Episode 4: Chemotherapy

Jo explains how she makes herself comfortable during chemotherapy and why she likes talking to other patients. She tells Colleen about the cost, both financial and physical, of travelling hours to her appointments. She busts myths about hair loss and tackles the mental impact of her illness. A range of organisations, including the Cancer Society and Bowel Cancer NZ, offer support services and information to cancer patients and their whanau. For a longer list, visit Health Navigator.

Om Podcasten

Jo McKenzie-McLean’s life was turned upside down after a stage 4 bowel cancer diagnosis. In this candid podcast, the mother-of-two joins friend and fellow journalist Colleen O’Hanlon to explore life with an incurable illness. Through tears and laughter, Jo shares her experience - from diagnosis to surgery and chemo; from the impact on self-identity and her loved ones to facing the future. Jo vs Cancer is a vulnerable yet powerful series of conversations that provides insights you’ll wish you had years ago.