You, Me and the Big C

Recently, I discovered a podcast on BBC Radio 5 live called You, Me and the Big C. Three women talk about their cancer journeys in an open honest way, including the highs and lows.

Even in just the first podcast, talking about their journeys, I resonated so much with things they had gone through and some of the feelings they experience as they carry on their journeys. They speak in a way is accessible to everyone (although perhaps not children and young teenagers), giving a unique perspective on life with cancer and in remission.

After finding out I had had cancer 6 months after surgery, I never quite felt that terms like 'remission' or 'cancer survivor' belonged to me. Before surgery, there had been no symptoms A few weeks after consultants told me that the mass in my kidney might be cancerous, I was surrounded by friends in the peaks recovering from surgery. I have never had radiotherapy or chemotherapy, nor any other medication after the pain meds stopped. I feel very lucky with my brush with cancer, and hope to leave it in the rear view mirror, but I know others who have not been so fortunate.

I would totally recommend this podcast to anyone, whether you know someone who has cancer or not. It can help you understand how to spot the signs of cancer and bring awareness of the types of cancer there are. Cancer does not have to mean the end, but it can be a long journey.

If you want to read more, there is lots of information at Cancer Research UK. If you are interested in what I have take a look at the Birt-Hogg-Dube Foundation.