This week I am joined by Carly Moosah, writer, coach and fellow breast cancer and BRCA1 survivor. And we are discussing one of the most asked questions I always get: “How do I befriend the new me? I don’t like who I’ve become. I just want my old pre-cancer, pre-menopausal self back!”

Carly and I share a very similar history with cancer and we both arrived in menopause through surgery. But we have both (for now at least) decided to go down very different paths in managing our situations. The reason why I want to highlight this is to say: It’s OK! And to celebrate all of our differences.

There is no right or wrong in managing your menopause after cancer. So much of our past and experiences muddles into our present moment and influences our decisions too. So in today's episode, I want to celebrate that it’s ok that we are all doing whatever we can so that it works for us.

It is my aim for this podcast to be a judgment-free and inclusive space - whatever your choices, whatever you decide to do. There is no right or wrong.

The only wrong is when women are left unsupported and undereducated - but we’ll discuss more of that in the next episode.

Here are the highlights:

(03:42) Carly describes when she got her cancer diagnosis

(11:17) Carly’s mental health after she finished cancer treatment

(14:01) Ghosts of your old self

(20:11) The roadmap to healing is never linear

(28:31) The information Carly was given from her healthcare professionals

(38:42) Menopause is like a second Spring

(43:25) How do we befriend out new self?

(48:02) Grief is a journey that you have to go through

Connect with Carly:

Instagram: @carlymoosah

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 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 Dani:

Instagram @healthywholeme 

Facebook: @healthywholeme 

Join Dani’s private Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/menopauseandcancerchathub

For oodles of inspiration, healthy recipes, yoga classes and all round positivity go to her website: https://www.healthywholeme.com/