Young Tongues

What happens when the very thing that defines you is threatened by cancer?For professional singer-songwriter and vocal coach Sarah Jay Hawley, a diagnosis of tongue base and tonsil cancer raised a terrifying question: would she ever be able to sing again? In this episode, Barbara sits down with Sarah to explore her journey from the first subtle symptoms and challenges of getting a diagnosis to intensive radiotherapy, rehabilitation and the emotional impact of losing a part of your identity.Sarah shares how her knowledge of vocal health, determination to maintain her swallowing and singing abilities, and the support of her speech and language therapist helped her navigate treatment. Together, they discuss the realities of recovery, the importance of mental health support and the often-overlooked challenges of living with the long-term effects of head and neck cancer.But this is also a story of rediscovery. When singing became difficult, Sarah turned to other forms of creative expression, finding comfort and purpose in art, writing and sculpture. What began as a way to cope has since grown into The Art of Resilience, an exhibition exploring the cancer experience through creativity.It's a heartfelt conversation about learning to embrace the person you are today, finding joy in unexpected places and discovering that, even when cancer changes your voice, you still have something powerful to say.The discussed exhibition opens on Friday 27 November from 4pm to 7pm, and a programme of free creative workshops runs throughout the week.You can find the event details and booking information here:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-art-of-resilience-from-the-furnace-to-the-flow-tickets-2004228397088 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you're told there are no more treatment options? And how do you find your way into a clinical trial when you don't even know where to start?In this deeply personal episode, Barbara is joined by two very special Young Tongues members, Holly from the UK and Molly from the US, who share their very different experiences of participating in clinical trials following a recurrence of tongue cancer.For Holly, a second opinion opened a door she didn't know existed. Having initially been told there was little more that could be done, she is now experiencing encouraging results from a clinical trial. For Molly, clinical trials have offered precious additional time, but her experience also highlights the emotional pressures, difficult decisions and challenges of navigating experimental treatments.Together, they explore the realities of accessing clinical trials, understanding treatment options, managing side effects, navigating financial and geographical barriers, and the importance of being treated as a person rather than a research participant.It's an honest, sometimes emotional, but also wonderfully warm conversation about hope, uncertainty, friendship and why patients' voices must be at the heart of clinical research.Content note: This episode includes discussions of cancer recurrence, advanced disease, palliative care and end-of-life experiences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The three amigos are back! Barbara, Stef and Jamie reunite for a long-overdue catch-up, and as always, there's plenty of laughter, a little chaos and some brutally honest conversations.Following a particularly difficult few weeks for the Young Tongues community, the trio reflect on the emotional toll of losing friends to cancer, navigating anticipatory grief and learning how to hold space for both sadness and happiness. But how do you allow yourself to feel joy when you've experienced so much loss? And why, even years after treatment, can feeling happy and healthy sometimes trigger a fear that something terrible is just around the corner?From survivor's guilt and health anxiety to the frustrations of living with fatigue and a body that doesn't always cooperate, the conversation explores the complicated realities of life after cancer.And because this is Young Tongues, there's also plenty of silliness involving Halloween horrors, questionable hairstyles, salsa dancing and the joys of getting older.At the heart of it all is a simple message: Grief and joy can coexist. And sometimes, the best way to honour those we've lost is to make the absolute most of the life we still have.Welcome to the art of Joy Maxing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to run an ultramarathon just months after cancer treatment?In this episode, Barbara is joined by Danielle Welsh from Melbourne, Australia, who shares her experience of being diagnosed with tongue cancer at 43, undergoing surgery and radiotherapy, and navigating the challenges of recovery while raising two young children.A lifelong endurance athlete, Danielle was determined to keep moving throughout treatment, adapting her exercise routine even as the side effects became increasingly difficult. But her story goes far beyond physical fitness.Together, Barbara and Danielle explore the importance of self-advocacy, the difficult decisions patients face around treatment, and the gaps in care that often emerge once treatment ends. They discuss why survivorship needs a more holistic approach, the value of finding the right healthcare professionals, and the emotional challenges of explaining cancer to young children.An insightful and thought-provoking conversation about resilience, patient-centred care, and finding ways to regain control when cancer turns your world upside down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when tongue cancer threatens not just your health, but your ability to communicate, work and live life on your own terms?In this episode, Barbara is joined by Kylie Young from New Zealand, who shares her remarkable journey from a persistent tongue ulcer and delayed diagnosis to major surgery, radiotherapy and life beyond treatment.Kylie speaks candidly about the challenges she faced, including complications with feeding, feeling unheard by healthcare professionals, and navigating the emotional and physical impact of losing her tongue.But this is also a story of resilience, humour and rediscovering what's possible. Despite initially being told her teaching career might be over, Kylie has gone on to become a General Manager, demonstrating that a speech impairment doesn't have to stand in the way of leadership.Together, Barbara and Kylie explore the importance of individualised care, supportive employers, finding your voice after cancer, and learning to embrace life with its new challenges.An honest, uplifting and thought-provoking conversation about being heard, challenging expectations and refusing to let cancer define your future.💬 Need Support?If you’ve been diagnosed with tongue cancer (or are supporting someone who has), you can find help here:🌍 Website🤝 Join support groups & mailing list: via the website💌 Contact us: [email protected]📢 Get InvolvedWe’re building this with our community — and you can be part of it:✨ Volunteer & share your experience🎙️ Apply to appear on the podcast🧠 Take part in research opportunities💛 Support Our WorkWe’re a small charity with a big mission — and we rely on community support to keep going.👉 Find out more how to make a donation or fundraise for us here📲 Follow & ConnectInstagram | Facebook | TikTok | Mailing List Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.