Life after cancer?

Naomi Jolly shares her personal journey through cancer, chronic stress, and burnout, and how it forced her to completely rethink the way she lives. In this episode, she breaks down the simple daily habits that helped her move out of constant fight-or-flight and into a calmer, more intentional way of living. From choosing connection over perfection to setting boundaries and letting go of pressure, this is an honest look at what life after cancer really looks like and why doing less might actually be the answer.

Christen didn’t have cancer… but she was told it was likely coming.After discovering she carries the BRCA mutation, she was faced with a decision most of us can’t even imagine, wait and see… or have surgery to remove your breasts when you don't even have cancer.In this episode, Kristen shares her journey from losing her mum to ovarian cancer and genetic testing… to choosing a preventative double mastectomy, navigating body image, sex, dating, and identity on the other side.We talk honestly about the emotional weight of living in the “what if”, the pressure of making life-altering decisions, and how she turned it all into purpose by creating a space for other women going through the same thing.This is about more than risk.It’s about control, confidence, and learning how to live fully... even when the future feels uncertain.Find the charity: @brca_chatMore from me: @lifeaftercancer_wtfChapters00:00 Navigating BRCA Mutations and Family History02:58 Emotional Journey of Genetic Testing06:05 Body Image and Identity Post-Surgery09:01 The Impact of Mastectomy on Relationships12:00 Finding Empowerment Through Surgery14:49 Dating and Self-Love After Mastectomy17:56 Life Lessons and New Perspectives Post-Surgery25:51 Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Cancer Treatment28:38 The Birth of a Charity: From Personal Journey to Community Support31:40 Building Connections: The Importance of Community in Cancer Journeys35:51 Understanding BRCA: Knowledge is Power43:51 The Complexity of Choices: Navigating Decisions in Cancer Care48:45 Life After BRCA: Embracing Purpose and Community

Army veteran Sally Orange shares her journey through mental health struggles, 89 marathons, the 7-7-7 challenge, and running through cancer treatment. Sally Orange’s story will stop you in your tracks.A former army physiotherapist, Sally was medically discharged after struggling with her mental health, a moment that could have defined her life. Instead, it became the beginning of something extraordinary.Since then, she’s gone on to complete nearly 90 marathons, including the incredible 7-7-7 challenge, seven marathons, on seven continents, in seven days, often dressed as pieces of fruit to spark conversations around mental health and break down stigma in the most human, relatable way.But life threw another curveball.Following her own cancer diagnosis, Sally continued to show up in the most remarkable way… running to chemotherapy, turning up to radiotherapy in costume, and facing it all with quiet strength, humour, and honesty.She doesn’t call herself an athlete. She doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out. And that’s exactly what makes her story so powerful.This episode is about resilience, identity, mental health, and what it really means to keep going even when things feel impossibly hard.It will leave you feeling humbled, inspired, and with a deep sense that maybe… you can too.

SummaryAfter cancer, the wellness industry suddenly has a lot to say. “Have you tried turmeric?”“My cousin cured hers with green juice.”“You need to wake up at 5am and do the Miracle Morning.”Before you know it, you’re supposed to be meditating, grounding, red-lighting, journaling, ice bathing, and drinking something that looks suspiciously like pond water. Oh, and don’t forget to be positive.But when does “being healthy” become completely overwhelming?In this episode of Life After Cancer? WTF Now?, Naomi dives into the wellness trap , the pressure to follow the perfect protocol after a diagnosis. She explores why the endless rules can leave survivors anxious, exhausted, and feeling like they’re never doing enough.Because healing isn’t found in a 5am routine or a donkey testicle smoothie. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is slow down, calm your nervous system, and stop trying to be perfect.@lifeaftercancer_wtf

In this episode of Life After Cancer Naomi speaks with the extraordinary Felicity Ashley a woman who rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean, only to return home and face an unexpected bowel cancer diagnosis.Rather than letting adversity define her, Felicity leaned into the mindset she’d built at sea: resilience, grit, and the willingness to do hard things even when they feel impossible. She shares what rowing an ocean taught her about fear, discomfort, and mental strength lessons that became even more powerful when she faced cancer.Now a motivational speaker preparing to row the Pacific Ocean, Felicity reflects on how life’s biggest challenges can become catalysts for growth, purpose, and perspective.This conversation explores courage, community, and the power of the human mind reminding us that sometimes the hardest waves we face are the ones that ultimately shape who we become.@felicityashleyspeakerChapters00:00 Embracing the Journey: From Darkness to Light01:13 Felicity's Background: A Journey of Resilience03:36 Rowing the Atlantic: A Challenge of a Lifetime11:26 The Emotional Return: Celebrating Achievement18:22 Facing the Unexpected: The Cancer Diagnosis26:45 Applying Resilience: Navigating the Cancer Journey29:04 Mindset and Motivation in Adversity35:05 Cancer as a Catalyst for Positive Change39:00 Navigating Dark Days and Finding Hope42:18 Taking One Step at a Time49:37 Embracing Challenges and New Adventures53:58 Finding Your Superpower and Belief

In this episode of Life After Cancer? WTF Now? Naomi sits down with Veronica Foote, Head of Policy and Consulting at Working with Cancer, to unpack one of the least talked about parts of survivorship...going back to work.Drawing from both her professional expertise and her own cancer diagnosis, Veronica shares what really happens when treatment ends but “normal life” doesn’t simply resume. Together, they explore employment rights, reasonable adjustments, phased returns, and why so many survivors feel unsupported or misunderstood in the workplace.This conversation goes beyond policies and paperwork. It highlights the emotional complexity of returning to work, the fear of being seen as “less capable,” and the importance of honest communication between employees and employers. Veronica explains how Working with Cancer supports both individuals and organisations, helping people understand their legal rights while also educating employers on how to create compassionate, informed workplaces.If you’ve ever wondered:• What am I entitled to?• How do I ask for adjustments?• Should I go back full time?• Why does this feel harder than treatment?This episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical next steps alongside a powerful reminder that resilience takes time, and advocacy matters.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Working with Cancer05:58 Practical Steps for Newly Diagnosed Individuals11:59 The Challenges of Returning to Work18:03 Addressing Discrimination in the Workplace23:45 Policy Changes and Future Directions30:32 Understanding Employment Rights and Legislation35:47 Identifying Suitable Roles Post-Treatment42:28 Managing Absences and Appointments49:29 Documenting Return to Work Plans

In this episode of Life After Cancer? WTF Now?, I sit down with Shellie, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer that had spread throughout her body. She was told there was little hope.What happened next is extraordinary.Instead of accepting that this was the end, Shellie went searching for the root cause. She began exploring the connection between the nervous system, chronic stress, trauma, and disease. She made radical changes to how she lived, thought, and regulated her body.We talk about fear, motherhood, being sent home to “prepare,” and what it really feels like to stare mortality in the face.This is not a conversation about denying medicine.It’s a conversation about looking deeper.About fight-or-flight.About the adrenal system.About meditation, nature, community, and creating an internal environment that supports healing.Whether you agree with everything or not, this episode will make you think differently about resilience, responsibility, and what healing can mean.Shellie’s story is powerful, emotional, and deeply human.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Healing Mindset02:48 Shelly's Cancer Journey Begins06:01 Facing the Diagnosis09:00 The Emotional Toll of Cancer11:41 Mindset Shift and Healing14:40 Understanding Epigenetics and Healing17:49 Creating a Supportive Environment for Healing20:54 The Role of Meditation and Visualization23:43 Fear and Healing: Balancing Emotions26:53 The Importance of Self-Care and Reflection29:54 Navigating Fear and Progress in Healing35:23 Embracing Fear and Hope Together39:31 The Importance of Self-Care and Connection43:55 Navigating Life After Cancer Diagnosis51:33 Understanding Healing and Body Connection57:31 Transforming Fear into Empowerment

“The medication dilemma no one talks about after Cancer.”Follow us @lifeaftercancer_wtfI nearly didn't record this episode for fear of being judged. Probably by myself, so it does feel a little bit like standing up naked in Tesco's I won't lie!In this episode of Life After Cancer? WTF Now? Naomi opens up about the emotional and psychological weight of long-term medication after cancer treatment.What happens when the thing that’s meant to protect your future also impacts your identity, your body, and your plans, especially around motherhood?Naomi shares:​The quiet pressure to “just take the medication”​The internal conflict between fear and freedom​How medication can affect identity, hormones, and future choices​The emotional load of survivorship​Why being your own health advocate matters more than everThis is not anti-medicine.This is not medical advice.This is an honest conversation about the messy, complicated reality of life after cancer -where decisions are rarely black and white, and hope and uncertainty often sit side by side.If you’ve ever questioned your treatment plan and felt guilty for doing so…This episode is for you.You are not alone in the elephant in the room.Click to join the life after cancer diaries, a weekly letter from me about the REAL life after cancer mishaps that we don’t post on the gram https://tr.ee/W2aZMyjC46 Chapters:01:59 The Big Pink Elephant: Medication Post-Cancer13:19 Navigating Medication Decisions20:36 The Personal Journey: Pregnancy and Future Plans27:53 Living with Uncertainty and Hope

Follow:@lifeaftercancer_wtf for more updates on the podcastFollow our guest:@a.dude.with.breast.cancer Men get breast cancer too.And this conversation might change how you think about cancer entirely.Richard is a marathon runner from New York who was diagnosed with male breast cancer and kept running. No drama. No identity crisis. For him, it wasn’t male breast cancer… it was just cancer.In this episode, Richard shares the one decision that completely changed his treatment path, why getting a second opinion mattered, and how being treated at a specialist centre meant he didn’t need chemotherapy.We talk mindset, movement, self-advocacy, and why staying active became a non-negotiable part of his cancer journey. It’s honest, refreshing, and quietly powerful.This episode challenges assumptions about breast cancer, masculinity, and survivorship and reminds us that how you face cancer matters just as much as the diagnosis itself.If this episode resonates, please follow, subscribe, and share the show. It genuinely helps these conversations reach the people who need them.00:00 – Men Get Breast Cancer Too02:05 – Meet Richard: Marathon Runner & Mindset05:15 – “It Was Just Cancer”09:30 – Male Breast Cancer & Breaking the Stigma14:10 – Running Through Cancer18:40 – The Decision That Changed Everything24:20 – How He Avoided Chemotherapy30:00 – Mindset Without Toxic Positivity35:30 – What Cancer Changed for Him40:00 – Advice for Anyone Facing Cancer43:30 – Final Reflections

Follow for more episodes:@lifeaftercancer_wtfFollow our guest:@iamkatiestevenson Katie thought cancer was behind her. Then everything changed again.In this episode, Katie shares what it’s really like when life doesn’t follow the neat “before and after” narrative. Diagnosed during the COVID lockdowns, she talks openly about fear, uncertainty.This isn’t a story about positivity or pushing feelings away. It’s about acceptance, self-discovery, connection, and continuing to move forward even when the future feels unclear. From retraining as a life coach to running towards big goals anyway, Katie’s story is honest, grounding, and quietly powerful.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:14 The Cancer Diagnosis Journey05:59 Treatment and Recovery Challenges07:27 Life After Cancer: Identity Shift08:24 Seizure and Brain Tumor Diagnosis12:00 Living with Incurable Cancer12:58 Acceptance and Coping Mechanisms16:19 Life Coaching Insights20:24 Tools for Coping with Cancer25:11 The Value of Simple Things28:58 Shifting Perspectives on Relationships29:51 Letting Go and Moving Forward34:17 The Grieving Process and Acceptance40:27 Toxic Positivity vs. Genuine Gratitude46:33 Living Life to the Fullest54:53 Life with Cancer: A New Perspective

Join the conversation on instagram @lifeaftercancer_wtfIn this episode of Life After Cancer? WTF Now? Naomi is joined by Huw Williams for an honest, funny, and deeply human conversation about what it really means to live with cancer.Huw shares his personal cancer journey, how humour became a powerful coping tool, and why mindset and mental resilience matter just as much as physical recovery. Together, they explore self-parenting, navigating fear and anxiety, and the crucial role community plays when life after cancer doesn’t follow a neat, linear path.The conversation also dives into She Ultra, a women-only 50km ultra event created to raise awareness and funds for women’s cancers. Huw explains why women-only spaces matter, how She Ultra supports participants of all abilities, and why doing hard things can be transformative far beyond the finish line.This episode isn’t about “staying positive” or bouncing back.It’s about finding what actually helps : emotionally, mentally, and day to day.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Wi-Fi Woes02:52 The Role of Pets in Healing05:57 Mindset and Cancer: Overcoming Fear09:00 Self-Parenting and Mental Health11:53 The Chimp Paradox: Managing Inner Thoughts14:44 The She Ultra: Empowering Women Through Community20:35 The Importance of Women’s Cancer Awareness24:53 The She Ultra Experience: More Than Just a Race27:18 Empowerment Through Community and Perspective29:09 Creating a Unique Event for Women31:28 Raising Awareness and Encouraging Health Checks32:33 Celebrating Achievements and Building Confidence34:01 Personal Journeys: Overcoming Challenges Together35:24 Finding Strength in Vulnerability39:16 The Transformative Power of Cancer Experiences43:37 Humor and Resilience in the Face of Adversity

In this episode of Life After Cancer? WTF Now? host Naomi is joined by Cassie and Laura, two women whose shared experiences of breast cancer and medical menopause led to a powerful friendship, and the creation of the Herizen app.They speak openly about the realities of medical menopause, why it can feel harder than cancer treatment itself, and the lack of support women face once treatment ends. The conversation explores community, education, empowerment, and the importance of creating safe spaces where women can talk honestly about hormonal health, identity, and life after cancer.Cassie and Laura share how Herizen is connecting women with trusted information, expert support, and each other, and how purpose, boundaries, and self-care become essential in this next chapter of survivorship.A warm, honest episode about friendship, healing, and building something meaningful from lived experience.@herizenofficial

With Pete Wallroth, Founder of Mummy’s Star@mummy's.star In this episode, I’m joined by Pete Wallroth, CEO and founder of Mummy’s Star, the UK charity supporting families affected by cancer during pregnancy and early parenthood.Pete shares the deeply personal story that led to the creation of Mummy’s Star, after cancer entered his family’s life in the most devastating way. We talk honestly about the unique challenges families face when cancer and pregnancy collide, the long-term impact of loss and grief, and why compassionate communication in healthcare matters more than we realise.This conversation explores emotional and peer support, advocacy, and how charities like Mummy’s Star fill vital gaps in the healthcare system. Pete also reflects on receiving an MBE, the importance of raising awareness, and what still needs to change for families navigating cancer and loss.A powerful, compassionate episode for anyone affected by cancer, pregnancy, baby loss, or supporting someone through it.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Life After Cancer? WTF Now?01:05 – Pete Wallroth and the mission behind Mummy’s Star03:00 – When cancer enters life during pregnancy06:10 – Loss, grief, and the early need for support11:45 – The hidden reality beyond treatment14:20 – Why Mummy’s Star was created17:30 – Tailored emotional and peer support for families21:40 – Emotional and financial strain on parents26:30 – Gaps in healthcare and why charities matter30:00 – Compassionate communication in healthcare34:20 – Individual experiences and informed choice38:10 – Supporting caregivers and emotional resilience42:30 – Loss, identity, and long-term impact46:10 – Advocacy, awareness, and systemic change50:00 – Recognition, impact, and the MBE53:30 – What still needs to change56:00 – Final reflections and closing thoughts

This episode discusses fertility loss, miscarriage, pregnancy after cancer, and fertility preservation. Listener discretion advised.In this solo episode of Life After Cancer? WTF Now? Naomi shares her personal experience of fertility after cancer, exploring pregnancy after diagnosis, miscarriage, and egg freezing before chemotherapy. Naomi talks openly about navigating a cancer diagnosis while facing fertility decisions, the emotional impact of cancer treatment on women’s fertility, and the grief that often goes unspoken. This episode covers cancer and fertility, pregnancy after cancer, fertility preservation options, and the pressure many women feel to “be strong” while quietly grieving future motherhood. An honest, unfiltered conversation for anyone facing fertility after cancer, and for those who felt they had to park this part of their story just to survive.Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Fertility & cancer- the conversation that gets parked02:10 – Fertility after cancer: what treatments can affect04:40 – Pregnant three days after diagnosis07:30 – Surgery, scans & putting cancer second10:15 – The 9-week scan and miscarriage13:40 – Becoming “the weirdo” staring at pregnant bellies16:10 – D&C in the maternity suite (what the actual f**)19:45 – Parking grief while facing cancer23:10 – Egg harvesting chaos & injecting a cushion27:50 – Embryos, hope & being 4130:20 – Why this podcast exists33:10 – What I want you to know

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Life After Cancer? WTF Now? host Naomi shares an honest, unfiltered account of her double mastectomy and immediate implant reconstruction, following her BRCA1 diagnosis. Naomi opens up about the shock of learning she carried the BRCA1 mutation, how it initially felt like a death sentence, and how research and reflection eventually led her to choose surgery. She walks listeners through the emotional rollercoaster, the decision-making process, and why every person must make, and own, the choice that feels right for them.Naomi talks candidly about waking up with four drains, the physical realities of mastectomy recovery, body image changes, and the unexpectedly funny moments (including her daughter asking where her nipples went). She shares what has helped her heal, from red-light therapy and HBOT to family support, compassion and humour. With honesty and vulnerability, Naomi offers comfort, clarity, and solidarity to anyone navigating breast cancer, BRCA decisions, or life after major surgery.Takeaways:Naomi shares her raw and honest account of her mastectomy journey.The BRCA1 mutation significantly influenced her decision for surgery.Individual choice is crucial in the decision-making process for treatment.Mastectomies are common and can have positive outcomes.Preparation for surgery includes emotional and practical aspects.The surgery experience can be long but is supported by a great medical team.Post-surgery recovery involves physical limitations and emotional challenges.Body image changes are a significant part of the recovery process.Holistic health approaches can aid in recovery and healing.Humour and support are essential in navigating the cancer journey.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Journey02:54 Understanding the BRCA1 Mutation05:32 The Decision for Surgery08:22 Preparing for Surgery11:22 The Surgery Experience13:55 Post-Surgery Recovery17:05 Navigating Emotional Challenges19:52 Physical Recovery and Mobility22:57 Reflections on New Body Image25:40 Holistic Healing Approaches28:14 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode, Anna Priest opens up about the deep emotional journey that followed after her Breast Cancer diagnosis. From her mastectomy, a journey shaped less by the physical changes and more by the loss of what her body once allowed her to do. She speaks candidly about the grief of losing the ability to breastfeed, the anger that surfaced in unexpected ways, and the complex, often overlooked emotional landscape of women navigating cancer and its aftermath.Through honesty and vulnerability, Anna sheds light on a side of recovery that isn’t talked about enough, offering comfort, validation, and connection to anyone who has felt that their loss goes far beyond the physical.Episode Takeaways​The emotional impact of a mastectomy can be far deeper than the physical changes.​Losing the ability to breastfeed can feel like a profound and unexpected grief.​Anger, sadness, and a sense of being “robbed” are normal emotional responses.​Breastfeeding isn’t just functional — it represents bonding, identity, and motherhood.​Navigating this loss requires compassion, support, and space to feel everything.​Women’s health experiences are deeply personal and deserve to be spoken about openly.

Two days before her double mastectomy, Naomi sits down for an honest, funny, and emotional chat about life with the BRCA1 gene and everything her boobs have been through.In this episode, she shares what it’s really like preparing for surgery: the fear, the relief, the drains (not glamorous), and the hope that maybe, just maybe, she’ll like her new pair. Naomi opens up about her fertility journey, losing a baby during chemo, having one frozen embryo, and the card reader who told her another baby is still in her future.If you’re navigating BRCA1, breast cancer, or life before major surgery, this episode is a grounded, relatable take no toxic positivity, no fluff, just real talk and a few laughs about the weird bits no one warns you about.

In this episode of Life After Cancer? WTF Now?, Jo Mason shares her powerful journey from an initial breast cancer diagnosis in Dubai to living with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.Jo opens up about the rapid treatment path she faced from mastectomy to chemotherapy, and the mindset shifts that helped her navigate fear, fatigue, and uncertainty. She discusses how nutrition, lifestyle choices, and self-kindness became cornerstones of her healing, and why self-advocacy is essential in the healthcare system.Now the founder of The Confidence Collection, Jo helps women rebuild self-belief and emotional strength after cancer. Her story is one of resilience, empowerment, and thriving beyond diagnosis.Key Takeaways​Jo was diagnosed with breast cancer in Dubai and underwent mastectomy and chemotherapy.​She emphasises the power of mindset in coping with cancer’s emotional and physical challenges.​Lifestyle and nutrition choices play a major role in healing and long-term wellbeing.​She advocates for better nutritional education in the medical system.​Encourages everyone to be their own health advocate and question the status quo.​Transitioned from teacher to women’s confidence coach, creating The Confidence Collection.​Stresses self-kindness, rest, and listening to your body’s cues.​Shares her experience with PTSD after cancer treatment and how she sought help.​Believes confidence comes from inner self-worth, not appearance.🔊 ​

In this episode of Life After Cancer? WTF Now? Naomi sits down with Kevin Donaghy, a stage 4 melanoma survivor whose story is as powerful as it is hopeful. Kevin opens up about his journey from diagnosis to recovery, the emotional toll of living with cancer, and how community and honesty helped him keep going when things felt impossible.He also shares the inspiration behind his book, Stories of Cancer and Hope, a moving collection of 39 real-life accounts from people affected by cancer, reminding us that no one walks this road alone. This conversation dives deep into resilience, hope, and finding purpose after cancer, offering real talk and real encouragement for anyone navigating life beyond diagnosis.Takeaways​Kevin's cancer journey began with a blemish on his arm.​He was diagnosed with stage two melanoma and later stage four metastatic melanoma.​The emotional weight of a cancer diagnosis is often unexpected.​It's normal to feel a mix of gratitude and fear during treatment.​Community support is crucial for those diagnosed with cancer.​Kevin's book aims to provide hope and connection through shared stories.​The writing process was both cathartic and emotionally challenging for Kevin.​Stories in the book resonate with various cancer experiences, not just melanoma.​Maggie's centers provide vital support for cancer patients and their families.​Hope is a constant theme throughout the cancer journey.​Chapters00:00 Introduction and Serendipity02:20 Kevin's Cancer Journey Begins05:28 Processing Stage Four Diagnosis10:23 The Emotional Roller Coaster14:50 Finding Hope and Perspective18:33 The Birth of the Book: Stories of Cancer and Hope26:20 The Roller Coaster of Life and Cancer27:37 Finding Connection Through Shared Stories30:03 Stories That Leave a Lasting Impact33:11 The Constant of Hope35:00 Creating Support Networks42:14 You're Not Alone: The Power of Community44:40 Advice for the Newly Diagnosedhttps://storiesofcancerandhope.co.uk/

What if you realised your genes are not your destiny? That you do have some control after all?You’re handed a gene that comes with a warning label and a side of existential dread, now what? This episode is for people who carry BRCA1 and are not here to quietly accept the script that came with it. We discuss how everyone, yes everyone, has a BRCA1 gene, and ours just needs some support. We delve into practical strategies, and conversations with people rewriting their lives instead of waiting for fate to call the shots.We talk prevention, genetics, food, and the weird psychological whiplash of walking around with “maybe-cancer” in your DNA without letting it run your life.If you’re living with a BRCA1 variant and want proof you can hold risk without surrendering to destiny, you’re in the right place.