Someone Like Me – Your Cancer Community Podcast
Welcome to Someone Like Me – Your Cancer Community Podcast
I’m your host, Vanessa, a breast cancer survivor who created this space after going through it all myself.
Each week I chat with people affected by cancer and the family members who have been through it right alongside them.
These are real, raw, honest conversations about what cancer really feels like — the fear, the grief, the shock, the strength, and the unexpected moments that somehow get you through it.
I’m also launching Someone Like Me – Your Cancer Community mobile app. Keep an eye out, it’s coming soon.
This podcast is here for anyone who has ever thought
“No one gets what I’m going through.”
We do. And you’re not alone anymore.
Let’s make cancer a little less lonely together.
Main sponsor: Breast Cancer Ireland.
Someone Like Me – Your Cancer Community Podcast
E15: Stage 1 Melanoma to Terminal Cancer – Gill’s Story
In this episode, Gill Costelloe opens up about her melanoma journey — from an early diagnosis in 2016 to the shocking moment it spread to six parts of her body. She shares the emotional toll of treatment, the impact on her mental health, and why support groups and sun safety are now central to her life. Gill’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of community in facing cancer.
Takeaways
- Gill was diagnosed with stage one melanoma after a friend noticed a mole.
- Early detection is crucial in melanoma treatment.
- Gill experienced a shocking turn when her melanoma spread to six parts of her body.
- She underwent various treatments, including a clinical trial and targeted therapy.
- Mental health plays a significant role in coping with cancer.
- Support groups can provide essential emotional support for cancer patients.
- Gill advocates for sun safety and the use of SPF.
- The journey through cancer can lead to unexpected friendships and support.
- Living with cancer requires ongoing treatment and monitoring.
- Gill’s story highlights the importance of sharing experiences to raise awareness.
Titles
- From Diagnosis to Survival: Gill’s Melanoma Journey
- Facing Melanoma: A Survivor’s Story
Sound Bites
- “I owe him my life.”
- “I’m a big advocate for SPF now.”
- “I’m delighted to share my story.”
Chapters
00:00 – The Journey Begins: Early Signs of Melanoma
03:50 – The Unexpected Diagnosis: From Stage One to Stage Four
09:33 – Facing the Reality: Terminal Cancer Diagnosis
13:27 – Treatment Trials: Navigating Chemotherapy and Clinical Trials
16:52 – The Struggles of Treatment and Recovery
18:25 – Milestones in the Cancer Journey
20:29 – The Impact of Cancer on Mental Health
22:13 – Navigating Life After Cancer
24:50 – Building a Support Network
26:56 – Reflections on Friendship and Community
28:45 – Raising Awareness About Skin Cancer
👉 Follow Gill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igillo