Show Notes
Paula McClean was getting ready for a family wedding, where her three little girls were flower girls, one summer evening in July. She was applying tan to her arm and chest area when she felt a lump. In today’s podcast Paula shares her story of being diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Breast Cancer at the age of just 42, she talks about what made her get that lump checked, her treatment journey and why the emotional scars remain with her to this day, over 11 years later. Paula shares a really honest reflection on the trauma of a breast cancer diagnosis, the worries and anxieties it brings, even years later. She also chats to Aisling about how her love of fashion, running, and being part of a community of women who have travelled the same road as she has, has helped her, but most importantly Paula talks about how, as a mother of three little girls, who are now teenagers and young women, she is passionate about continued investment into breast cancer research. She wants to protect girls like her daughters and indeed future generations of Irish women, to make sure they survive and thrive, despite what life throws at them.
More from More than a lump
As we conclude this third season of More Than A Lump podcast, and take a little pause for now, we thought it would be a good idea to look back and reflect on some of the season’s standout moments. Over the past ten episodes, we have had the privilege of talking to a diverse group of guests about their experiences with breast cancer. From the emotional impact of the diagnosis to the practical aspects of treatment and recovery, we've explored it all.
In this episode of Season Three, Aisling speaks with menopause specialist Dr Genevieve Ferraris from The Menopause Hub. The episode explores the range of symptoms that women can experience during menopause, including the impact of breast cancer treatment on the early onset of menopause. Dr Ferraris shares her expertise on menopause education and awareness, including the role of nutrition, exercise, and self-care. The discussion also covers the topic of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including its potential benefits and risks. Throughout the episode, Aisling shares stories from women who have experienced early menopause and its impact on their lives.
In this episode of Season Three, Aisling speaks with menopause specialist Dr Genevieve Ferraris from The Menopause Hub. The episode explores the range of symptoms that women can experience during menopause, including the impact of breast cancer treatment on the early onset of menopause. Dr Ferraris shares her expertise on menopause education and awareness, including the role of nutrition, exercise, and self-care. The discussion also covers the topic of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including its potential benefits and risks. Throughout the episode, Aisling shares stories from women who have experienced early menopause and its impact on their lives.
Like so many women, Siobhán Freeney’s life was hectic. Despite juggling a new job and her husband's health, the mother-of-two knew something was not quite right. Her sixth sense prompted her to avidly attend every scheduled mammogram appointment and eventually she was diagnosed with stage 3 lobular breast cancer in 2015. Following extensive treatment and surgery, Siobhan became interested in patient advocacy and she is now a passionate spokesperson for lobular breast cancer in Ireland and overseas, endeavouring to share the signs of this type of breast cancer with other women and most importantly to push for more research investment into lobular.
Breast cancer has been an unwelcome presence in the life of Anne Nolan, a member of the singing group The Nolan Sisters , who shot to fame in the 1980’s with their hit, “I’m In The Mood For Dancing”. Tragically, Anne’s sister Bernadette, died from breast cancer in 2013 aged 52 and two years ago both Anne and her other sister Linda revealed they were both diagnosed with cancer. In this episode of More Than A Lump, Aisling talks to Anne from her home in Blackpool about the impact of the disease on her life and ahead of the BCI Race Day in Leopardstown on April 2nd, when Anne will be one of the charity's special guests.