In this episode of the
Young Tongues Podcast, Barbara speaks with Susan, one of the founding members of the support group for young people with tongue cancer. Susan recounts her journey, which began with a small, painless sore on her tongue and led to a series of misdiagnoses over nine months. Eventually diagnosed with stage four tongue cancer, she underwent intensive treatment—including a hemiglossectomy, neck dissection, chemotherapy, and radiation—all during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Susan opens up about the profound emotional and physical challenges she faced, from severe weight loss and "cancer anorexia" to the psychological toll of the illness. She highlights the critical role of therapy, self-advocacy, and the support she found within the Young Tongues community. Now nearly four years cancer-free, Susan reflects on how the experience reshaped her outlook on life and emotional well-being, and shares her ongoing dedication to supporting others in her role as a trustee of Young Tongues.
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