This week I’m joined by my lovely friend and community member Jenny Costelloe, alongside oncologist Dr Eleonora Teplinsky, to talk about something I know so many of you will relate to: weight changes after cancer treatment, the struggle to lose weight during ongoing treatment, and the growing conversation around GLP-1 medications.

But this episode is really about much more than weight.

It’s about what happens when cancer treatment, menopause, joint pain, changes to your body and quality of life all collide – and how we begin to work out what might actually help.

Jenny shares her breast cancer story and talks very honestly about the impact surgical menopause and endocrine therapy have had on her body and her life. At one point, she describes feeling almost physically broken – dealing with weight gained through chemotherapy and treatment, reduced mobility and persistent pain that was making everyday life increasingly difficult.

We also hear from board-certified oncologist Dr Eleonora Teplinsky, who helps us understand the emerging evidence around GLP-1 medications after cancer, what we know and still don’t know, and why conversations about weight, metabolic health, symptoms and being able to stay on cancer treatment really matter.

And I love something Jenny says during our conversation:

“This is just about finding the path that works for you individually.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

05:35 Navigating menopause during cancer treatment

08:09 Considering GLP-1s and BMI thresholds

12:12 Dr Eleonora Teplinsky’s perspective on menopausal concerns

17:06 Impact of endocrine therapy on weight

17:55 Challenges in weight management and sleep

21:00 Exploring GLP-1s and cancer risk

24:17 Concerns with GLP-1 and lifestyle changes

27:36 Discussing weight loss medication options

32:26 Starting GLP-1s with no side effects

35:43 Reduced alcohol craving on GLP-1

40:17 Struggles with post-treatment life

41:36 Starting strength training journey

44:46 Evaluating cancer treatment effects

You can find Dr Teplinsky here:

https://www.instagram.com/drteplinsky/?hl=en

Dr Teplinsky’s book: Beyond the Pink: Navigating Life, Health, and Breast Cancer

Is here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/beyond-the-pink/eleonora-teplinsky/9781538777145?sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=57434&awc=3787_1787842057_ae304a0903d89dccf48ecd30b2f05367&sn=1&utm_source=57434&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Easyfundraising

And here is the article on GLP1’s Dani mentions in the podcast: https://www.oncnursingnews.com/view/glp-1-receptor-agonists-show-promise-in-asco-2026-research

Everyone’s Talking About Creatine. But Should Cancer Survivors Take It?

Creatine seems to be everywhere right now. But what actually is it, what can it do for our strength and muscle, and the big question for this community: is it safe to take after cancer, and can it help with symptoms of menopause?

Today I have two brilliant experts to help us understand both the potential benefits and the safety of creatine after a cancer diagnosis.

First, you'll hear from Dr Eleonora Teplinsky, medical oncologist, who helps us unpack what we currently know — and importantly, what we still don't know — about creatine and cancer. The evidence specifically in people affected by cancer is still limited, so this is an important part of the conversation.

Then I'm joined by Sarah Newman, oncology exercise specialist and founder of Get Me Back, to take the conversation into the practical world of exercise, strength and recovery after cancer.

We talk about what creatine actually does, why maintaining muscle matters so much as we age and go through menopause, and why resistance training is such an important part of the picture.

We also get practical:

Do you have to lift heavy weights?

How often should we be strength training?

Can creatine help if you're not an athlete?

What type should you take?

Does it cause weight gain?

And where should someone start if cancer treatment has left them feeling weak, exhausted or simply disconnected from exercise?

Because this isn't really an episode about taking a scoop of powder.

It's a conversation about rebuilding strength after cancer, understanding our bodies, and finding out what might genuinely help us feel stronger again.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Intro

04:37 Building healthy habits step-by-step

08:13 Building strength after cancer treatment

10:46 Discussing exercise and creatine use

14:59 Importance of diet and recovery

16:54 Concerns about effective muscle maintenance

22:58 Creating supportive exercise spaces

26:34 Rebuilding muscle after chemotherapy

27:57 Incorporating exercise for bone health

32:37 Benefits of strength training

34:30 Supporting diverse health needs

Disclaimer: This episode is for education and information and isn't a substitute for personalised medical advice. Please speak with your healthcare team before starting creatine or any new supplement, particularly during cancer treatment or if you have other medical conditions. Current cancer-specific evidence on creatine remains limited. (Oncology Nursing Society)

Here are the links mentioned in this episode:

Dr Teplinsky’s article on Creatine: https://drteplinsky.substack.com/p/creatine-supplementation-after-a

Find Sarah and her Get me Back Exercise Programs here: https://www.getmeback.uk/

Find Dr Teplinsky’s new book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/beyond-the-pink/eleonora-teplinsky/9781538777145