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18. Mortal And Strong - Episode 18 - Claire W
52:11Welcoming another Voice to our collection of 100 - Voice No. 17 the beautiful soul that is Claire W. 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. We are continuing to follow Claire's journey through this campaign and how she continues her journey. We are honoured to have Claire as one of our voices sharing her experience and where she has found hope and strength.Mortal And Strong is a campaign shining the spotlight on women facing their own mortality - those affected at a young age by a life changing illness or disease. Founded by Dr Liz Murray, this is a year long project sharing 100 Voices of real stories through our podcast, in conjunction with an innovative photo series 'Scars of Gold' inspired by Kintsugi to celebrate the scars both seen and unseen, as well as artists from all over the country producing 100 artworks. This project aims to raise money for charity, provide messages of hope, empowerment and support whilst also addressing social stigmatisation of disease. The project launched in 2024 focusing on Women's Health but every two years aims to address other health inequality issues. Podcast presenters Dr Liz Murray and breast cancer advocate Laura Middleton-Hughes present the 2024 series focusing on Women's Health with two episodes released every week leading up to International Women's Day 2025.For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health.
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17. Mortal And Strong - Episode 17 - Dawn
43:17The latest episode of Mortal And Strong and we are introducing Voice No. 16 of 100 - the incredible Dawn. 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. We are delighted to have Dawn share her story with us and be part of the MAS 2024 project.Mortal And Strong is a campaign shining the spotlight on women facing their own mortality - those affected at a young age by a life changing illness or disease. Founded by Dr Liz Murray, presented by Dr Liz Murray with Laura Middleton-Hughes. Interviewing Dawn Heels. Photography by Sammy Weston.For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health.
16. Mortal And Strong - Episode 16 - Ellie
47:12Another insightful and importance episode in the series with the wonderful Ellie Howie. Ellie is Voice No. 15 of 100 for the 2024 campaign putting a spotlight on women facing incurable disease at a young age. In this episode Ellie shares her unique and personal journey of being diagnosed with the BRCA gene mutation putting her at a significantly greater risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and other cancers. For Ellie's personal family history the major concern was the risk of breast cancer, having had several immediate family members affected, and died, from breast cancer. Ellie was thrust into the enormity of these decisions in her teens and was in her early 20's when facing decisions about genetic testing and opting to have a 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.Mortal And Strong is a campaign shining the spotlight on women facing their own mortality - those affected at a young age by a life changing illness or disease. Using art & the power of voice to empower, support charities and change the narrative of social stigmatisation of disease. Founded by Dr Liz Murray and presented by Dr Liz Murray and Laura Middleton-Hughes with photographer Sammy Weston.For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health.
15. Mortal And Strong - Episode 15 - Jeannie
37:46Another 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. A wonderful insight into a view of living with an incurable disease that can help so many others.Mortal And Strong is a campaign shining the spotlight on women facing their own mortality - those affected at a young age by a life changing illness or disease. Using art & the power of voice to empower, support charities and change the narrative of social stigmatisation of disease.Founded by Dr Liz Murray. Podcast presenters Dr Liz Murray & Laura Middleton-Hughes. Photography Sammy Weston. Thank you to Norfolk Bound for providing the venue to film this episode.For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health.
14. Mortal And Strong - Episode 14 - Tracy W
47:22A 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. Mortal And Strong is a campaign shining the spotlight on women facing their own mortality - those affected at a young age by a life changing illness or disease. Using art & the power of voice to empower, support charities and change the narrative of social stigmatisation of disease. Founded by Dr Liz Murray, this episode is presented by Dr Liz Murray and Laura Middleton-Hughes. Photography by Sammy Weston.For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health.
13. Mortal And Strong - Episode 13 - Laura B's Story
35:13Welcome 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'. There are some amazing insights into how the strength of mind and attitude to living with a life changing disease can help provide new focus in rebuilding your life after disease diagnosis. Thank you to Laura B for sharing with us and being Voice No. 12 of 100 in this campaign.Mortal And Strong is a campaign shining the spotlight on women facing their own mortality - those affected at a young age by a life changing illness or disease. Founded by Dr Liz Murray, this is a year long project sharing 100 Voices of real stories through our podcast, in conjunction with an innovative photo series 'Scars of Gold' inspired by Kintsugi to celebrate the scars both seen and unseen, as well as artists from all over the country producing 100 artworks. This project aims to raise money for charity, provide messages of hope, empowerment and support whilst also addressing social stigmatisation of disease. The project launched in 2024 focusing on Women's Health but every two years aims to address other health inequality issues. Podcast presenters Dr Liz Murray and breast cancer advocate Laura Middleton-Hughes present the 2024 series focusing on Women's Health with two episodes released every week leading up to International Women's Day 2025.For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health.
12. Mortal And Strong - Episode 12 - Jo's Story
42:19Introducing 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. This episode is full of real honest truths that very few people talk about - from how trying to conceive can become an overwhelming 'mission', to how that bond doesn't always come instantly when you give birth. There are equally some brilliantly funny moments and this captures Jo's positive mindset and how overcome life changing health issues through life doesn't define you, but in Jo's case has made her a successful author, blogger and app creator. Thank you to Jo for being part of the Mortal And Strong project.Mortal And Strong was founded by Dr Liz Murray and is a UK project to empower humans with stories of strength and resilience through art. A national project applying the art of Kintsugi to human scars to instil hope and demonstrate strength through a powerful photographic series 'Scars of Gold'. With podcast presenters Dr Liz Murray and Laura Middleton-Hughes who are leading the MAS project in 2024 to address Women's Health in a new and bold approach. Capturing the voices of 100 people who have experienced major health issues early on in life, combining this with 100 artworks to produce something major. In a bid to address social stigmatisation of disease, support and empower others on their own journey, and address gender inequalities in health. MAS 2024 is focusing on Women's Health with 2 podcasts released each week between International Women's Day 2024 and IWD 2025, the project will end with a National exhibition showcasing the voices, the Artwork and celebrating the cause. To learn more, or for support on any issues covered, please visit our website or social media handles @mortalandstrong.For more information on support available for these issues discussed in todays episode, including direction to medical information, visit our website. This episode is not intended as specific medical advice, always see your own GP/physician if you have any concerns regarding your own health.