Introducing Voice No. 33 - Lucy Thompson; the incredible strength that is the founder of the charity Nip (Nipple Innovation Project). In this episode Lucy is talking to us as a Voice - sharing her journey with some very rare conditions and discussing topics very rarely spoken about but that may resonate with so many people. Firstly Lucy shares her experience of being born with a congenital hip disease - Developmental Dysplasia Hip (DDH) and how despite having hip surgery as a baby, she will inevitably need surgery again in the future. However this means that every day she is faced with debilitating pain, mobility issues needing occasional mobility aids. We talk openly about the stigma of needing a mobility aid as a young person, and the immense battle as a young working woman and mother to adjust to having a hidden disability. We then continue to talk about a condition which very few people know about but probably affects a lot more people than they realise - PMDD which is Premenstrual Dysphoric disorder. This is a severe form of PMS, whereby the hormone imbalance during the menstrual cycle becomes so severe that it can cause irrational and overwhelming mood swings, including suicidal ideation that can be difficult to manage. We do have an honest and in-depth conversation about how there is greater need for a supportive society that recognises that mental health is not a choice, nor a personality trait and that better understanding is needed to help people adjust and recover. Lucy is a brilliant example of the need to become self-aware as she shows how learning to listen to her body has helped her find a way to live the best life she can by making adjustments to knowing her own limitations. Including how she discovered the life-changing benefits for her of cold water dips and how these have had a profound impact on her mental health. A truly honest and inspiring Voice that covers some lesser-talked-about health conditions.

Mortal and Strong provides a campaign using art to shine the spotlight on women facing their own mortality - those affected at a young age by a life changing illness or disease. 100 artworks produced by artists across the country along with a powerful photography series ‘Scars of Gold’ inspired by kintsugi. 100 Voices sharing messages of hope and strength through our podcast. Building a platform to provide health awareness, support and education to change the face of disease in young people. Founded by Dr Liz Murray. @lizmurrayart and led with photographer @samwestonphotography

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.

#mortalandstrong #scarsofgold #kintsugi #art #artist #doctor #charity #campaign #womenshealth #cancer #nonhodgkinslymphoma #thyroidcancer #breastcancer #stemcelltransplant #lupus #autoimmunedisease #ms #fibroids #endometriosis #adenomyosis #miscarriage #ectopicpregnancy #infertility #menopause #mastectomy #opticneuritis #disability #trauma #sepsis #podcast

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Voice No. 34 is the wonderfully articulate Alex who shares a very important perspective on how breast cancer helped her re-evaluate what she wanted from life. Every interview we share offers a different outlook on how facing one's mortality at a young age can propose different challenges or messages of hope. Alex's story is another invaluable bank of life lessons; how there is not enough emphasis on the fact that after the physical treatment for cancer there is a real need for the psychological support and time to process the trauma experienced. Alex discusses the incredible value of counselling and time to grieve and process the experience, and how there is a period where people around presume because your treatment is over that you have 'moved on'. Alex's own journey led her to completely change her perspective on life and her career. She now works as a life coach in a unique process, and how liberating it was for her to give up striving for 'the next holiday' rather than taking the utmost pleasure in the every day. A really insightful conversation and another lovely and inspiring Voice to add to the 100 Voices for 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. 100 artworks produced by artists across the country along with a powerful photography series ‘Scars of Gold’ inspired by kintsugi. 100 Voices sharing messages of hope and strength through our podcast. Charity led campaign supporting other charities. Founded by Dr Liz Murray.

#mortalandstrong #scarsofgold #kintsugi #art #artist #doctor #charity #campaign #womenshealth #cancer #nonhodgkinslymphoma #thyroidcancer #breastcancer #stemcelltransplant #lupus #autoimmunedisease #ms #fibroids #endometriosis #adenomyosis #miscarriage #ectopicpregnancy #infertility #menopause #mastectomy #opticneuritis #disability #trauma #sepsis #podcast

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another brilliantly articulate and lovely Voice - the humble and inspiring soul that is Meera. Meera shares how she went from being a dentist to navigating her journey with Multiple Myeloma and shares the unique insight into navigating the journey of cancer whilst being a new mum. Meera began having chest and back pain whilst pregnant and her symptoms were so vague and initially dismissed as pregnancy related. After giving birth and getting to the point where she couldn't lift her own child, scans eventually found a rare cancer manifesting in her sternum - solitary bony plasmocytoma. Meera shares the struggles of breast feeding and weaning whilst starting chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After 8 years the cancer progressed to multiple myeloma. As Meera shares her journey, the parallels of navigating being a mum progress with this incredibly moving and inspiring story. Even pre-diagnosis, Meera's philosophy to life was one of embracing it to the fullest, wanting to travel and see as many countries as her age. Meera shares how her son is now into his teenage years and the difficulty of not even being able to fully embrace him because of the cancer in her sternum, but how she is embracing life to the fullest and her desire to watch him grow up fuelled her determination to continue, and overcoming a stem cell transplant. An amazing journey and story and we are honoured to have Meera as one of the Voices for the Mortal And Strong 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. 100 artworks produced by artists across the country along with a powerful photography series ‘Scars of Gold’ inspired by kintsugi. 100 Voices sharing messages of hope and strength through our podcast. Charity led campaign supporting other charities. Founded by Dr Liz Murray.

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.

#mortalandstrong #mas #iammas #scarsofgold #kintsugi #scars #strength #hope #joy #cancer #secondarycancer #cancerpodcast #womenshealth #podcast #myeloma

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*This episode was recorded 'on the road' as part of the campaign travelling the country to capture the 100 Voices and their stories.

Introducing another Voice to the collection - Sarah B sharing her very complex journey with EDS, POTS, MCAS and Breast Cancer. It took Sarah over 15 years to finally get her diagnosis of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which is known as a 'zebra disease'. The term zebra disease refers to the fact doctors in medical school are taught to 'think horses when they hear hooves, not zebras' referencing the fact that common things are common. However this culture and attitude means that for people with rarer conditions, it is taking them far too long to get a diagnosis. EDS is a rare condition which means the tissues don't produce enough collagen, and with over 13 subtypes no two EDS patient are the same. Sarah's journey of having so many rarer conditions all complicated by her underlying genetic predisposition means she's felt gaslit so many times by healthcare professionals. Sarah shares what it's like to live with chronic fatigue, chronic pain and an invisible disability, how masking becomes commonplace. When Sarah was further diagnosed with breast cancer, her treatment became complicated because of her underlying conditions and an episode of Steven Johnson Syndrome saw her in HDU. Sarah also talks about having a newer form of breast reconstruction surgery, the Goldilock mastectomy procedure and had just finished chemotherapy prior to this interview. This is another poignant interview putting the spotlight on taboos, gender inequalities in health and raising awareness of these zebra conditions that people (and medical professionals) need to remember, and how important it is to self advocate.

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. 100 artworks produced by artists across the country along with a powerful photography series ‘Scars of Gold’ inspired by kintsugi. 100 Voices sharing messages of hope and strength through our podcast. Charity led campaign supporting other charities. Founded by Dr Liz Murray.

#mortalandstrong #mas #iammas #scarsofgold #kintsugi #scars #strength #hope #joy #cancer #secondarycancer #breastcancer #secondarybreastcancer #cancerpodcast #womenshealth #podcast #vulvacancer #lungcancer #bowelcancer #lupus #lupusuk #addisonsdisease #pnd #endometriosis #miscarriage #fibroids #adenomyosis #ms #autoimmunedisease #charitycampaign

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another really important episode in the series, with the wonderfully articulate and witty Mandy. Mandy is one of Mortal And Strong's ambassadors and Voices, sharing her story of primary breast cancer in her 30's whilst a mum of two boys. Every one of our stories has a unique insight into health awareness, and Mandy's is no exception as she was diagnosed with mucinous carcinoma which is very rare and makes up less than 2% of breast cancers. Many people believe that breast cancer lumps don't hurt but it was a dull ache in the armpit that prompted Mandy to discover her lump. Mandy is a huge advocate at raising awareness of how post-treatment reconstruction doesn't have to be something that is feared. Her mastectomy was done with a brilliant relatively new technique which meant there were no scars on the front of her breast. Her story also sheds an important light on how cancer never fully goes away once chemotherapy and radiotherapy have stopped. The longer term side effects of Tamoxifen mean that 7 years on from her diagnosis and Mandy is still facing major surgery to manage the longer term effects of treatment as she faces another mastectomy and reconstruction for symmetry. Mandy does a lot of voluntary work in the cancer community and provides so many powerful insights and reflections to help others facing life changing conditions.

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. 100 artworks produced by artists across the country along with a powerful photography series ‘Scars of Gold’ inspired by kintsugi. 100 Voices sharing messages of hope and strength through our podcast. Charity led campaign supporting other charities. Founded by Dr Liz Murray.

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.

#mortalandstrong #mas #iammas #scarsofgold #kintsugi #scars #strength #hope #joy #cancer #secondarycancer #breastcancer #secondarybreastcancer #cancerpodcast #womenshealth #podcast #vulvacancer #lungcancer #bowelcancer #lupus #lupusuk #addisonsdisease #pnd #endometriosis #miscarriage #fibroids #adenomyosis #ms #autoimmunedisease #charitycampaign

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our latest episode of Mortal And Strong - The Podcast is the lovely Pam who is our furthest-travelling Voice. Pam found MAS from Australia and was visiting her original hometown in the UK and travelled to share her story with us. Pam's journey to being diagnosed with secondary lobular breast cancer is a very unusual one and one in which is so important to raise awareness of. When Pam first noticed she had double vision in one eye (and only when looking in a certain direction) initial scans missed the underlying cause. It was only noticing a breast cyst and a skin wrinkle over her breast that the underlying diagnosis of breast cancer was found. The important of recognising any changes within our own body is so important, and it turned out that the double vision Pam was experiencing was in fact breast cancer metastases behind the eye. No surgery was needed, no chemotherapy, no radiation. Pam's secondary lobular cancer is currently held at bay with medications, but has forever changed her life and here she shares her story of how it has made her make the most of life and live to the fullest. A really insightful and important story to share and honoured to have Pam make the effort in her travelling to share this with us!

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. 100 artworks produced by artists across the country along with a powerful photography series ‘Scars of Gold’ inspired by kintsugi. 100 Voices sharing messages of hope and strength through our podcast. Charity led campaign supporting other charities. Founded by Dr Liz Murray.

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.

#mortalandstrong #mas #iammas #scarsofgold #kintsugi #scars #strength #hope #joy #cancer #secondarycancer #breastcancer #secondarybreastcancer #cancerpodcast #womenshealth #podcast #vulvacancer #lungcancer #bowelcancer #lupus #lupusuk #addisonsdisease #pnd #endometriosis #miscarriage #fibroids #adenomyosis #ms #autoimmunedisease #charitycampaign

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing our latest Voice to the campaign, a wonderfully intelligent, witty and supportive woman who is passionate about supporting other women and using her art to resonate with others. Meryl is Voice no. 27 and is sharing her journey with a recent diagnosis of primary breast cancer, facing the self identity challenges after having a single mastectomy and the emotional thought processes behind considering reconstructive surgery. Meryl had always been a highly career driven woman, before focusing on her children (in Meryl's words 'her duty and her joy'). Now Meryl shares how the diagnosis has encouraged her to re-discover who she is, revisiting her life long passion for art and being a portrait artist. Meryl shares how she is passionate about raising awareness and supporting other women to find confidence in their own body following such life changing surgery. We are honoured to have her self portrait Reconstruction? as part of the Mortal And Strong exhibition 100 artworks and to have Meryl contribute to the collection.

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. 100 artworks produced by artists across the country along with a powerful photography series ‘Scars of Gold’ inspired by kintsugi. 100 Voices sharing messages of hope and strength through our podcast. Charity led campaign supporting other charities. Founded by Dr Liz Murray.

#mortalandstrong #mas #iammas #scarsofgold #kintsugi #scars #strength #hope #joy #cancer #secondarycancer #breastcancer #secondarybreastcancer #cancerpodcast #womenshealth #podcast #vulvacancer #lungcancer #bowelcancer #lupus #lupusuk #addisonsdisease #pnd #endometriosis #miscarriage #fibroids #adenomyosis #ms #autoimmunedisease #charitycampaign

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another extremely topical, important conversation addressing so many women's health issues that affect so many but still remain taboo. Kate B is our next Voice to share her story, and such a rollercoaster of a journey exploring so many aspects of what women go through; endometriosis, adenomyosis, secondary infertility, IVF, miscarriage. We are humbled to have Kate be raw and honest with us about the true physical and mental toll these conditions can take; the crippling and life destructive pain of endometriosis, the intensity of secondary infertility and the process of IVF and its toll on the body, the stigma of miscarriage. However Kate found strength in a different area which we are exploring for the first time in the campaign and feel it is such an important aspect of health. After realising Kate needed to forgive her own body, she discovered the significant impact of diet on the body. After changing her life around with her diet, she found strength and saw the importance of looking after our bodies. This in turn changed Kate's career path into a whole new direction and she now supports women with a range of health issues through exploring dietary changes. Thank you Kate for being another incredible voice and raising awareness on so many important topics.

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. 100 artworks produced by artists across the country along with a powerful photography series ‘Scars of Gold’ inspired by kintsugi. 100 Voices sharing messages of hope and strength through our podcast. Charity led campaign supporting other charities. Founded by Dr Liz Murray.

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.

#mortalandstrong #mas #iammas #scarsofgold #kintsugi #scars #strength #hope #joy #cancer #secondarycancer #breastcancer #secondarybreastcancer #cancerpodcast #womenshealth #podcast #vulvacancer #endometriosis #adenomyosis #infertility #ttc #miscarriage #pregnancy #IVF #secondaryinfertility #diet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.