“When Molly Kochan received a terminal cancer diagnosis, she embarked on a profound journey to reclaim her sense of self.”

After finding  she had terminal cancer, one woman chose to reclaim control of her life in a bold and surprising way—by embracing her sexuality and sleeping with as many partners as she desired as part of a deeply personal journey.

Molly Kochan received the heartbreaking diagnosis in 2015, years after first being told she had breast cancer in 2011.

When doctors initially discovered the tumor, the disease had already spread to her lymph nodes. This meant Molly had to endure a grueling treatment plan that included chemotherapy, radiation, and a double mastectomy.

Tragically, by 2015, the cancer had metastasized—reaching her bones, brain, and liver.

While many in her position might pursue travel or chase items on a traditional bucket list, Kochan opted for a different path—choosing to explore her desires and pursue intimacy on her own terms.

Originally from Los Angeles, Molly passed away in March 2019 at the age of 45. But before her death, she produced a six-episode podcast titled Dying for Sex and penned a memoir called Screw Cancer: Becoming Whole.

Kochan went on a sexual journey prior to her passing (Dying For Sex Podcast) right

The concept for the podcast took shape in 2018, when Kochan and her best friend Nikki Boyer realized that her experiences were too powerful—and too real—not to share with a wider audience.

Molly had already been chronicling her escapades, and together they crafted a platform where she could speak openly about her illness and the deeply personal journey she was on.

Since its debut in February 2020, Dying for Sex has been downloaded millions of times, resonating with listeners drawn to Molly’s unfiltered honesty and bold storytelling.

Despite the fact that menopause often dampens libido, Molly described an entirely different experience: “I literally wanted to hump everyone and everything I saw. I was constantly horny. It felt like being a teenager all over again.”

She even began uploading photos to dating apps before her divorce was finalized—and after the split, she went on to sleep with more than 183 men.

As for the number? Kochan and Boyer eventually stopped keeping track after hitting 183.

A TV series starring Michelle Williams as Kochan has been released

Throughout her escapades, Kochan encountered all kinds of characters—from a guy obsessed with feet to a dead ringer for Ryan Reynolds and even a man who never left home without his clown face paint.

Her unbelievable tale was so gripping that it became a limited TV series, with acclaimed actress Michelle Williams playing Kochan in Dying For Sex.

“Sex reminds me I’m still here, and it takes my mind off the illness,” Kochan admitted before her death.

“Honestly, I doubt I’d have done any of this if I weren’t sick. Maybe I’d have wanted to, but I’d have held back more.”

The podcast didn’t just celebrate her wild, freeing experiences—it also explored heavy themes, like the abuse she endured at seven years old by one of her mother’s partners.

When her health took a turn, she threw herself even deeper into her sexual exploits, confessing it was her way of coping and numbing the fear.

Boyer (left) and Kochan (right) hosted the Dying For Sex Podcast together

Reflecting on her late friend’s memoir, Nikki Boyer explained: “It was never really about the kinks or fetishes. That first experience she had with a man sparked something deep within her.”

“He ended up taking his own life, and the emotions she had to unpack from that were tied to older wounds. It wasn’t something we touched on in the podcast—and honestly, I’m not sure she ever fully processed it.”

In her final months, Kochan made the decision to reconnect with her parents and spent time reflecting on the path her life had taken. In one of her last written reflections, she shared a deeply moving realization:

“I wish I could end this wild hospital chapter with a story about some charming man who swept me off my feet and made me blush—but that visitor never came.”

“Then I realized—I did fall in love. I’m in love… with me.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by cancer and need someone to talk to, you can contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line at 0808 808 00 00. They’re available every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering free and confidential support.