What happens when a breast cancer surgeon becomes a breast cancer patient?
In Episode 5.4 of the Living to Thrive with Cancer podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Liz O’Riordan, breast cancer surgeon, author, speaker, and thriver, about what it’s really like to experience cancer from both sides of the medical world.
This conversation is open, compassionate, and refreshingly honest. Dr. O’Riordan shares how her perspective as a surgeon changed when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and what she learned about the realities of care, communication, and healing that every patient deserves to understand.
Seeing Cancer from Both Sides
As a surgeon, Dr. O’Riordan spent years helping women through diagnosis and treatment, explaining surgical options, risks, and recovery. But when she became a patient herself, she realized that the emotional, physical, and spiritual sides of cancer are far more complex than what happens in the hospital.
She speaks candidly about what it feels like to be on the other side of the consultation room waiting for results, navigating treatment, and coping with uncertainty. Her story reminds us that even the most knowledgeable professionals can be humbled by the human experience of cancer.
The Cancer Roadmap – A Guide for Patients Everywhere
Dr. O’Riordan’s new book, The Cancer Roadmap, brings together her professional knowledge and personal journey. It’s both a practical and compassionate guide for anyone facing cancer covering everything from treatment decisions to debunking the misinformation that exists in the cancer world online.
What makes her book so special is its honesty. It doesn’t sugarcoat the world of cancer, but it offers understanding, hope, and guidance in equal measure.
Breaking Down Barriers in Cancer Care
One of the most important themes we explore in this conversation is the need for open, human connection between patients and healthcare providers. Too often, cancer care can feel clinical and detached focused on the body but not the whole person.
Dr. O’Riordan and I discuss demystifying cancer for newly diagnosed patients and why it is important to know the difference between information and misinformation when it comes to cancer.
Listen to the Full Conversation
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by medical jargon, uncertain about your choices, or unseen in your cancer journey, this episode will speak to you.
🎧 Listen to Episode 5.4: Demystifying Cancer with Dr. Liz O’Riordan
👉 Listen here
This episode is a reminder that there’s always more to the story and that every person, no matter where they are on the path, deserves to be met with compassion, understanding, and truth.
Learn more about Dr O’Riordan
Website liz.oriordan.co.uk
Instagram instagram.com/oriordanliz
Podcast podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/don-t-ignore-the-elephant/id1588554895
YouTube http://www.youtube.com/@DrLizORiordan
Learn More About Becoming a Cancer Thriver
Kathryn White Wellness www.kathrynwhite.coach
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Living to Thrive with Cancer: a holistic guide to living with cancer is now available! Get your copy today! https://a.co/d/d5H7dVE
You can work with me through coaching to start your path to thriving with cancer. https://kathrynwhite.coach
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If you would like to know more about the concept of living with cancer I have written a book all about my personal experience with moving from survivor to thriver. In my book I offer anecdotes and strategies that will encourage you to learn how to thrive with cancer. You can get a copy of Living to Thrive: a holistic guide to living with cancer here.
Kathryn White is a Certified Holistic Cancer Coach who supports women as they turn their cancer diagnosis into a thriving story one conversation at a time.
