Health Before Hormones: The Cost of Dismissing Women’s Symptoms

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 Podcast00:24 Meet Joel: A Story of Resilience01:33 Early Symptoms and Initial Doctor Visits02:43 Struggles with Misdiagnosis04:36 The Importance of Advocating for Your Health05:55 The Diagnosis: Cancer and Its Impact08:06 Navigating the Healthcare System11:01 Raising Awareness and Fighting for Women's Health12:43 The Emotional Journey and Family Support14:37 Challenges with the Medical System17:32 Exploring Treatment Options and Molecular Profiling19:53 Balancing Awareness Efforts and Personal Life22:50 Final Thoughts and Call to Action46:27 Discussing Symptoms and Misdiagnosis48:54 Genetic Factors and Family History49:57 The Emotional Toll and Coping Mechanisms52:29 Planning for the Future54:11 The Impact of Chemotherapy57:27 Navigating the Healthcare System01:00:19 Advocating for Better Care01:07:30 The Importance of Hope and Positivity01:12:47 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsConnect with Jo, and help her spread her message.https://www.facebook.com/joanne.forster.52https://www.tiktok.com/@jomarieart?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pchttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CholangiocarcinomaConnect with Sharni on social media Tell her podcast -https://www.facebook.com/sharnisoul/https://www.tiktok.com/@tell.her.podcast?_t=ZN-8w4edqAQRuA&_r=1Hairloss education and wigs clinic https://www.tiktok.com/@sharniknighton?_t=ZN-8w4ej410tUc&_r=1https://www.facebook.com/Sharniknightonacademy/https://www.instagram.com/mesh_integration_education?igsh=MXEyNXVhcHlvZ2E5dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qrWebsites https://www.sharniknightonacademy.com/https://www.sharniknighton.co.uk/  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.ukTraining Academy → www.sharniknightonacademy.comIntelliMESH Product Line → www.intellimesh.co.uk✨ Follow on social:TikTok → @sharniknightonPodcast TikTok → @tell.her.podcast