. She also discusses her advocacy work for bereavement support and the need for reform in financial assistance for young widows.

    Link to the bereavement payment petition that Charlotte talks about Raise Bereavement Support Payment and extend beyond 18 months - Petitions

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    56 min
  • Episode 1 - How did we get here?
    Feb 2 2026

    Most cancer survivors learn to live with the shadow of the disease. But what happens when fear, systems failure, and personal trauma collide? Join Steve Pointon, a twice-diagnosed kidney cancer patient, as he shares his extraordinary journey from shock to resilience—and how he’s now turning his pain into purpose.

    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    48 min