Clinical Trials, Cancer Research, & Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer with Megan O'Neil

<p>At 30 years old, Megan O’Neil knew something wasn’t quite right when she began experiencing pain in her chest. Due to her young age and overall health as an athlete, her concerns were initially dismissed by doctors. Megan persisted and eventually found a lump, leading to a conversation with her doctor about the increasing number of younger patients being diagnosed with cancer. She requested an ultrasound, which was followed by a mammogram, biopsy, and ultimately a breast cancer diagnosis.</p><p><br></p><p>Megan underwent chemotherapy and surgery and was declared cancer free. But with each passing year, follow up appointments brought a familiar anxiety as the possibility of recurrence lingered in the back of her mind. As Megan approached the five year mark, she experienced a sensation that was entirely new to her, yet she immediately knew something was wrong. Her cancer had returned.</p><p><br></p><p>On this episode of The Cancer Project Podcast, Megan opens up about her experiences with cancer, the health complications that have accompanied living with metastatic cancer, and the ways cancer has changed her as a person. She also emphasizes the importance of cancer research and the need to continue advancing our understanding and treatment of the disease.</p><p><br></p><p>Join us as Megan shares her honest and deeply personal story as the first episode of our special October series for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We are incredibly grateful to Megan for sharing her story with such openness and courage, and for using her experience to advocate for others affected by cancer.</p><p><br></p><p>Episode Resources:</p><p>Support Metastatic Research: <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://secure.qgiv.com/for/metresansupin/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0hTicDGJkzQmyzkEt16tdf" target="_blank"><u>https://secure.qgiv.com/for/metresansupin/</u></a></p><p>Oklahoma Proton Center:</p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.okcproton.com/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw12WzOIHUpeixzIg5mCg8ie" target="_blank"><u>https://www.okcproton.com/</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw1PPC4txjhrTY7qvefyVA2A" target="_blank"><u>https://www.instagram.com/okprotoncenter/</u></a></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/OKProtonCenter&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0X3ySxgzjAggm6r4-gIkm7" target="_blank"><u>https://www.facebo