Lymphoma Voices (podcasts)

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.

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.

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 makem and discuss some questions you could ask potential funeral directors when planning a funeral.

By the time Melinda went back to see a GP she was in terrible pain and could barely move. A further visit resulted in a referral to A&E where CT and MRI scans revealed a tumour on her spine. The tumour was removed and biopsied, resulting in a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In the podcast Melinda explains telling her family, including her children, and 4 years on reflects on how lymphoma has changed her outlook on life.

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. He addresses the particular problems people may have if they have lymphoma and talks through a number of techniques that people can try that may prove helpful.

Mez, a 42-year-old Indian Hindu with a young family, talks about his diagnosis and treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. He speaks about the challenges of treatment and his struggles with fatigue and short-term memory loss.

Lead Pharmacist for Oncology, Tom Kerry, takes you behind the scenes of the hospital pharmacist. He explains how the pharmacist provides the expertise when it comes to medicines and how they are key in ensuring newly approved drugs are available for patients.   

Mike and Kasia talk about their diagnosis of mycosis fungoides (MF), a type of cutaneous (skin) lymphoma. Mike has had MF since 1999 while Kasia was diagnosed in 2023. They discuss the challenges of getting a diagnosis, living with a rare condition and the impact on them and their family. They also talk about treatments, including Mike's allogeneic stem cell transplant.

Def Leppard guitarist Viv Campbell talks about his diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. Troubled by a number of symptoms, Viv shares his feelings on having a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, his determination to keep working in a career he loves, and the challenges of various treatments he has had to keep one step ahead of his cancer.

Helen Knight, Director of Medicines and Evaluation at the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), talks about Health Technology Assessments and their role in making new treatments available through the NHS.

Dallas and Lesley talk about the importance of having timely conversations about our wishes with those that are important to us. Knowing that those we leave to make decisions on our behalf clearly know our thoughts can be both empowering and reassuring, leaving you to pack your wishes in a box and get on with life. Please note: this podcast contains information that some people may find upsetting.

John’s lymphoma story begins almost 50 years ago with a diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma that was kept from him. In a twist of fate, his daughter also received a blood cancer diagnosis. John talks about how his lymphoma experience led him to a career as a lymphoma clinical nurse specialist and more recently an author.

Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Professor George Mikhaeel, explains what radiotherapy therapy is and when it is used in the treatment of lymphoma. Although radiotherapy was available before chemotherapy, there have been enormous advances in this form of treatment and Professor Mikhaeel explains how and when it offers a really targeted approach to treatment.

Lou was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma in 2017. In this podcast, she talks about how living with a low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma can be challenging; wondering when and if you will need treatment again, the impact of living with lymphoma on her mental health, and the value of information and support at the right time.

John Murray, Nurse Clinician in Bone Marrow Transplant and Angie Leather, Lead Nurse for Transplant and Haematology CNS discuss the role of stem cell transplants in the treatment of lymphoma. They talk about the important differences between allogeneic (donor) and autologous (self) transplants and the challenges in deciding between them.
Please note: this podcast contains information on side effects and treatment outcomes that may be potentially upsetting.

Lyle was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021, at the age of 19. In this podcast, Lyle and his mum Julie talk about their shared experience of lymphoma, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond, and how their experience inspired them to fundraise for Lymphoma Action.

In this podcast, Manil Subesinghe, talks to us about the vital role radiology plays in the diagnosis and management of lymphoma. This podcast gives an insight into this key role in guiding treatment and decision-making, reviewing treatment outcomes, and in overall supporting individuals with lymphoma.

Two of our volunteers Penny and Mark join Carly, Volunteering Development Manager, to share life as a Lymphoma Action volunteer and how their volunteering makes a difference for people affected by lymphoma and their own personal experience of lymphoma.

Shortly after 28-year-old Nia had moved to the UK from the USA, she discovered a lump in her neck. Here she talks about her diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, how healthcare differs in the UK compared with the USA, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and ways she coped with treatment.

In this episode, Anne Hook, Lymphoma Action's Publication Manager is in conversation with Katie, who has lymphoma and has been receiving treatment through a clinical trial.

In this podcast, Advanced Nurse Practitioner Charlotte Bloodworth explains what relapsing in lymphoma means, strategies for treating and managing relapse, and support strategies for coping with concerns around relapse.

Lord Menzies Campbell, Patron of Lymphoma Action, talks to the Charity's Chief Executive, Ropinder Gill, about his esteemed and varied career, how some of his greatest achievements have been since his diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2002 and the important role that charities play when influencing policy and decision makers to ensure better health outcomes for those affected by cancer.

Bridget Wilkins, Consultant Haematopathologist, takes us through the fascinating topic of pathology: what it is and the role it plays in the diagnosis and management of lymphoma. This podcast gives an insight into this important role within the multidisciplinary team supporting individuals with lymphoma.

Scotland 7s international rugby union player and Team GB member, Robbie Fergusson, and Lymphoma Action volunteer Mike Taylor both reflect on their experiences with lymphoma. Robbie talks about the impact of his Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis on his career at the time, his recovery post-treatment and his experience of taking part in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Palliative Care Consultant and NHS England National Clinical Advisor for Enhanced Supportive Care, Dr Dan Monnery talks about the principles of enhanced supportive care (ESC), the benefits to this approach and how it differs from other types of care, and his wish that ESC be offered to everyone receiving a cancer diagnosis.

In this podcast, poet, author and illustrator Giles Andreae reflects on his lymphoma experience. He talks about an extraordinary initial diagnosis (3:32), his determination to preserve his fertility (8:43) and his treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma (19:36). He explains why he only wants to write about love and happiness (32:00) and how a later cancer diagnosis was even more challenging (33:30). Published in August 2021.

In this podcast, Bridgerton and Derry Girls actor Jamie Beamish talks to us about his experience of Hodgkin lymphoma, the impact his diagnosis had on his career at the time and the stem cell transplant he received as part of his treatment. Published in March 2021.

In this podcast, Emma talks to us about her experience of supporting her sister, Sarah, who has a diagnosis of lymphoma. Published in February 2021.

In this podcast, sisters Sarah and Emma talk to us about Sarah's diagnosis of lymphoma in 2020, and the emotional challenges of supporting a loved one at a distance. Published in February 2021.

In this podcast, Consultant Counselling Psychologist Angela Waind talks to Lymphoma Action's Karen Bonell about emotional wellbeing and mental health, the links with physical health, and strategies to help support positive mental wellbeing. Recorded on 9 December 2020.

In this podcast, consultant haematologist Dr Graham Collins talks to Lymphoma Action's Anne Hook about why he feels that lymphoma is so interesting. Recorded on 27 November 2020.

In this podcast, Dr Sarah Jarvis talks to Lymphoma Action's Stephen Scowcroft about the role of the GP, not just in referring people who have symptoms of lymphoma, but also for those with a lymphoma diagnosis. Recorded on 28 August 2020.