Someone Like Me – Your Cancer Community Podcast

Dan’s Story: From Rare Sarcoma to NED

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dan, a husband and father of two young boys, who was diagnosed at just 36 years of age with an extremely rare Stage 4 sarcoma. Sarcomas account for just 1% of all cancers, and Dan’s particular diagnosis is one of the rarest forms seen worldwide. Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour (DSRCT). What began as a small pain in his abdomen led to a life changing diagnosis, multiple tumours, intensive chemotherapy, major surgery, pioneering radiation treatment, and a journey that took him from Ireland to the Cleveland Clinic in the United States. Dan shares the emotional reality of facing a rare cancer, the importance of self advocacy, seeking second opinions, asking questions, and never giving up hope. He also speaks openly about family, fatherhood, resilience, and how his young sons became one of his biggest motivations to keep fighting. This is an honest, inspiring conversation about courage, determination, and the power of taking an active role in your own care. https://www.instagram.com/someonelikeme_cancerapp/ [https://www.instagram.com/someonelikeme_cancerapp/]

Living with Lung Cancer- Gillian's Story

Summary This conversation shares Gillian’s heartfelt journey of living with lung cancer. She speaks gently and honestly about the moment she knew something was not right, the shock of diagnosis, and the difference between who she was before cancer and who she is now. Gillian reflects on the importance of trusting your instincts, seeking second opinions, and learning to live alongside cancer. She also shares her passion for raising lung cancer awareness in Ireland, the meaning of the white ribbon, and her hope that through compassion, understanding, and community, no one living with lung cancer feels alone. Takeaways * Gillian experienced no initial symptoms before her lung cancer diagnosis. * Listening to one's instincts can be crucial in medical situations. * The emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. * There is a lack of awareness and support for lung cancer in Ireland. * Gillian felt guilty about the burden her diagnosis placed on her family. * The journey through cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally challenging. * Advocacy for lung cancer awareness is essential for change. * Community support can make a significant difference for patients. * Gillian's experience highlights the need for better communication in healthcare. * The launch of the white ribbon campaign symbolizes hope and awareness for lung cancer. * https://www.instagram.com/gillslovelylungs/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/gillslovelylungs/?hl=en] * Irish Lung Cancer Community Website  [https://ilcc.ie/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * https://www.instagram.com/gillslovelylungs/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/gillslovelylungs/?hl=en] https://www.instagram.com/someonelikeme_cancerapp/ [https://www.instagram.com/someonelikeme_cancerapp/] Recorded Dec. 21, 2025 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2507276/episodes/18393851/publish_date/edit] https://www.instagram.com/someonelikeme_cancerapp/ [https://www.instagram.com/someonelikeme_cancerapp/]

Missing My Sister: Grief & Where I’m At Now

Just me in this episode. A short, honest conversation about grief, missing my sister Veronica, life lately, and where I’m at now personally and with Someone Like Me Your Cancer Community Podcast and Mobile App. https://www.instagram.com/someonelikeme_cancerapp/ [https://www.instagram.com/someonelikeme_cancerapp/]

Losing Her Husband Dean to Brain Cancer, Michaela’s Story

Michaela and Dean met as teenagers and spent fourteen years growing up together, building a life full of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Together, they created a beautiful family with their little girl, Sloan. Everything changed when Dean began experiencing unusual twitching in his face and neck. At first, it seemed minor. But the episodes quickly escalated into moments of panic and fear, followed by a terrifying incident on the road that Dean somehow survived. As the symptoms continued, Michaela rushed him to hospital, beginning a frightening journey filled with uncertainty. Dean was transferred to Beaumont and at just 31 years of age, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma, an aggressive and devastating form of brain cancer. Despite every effort, endless hope, and unwavering love, Dean sadly passed away in May 2025 In this deeply emotional episode, Michaela courageously takes us back through the early warning signs, the chaos in A&E, the long wait for answers, the life changing diagnosis, and the final months of Dean’s life. Her honesty, strength, and devotion as a young wife and mum are extraordinary. Michaela’s bravery in honouring Dean’s memory will stay with every listener long after the episode ends. https://www.instagram.com/deandunphyfoundation?hl=en brain cancer, brain tumour, glioma, glioblastoma (GBM), chemotherapy, radiotherapy, neurosurgery, seizures, neurological symptoms, cognitive changes, steroid treatment, tumour progression, palliative care, end-of-life care, caregiver support, family impact, patient journey, awareness https://www.instagram.com/someonelikeme_cancerapp/ [https://www.instagram.com/someonelikeme_cancerapp/]

December Feels Heavy, This One’s for You

In this December mini-episode, Vanessa talks about why this month can feel heavier, especially for those living with cancer, survivors, and anyone grieving someone they love. She reflects on her own Christmas Eve diagnosis, childhood memories, the ache of missing her mam, and that strange feeling when the world is buzzing with festive energy but you don’t feel any of it. Vanessa speaks honestly about the loneliness that can show up in December, the five stages of grief that many people still move through even long after treatment ends, and the emotional “rollercoaster” of scans, fear, hope, and healing. This episode is for anyone who is struggling, surviving, or just trying to get through the days. Vanessa also gives a glimpse into Season 2 of the podcast and thanks this growing community for helping make cancer a little less lonely. https://www.instagram.com/someonelikeme_cancerapp/ [https://www.instagram.com/someonelikeme_cancerapp/]