Michaela and Dean met as teenagers and spent fourteen years growing up together, building a life full of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Together, they created a beautiful family with their little girl, Sloan.

Everything changed when Dean began experiencing unusual twitching in his face and neck. At first, it seemed minor. But the episodes quickly escalated into moments of panic and fear, followed by a terrifying incident on the road that Dean somehow survived. As the symptoms continued, Michaela rushed him to hospital, beginning a frightening journey filled with uncertainty.

Dean was transferred to Beaumont and at just 31 years of age, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma, an aggressive and devastating form of brain cancer.

Despite every effort, endless hope, and unwavering love, Dean sadly passed away in May 2025

In this deeply emotional episode, Michaela courageously takes us back through the early warning signs, the chaos in A&E, the long wait for answers, the life changing diagnosis, and the final months of Dean’s life. Her honesty, strength, and devotion as a young wife and mum are extraordinary. Michaela’s bravery in honouring Dean’s memory will stay with every listener long after the episode ends.

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

In this December mini-episode, Vanessa talks about why this month can feel heavier, especially for those living with cancer, survivors, and anyone grieving someone they love.

She reflects on her own Christmas Eve diagnosis, childhood memories, the ache of missing her mam, and that strange feeling when the world is buzzing with festive energy but you don’t feel any of it.

Vanessa speaks honestly about the loneliness that can show up in December, the five stages of grief that many people still move through even long after treatment ends, and the emotional “rollercoaster” of scans, fear, hope, and healing.

This episode is for anyone who is struggling, surviving, or just trying to get through the days.

Vanessa also gives a glimpse into Season 2 of the podcast and thanks this growing community for helping make cancer a little less lonely.

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

In this final episode of Season 1, I sit down with Karen Kruger, Avril Tierney, and Niamh Noonan to talk openly about life with breast cancer. We share the shock of diagnosis, the physical and emotional toll of treatment, and what it feels like to face life afterwards. We talk about fear of recurrence, body image, relationships, and the personal choices involved in treatment and surgery. We also explore self-love, coping strategies, and the comfort of connecting with others who truly understand. This honest and supportive conversation reminds anyone going through cancer that they are never alone.

Titles

• Navigating the Breast Cancer Journey
• Real Stories of Survival and Resilience
• The Emotional Rollercoaster of Cancer Diagnosis
• Life After Cancer: Healing and Moving Forward

Sound Bites

• "It's a massive shock, massive."
• "It's like survival guilt."
• "You have to rebuild yourself."
• "It's a grieving process."
• "Let it go, yeah. Yeah."
• "Screw you! You know?"
• "I'm actually a nicer person."

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