1. EachPod

Emma Vivian rewriting her cancer story. "Grief is the ultimate form of love". Losing a friend to cancer. Survivor's guilt. A new identity. Honoring Emily.

Author
Miranda May and Emma Vivian
Published
Mon 02 Jun 2025
Episode Link
https://mirandamay.net

Emma Vivian opens up about her breast cancer journey in one of the most vulnerable conversations I’ve had.

She speaks honestly about the physical and emotional toll on losing her hair, her breasts, and her menstrual cycle, and the quiet grief that came with those changes. We talk about friendships changing and how her view of the world has been transformed.

A profound part of Emma’s story is the loss of her childhood best friend, Emily, to the same disease. In the wake of that pain, Emma has confronted survivor’s guilt, ultimately finding a path toward self-love and forgiveness.

Her message is clear: laugh when you can, hold on to hope, and whenever possible, be with family drinking “White Wine In The Sun”. 

I’m deeply grateful for this conversation.

Connect with Emma: 

Emma’s Website 

Emma’s Newsletter “Attempts at Optimism” 

Emma’s Substack 

Tim Minchin’s “White Wine In The Sun” 


Helpful websites to organize support for loved ones: 

CaringBridge 

GiveInKind


Connect with Miranda:

Miranda’s Website

Miranda’s Email


Music rights with Epidemic Sound

“Hall Light” by Victor Lundberg



 

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