Mortal And Strong - Voice No. 34 - Roisin

Introducing Roisin - another unique Voice to the campaign sharing several poignant reflections and experiences on her journey to secondary breast cancer. Roisin was 34 weeks pregnant when diagnosed with primary breast cancer ager 32. Her journey shares a rare viewpoint of how the early days of having a new baby were conflicted by the immense fear of having a mastectomy with a 6 day old baby and having chemotherapy during her maternity leave. After initially having primary breast cancer, Roisin began the adoption process for baby number two when her world was shattered. After being, in Roisin's words - belittled, dismissed and even mocked for trying to raise concerns about new pains, eventually Roisin was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer and told it was Stage 3C. Roisin was desperate for messages or stories of hope but was initially told to 'manage her expectations' and was given 3 years to live. Roisin's story is so fundamentally important as it is proof that advocating for yourself can actually be the difference between life and death. After doing her own research and asking for a second opinion, Roisin was offered aggressive treatment and surgery (that was initially refused)...and ultimately went into remission. 6 years on and Roisin is still living well, thriving and started her own business. Even after being told she wouldn't be able to adopt, the end of the treatment for the secondary cancer marked the arrival of her adopted son. Both children provided beacons of light during dark times and Roisin has a fierce passion and love for life itself.

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.

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. 

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