In this profoundly moving episode of Tell Her, we sit down with Jo from Durham—a courageous mother and wife—who opens up about her journey after being diagnosed with cancer at the age of 53. Today, Jo lives with the knowledge that her cancer is now untreatable, and she’s been given just 8 months to live. Despite this heartbreaking prognosis, Jo shares her story with grace, humor, and an unwavering determination to make a difference.

She speaks candidly about the challenges she faced within the medical system, the frustration of having her symptoms initially dismissed as hormonal, and her mission to ensure other women are seen, heard, and properly diagnosed. Her powerful message is clear: Health Before Hormones.

Through laughter, tears, and raw honesty, Jo reminds us of the importance of self-advocacy, comprehensive health checks, and living life boldly—even in the face of unimaginable odds.

This episode is a tribute to Jo’s strength, her voice, and her unwavering fight to leave a legacy of awareness, courage, and hope.

00:00 Introduction to the Tell Her Podcast

00:24 Meet Joel: A Story of Resilience

01:33 Early Symptoms and Initial Doctor Visits

02:43 Struggles with Misdiagnosis

04:36 The Importance of Advocating for Your Health

05:55 The Diagnosis: Cancer and Its Impact

08:06 Navigating the Healthcare System

11:01 Raising Awareness and Fighting for Women's Health

12:43 The Emotional Journey and Family Support

14:37 Challenges with the Medical System

17:32 Exploring Treatment Options and Molecular Profiling

19:53 Balancing Awareness Efforts and Personal Life

22:50 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

46:27 Discussing Symptoms and Misdiagnosis

48:54 Genetic Factors and Family History

49:57 The Emotional Toll and Coping Mechanisms

52:29 Planning for the Future

54:11 The Impact of Chemotherapy

57:27 Navigating the Healthcare System

01:00:19 Advocating for Better Care

01:07:30 The Importance of Hope and Positivity

01:12:47 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Connect with Jo, and help her spread her message.

https://www.facebook.com/joanne.forster.52

https://www.tiktok.com/@jomarieart?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholangiocarcinoma

Connect with Sharni on social media

Tell her podcast -

https://www.facebook.com/sharnisoul/

https://www.tiktok.com/@tell.her.podcast?_t=ZN-8w4edqAQRuA&_r=1

Hairloss education

ABOUT YOUR HOST — SHARNI KNIGHTON

I’m Sharni Knighton, the creator and host of Tell Her. I was inspired to start this podcast after meeting so many extraordinary ordinary women through my hair loss and wig clinic. I wanted to give these women a space to share their stories and help them realize that what they see as “ordinary” is truly extraordinary.

As an educator, I also train stylists in the hair loss industry around the world — and I’m passionate about showing them who these incredible women are. I believe you should only step into this work if you’re ready to truly help and connect with the women you serve.

✨ Connect with my work:

• Hair Loss & Wig Clinic → www.sharniknighton.co.uk
• Training Academy → www.sharniknightonacademy.com
• IntelliMESH Product Line → www.intellimesh.co.uk

✨ Follow on social:

• TikTok → @sharniknighton
• Podcast TikTok → @tell.her.podcast