SECONDARY BREAST CANCER & SARCOMA
Introducing Voice. No. 1...Amy. In this episode we speak to Amy about her journey with secondary breast cancer at a young age as well as a rare cancer in the leg (Sarcoma). In true MAS style we discuss everything from menopause, cancer, chemo to the reality and impact of facing your mortality on your self identity and relationships. Amy's positive attitude and outlook on life despite living with incurable cancer is a message of hope and strength and we are honoured to celebrate her as Voice No. 1 for the Mortal And Strong project.

ENDOMETRIOSIS & ADENOMYOSIS

Introducing Jen, the infamous Jen.dometriosis - an advocate for Endometriosis and Adenomyosis. Jen shares her story of being ignored with painful periods for over a decade before discovering her diagnosis. At which point Jen had multiple organ damage, lost her fertility and had to give up her international business. Since then Jen has found a way to cope with her incurable condition but now works as an advocate and campaigner for better education on endometriosis in the public and medical education system.

SECONDARY BREAST CANCER

Introducing Gizela, the beautiful soul who fought for over 6 months to be heard with symptoms of breast cancer before finally being heard. At which point she was diagnosed with metastatic disease and given months to live. However now, Gizela is working and has far exceeded predictions after a good response to treatment. Gizela's story is one of true advocacy for knowing the warning signs of breast cancer, not being afraid to request a second opinion, and having hope are so important. We are delighted to have Gizela as part of our project.

BIRTH TRAUMA & POSTNATAL DEPRESSION

Another new podcast episode has been released! Voice No. 4… Lorna Bramble: a real vibrant soul sharing her story of postnatal depression and birth trauma. This is such an important topic because there is so much stigma around PND, and women feel so isolated and scared to reach out for help. Lorna’s story is so wonderful at showing the real truths of what it’s like, the need for support but also the fact that IT DOES PASS. (A side note this episode was recorded as the first ever trial interviews before we got better equipment so the sound is not as good as normal but the content is brilliant and there are a lot of laughs and funny moments about the reality of being a new mum!).

Podcast available on all major platforms!

PRIMARY BREAST CANCER

Introducing voice number 5 - Karianne. This episode is a unique insight into the voice of someone at the beginning of their cancer journey. Karianne has begun chemotherapy in the last few months and shares the side effects of chemotherapy, navigating the impact on career and motherhood. Whilst still finding reasons to smile and plans for what lies ahead.

Podcast available on all major platforms

LUPUS SLE

Introducing our newest voice - Lisa. Lisa shares her journey of taking years to get a diagnosis of Lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune condition whereby the body attacks its own tissues and can cause a variety of problems from arthritis, organ damage to complex things. It relapses and remits, having flares that can be triggered from viruses, stress, temperature changes. Lisa's story is unfortunately typical of someone taking years to have their symptoms pieced together to a diagnosis

ENDOMETRIOSIS & MISCARRIAGE

Introducing another amazing strong voice from the series and we are honoured to have published author Camilla Fellas Arnold sharing her journey to being diagnosed with Endometriosis, struggles with fertility and miscarriage. Camilla’s journey is like that of a beautiful Butterly coming into its own glory. As a teenager Camilla was bullied for her heavy and problematic periods, and through various reasons found her voice silenced as she become an adult. Through the last few years in her journey to getting her preliminary diagnosis of Endometriosis after numerous hospital trips and her life being halted because of pain and morbidity - Camilla has found herself simultaneously finding her voice again. Not only has Camilla found her voice, but she has published a book! Using her words to help and encourage others. When her own medical problems left her feeling lost and struggling to find joy, she turned the word into a focus and managed to re-orientate her mindset.

BREAST CANCER & THYROID DISEASE

Introducing voice No. 7 - the beautiful soul that is Helen. In this episode presenters Liz & Laura talk to Helen about her journey with breast cancer and thyroid disease. Helen talks about the numerous complications of having breast re-constructive surgery and the little details people don’t always consider in having delayed reconstructive surgery. Helen’s openness of finding her journey with cancer at a young age hard, particularly the isolation she felt in having few people initially to relate to and the power of having a supportive community of people who understand. Helen also shares a phenomenon not often spoken about - the reality that not every woman with breast cancer needs chemotherapy, and so in the absence of losing her and showing that she ‘visibly had cancer’ she developed imposter syndrome for a while. Helen’s quote that she didn’t need people’s pity - she needed support is a powerful one and shows the importance of people understanding what others go through helps for a more supportive and understanding society.

SECONDARY BREAST CANCER

Introducing another Voice from the 2024 Mortal And Strong project - Voice No. 9 and the wonderful soul that is Tracy. In this episode Tracy shares her journey of originally being diagnosed with primary breast cancer before then later being diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer. Tracy is an NHS nurse and shares the unique insight into what it is like when someone has inside medical knowledge, and how 'knowing too much' can have both benefits and negatives. Tracy talks about the reality of how hard Radiotherapy can be, the impact of having to tell her family about her secondary diagnosis and trying to live life to the fullest. One of the key discussions in this episode is surrounding the HER 2 - Low debate - a topic of current controversy as a drug that can potentially help patients with secondary breast cancer is not currently available in England on the NHS for HER2 - LOW patients, despite ongoing campaigns to make this drug available, a drug which could potentially offer a life line to some people.

SECONDARY BREAST CANCER

Another Mortal And Strong episode with Voice No. 10 (of 100) for the 2024 project focusing on Women's Health. Viv shares how very powerful and honest story of the true rollercoaster that women experience when getting a diagnosis of secondary breast cancer early on in life. Viv's secondary diagnosis was de novo, which means the cancer is already metastatic at presentation. Viv epitomises what Mortal and Strong is all about - when Viv initially received her diagnosis she began looking online for stories of hope, of other women living well with secondary cancer. Now she is here sharing her story of finally finding a way to live life well and enjoy her life.

FERTILITY & POSTNATAL DEPRESSION

Introducing Voice No. 11 (of 100) - the beautifully witty and honest published author and food-blogger Jo (Joanna Weston). In this podcast episode Jo shares her honest story, with all the highs and lows overcoming anorexia as a teenager, the honest struggles of trying to conceive (including miscarriage), her experience of both an ideal birth followed by a traumatic birth and how postnatal depression can manifest as intense guilt. Jo's incredible journey and message shows how the determination to overcome mental health issues by facing them head on can lead to a healthier mindset. From being a teenager with an unhealthy relationship to food, Jo has now become a successful author of healthy recipes for children and how to adopt the right positive approach to teach children healthy relationships with food.

ADDISON’s DISEASE

Welcome to another episode of the Mortal And Strong podcast and in this episode we have the honour of sharing another amazing Voice - Laura B. Laura B is sharing the unique and rare story of being diagnosed with Addison's disease - a rare endocrine disorder that affects 1 in 10,000 people in the UK and is more common in women. Laura B was first diagnosed with premature ovarian failure, plummeting her into premature menopause in her early 30's. After suffering bizarre and life-halting symptoms she was finally diagnosed with Addison's. If left untreated this can be a life threatening disease and requires lifelong steroids in Laura's case. Laura shares some powerfully poignant messages as she has gone through the turbulent process of struggling to know her own body, fighting the stigma of disease and feeling 'broken'. But now, Laura is beginning to (in her own words) 'get her sparkle back'.

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE & HEART DISEASE

A new episode of Mortal And Strong and another Voice to add to the 100 being interviewed this season. Tracy W - sharing, amongst many things, her experience with connective tissue disease, heart disease including Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and heart failure brought on by an inherited condition putting her at increased risk at a young age. Tracy is a wonderfully positive spirited person who despite having a battle that can resonate with so many - in being belittled for years and having to fight to get a diagnosis, has still managed to stay positive and continuing to do the things she loves. Her hilarious anecdotes and stories of finding comfort in adopting new pets after receiving difficult medical diagnosis will leave you feeling moved and warm hearted. This episode covers so many poignant topics - from the long journey of how autoimmune diseases like Lupus and Sjogrens can gradually takes its toll, to the scary realisation of having a family history that puts you into the world of heart disease at a young age. We talk a lot on the importance of being an advocate for yourself, listening to your body and finding joy in life whilst also being strong at managing your own health.

SECONDARY BREAST CANCER

Another episode of Mortal And Strong and today's episode is full of poignant reflections with a touch of dark humour. The wonderful and bubbly soul that is Jeannie, sharing her story of a de novo diagnosis of breast cancer. 5 Years ago, whilst enjoying life, working, a mum and wife - Jeannie was diagnosed with breast cancer that had already metastasised to the bones. Jeannie was breast-aware as had a strong family history of cancer, but despite this her usual breast symptoms meant it was spotted late. Jeannie shares the turbulent ride of coming to terms with a secondary cancer diagnosis; "grieving for the life you're not going to have anymore" and the feeling of living on 'borrowed time' as Jeannie has now surpassed her 5 year target. Jeannie talks openly and real about what it's like to live with secondary cancer; having a double life, the immense benefits of having a community of friends in the secondary community but the lows that come with experiencing more funerals at a young age. Jeannie shares with hilarious spirit her idea of a funeral that would capture the essence of 'Jeannie'. The beauty of how Jeannie articulates that despite preferring not to have cancer, that she wouldn't want to change anything, the intensity with which she now lives and enjoys life to its fullest is something she is actually grateful for.

BRCA RISK REDUCING MASTECTOMY

With so much discussion in the media currently about post-mastectomy reconstruction being a 'free boob job' this episode is so important at putting a spotlight on the significant trauma that these surgeries and conditions carry, the complexity of recovery. Ellie talks about being a trustee for the a BRCA charity, raising awareness and support for people who are going through these life changing decisions when diagnosed with being a carrier for a gene that increases the risk of cancer. Thank you to Ellie for being so honest and putting a spotlight on something that is still not widely understood or appreciated the significance to someone's life. Ellie's witty and uplifting positive mentality is everything Mortal And Strong is about, with the infamous quote in response to flippant comments/reactions of having a 'free boob job' being "Yes they're fake - ask me how!". This sums it up entirely, there is so much behind the reconstruction for anyone having a mastectomy, that needs better understanding in society.

FIBROIDS

Dawn is sharing her experience of living with fibroids; how the onset of symptoms began with puberty and how for years was led to believe from those around her (including the healthcare system) that the warning signs of fibroids were 'normal periods'. Dawn shares how this false belief that her heavy and painful periods were normal meant that by the time she was finally diagnosed with fibroids, she had 16 including extremely large ones that were blocking her fallopian tubes and affecting her fertility. Dawn goes on to discuss the different treatment options for fibroids, her own journey following a myomectomy which helped her finally conceive her daughter. After years of suffering, at the age of 39 Dawn finally had her first 'healthy happy period'. This journey is so familiar to so many and here we explore this false narrative that has been laid down that heavy/painful periods are normal - when in actual fact can be the warning signs of serious pathological disease that can be organ/fertility/life threatening. Dawn is now thriving, and is a multi-award winning advocate in the fibroid community - determined to raise awareness and educate people not only on the existence of fibroids but in particular what treatment options are available to women affected.

SECONDARY BREAST CANCER

Claire, in her 40's, is sharing her journey with secondary breast cancer. After finding a lump which would have been difficult to spot (only able to feel when leaning forward) - Claire thought things were going well. Initially told stage 1 and not needing chemotherapy or a mastectomy...Claire was discharged with Tamoxifen and felt like she could begin to look forward to living her life again. When symptoms began to grow and Claire couldn't keep putting them down to side effects of Tamoxifen, Claire repeatedly tried to seek help. It took many months before the healthcare team recognised that Claire's warning symptoms were in fact signs of metastatic disease. At which point Claire was admitted to hospital with life threateningly high levels of calcium, and was diagnosed with liver and bone metastases. Claire was devastated and immediately thought it was the end. After finding hope online and realising through social media campaigns that people were living well with secondary cancer, Claire faced more than 10 rounds of chemotherapy in a bid to reduce the mets. Claire's hair has just begun to regrow, and unfortunately found out days before the interview that she had not responded well to treatment and needs to restart chemotherapy again. This episode is a fierce example of how to find joy, optimism and continue to embrace life where and when you can as Claire has been one of the MAS supporters from the beginning.

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Sue is such a gentle soul and provides a real and honest insight into living with chronic pain as she was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia two years ago. Trigeminal Neuralgia is an incurable condition whereby one of the nerves within the face causes intermittent attacks of pain. Nerve pain can be immensely debilitating, and Trigeminal Neuralgia has historically had a very unfortunate nickname within the patient community and medical community - known as the 'Suicide Disease' owning to a the disease having a stigma associated with it because the severity of pain leading to mental health problems for lack of a cure. Sue talks candidly about her resentment of such stigma, as it instantly detracts any hope when given the diagnosis. However Sue has a very pragmatic view; seeking alternative therapies and distracting techniques to help cope with the daily chronic condition. Sue is a lovely example of someone wanting to share their voice to advocate for change, reduce stigma and provide support and awareness.

HYPERMETABOLISM & NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE

The delightfully optimistic and life-loving Sarah sharing her journey of having two very rare conditions (one of which linked to a genetic mutation) - HNPP (Hereditary Neuropathy With Pressure Palsies) and Hypermetabolism. These two conditions are unrelated but complicate each other. . As a result Sarah has a permanent Jej tube and is both tube fed and eats normally. In addition to this Sarah developed a foot drop, numbness and multiple neurological symptoms, resembling MS. Sarah was diagnosed with HNPP which for Sarah means she has demyelination of her peripheral nerves and a very severe form leaving her permanently disabled.

Despite all this Sarah realised she had two options - to go on a negative spiral or choose a positive spiral. Sarah deliberately seeks joy in every single day and embraces life to the fullest. After facing her mortality several times, Sarah has such a powerfully strong philosophical approach to life "Everyone has two lives. The second one begins when you realise you only have one".

SECONDARY BREAST CANCER

Anjlee shares her journey from being a mum in her 30’s with two young children, working as a pre-school teacher and enjoying life. After seeing a post on social media raising awareness on the importance of being breast aware, Anjlee checked her breasts and discovered a lump. Months later her journey with primary triple negative breast cancer began. Following treatment with a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy Anjlee was followed up with regular scans. Anjlee shares how her world was turned upside down when her primary diagnosis became a secondary diagnosis and she was found to have lung metastases. After initially find a good response to treatment whilst on a trial, a week before this interview Anjlee was told there was further disease progression. In true format with our podcasts we talk about the highs and lows, the challenges of self identity with breast reconstruction, hair loss and navigating talking to children about such complex issues. We focus on messages of hope and strength and where Anjlee finds joy despite facing her mortality before sharing her advice to anyone beginning their own journey. We share Anjlee’s story along with her Kintsugi inspired Scars of Gold photography as part of our National campaign on our online platforms. Thank you to Anjlee for being one of our voices and we continue to follow her journey and raise awareness for the charities mentioned.

VULVA CANCER

Introducing another podcast episode and Scars of Gold photography for Mortal And Strong and in this episode we have the immensely inspirational advocate for vulva cancer - Clare. Clare’s journey with Stage 3 vulva cancer is hugely important to raise awareness and address social stigmatisation of disease and the taboos around terminology of our intimate anatomy. Clare had an undiagnosed condition for over 30 years (from the age of 5) with symptoms of an itchy vulva that was missed for many years. The condition Lichen Sclerosis is a commonly missed condition of the vulva (often mistaken for thrush or a symptom of menopause) and if left untreated can progress into cancer. Such was the case with Clare, and by the time she received her diagnosis she had Stage 3 vulva cancer and required multiple surgeries and 58 sessions of radiotherapy. In this open podcast as always we talk openly and honestly, discussing how the taboo of using the correct terminology for our anatomy has led to a culture of not being able to advocate properly when we have symptoms, the reluctance for many to be self-aware of more intimate areas and the fact that some women don’t even realise vulva cancer exists... Clare is a huge campaigner for change and increased awareness and we are so honoured to share her as one of our voices in this campaign.

ECTOPIC PREGNANCY & ACCIDENT TRAUMA

Introducing another podcast episode and Scars of Gold photography for Mortal And Strong and in this episode we have the immensely inspirational advocate for vulva cancer - Clare. Clare’s journey with Stage 3 vulva cancer is hugely important to raise awareness and address social stigmatisation of disease and the taboos around terminology of our intimate anatomy. Clare had an undiagnosed condition for over 30 years (from the age of 5) with symptoms of an itchy vulva that was missed for many years. The condition Lichen Sclerosis is a commonly missed condition of the vulva (often mistaken for thrush or a symptom of menopause) and if left untreated can progress into cancer. Such was the case with Clare, and by the time she received her diagnosis she had Stage 3 vulva cancer and required multiple surgeries and 58 sessions of radiotherapy. In this open podcast as always we talk openly and honestly, discussing how the taboo of using the correct terminology for our anatomy has led to a culture of not being able to advocate properly when we have symptoms, the reluctance for many to be self-aware of more intimate areas and the fact that some women don’t even realise vulva cancer exists... Clare is a huge campaigner for change and increased awareness and we are so honoured to share her as one of our voices in this campaign.

PRIMARY BREAST CANCER

We are delighted to interview the beautifully witty Juliet, sharing her journey with primary breast cancer and how she fought for nearly 2 years to have a full double mastectomy for symmetry and has never regretted going flat! This interview is such an important one to raise awareness on how some women are not always fully informed of their options following a mastectomy, and how important and empowering it is to not only have options - but have going fully flat as one of those options! Juliet was repeatedly denied the double mastectomy, but since going flat her images have travelled the world raising awareness to empower other women. Juliet's motto is representation and visibility, trying to empower women to realise they have choices. Juliet's light humour and humble approach to life is wonderfully inspiring, we laughed as we explored everything from big boobs, no boobs, menopause, mental health and finding a new joy from gardening after being given seed packets as a gift when starting treatment. Juliet is a wonderful addition to the 100 Voices and hopefully her story will help empower other women to make choices that feel right for them.

SECONDARY BREAST CANCER

Chrissie is a lovely incredibly strong woman who we were honoured to have share her journey of being diagnosed de novo (straight to secondary) breast cancer at the age of 43. As a mum with two boys, Chrissie had just finished qualifications and was ready to start a new chapter of her life. After experiencing severe rib pain for months and being dismissed, when Chrissie eventually became unwell and was diagnosed with breast cancer it had already spread to her ribs and spine and realised she'd been walking around with multiple fractures. A month in hospital, including rehabilitation in a hospice and Chrissie is now two years on, stable and on the same treatment. This episode is a really important spotlight on how the palliative care team have such a vital role in supporting secondary cancer patients live well and get the best quality of life, how important it is to find your tribe and how your world post-diagnosis will inevitably change, but you can find ways to still live well and find joy in life. Chrissie is now thriving and has gone on to become a Trustee for her local charity Dereham Cancer Care and working to help facilitate a weekly support group for women with secondary cancer with Star Throwers in Norfolk.

ENDOMETRIOSIS & MISCARRIAGE

Kate B is our next Voice to share her story, and such a rollercoaster of a journey exploring so many aspects of what women go through; endometriosis, adenomyosis, secondary infertility, IVF, miscarriage. We are humbled to have Kate be raw and honest with us about the true physical and mental toll these conditions can take; the crippling and life destructive pain of endometriosis, the intensity of secondary infertility and the process of IVF and its toll on the body, the stigma of miscarriage. However Kate found strength in a different area which we are exploring for the first time in the campaign and feel it is such an important aspect of health. After realising Kate needed to forgive her own body, she discovered the significant impact of diet on the body. After changing her life around with her diet, she found strength and saw the importance of looking after our bodies. This in turn changed Kate’s career path into a whole new direction and she now supports women with a range of health issues through exploring dietary changes. Thank you Kate for being another incredible voice and raising awareness on so many important topics.

PRIMARY BREAST CANCER

Introducing our latest Voice to the campaign, a wonderfully intelligent, witty and supportive woman who is passionate about supporting other women and using her art to resonate with others. Meryl is Voice no. 27 and is sharing her journey with a recent diagnosis of primary breast cancer, facing the self identity challenges after having a single mastectomy and the emotional thought processes behind considering reconstructive surgery. Meryl had always been a highly career driven woman, before focusing on her children (in Meryl's words 'her duty and her joy'). Now Meryl shares how the diagnosis has encouraged her to re-discover who she is, revisiting her life long passion for art and being a portrait artist. Meryl shares how she is passionate about raising awareness and supporting other women to find confidence in their own body following such life changing surgery. We are honoured to have her self portrait Reconstruction? as part of the Mortal And Strong exhibition 100 artworks and to have Meryl contribute to the collection.