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28. Kelly & Tom's Story
01:05:51||Season 2, Ep. 28In this episode Barbara interviews Kelly and her fiancé Tom about their experience with Kelly's tongue cancer diagnosis and treatment. Kelly, who is based in Pittsburgh and works as an administrative professional, shares her journey through two bouts of tongue cancer, highlighting the surgeries, treatments, and their impact on her life. Tom provides a caretaker's perspective, detailing the challenges and his role in supporting Kelly. The conversation explores the emotional and logistical hurdles faced by both as they navigate through medical treatments, including chemo and radiation, and the importance of having a strong support system. The couple discusses overcoming obstacles, such as dietary changes and communication difficulties, emphasizing their strengthened relationship and resilience. The episode offers valuable insights into the realities of battling tongue cancer and the intricate dynamics between patients and their loved ones.
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27. Mus's Story Part 2
01:18:19||Season 2, Ep. 27In this episode of the Young Tongues Podcast, Barbara welcomes back fellow Young Tongue Mus. Mus shares an update on his cancer journey, detailing the progression of his symptoms, diagnosis, and the treatments he's undergoing, including immunotherapy and participation in a clinical trial. Despite setbacks and complications, Mus remains determined to maintain a normal life, including celebrating his big birthday with a grand party. Barbara and Mus also discuss the importance of community support, self-advocacy in medical settings, and the shifting dynamics with friends and family in light of a chronic cancer diagnosis. The episode highlights the significance of advancements in cancer treatment and the collective power of patient communities.
26. Lauren's story
01:13:45||Season 2, Ep. 26In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, host Barbara interviews Lauren, a member of their community. Lauren, a 39-year-old mother of three from Virginia, shares her journey with tongue cancer. Diagnosed in late 2021 after initially thinking she had an ear infection, Lauren details her painful experiences, multiple surgeries, and the severe challenges posed by radiation and chemotherapy. Despite these hardships, she talks about finding moments of joy and support through community and family. Lauren also highlights the emotional and ongoing physical impacts of her treatment, including dry mouth and loss of taste. The conversation delves deep into the personal and emotional toll of cancer, while offering insights and hope to others facing similar struggles.
25. Pete's Story
57:07||Season 2, Ep. 25In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, Barbara sits down with Pete Jackson as he shares his journey with tongue cancer. Pete provides an intimate account of his life before and after diagnosis, detailing the early symptoms, the diagnostic process, and the challenges of treatment. Despite the fears and uncertainties, his resilience, positive mindset, and strong support network played a vital role in his recovery. He emphasises the power of peer support, highlighting how the Young Tongues community and other social connections were instrumental in navigating both the emotional and logistical aspects of treatment. Pete concludes with a heartfelt message of gratitude for the unwavering support of his community and the NHS.
24. The Radiotherapy Decision
58:53||Season 2, Ep. 24In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, Barbara and Jamie catch up on life events and reflect on recent activities, including World Cancer Day. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the difficult decisions around choosing to undergo radiation therapy for tongue cancer, drawing from both Barbara's and Jamie's personal experiences. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding individual risk factors, trusting medical professionals, and the long-term impacts of treatment. They stress the significance of patient empowerment, informed decision-making, and the importance of a supportive community.
23. Expert Guest: Dr. Alexandra Kejner
01:16:36||Season 2, Ep. 23In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, host Barbara welcomes Dr. Alexandra Kejner, a head and neck surgeon from South Carolina. Dr. Kejner shares her personal journey and professional background, highlighting her family's origins and her path to becoming a surgeon. The discussion dives into the intricacies of head and neck surgeries, the collaborative nature of surgical teams, and advancements in reconstructive techniques. The conversation also covers scar management, cosmetic concerns post-surgery, and the importance of holistic post-operative care. Dr. Kejnershares insights on maintaining a balance between professional demands and personal life, emphasizing the significance of peer support among female surgeons. The episode ends with a vision for future collaborations between healthcare professionals and patient organizations to improve outcomes for young tongue cancer patients.
22. Kelly's Story
59:24||Season 2, Ep. 22In this episode of The Young Tongues Podcast, Barbara interviews Kelly, about her experience with tongue cancer. Kelly details her initial symptoms, misdiagnoses, and the prolonged delays before receiving an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Throughout the conversation, Kelly highlights the lack of communication and inconsistent standards of care she faced. Despite these challenges, she shares how her eventual treatment team provided the support she needed. Kelly also discusses her mission to raise awareness about these issues by sharing her story through various media platforms. The episode concludes with a call for uniform standards in cancer treatment and support across the UK.