Being generally optimistic, and some might say a bit daft, has stood us in good stead for living with metastatic breast cancer. In this episode we talk about how humour and laughing helps us manage the difficulties of living with a terminal illness. And in answer to the title... Yes, of course it is!

Topics:

• What 'lines of treatment' means in the metastatic cancer world.
• ​How humour helped us through difficulties news and facing up to the prospect of our 'untimely' death.

• ​A word on social roles and intentionally not living up to what what 'society' might expect of people with a chronic illness.
• ​The health benefits of laughing.
• ​The risks of uncontrollable laughing (just joking!)
• ​Reasons we want people to experience happiness and joy.

Disclaimer: This podcast is about life and death, with regular swearing and humour. The content is about our experience; we do not speak for everybody in the community. We do not give medical advice so if in doubt, check it out!

Presenters: Heidi Keeling & Mand Black

Editing: Mark Keeling

Music: Mark Keeling and Darren Scothern

Contact us on: laughbeforedeath@gmail.com

Speaking about death and dying is something most people avoid or delay as long as possible. We can't avoid because living with metastatic cancer means we regularly face up to the thought of dying. That said, it does not have to be a sad or boring conversation. Instead it can be a way to prepare and tolerate the process of dying before our time.

This episode will focus on:

• We are checking our emotional and mental well-being
• Chemo therapy can cause 'neuropathy' (aka nerve damage or 'tootsie tingles').

• We talk about the 'living and dying' conversations are already taking place
• What did we think about death before our diagnosis of cancer (if thought about at all)?
• There is no such thing as a stupid question but some comments can be daft!
• We spend some time imagining the end and planning for funerals. We even discuss having a last party before we die and how to be 'super compostable'.
• and finally we talk about how to be an ally to people with cancer although 'hugging' is optional.

Contact https://dancingforhealth.org.uk/ for more information about accessible dance groups.

Presenters: Heidi Keeling & Mand Black

Editing: Mark Keeling

Music: Mark Keeling and Darren Scothern

Contact us on: laughbeforedeath@gmail.com

This is the pilot episode: an exploration of the themes in our podcast. You will hear about:

• Metastatic cancer (AKA incurable or terminal cancer),
• the impact of illness on relationships,
• cancer's status in society,
• how life as we knew it changed,
• and it gives you a chance to think about how to be an ally to people with the disease.

Presenters: Heidi Keeling & Mand Black

Editing: Mark Keeling

Music: Mark Keeling & Darren Scothern

Contact us on: laughbeforedeath@gmail.com