Young Tongues

In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, host Barbara Fountain interviews Angilee Wilkerson about her experience with tongue cancer. Angilee, who noticed something was wrong when her tongue moved to one side, was diagnosed with stage 3 tongue cancer. Despite being given a 40% chance of survival with chemo and radiation, Angilee with the support of ther clinical team opted for a wait and watch approach. Three years out from surgery Angilee is still cancer free. Angilee also discusses her invention, TOUGLES, a device to help tongue cancer survivors eat and improve speech. The episode touches on her recovery journey, the impact of the surgery on her eating and speech, and the emotional and psychological aspects of her choices.https://www.tougles.com/

In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, Barbara and Jamie continue their chat about radiation. Jamie recounts her struggles during this treatment phase, including severe dry mouth, thick mucus, painful blisters, and burns. She describes the coping mechanisms she employed, such as using a humidifier and experimenting with various soothing products. Jamie highlights the difficulty of maintaining her oral health and energy levels, battling weight loss, and dealing with the emotional toll. She talks about her struggles to keep up with treatment towards the end and her progress post-radiation, emphasizing the challenges of regaining her sense of taste and normalcy. The episode also underscores the importance of community support and connecting with others who have undergone similar experiences.

In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, Jamie introduces a guest very dear to her heart, Steph, who played a vital role during her own tongue cancer diagnosis. Steph, a critical care nurse, details her journey from discovering a lump under her chin to being diagnosed with stage three squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue. She recounts the initial misdiagnoses, the eventual diagnosis process, her 12-hour surgery, and the emotional and physical struggles during recovery. Steph also shares her grueling experience with radiation treatment, the lasting physical effects, and the emotional toll of her journey. She emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community of fellow cancer survivors and shares how her life and career have changed post-cancer. The episode concludes with Steph providing advice for newly diagnosed patients and a light-hearted discussion on fictional characters they identify with.

In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, Barbara discusses her summer activities and experiences with her co-host Jamie. Jamie delves into her radiation experience for tongue cancer, including preparations, side effects, and the emotional journey. They touch upon the significance of having a support system, especially during COVID-19, and highlight the importance of mentally preparing yourself. The episode concludes with a listener question about regaining feeling in post-surgery areas, followed by a teaser for an upcoming interview with another patient.

In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, Barbara interviews Andrea Rodriguez, a fellow tongue cancer patient from Texas. Andrea shares her journey, starting from her first dental appointment at just 18 being diagnosed with leukoplakia, through multiple diagnoses and the impact treatment had on her her emotional and physical health. She details the initial appearance of lesions, the progression to cancer, surgeries, and subsequent radiation therapy. Andrea emphasizes the importance of community support, mental health, and the invaluable assistance she received from the Young Tongues community. The conversation underscores the significance of staying positive, seeking help, and the impact of a supportive network during such a challenging experience.

In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, co-hosts Barbara and Jamie discuss the challenges and experiences faced after tongue cancer surgery, particularly the transition from hospital to home. Both hosts open up about their personal struggles, including managing fatigue, the psychological impact of their surgeries, and the unique issues of caring for young children post-surgery. The episode also touches on their different decisions regarding post-surgery radiation therapy and their eventual return to work, highlighting how varied and personal these journeys can be.