In this episode of I’m in Control, I sit down with the inspiring Laura Grams - better known online as “Little Bags” – to talk about her whirlwind year battling triple‑negative breast cancer. Laura shares how a late‑night scratch led to the discovery of a lump, a flurry of scans and biopsies, and the shocking news that she had one of the more aggressive forms of breast cancer. She dives into the reality of six months of chemotherapy, losing her hair, undergoing a double mastectomy and reconstruction, and how a positive mindset and her cheeky sense of humour kept her going. We also talk about the role of pets in healing, the origin of her quirky nickname, and the importance of self‑advocacy when you feel something isn’t right.

Together, we reflect on our own cancer journeys, the frustration of being dismissed by doctors, the power of a supportive network and why you should always trust your gut. Laura also touches on grief after losing her mum, dealing with seizures and a skull fracture during chemo, and why she refuses to be defined by her diagnoses.

00:00 – Introduction: finding a lump, testing and being diagnosed with triple‑negative breast cancer

05:00 – Sharing our chemo stories, staying positive and using humour and music to cope

10:00 – Advocating for your health, the role of pets and building a support network

15:00 – Handling stares, the “Little Bags” nickname and life after a double mastectomy

20:00 – Seizures, mental health, grief and using dance to keep your spirits up

This episode is an honest, laughter‑filled conversation about resilience, self‑advocacy and finding joy in the toughest of times. Laura’s energy and openness remind us that even when life throws you curveballs, there’s always a way to dance through the pain and come out stronger on the other side.