Staying Abreast, brought to you by The National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

Ep 07 - Too Young to Be Heard: Niamh and Muireann’s Breast Cancer Stories and Advocacy for Change

In this episode, Niamh Noonan and Muireann McColgan, share their powerful experiences with breast cancer and their advocacy through the ‘Too Young to Be Heard’ campaign – a campaign they co-founded with Ziva Cussen which gives a voice to younger women with breast cancer. Niamh, diagnosed at 30 with stage 3 triple positive breast cancer, reflects on the uncertainty leading up to her diagnosis. She shares the initial shock of her diagnosis, the emotional and physical challenges she faced during her intensive treatment plan of chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy and the great support she received. Muireann was diagnosed at 37 while 31 weeks pregnant with initially stage 2 breast cancer that later progressed to stage 4. She shares how she has been managing her illness while balancing motherhood, work and wellbeing and outlines her unique treatment plan. Join us as Niamh and Muireann share their powerful stories, reminding listeners that no one is ever too young to be heard.   Produced by www.GKMedia.ie

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

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

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

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