Living with & Beyond Cancer

Most cancer survivors learn to live with the shadow of the disease. But what happens when fear, systems failure, and personal trauma collide? In this deeply authentic episode, twice-diagnosed kidney cancer patient and counselor Steve Pointon shares his extraordinary journey from shock to resilience—and how he’s now turning his pain into purpose. You’ll discover the raw truth about the mental and practical battles cancer patients face—covering everything from life-saving treatments like immunotherapy (IL-2), to navigating the crushing bureaucracy of benefits and employment systems, and the loneliness of waiting on scans. Steve dives into the often-overlooked emotional toll, the importance of peer support, and the power of storytelling in healing and advocacy. We break down: The moment doctors dropped a terminal diagnosis on Steve, and how he fought to find hope The hidden struggles of returning to work after cancer and fighting for workplace justice</li

Living with & Beyond Cancer is a health podcast hosted by Steve Pointon, with 17 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Steve Pointon hosts Living with & Beyond Cancer, a health show with 17 episodes published.

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  Episode #5

  S2 Ep5 - Two Diagnosis in one day - Jemma Falloon

  Sep 20, 202645 minS2

  Jemma Falloon shares her journey of battling kidney and thyroid cancer, from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. She discusses the challenges, support, and misconceptions surrounding cancer patients, shedding light on the physical and emotional impact of the experience. Jemma Falloon shares her journey of battling cancer, advocating for patient support, and the importance of self-advocacy. She emphasizes the need for better workplace support and the value of peer support for cancer patients. Takeaways Resilience in the face of adversity The hidden struggles of cancer survivors Advocacy for patient support Importance of workplace support Chapters 00:00 Diagnosis and Treatment 07:16 Recovery and Coping 10:23 Support and Isolation 16:48 Life After Treatment 24:31 Perceptions and Realities 26:19 Journey of Battling Cancer 29:48 Advocacy for Patient Support 33:44 Importance of Workplace Support 35:38 Self-Advocacy and Peer Support 40:41 Inspiring Others and Advocacy Work 46:16 Realities of Cancer and Advocacy 51:36 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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  Episode #4

  S2 Ep 4 - Working with Cancer - Barbara Wilson

  Sep 6, 202643 minS2

  The episode features a conversation with Barbara Wilson, the founder of Working with Cancer, who shares her personal experience of managing work while undergoing cancer treatment. The discussion highlights the lack of support and understanding from employers, the impact of cancer on work, and the need for education and awareness among employers. Barbara Wilson discusses the importance of proper policies and support for individuals with cancer and chronic illnesses in the workplace. She shares her journey of setting up a social enterprise, 'Working with Cancer,' and highlights the need for corporate support in this area. The conversation also delves into the changing landscape of cancer awareness and the challenges faced by individuals and carers in the workplace. Takeaways Workplace support for individuals with cancer is crucial Employers need education and awareness about supporting employees with cancer Workplace policies and support for individuals with cancer and chronic illnesses are crucial. The need for corporate support and awareness in addressing the challenges faced by individuals and carers in the workplace. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:55 Barbara Wilson's Background and Career Change 02:45 Barbara's Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Journey 04:13 Impact of Cancer Diagnosis on Work and Life 06:07 Support and Challenges at Work During Treatment 08:41 The Therapeutic Quality of Work and Managing Work Challenges 10:08 Employer Support and Organizational Challenges 13:29 Lack of Understanding and Support from Employers 20:23 Educating Employers and Line Manager's Role 43:45 The Continued Need for Support and Awareness

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  Episode #3

  S2 Ep3 - Stories of Cancer & Hope - Kevin Donaghy

  Aug 16, 202643 minS2

  Kevin Donaghy shares his journey of being diagnosed with stage two melanoma, the shock of discovering it had spread to stage four, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his treatment and mental well-being. Kevin Donaghy shares his experience with cancer, the support he received, and his efforts to help others through his book 'Stories of Cancer and Hope'. He emphasizes the importance of seeking support and the impact of sharing personal stories. www.storiesofcancerandhope.co.uk Takeaways Resilience in the face of unexpected health challenges The importance of finding a supportive community during difficult times Support from organizations like Macmillan and Maggie's was invaluable for Kevin and his family. Sharing personal stories and experiences with cancer can provide hope and support to others. Chapters 00:00 Diagnosis and Treatment 13:56 Life-Altering News 17:44 Coping with COVID-19 and Treatment 24:16 Support and Assistance 27:12 Navigating Treatment and Support 30:08 Impact of Immunotherapy 35:56 Creating 'Stories of Cancer and Hope' 40:44 Spreading Hope and Support 46:28 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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  Episode #2

  S2 Ep2 - Diagnosed on the other side of the world - Charlotte Rutherford

  Aug 2, 202644 minS2

  The podcast episode features a conversation between Steve and Charlotte, a cancer survivor, discussing her journey from diagnosis to treatment and recovery. Charlotte shares her experiences of being diagnosed with stage four metastatic colon cancer, her struggles with symptoms, challenges in Australia, financial difficulties, and the fear of the unknown during her cancer journey. The conversation also covers her return to the UK, surveillance, and the emotional impact of the limbo phase. Charlotte shares her experience of facing cancer recurrence, undergoing treatment, and making difficult decisions about her health. She also discusses her advocacy work, the importance of mental health support, and the impact of cancer on the workplace. Charlotte provides an update on her health and reflects on planning for the future. Takeaways Early symptoms of cancer can be overlooked or misdiagnosed, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. The limbo phase of waiting for test results and diagnosis can be emotionally challenging and traumatic for cancer patients. Facing cancer recurrence can be unexpected and emotionally challenging. Advocacy and peer support play a crucial role in providing support and raising awareness for cancer patients. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Sponsorship 03:05 Charlotte's Diagnosis and Early Symptoms 05:28 Challenges in Australia and Diagnosis 13:11 Treatment in Australia 15:50 Financial and Emotional Struggles 20:32 Return to the UK and Surveillance 22:59 The Limbo Phase and Fear of the Unknown 25:26 Facing Recurrence 26:21 Treatment and Decision Making 33:17 Advocacy and Support 36:17 Mental Health and Peer Support 40:04 Advocacy Work and Impact 44:20 Workplace Support and Future Planning 45:28 Health Update and Moving Forward

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  Episode #1

  S2 Ep 1 - Versus Cancer - Crewe Alexandra

  Jul 19, 202621 minS2

  The podcast episode features a discussion with Ray Walker about the Versus Cancer project at Crewe Alexander Football Club. The project aims to provide support and exercise opportunities for cancer patients, promoting prehab and post-hab activities, peer support, and community engagement. The episode also highlights the financial sustainability of community development initiatives and the potential expansion of the Versus Cancer project to other EFL clubs. Takeaways Importance of prehab and post-hab for cancer patients Community engagement and peer support for cancer patients Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Living With and Beyond Cancer 01:26 The Resilience Room Sponsorship 02:13 Community Development at Crewe Alexander Football Club 04:18 Funding and Financial Sustainability 08:24 Versus Cancer Project and Pilot Scheme 10:25 Prehab and Post-hab for Cancer Patients 12:20 Peer Support and Community Engagement 18:21 Accessibility and Contact Information 20:37 Expansion of Versus Cancer Project 22:29 Closing and Sponsor Acknowledgment

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