So often after someone is diagnosed with cancer the focus is firmly on the patient, whereas we know only too well that a diagnosis can have a huge impact right throughout a family. Those closest to the patient may well feel helpless in that situation, but the truth is they are actually the ones who can be crucial in being a vital support and lifeline to those undergoing life-saving treatment. In this episode of the Bpositive Bloodstream we looks at the view of cancer from the outside, and more closely at how it feels when a member of your own family is diagnosed.  In one of the most candid interviews yet, Jonjo speaks to his sister Anna-Marie about her experience of his cancer diagnosis. They speak openly about that memorable day 14 years ago, how it unfolded, how it affected the family and the impact it still has today.

Bpositive Bloodstream

Cancer from the outside : How I felt when my brother was diagnosed with cancer

In this episode Jonjo speaks to Emma who shares her inspiring story about her diagnosis and treatment for ALL and how, despite many hurdles she's had to face along the way, she has always kept a hugely positive attitude and mindset throughout. Emma shares her experience of being diagnosed whilst in the midst of trying to start a family, the invaluable support she had during her treatment as well as sharing some life changing moments.

Treatment for blood cancer and life changing moments – Emma's story

In this episode Jonjo is joined, once again, by Kiwi. They discuss all things mental health. Kiwi shares how he has had to adjust his life to deal with his treatment since being diagnosed with CML in 2012, and how he will always push to see the positive in all situations. We discuss the impact Covid-19 has had on the wider world, the loss of freedom and the affect that can have on everyone's mental health and wellbeing but also how much more of an impact that must be for those dealing with a cancer experience right now.

Mental health and cancer

Having suffered some dark moments after her mother's diagnosis for ovarian cancer, Andrea made a promise to herself to always be a positive and healthy person. With great support from her husband, and through channeling her mother's positivity, exuberance and zest for life, Andrea has changed her life and retrained to become a health and fitness trainer. Andrea speaks to Bpositive founder Jonjo about those difficult times and how she came through them and how, now, every day is always a positive, happy and healthy day. * This podcast was recorded before lockdown

How physical activity transformed my life after my mother’s cancer diagnosis – Andrea’s story

​After being diagnosed with B-Cell Non-Hodgkins lymphoblastic lymphoma at the age of 16, Catherine focused on carving out a career in the medical world to help others. In this episode of the Bpositive Bloodstream, Catherine speaks to Bpositive founder Jonjo about her experience with being diagnosed with blood cancer at such a young age, how she was determined to become a healthcare professional, and the impact that had on herself and those around her.

How I decided to help others after my treatment – Catherine's story

In this episode we hear from our founder Jonjo and our guest Kiwi who discuss the similarities between their different blood cancer journeys and how both felt compelled to have a positive approach during and after treatment. Not one to be missed. 

ALL and CML; Two worlds colliding

In this episode, our founder Jonjo discusses the importance of taking care of your mind as well as your body throughout treatment for blood cancer and beyond. 

Taking care of your mind as well as your body throughout treatment

In this episode of the Bpositive Bloodstream Jonjo sits down to talk to Dee, a Cellular Therapy Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Royal Marsden. They chat openly about the importance of keeping the needs of the patient at the forefront of their care throughout treatment, how best to achieve that and how hearing from those who have already been through the treatment can bring learnings to the clinical nurses that help dictate how they approach care for patients currently experiencing treatment.

The importance of putting the needs of patients at the forefront of their care throughout treatment

​In this episode we hear from our charity founder Jonjo Rooney who reflects on moments that matter and, in particular, a couple of moments that have stayed with him 13 years on from his leukaemia diagnosis. Jonjo discusses how it felt to finally be told he could go home and how the song that was playing at the time on the hospital radio still resonates with him today.

Moments that matter

​In this episode we hear from our charity founder Jonjo Rooney who discusses how he felt that making plans and setting goals was a big help for himself throughout his treatment.

The importance of making plans and setting goals

In this episode of the Bloodstream we hear from our charity founder Jonjo Rooney who discusses what is potentially one of the most significant components of a patient's treatment, if required, for treatment from blood cancer; a stem cell transplant.  Jonjo shares his own experience of having a stem cell transplant, including what it entails and how he felt during and after this life saving treatment for leukaemia.

My stem cell transplant

In this episode of the Bpositive Bloodstream, we’re at the North East Haematology Nurses Group Conference in Newcastle where Jonjo speaks to Cath Cox, a Clinical Nurse Specialist for leukaemia and myeloma. They talk about how this event has grown and developed over the years and how Cath and her team have focussed on the needs of the patient to ensure it’s annual success.

How focusing on patients’ needs has led to the continuing growth and success of the North East Haematology Nurses Group conference

​In this episode we hear from our charity founder Jonjo Rooney who discusses one of the many knock-on effects of a cancer diagnosis: infertility. It's something most patients are unaware of and unprepared for, yet many have to face it, as a result of treatment for blood cancer. In the podcast, Jonjo discusses how he felt receiving the news and how, despite some difficulties and humorous interruptions along the way, he managed to deal with the gravity of the situation.  

Facing up to fertility. Dealing with life-changing situations following a diagnosis

​In this episode we hear from Bpositive founder Jonjo Rooney who shares his experience in facing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, after he was diagnosed in December 2016. This recording was taken from when Jonjo was asked to share his story to a group of professionals training as haemo-oncology nurses at The Royal Marsden school in London, earlier this year (2019). 

From diagnosis to transplant – my experience with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. By Bpositive founder Jonjo Rooney

In this episode we hear from Flora Dangwa, a former Clinical Nurse Specialist from the Royal Free hospital and UCLH. Flora, now enjoying her new role as a Lecturer Practitioner at The Royal Marsden, speaks about how important CNS professionals are to patients during treatment for leukaemia and, indeed, all cancers, and how, today, there’s much more focus on supporting patients more holistically and with their mental health and wellbeing in mind throughout their illness.

The improvements and progression of clinical care for those affected by blood cancer

Interviews, anecdotes and stories for those affected by blood cancer and beyond

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Bpositive Bloodstream

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