Advertise on podcast: Lymphoma Voices

In this podcast Dr Caroline Leek shares thoughts and insights for parents with cancer when communicating with children and young people, from as young as three to 18 and above. She discusses how those difficult conversations might be prepared for and started and how having age-appropriate, but honest, conversations can help children and young people understand and cope better. She covers different stages, from diagnosis, through times in hospital having treatment, and considering end of life. Caroline believes that communication is key and can take many forms, but that these are conversations children need.  Caroline is the director of Fruitfly Collective, a charity supporting parents living with cancer, and children affected by parental cancer.  Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences.  Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

In our latest podcast, Professor Andy Davies, Professor of Haematological Oncology at the University of Southampton and Dr Cathy Burton, Consultant Haematologist at Leeds Teaching Hospital talk to Lymphoma Action’s Anne Hook. They talk about how lymphoma management has changed over the past 40 years and discuss how lymphoma treatment and care may look in the future. Forty years ago, the diagnosis of lymphoma was much simpler, with high-grade, low-grade and Hodgkin lymphoma being the main entities. Since the 1980s, techniques have developed to enable more accurate diagnoses and a greater understanding of lymphoma biology. Today, instead of three main types of lymphoma, there are over 100 different subtypes. This means that instead of the blunt approach to treatment 40 years ago where ‘one size fits all’, clinicians today are able to deliver more individualised treatment. Andy Davies and Cathy Burton talk about the introduction of the monoclonal antibody rituximab in the 1990s, which has had a major impact. In the podcast they also talk about improvements in cellular therapies, resulting in improvements in transplantation and the introduction of CAR-T cell therapy for some types of lymphoma. Looking to the future, bispecific antibodies and targeted therapies will help improve effectiveness while minimising toxicity and provide the opportunity for different approaches to treatment delivery. Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences.  Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

| In this podcast on fatigue Lymphoma Action’s Anne Hook talks to Ruth Jackson who is a Haematology Nurse Clinician at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals. Ruth says that more than 70% of lymphoma patients will describe fatigue and the subject comes up at most of her consultations. It’s something that is difficult for people to describe and measure, and something that people struggle to work out the reason behind. As Ruth says, ‘It could be the lymphoma itself, treatment, age, other conditions, medications or other factors’. It’s important to acknowledge fatigue, and acknowledgement can be a starting point for developing strategies such as the 3 P’s - planning, prioritising and pacing – and of course exercise.    Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences.  Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

In our latest podcast we talk to Shannon. With a wedding, a honeymoon and a young daughter just starting at school, Shannon had a lot going on. Health concerns took a bit of a back seat until a business trip to Newcastle resulted in a trip to A&E and the discovery of a tumour in her chest. A biopsy resulted in a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with chemotherapy needing to start while Shannon was still away from home.  Shannon talks about treatment, how she involved her daughter in everything, and how a selection of wigs worked like magic in finding acceptance of a mother whose loss of hair made it obvious she was poorly. Shannon also talks about looking after herself during treatment, and how her particular perspectives on life helped her to come to terms with diagnosis and treatment so that she could focus on prioritising her mental wellbeing. Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences.  Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

In our latest podcast Professor David Linch, Emeritius Professor at University College London talks to Lymphoma Action’s Anne Hook. As Lymphoma Action celebrates its 40th anniversary year they discuss how things have changed clinically, with Professor Linch commenting how lymphoma was seen as a mysterious disease with little information available for patients to learn more about it. The Charity started with two patients who found comfort in talking to each other about their Hodgkin’s disease. This expanded to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and a patient, Tim Hilder, who introduced the helpline and registered the charity 40 years ago as the Hodgkin’s Disease Association. This small group, with the support of eminent clinician Dr Tony Jeliffe and Dr Gillian Vaugan Hudson were able to provide trustworthy information and support, which is still very much at the heart of the Charity today. In the podcast, Professor Linch talks about how treatment has changed over this time, believing that a key change was in the late 60s/early 70s when combination chemotherapy was introduced. Another major step was the improvement of supportive care, meaning that more people were able to tolerate cancer treatment. Professor Linch felt that Lymphoma Action has been key in providing information and support for people affected by lymphoma over the last 40 years and that the Charity’s introduction of the Lymphoma Clinical Nurse Specialist programme has been one of the most important developments for people affected by lymphoma. Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences.  Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

Living and working in the Galapogos, Mollie was living her dream life, but she was concerned about a growing number of health issues. A last-minute decision to go back home to see family ended up saving her life. Within hours of landing in the UK she was in A&E and tests resulted in a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.  In this podcast, Mollie talks about the struggles of intense chemotherapy, repeated infections, side effects, late effects and fertility. Her lymphoma experience has resulted in a complete change in her life, but one she embraces with the same energy and enthusiasm she has with everything in life.  Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences.  Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

In this podcast Nancy and Stewart share their personal blood cancer experiences as LGBTQIA+ people. They describe the additional challenges they faced, and are faced by others, due to gender and/or sexual identity. The need to continuously come out, explain your relationship to those around you and not feeling safe in the healthcare space.  Stewart tells us about why he set up the charity OUTpatients and how they seek to support LGBT+ people with cancer and after treatment. They agree that having cancer is hard for everyone, but that it should not be harder for LGBT+ people. Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences.   Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

In this podcast, Mimi shares her experience of being a carer. Her partner Roger, who is the keyboard player in the band The Cure, was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in September 2023. Mimi talks about the difficult moments they shared as they waited for test results; a mix of anxiety and numbness. She shares how much sadness she felt as Roger went through chemotherapy and how ill he was. She also talks about how they coped with the side effects of treatment, like the impact steroids had and adjusting to hair loss. This was a time when she felt she had to remain strong and positive, even though inside she was feeling so much stress. Over this period, life for both Roger and Mimi was about going from one hospital appointment to the other as after chemotherapy, Roger was treated with radiotherapy. They both looked forward to the end of treatment, but once it had finished, she explains how it still took a while to re-establish life again. Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences.   Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

| In this podcast Roger O’Donnell, who is the keyboard player of the band The Cure, talks about his diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. He explains about the treatment he received and about coming to terms emotionally with his diagnosis. In 2023, Roger noticed a lump, but put it down to the demands of touring. Returning to the UK, he contacted his GP, and a scan was organised which indicated that something was wrong. Roger still recalls the fear of waiting for test results. He explains how he was determined to stay strong and get through the treatment, which involved the chemotherapy regimen R-CHOP as well as methotrexate and radiotherapy. He talks about how it was after finishing treatment that the emotions rushed in, and about the importance of family and loved ones. Now back on stage with the band, Roger talks about how his lymphoma experience has impacted his life, as he looks to the future.  Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences.   Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

In this podcast Dr Rob Lown, Consultant Haematologist at University Hospital Southampton talks to Lymphoma Action’s Anne Hook about the monoclonal antibody rituximab. Dr Lown explains what rituximab is and how it works to treat lymphoma, both as part of a chemotherapy regimen and as maintenance therapy. Dr Lown describes why ritixumab was considered a ‘game changer’ in the treatment of B-cell lymphomas, and who may be given it as part of their treatment. Side effects of rituximab, the challenges of  long-term treatment, biosimilars and newer antibodies such as Obinutuzumab are also discussed.  Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences.  Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

The only thing that made Lauren think something was wrong was pain when she drank alcohol. In this podcast, Lauren explains about the shock of her Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis and decisions around fertility that had to be made swiftly. She talks about her treatment with BEACOPP chemotherapy and the dread she felt for losing her hair. She explains how she coped with her hair loss, as well as other side effects including mouth ulcers, sickness, fatigue and chemo brain. Lauren talks about her path to remission and how she felt abandoned and adrift when treatment finished. She explains how valuable therapy has been for her as she acknowledges the massive influence her diagnosis has had on who she is today.  Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences.  Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

In this podcast Clare Montagu, CEO at Poppy's Funerals and Dallas Pounds, Director of Services at Lymphoma Action, cover a subject often not spoken about. They talk through some of the myths and misunderstandings around funerals as well as some of the facts and practicalities. They talk about steps and choices you can make to ensure it is personal to you and enabling you to give the send off you would like. They also discuss some questions you could ask potential funeral directors when you plan a funeral.  Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences.   Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

A keen runner and weightlighter, Melinda thought she had pulled a muscle on her shoulder. She held off going to see her GP until things were a lot worse and also tried a chiropractor, hoping this would make a difference. But nothing was improving and she then developed pain in her back as well as a numbness that moved up her body. By the time she went back to see a GP, she could barely move, so was referred to A&E where CT and MRI scans revealed a tumour on her spine. She was transferred immediately to neurosurgery where an operation was carried out to remove the tumour, which was then biopsied. Melinda was told she had stage 4 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In the podcast Melinda explains having to tell her family, including her children, about her cancer and the tremendous support they provided. Now 4 years in remission, she reflects on how her diagnosis has changed her outlook on life and having to come to terms with the new Melinda.   Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences.  Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

Dr Mike Scanlan is a retired therapist and lecturer in mental health at the University of Northampton and De Montford University. In this podcast he talks to Lymphoma Action’s Anne Hook about sleep and achieving good, restorative sleep.    Many people worry about getting a good night’s sleep and the more you worry about it, the harder it is for your brain to allow you to get to sleep. In this podcast Mike covers the architecture of sleep, difficulty getting off to sleep and how this varies from insomnia, and getting back to sleep after waking during the night. He also addresses the particular problems people may have if they have symptoms of lymphoma, such as itching or peripheral neuropathy.   In this podcast Mike talks through a number of techniques that people can try that may prove helpful. The first of these is the technique of writing things down that are playing on your mind, so your brain feels that anything troubling is being addressed. He then talks about cognitive shuffling, where you create pictures in your mind to help you try to get back to sleep, and later Mike provides visualisation techniques where you place your worries on a ‘Leaves on a Stream’ and let them float away.  Mike explains that we have a sleep window when people are more likely to be able to achieve good restorative sleep. He talks through a number of gentle changes that can have a big impact. These include sleeping in complete darkness, controlling the time you have caffeinated drinks and cooling the body in preparation for sleep. He also talks about the benefit of exercise, especially if it is taken in the morning and outdoors. For many people, having dropped off to sleep, they wake up during the night. Mike provides ideas to try and minimise the disruption of this and offers strategies to drop off again quickly. In this podcast to nap or not to nap is discussed as well as alternatives that may prove valuable. This includes NSDR (non-sleep deep relaxation), which is a type of meditative yoga which puts you into a relaxed restorative state which feels like a nap but without going to sleep.   Find out more about sleep and achieving restorative sleep by listening to the podcast.  Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences.   Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk

Mez talks with honesty about his diagnosis and treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. As a 42-year old Indian Hindu with a wife and 1-year old daughter, he found it hard to find others going through the same experience and wanted to share his story to support others like himself. He talks about the challenges of treatment and how he created circles of friends and family to support him through the difficult times. Mez is a problem solver and explains how important it was for him to arm himself with as much information about lymphoma as possible; leaving clinical decisions to the medical professionals who he put his trust in. He speaks candidly about his struggles with fatigue and extreme short-term memory loss and strategies he adopted to help him. Now in remission, and with a new addition to his family, Mez cherishes the joys of family.  Lymphoma Voices is a series of podcasts for people living with lymphoma, and their family and friends. In each podcast, we are in conversation with an expert in their field, or someone who has been personally affected by lymphoma, who shares their thoughts and experiences.   Lymphoma Action is the only charity in the UK dedicated to supporting people affected by lymphoma. We are here to make sure that everyone affected by the condition receives the best possible information, support, treatment and care. Our services include a Freephone helpline, support group network, Buddy Service, medical information, conferences for those affected by lymphoma, and education and training for healthcare professionals. We would like to thank all of our incredible supporters whose generous donations enable us to offer all our essential support services free of charge. As an organisation we do not receive any government or NHS funding and so every penny received is truly valued. From everyone at Lymphoma Action and on behalf of those affected by lymphoma, thank you. For further information visit: www.lymphoma-action.org.uk