Young Tongues

In this week's episode of the Young Tongues Podcast, we sit down with Steven, a beloved community member and actor who has been experiencing recurrent tongue cancer since 1997. Steven opens up about his journey from his initial diagnosis while working at Walt Disney World, to enduring multiple treatments—surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy—and the emotional rollercoaster that followed. Steven's story highlights the importance of early detection, the critical role of speech therapy, and the struggle to avoid feeling 'othered' due to health and social anxieties. He delves into the power of community support, sharing how friends and supportive networks have helped him through his darkest moments.

In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, Barbara, along with her co-host Jamie, delves into the mental health struggles faced by young tongue cancer patients. They discuss the significant lack of mental health support in cancer treatment plans and stress the need for mental strength and agility. Personal anecdotes shed light on the long-term trauma, everyday challenges, and the importance of maintaining a balanced mindset. The conversation highlights coping mechanisms such as therapy, meditation, and breathing techniques, as well as the profound impact of peer support groups and virtual meetups. The episode addresses the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and PTSD-like symptoms, while also underscoring the importance of seeking professional help. The role of community support and relatable peers in emotional well-being is emphasised, providing a holistic view on navigating life during and after cancer treatment.

In this insightful episode of the Young Tongues podcast, host Barbara interviews Mus Tarry, a local councillor from Surrey, who shares his personal experience with tongue cancer. Mus recounts his journey from early symptom detection in 2022, through his diagnosis, to undergoing major surgery. The narrative delves into the emotional and logistical challenges faced, highlighting the critical support from medical professionals, his place of work, and loved ones. Mus details the process of preparing for surgery, the intense experience of recovery in the ICU, and subsequent complications that led to multiple operations. Additionally, this episode explores his encounters with chemo-radiation, underlining the physical and emotional toll alongside the importance of maintaining routines and the significant impact of a supportive community. Throughout, Mus's story is one of resilience, determination, and the crucial role of family, healthcare teams, and community support in navigating and overcoming such a profound medical journey.

In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, we hear from Candi, a former nurse and police constable, who shares her deeply personal journey with tongue cancer. Candi opens up about her early life, career, and family, leading up to the moment she first discovered something was wrong during a routine dentist visit. She recounts the shock of her diagnosis, the emotional weight of sharing the news with her family, and the grueling medical path that followed, including multiple surgeries and a long hospital stay. Throughout the episode, Candi candidly discusses her recovery process, the physical and emotional changes she has faced, and her determination to find a new sense of normalcy. She also talks about her aspirations to return to work and the ongoing challenges of navigating life as a cancer survivor, offering listeners both insight and hope.

In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, hosts Barbara and Jamie reunite after an eventful summer break, sharing deeply personal stories and meaningful reflections. Barbara opens up about her trip back home to Switzerland, where she raised awareness for tongue cancer while balancing her role as CEO of the Young Tongues charity. Meanwhile, Jamie recounts the harrowing experience of her family’s evacuation during a California wildfire. Together, they reflect on their journeys as tongue cancer survivors and how these life-changing experiences continue to shape their advocacy, work, and personal growth. Looking ahead, they tease upcoming episodes featuring inspiring interviews with fellow tongue cancer survivors, offering listeners a chance to hear powerful stories from the community and deepen awareness around tongue cancer.

In this episode of the Young Tongues podcast, Barbara interviews Jennifer Alexander, a member of the community, who shares her experience with tongue cancer. Jennifer talks about her various diagnoses since her early twenties, her struggles with treatments, and her surgeries. She emphasizes the importance of HPV vaccination for preventing HPV+ oral cancer and shares her experiences in advocating for cancer awareness. The conversation also touches on the psychological impacts of a cancer diagnosis, the stigma associated with HPV, and the importance of not feeling ashamed.

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.