In this episode, Gill Costelloe opens up about her melanoma journey — from an early diagnosis in 2016 to the shocking moment it spread to six parts of her body. She shares the emotional toll of treatment, the impact on her mental health, and why support groups and sun safety are now central to her life. Gill’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of community in facing cancer.

Takeaways

• Gill was diagnosed with stage one melanoma after a friend noticed a mole.
• Early detection is crucial in melanoma treatment.
• Gill experienced a shocking turn when her melanoma spread to six parts of her body.
• She underwent various treatments, including a clinical trial and targeted therapy.
• Mental health plays a significant role in coping with cancer.
• Support groups can provide essential emotional support for cancer patients.
• Gill advocates for sun safety and the use of SPF.
• The journey through cancer can lead to unexpected friendships and support.
• Living with cancer requires ongoing treatment and monitoring.
• Gill’s story highlights the importance of sharing experiences to raise awareness.

Titles

• From Diagnosis to Survival: Gill’s Melanoma Journey
• Facing Melanoma: A Survivor’s Story

Sound Bites

• “I owe him my life.”
• “I’m a big advocate for SPF now.”
• “I’m delighted to share my story.”

Chapters

00:00 – The Journey Begins: Early Signs of Melanoma

03:50 – The Unexpected Diagnosis: From Stage One to Stage Four

09:33 – Facing the Reality: Terminal Cancer Diagnosis

13:27 – Treatment Trials: Navigating Chemotherapy and Clinical Trials

16:52 – The Struggles of Treatment and Recovery

18:25 – Milestones in the Cancer Journey

20:29 – The Impact of Cancer on Mental Health

22:13 – Navigating Life After Cancer

24:50 – Building a Support Network

26:56 – Reflections on Friendship and Community

28:45 – Raising Awareness About Skin Cancer

👉 Follow Gill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igillo

https://www.instagram.com/someonelikeme_cancerapp/