Join us as we talk to Em Lahey.

Em was fit, healthy, and thriving at the peak of her career. After experiencing persistent sinusitis symptoms and headaches, she was shocked to learn she had a 4x6x7cm mass in her sinus. The diagnosis: NUT Carcinoma, an extremely rare and aggressive cancer. She was told the cancer didn’t respond well to treatment and was given a life expectancy of just 6–9 months. The tumor was inoperable, and after chemotherapy proved ineffective, she underwent radiotherapy and began immunotherapy to try to keep the disease stable.

Genomic testing eventually offered a glimmer of hope, a targeted treatment that wasn’t initially accessible in Australia until all other options had been exhausted. Em finally qualified for the drug and has now been on it for three years, making her the longest-standing patient on the treatment. As a side effect of radiation, she lost vision in her left eye - something she describes as more challenging than the cancer itself, as it’s a constant, daily reminder.

Em has been a dedicated sargent in the army for 15 years however has been off work on medical leave for the last few years. She applied for the ADF Adaptive Sports Program, which led to her selection for the 2024 Warrior Games in Florida. Earlier this year, she proudly represented Australia at the Invictus Games in Canada, competing in rowing, swimming, wheelchair curling, alpine skiing, and skeleton.

In 2024, Em was the subject of The Time to Live exhibition by the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. She offered a powerful and intimate experience as she auctioned minutes of her remaining time, highlighting the irreplaceable value of time and raising awareness for cancer research.

Em’s sense of humor and reflections on life’s sliding doors moments reveal her deep perspective and resilience. Her story is about truly living. She’s not done yet, there’s still so much she’s determined to experience and achieve.

LINKS

https://www.cancerchicks.org.au/

https://www.acrf.com.au/time-to-live/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEcT7nV205Q

https://thebigcpodcast.com/

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Join us as we talk to Jo Newton.

Jo had just moved to Ireland for a 6 month placement while completing her PhD on teenage pregnancy in sheep when she began experiencing persistent bloating and fatigue. A visit to a GP who truly listened led to a colonoscopy and then, the life altering words: “You have bowel cancer,” delivered the week of her 30th birthday.

She underwent treatment, and just as she began to look ahead and plan for the future, Jo was diagnosed with lymphoedema—a lifelong, incurable condition.

Jo speaks candidly about navigating a cancer diagnosis at such a young age and the physical and emotional toll it has taken. With bowel cancer being one of the most deadliest cancers among Australians aged 25-44, Jo now channels her experience into advocacy, raising awareness about bowel cancer and the need for more research. She was also selected as one of 50 young people to take part in the Call on Canberra.

LINKS

https://www.ncsr.gov.au/information-for-participants/request-a-free-bowel-test-kit.html

https://cancerat30.home.blog/about-me/

https://www.cancerchicks.org.au/

https://thebigcpodcast.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we talk to Nadine Pike.

Nadine opens up about losing her mum to breast cancer after a seven year battle. While her friends were off exploring the world in their 20s, Nadine was at home, caring for her mum and supporting her dad, all while trying to make sense of an illness no one really talked about. Her mum kept the details private and Nadine carried the guilt of not asking more questions.

Grief wasn’t something Nadine had the space or tools to face back then, so she tucked it away, carrying on as best she could. Even 25 years later, the ache remains - especially around milestones where she longs for her mum’s presence the most. Birthdays are the hardest, quiet reminders of all the moments she wishes she could have shared with her best friend.

LINKS

https://thebigcpodcast.com/

https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/breastscreen-australia-program/having-a-breast-screen/book-your-free-breastscreen-mammogram-appointment

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.