Ep 104 - From Loss to a New Identity with Dr. Liz O'Riordan

I wanted to find out what it’s like, going from being a breast cancer surgeon who knew nothing about the menopause, to a breast cancer patient who was put into the menopause?Many of you will know the brilliant Dr. Liz O’Riordan who is very active on social media talking about her own experience of cancer whilst also helping educate her followers on how best to navigate a cancer journey. In today’s episode we talk about the loss of our identity and the loss of many other things that come with cancer, and we also talk about creating a new life for ourselves. A different one. Not better, sometimes not worse even. Just different. Thank you Liz for your honesty!Here are the links for Liz:Books - ‘Under The Knife’ and ‘The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer’ Instagram @oriordanlizhttps://herspirit.co.uk/virtual-swim-challenge-swim-for-her-by-zoggs/https://wewearboost.com prostheseshttps://www.unobra.co.uk/pages/our-shop - unobra bikinishttps://eno.eco/shop/ - unobra bikinisEpisode Highlights:00:00 Intro.10:54 Struggles with cancer and identity in healthcare.14:25 Chemo fog affects work and mental health.20:10 Breast cancer loss, grief, acceptance, and moving forward.22:11 Pressing tweet button changed life, garnered support.25:31 Protecting mental health by disconnecting from social media.33:47 Accepting uncertainty, striving for health amidst risk.39:36 Educate cancer patients on long-term menopause effects.42:13 Exercise reduces cancer risk and improves treatment outcomes.About Dani:The Menopause and Cancer Podcast is hosted by Dani Binnington, menopause guide, patients advocate for people in menopause after a cancer diagnosis, and founder of the online platform Healthy Whole Me. There is lots of information out there about the menopause but hardly any if you have had a cancer diagnosis as well. Many people say to me they have no idea what their options are, who to ask for help, and that they feel really isolated in their experiences. I started this podcast because there was nothing out there when I was thrown into surgical menopause at the age of 39, which followed on from my cancer diagnosis aged 33.Through the episodes, I want to create more awareness, share information from our fabulous guest experts, doctors and other specialists in the cancer and menopause field. And of course, I will share stories from the people in our community.So that together we can work towards a better menopause experience. For all of us.More educated, better informed and less alone.Connect with us:For more information and resources, visit our website: www.menopauseandcancer.org Follow us on Instagram @menopause_and_cancerFind us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingMenopauseAfterCancer Join my NEW blog ‘Still Becoming’ on Substack: https://substack.com/@danibinnington?...Buy my book ‘Navigating Menopause After Cancer’: https://amzn.eu/d/07dUoYBbJoin our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub Mentioned in this episode:Substack: https://danibinnington.substack.com/