Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, cancer and pregnancy and treatment side effects. Episode 216: Part of the Living with and beyond cancer series (Part 72) Description: In this honest, emotional and deeply inspiring episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara are joined by Holly Stubbs and her partner, Lee Wilkinson, to discuss the realities of facing a cancer diagnosis during pregnancy, navigating the physical and emotional side effects of treatment, and finding hope through some of life's most challenging moments. Holly is a devoted mother of three whose family is at the centre of everything she does. After receiving the life-changing news of a cancer diagnosis whilst pregnant, her world was turned upside down. Through courage, honesty and resilience, Holly has documented her journey online, sharing the highs and lows of treatment, motherhood and adapting to a new normal, providing comfort and support to thousands of others facing similar experiences. Lee, a father of three from the North East, began sharing their family's story on social media as a way of documenting their journey for their children. What started as a personal record has grown into a platform reaching millions, raising awareness of cancer, pregnancy and the importance of family, resilience and hope. Together, Holly and Lee offer a powerful insight into the impact cancer has on the whole family. They discuss balancing treatment with parenthood, coping with uncertainty, supporting one another through adversity, and the role of social media in connecting with and helping others. This is a moving conversation about love, strength, vulnerability and resilience that reminds us of the importance of compassionate, family-centred cancer care. Whether you are a healthcare professional, student, patient, caregiver or simply interested in the lived experience of cancer, this episode offers valuable lessons that will stay with you long after you've finished listening. CPD Reflection Points: Holly and Lee share the realities of living with and supporting someone through cancer. How has their story influenced your understanding of the emotional and practical impact of cancer on patients and their families?What can healthcare professionals learn from patient and caregiver experiences shared on social media, and how might these insights help improve communication, empathy, and person-centred care?Reflecting on Holly and Lee’s journey of adapting to a “new normal,” how can your practice better support patients and families beyond diagnosis and treatment, particularly during periods of adjustment and uncertainty?Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form. Links from the Episode: Oracle, Head and Neck Cancer UK Mouth Cancer FoundationYoung TonguesThe SwallowsMummys StarResearch links from the Episode: New research brings hope to head and neck cancer survivors with radiotherapy-induced dry mouthResearch into mouth and oropharngeal cancersRad Chat Links: Rad Chat WebsiteLink TreeFacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokBlueSkyYouTubeCredits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke. © Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved. We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline. You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing. You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context. Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.
