A stage 4 cancer diagnosis has not stopped Jos McLaren from pursuing her dream career as a singer and songwriter
A shocking diagnosis during lockdown
Jos McLaren was diagnosed with stage 2b breast cancer at the age of 41, during the first Covid-19 lockdown. Initially, she experienced a pricking pain in her breast, but it didn’t cause her to worry.
However, when the skin on her breast started to dimple and her nipple inverted, she realised it needed to be checked out. Despite these symptoms she was convinced that there was nothing seriously wrong.
“When the doctor told me that I had breast cancer, I was shocked to the core, but put on a brave face. It felt very surreal to be suddenly given a cancer diagnosis when I felt so well.
Jos underwent a gruelling treatment plan, which included chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, further chemotherapy and hormone therapy
Treatment and the power of support
The treatment plan outlined by the doctors was grueling and included chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, further chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
Jos’s family and a small group of close friends rallied to support her throughout. The arrival of a Chemo Kit from Cancer Support UK also helped Jos feel cared for and less alone.
How a Cancer Support UK Chemo Kit made a difference
“I knew about Cancer Support UK’s Cancer Kits through my previous role as a children’s cancer nurse. I ordered a Chemo Kit and was so thankful for it – every item was brilliant and thoughtful. I was especially grateful for the toasty warm socks, which really helped keep me warm when I used the Cold Cap, and the toothpaste which protected my sensitive teeth during chemo.
“Thank you to everyone who donates to make these Kits available and to Cancer Support UK for providing such a valuable service.
Stage 4 diagnosis
“Unfortunately, five months after my diagnosis I learnt that the cancer had spread to my spine, which changed my diagnosis to stage 4, with a terminal prognosis. Again, this was a huge shock, especially as I had no symptoms until that point.”
The doctors changed the treatment plan to include extra chemo sessions, and the decision was made to not go ahead with surgery or radiotherapy, which wouldn’t have benefited Jo.
“My faith has played a huge part in how I’ve handled my cancer journey, as have my friends and family.
“I kept working as a nurse throughout my chemo and I refused to let cancer stop me doing what I wanted to do.”
Rediscovering passion and purpose through music
The stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis was life-changing for Jos, but it helped her rediscover her passion for music.
“I’ve always loved singing and writing songs has been a hobby of mine for many years. In 2021, I wrote a song, Dying to Live, about my cancer journey as a way of processing my diagnosis, and it soon became something I felt could help others.”
Jos was thrilled to record her song Dying to Live at the famous Abbey Road Studios in London
From hospital corridors to Abbey Road Studios
A few months later Abbey Road Studios held a songwriting session featuring a panel of industry songwriters. Jos secured a ticket and during the event’s Q&A she plucked up the courage to ask the panel how she could share her song to help other people facing cancer. Their response was overwhelming, as people offered her the support she sought.
“One person in particular, Mariela Silva, approached me and asked me to send my song to her boyfriend, Liam Narrie. I plucked up the courage to send the song to Liam, and he contacted me straight away to ask if I would come to London to record it.
“I had no idea where the recording would take place…when Mariela collected me from my hotel she made me shut my eyes on the car journey.
“So I couldn’t believe it when the car pulled up outside the one and only Abbey Road Studios. It’s a truly magical place and it was such a privilege to record where so many legendary artists have produced their music.”
Abbey Road Studios is a truly magical place, says Jos, and it was such a privilege to record my song where so many legendary artists have produced their music
…so much more to come
Dying to Live was released in July 2022 and since then Jos has been busy living up to her lyric, which promise “there’s so much more to come.”
She joined a songwriting mentoring programme and attended a song writing camp in Malaga in October 2022.
“I loved it so much, I returned in May 2023, where I met one of my main mentors, singer and songwriter Shelly Poole of Alisha’s Attic fame. Shelly encouraged me to write and release more songs, and under her mentorship, I wrote my follow-up single, The One Thing I Would Do.”
Since then, Jos has continued writing and releasing music. In 2024 she attended a songwriting camp in Marrakesh and one of the songs from that camp has been picked up by global music company BMG.
Jos is enjoying her time in the limelight and makes the most of every opportunity that comes her way. Her music and cancer journey has attracted media interest, which gives her a platform to talk about the creativity, connection and joy she has found while living with stage 4 cancer.
A former nurse, Jos believes that managing her health is key to pursuing her music career
Living well with stage 4 breast cancer
Despite the excitement of her bourgeoning career, Jos remains firmly grounded, as managing her health is key to pursuing her music.
“As a nurse, I give my own injections at home, which gives me the freedom to live my life without being tied to hospital visits. Physically, I’m very well and I experience minimal side effects from my ongoing treatment. I’m very grateful for this and I choose to live each day focusing on positivity, my faith, and leaning on my incredible circle of friends for support.”
This single mindedness allows Jos to keep moving forward, creating, and sharing music that inspires both herself and others.
How you can help people like Jos
Help people with cancer, like Jos, to feel cared for, by joining the Cancer Support UK Lottery, which helps us send additional Cancer Kits to people receiving cancer treatment. Join the Lottery here for the chance to win monthly prizes worth up to £25,000 and to support people living with cancer.
