Shows
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 76 # part 2 Beyond the tube...I spent a number of years working out how to transition off a PEG Tube feeder back to oral eating. The "transition" itself took me four months. The ongoing roadmap to eating is an entirely different story, yet the lessons I learnt and the theory model I created for myself continue to serve me well in my ongoing pursuit of living not only my best food life but my best life generally.Currently I am trying to drop a few kilos for a major walk at the end of the year. Nothing crazy just a few kilos...2024-04-1218 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 76 Head & Neck Cancer Theory Value Model for Creating a Best Food LifeThe purpose is to communicate in a logical manner what can be some of the side effects that happen to us as living, breathing human beings during head & neck cancer treatment.In this episode I'm going to be talking about food confidence erosion.I'm going to be talking about beyond the tube and I'm going to be talking about visual value models These value models, what are they all about?They're a way to visually communicate the value steps and outcomes to be achieved by undertaking the self managed online course...2024-02-0818 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 76 - 5 years out - where am I? This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yvonnemcclaren.substack.com/subscribe This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yvonnemcclaren.substack.com/subscribe2024-01-3011 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 74 Scanxiety & blood tests ... This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yvonnemcclaren.substack.com/subscribe2023-11-2315 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120An eating Christmas.The air changes in the lead up to Christmas. That smell, just before Christmas arrives, Christmas morning, something special in Australia it’s dry heat, the dark dawn brings soft strains of black bird call & magpie warble. GAG.| Eating life. is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Perhaps for you it’s burning cold, padded snow & food dread. Christmas lunch a task to be completed like a dental check up, getting through it and a sigh...2023-11-2105 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120EP 73 What's your WOT?I promise you links within and here they are my lovelies …Mind Food Body Program E Guide to living your best food life Kelly McCormick Podcast This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yvonnemcclaren.substack.com/subscribe2023-10-2723 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Altered eating: A definition & framework for assessment & intervention. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yvonnemcclaren.substack.com/subscribe2023-10-0622 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 70 Which part of I can't swallow isn't clear? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yvonnemcclaren.substack.com/subscribe2023-09-1511 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 69 Your food life is too important to leave to the professionals. Part #2 can access the workshop information here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yvonnemcclaren.substack.com/subscribe2023-09-0809 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 68 Your food life is too important to leave it to the professionals. Part #1 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yvonnemcclaren.substack.com/subscribe2023-09-0516 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 67 Practicing your Speech.In this episode of the "Gag: Eating with Head and Neck Cancer" podcast. Today, I want to delve into the importance of practicing speech and share my personal journey with speech therapy.Here’s my recorded bathroom practice that I refer to in the episode. During my cancer treatment, I found myself facing the daunting task of relearning how to speak, breathe, and eat. It was a challenging and frustrating process, but I was determined to regain my abilities. One technique that proved to be incredibly helpful was filming myself as I spoke and enunciated wo...2023-08-1809 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 66 Can treating head and neck cancer treatment like a business improve outcomes?In this podcast episode, I discuss the business aspect of head and neck cancer treatment. I emphasise the importance of treating the treatment process like a business, with a team of professionals working together towards an end goal. I mention the different professionals involved in the treatment and the need for patients to manage their own care. I also talk about our own program, the Mind Food Body program, and the importance of research, celebrating wins, and having things in place for success. I share my own struggles and milestones in my journey and encourage self-care and...2023-07-2817 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 64 How to create your best elevator pitch.In this podcast episode, Yvonne discusses the concept of elevator pitches and applies it to eating socially for individuals undergoing head and neck cancer treatment. She introduces her new website at Substack, which features podcasts, posts, and a section for listeners to ask her questions. Yvonne explains the idea of elevator pitches and how to create a personalised one for communicating specific needs and challenges when dining out or engaging in social activities. She emphasises the importance of practicing the elevator pitch and encourages listeners to visit her website for more resources and to connect with the...2023-07-2014 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 63 TrismusShow NotesIn this episode of "Gag ", I will be discussing my personal experience with trismus, a side effect of head and neck cancer treatment that causes difficulty in opening your mouth wide enough to eat.I will share my journey of stretching to improve my mouth opening and discuss the pain and challenges associated with trismus.It is important to persevere with the stretching exercises and maintain flexibility & to continue with daily activities such as chewing and swallowing. I cannot stress enough the benefits of maintaining good mouth opening for...2023-07-1510 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 65 How can we choose our reactions to difficult situations?In this podcast episode, I want to share my personal experience with head and neck cancer treatment and discuss the power of optimism and resilience. I recently wrote an article called "Dolphins Laughter and Resilience," where I talk about how I chose to react differently when I received news that my treatment had not worked as well as expected. It was a challenging time, but I realized the importance of being mindful and finding what is truly important to me in difficult situations.One piece of advice I have is to avoid seeking validation on...2023-07-1314 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 61 PEGS percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy what's the deal?As someone who has gone through the experience of having a PEG tube and using commercial formulas for feeding, I am compelled to share my story on this episode of "GAG | Eating with Head and Neck Cancer Treatment" podcast. I know firsthand the mental and emotional challenges that come with having a feeding tube, and I want to offer some insights and practical tips for those who may be going through a similar experience.First and foremost, it is important to accept the peg tube as a means to an end. While it may be...2023-06-0813 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 60 Food communication with HNC patients.In episode 60 of the "Gag. eating with head & neck cancer" podcast, I discussed the challenges of communicating food to head and neck cancer patients. As someone who has personally undergone head and neck cancer treatment, I understand the difficulties that come with the process of transitioning from a peg tube to oral eating. In the episode, I emphasised the importance of resources, nutrition, and transitional foods for patients.During my own journey, I created a program to document my experience and help others with the mental and physical challenges of transitioning from a peg tube to oral...2023-06-0118 min
Swallow Your Pride Podcast282 – Finding Purpose After Diagnosis: A Patient’s HNC Triumph – Yvonne McClaren WOMTWhat do your HNC patients *really* want you to know? My guest this week is spilling the tea from her own personal triumph over HNC...
Yvonne McClaren has faced the unthinkable - from a tonsil cancer diagnosis to a partial glossectomy (and tonsillectomy and lymphadenectomy), but has gone on to change the outlook for other HNC patients through her work as a passionate patient advocate.
She's a chef, soup savant, contributing author to university curricula, and podcast host.
Yvonne’s goal is to bridge the gap between SLPs /Dietitians and home kitchens with li...2023-05-3145 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 59 From Feeding Tubes to Fresh FoodIn this episode of "The No Feeding Tube Show," I discuss the importance of nutrition for patients undergoing head and neck cancer treatment. I share my personal experience of having a peg tube for 15 months and transitioning back to oral eating, highlighting the challenges of interpreting medical advice about high protein, high energy, and nutrient-dense food when dealing with changes in the mouth, tongue, and teeth. I stress the need for patients to understand basic nutrition and food groups, and to consider their ethnicity, interests, and passions when communicating nutrition. Additionally, I provide practical tips for shopping for food...2023-05-2513 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120What I did step by step for my BEST food life following head & neck cancer treatment.You can find my community here and more about the following below: -Mind Food Body Programme yvonnemcclaren.bio.link As someone who has gone through the treatment process, I can say that food plays an incredibly important role in our lives. It's not just about nourishing our bodies, but it's also about our social abilities and our ability to reintegrate back into society. Being able to get back to work, travel, and enjoy life again is a huge part of the treatment process, and food is a critical component of that.2023-05-2217 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 58 When treatment stops...In this episode of "The No Feeding Tube Show," I discuss the emotional and social impact of head and neck cancer treatment, specifically the feeling of loneliness that can arise after treatment ends. The lifeline that head and neck cancer nurses provide. I share my personal experience and emphasise the importance of recognising and addressing this aspect of the patient experience. I also highlight the role of social media in connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences and the importance of creating a positive food experience during and after treatment. As...2023-05-1810 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 57 "Why aren't we telling individual patients about it?"Show NotesIn this podcast episode, I discuss the importance of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) as a resource for people with swallowing difficulties. I share my personal experience with dysphagia and how I discovered IDDSI, expressing frustration with the lack of promotion of the resource by healthcare professionals. I note that IDDSI is person-focused and provides information that can be applied to an individual's personal eating life. I commend the volunteers and sponsors of IDDSI and encourage individuals to continue eating well and taking care of themselves.I...2023-05-1111 min
GAG | eating life with head & neck cancer Ep 60 - 120Ep 57 "Why aren't we telling individual patients about it?"Show NotesIn this podcast episode, I discuss the importance of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) as a resource for people with swallowing difficulties. I share my personal experience with dysphagia and how I discovered IDDSI, expressing frustration with the lack of promotion of the resource by healthcare professionals. I note that IDDSI is person-focused and provides information that can be applied to an individual's personal eating life. I commend the volunteers and sponsors of IDDSI and encourage individuals to continue eating well and taking care of themselves.2023-05-1111 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 56 Idiosyncrasies of swallowingIf you or a loved one has gone through head and neck cancer treatment, you know firsthand the challenges of managing eating and swallowing difficulties. As someone who has personally experienced these idiosyncrasies, I want to share my story and offer advice for coping with them.One of the most important things I've learned is the impact of external factors on swallowing. Changes in weather, exercise, and mental health can all affect our ability to swallow. By being mindful of these factors, we can better manage our swallowing difficulties and reduce frustration.Another valuable insight...2023-05-0413 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 55 Artificial formulas (AF) & PEG TubesIn this episode of the "No Feeding Tubes Show," I share my personal experience with artificial formulas and feeding tubes after cancer treatment. I discuss the limitations and side effects of relying on feeding tubes and emphasise the importance of fresh food, phytonutrients, and fibre in a healthy diet. I also talk about my journey transitioning from a peg tube to solid oral eating again and encourages listeners not to be fearful of their feeding tubes and to continue researching how to transition off them if possible. I discuss how this whole process was the catalyst for writing Easy...2023-04-2718 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Why I called my podcast the No Feeding Tubes ShowHave you ever wondered why my podcast is called "The No Feeding Tubes Show?" Well, in this episode, I'm going to share with you the personal story behind the name and why it means so much to me.During my head and neck cancer treatment, I had to have a feeding tube. It was a difficult experience, but I was determined to get rid of it. I documented my journey of transitioning off of it and used my skills as a qualified chef and writer to create resources, including this podcast, to provide support and information for...2023-04-2210 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 53 - A day in the life of me.I was asked to present a day in the life of me as a head & neck cancer treatment patient. For those in the dark about who I am and what happened to me - the short version is I was living in Saigon with a very sore throat. Fast forward a few months and I had 1/3rd of my tongue removed, both tonsils, the tumor, a neck dissection (removal of 30 lymph nodes) chemotherapy and had my neck radiated like pork crackle all of which resulted in a loss of 25kgs and eating via a feeding tube for...2023-04-1122 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Behind the mask Get full access to GAG | eating with head & neck cancer at yvonnemcclaren.substack.com/subscribe2023-04-0514 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 51 3 Deadly sins of snack suggestionsThe Three Deadly Sins of Snack Suggestions for Head and Neck Cancer PatientsIf you or someone you know has gone through head and neck cancer treatment, you know how difficult it can be to adjust to a new food life. As a head and neck cancer survivor and chef, I understand the importance of mindful snacking and cooking techniques that are suitable for each individual's needs.However, there are three deadly sins of snack suggestions that I see all too often. First, many images used in dietetics and speech language pathology textbooks are not...2023-03-2818 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59What happens after 5 years or NED?In an effort to support, simplify and produce sincere work I have recently launched Gag. The newsletterAn honest appraisal of life with head & neck cancer treatment side effects, a way to find a silver lining, inspiration, motivation and thought provocation to continue to live your best food life .New and continued resources for you to purchase can be found on Gumroad Get full access to GAG | eating with head & neck cancer at yvonnemcclaren.substack.com/subscribe2023-03-1316 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 49 Cancer gave me a better life 😀Episode 49 Cancer gave me a better life!Why I have positive thoughts about head & neck cancer. ◥◥ Grab your FREE Social Eating Checklist Find my other resources here🎈I discovered a silver lining or 2 with head & neck cancer treatment and the cancer itself. In this episode I discuss the positive aspects of the treatment. What I hang onto when the going gets really tough. Friendship circles, goals and meditation.Support the showYour listening to me here, you can also subscribe, watch on You Tube...2023-02-0917 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 46 3 things we should not be told about food!◥◥ Grab your FREE Social Eating Checklist This episode is likely going to upset a few people, well SLP's mostly but it's how I feel and I wish SLP's would focus on guiding food choices and not dishing out recipes and specific food items. There is a reason for my "opinion" and that's what I discuss here in this episode.Support the showYour listening to me here, you can also subscribe, watch on You Tube, follow me on socials, buy me a glass of bubbles and or ask a question. 2023-01-2618 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 47 Why I don't call myself a warrior◥◥ Grab your FREE Social Eating ChecklistI took todays episode from learnings of Tony Robbins. It's why I am not a warrior and never refer to myself as such. It's about decisions and laser like focus. Support the showYour listening to me here, you can also subscribe, watch on You Tube, follow me on socials, buy me a glass of bubbles and or ask a question. Find out how to do all that and more here Get full access to GAG | eating with head & neck cancer at y...2023-01-1916 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 44 3 ways to add value to your food lifeDown load the cookery principles here to add more value to your food life and cooking repertoire. MotivationExplanationContinuation Staying motivated, explaining what's happened and continuing on with life. This episode I talk about how I did it, the things that influenced me and what I was not prepared to have happen.Support the showYour listening to me here, you can also subscribe, watch on You Tube, follow me on socials, buy me a glass of bubbles and or ask a question. Find out how...2022-12-2914 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 45 My 6 top survival strategies for ChristmasDownload your FREE 6 Christmas Strategies guide here I discuss what I did and how you can make the festive season a little more comfortable. I hope you have the best food you can manage over the Christmas period.Be kind to your self and try to make the most of it ! Support the showYour listening to me here, you can also subscribe, watch on You Tube, follow me on socials, buy me a glass of bubbles and or ask a question. Find out how to do all that and more he...2022-12-2215 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 43 Top 3 Cooking Techniques for HNCDown load the cookery principles here Top 3 cooking techniques for head neck cancer side effects. Moisture adding methods, download the principles for cooking as a BONUS. You can read the blog here Support the showYour listening to me here, you can also subscribe, watch on You Tube, follow me on socials, buy me a glass of bubbles and or ask a question. Find out how to do all that and more here Get full access to GAG | eating with head & neck cancer at yvonnemcclaren.substack.com/subscribe2022-12-1515 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 42 3 surefire ways to improve your HNC patient's food life.◥◥ Get your FREE resource to focus and work toward your food goals with this SECL Social Eating Check List Hear what we talk about behind closed doors. The online Mind Food Body Program, 5 modules and 20 lessons to motivate & guide patients to achieve their food goals. Listen here https://www.buzzsprout.com/1960023/11138958Watch here https://youtu.be/NBpUUCealVUt https://youtu.be/USknvnC-ubk Special link for LinkedN Support the showYour listening to me here, you can also subscribe, watch on You Tube, follo...2022-12-0913 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 41 The 3 things HNC treatment have taught me◥◥ Get your FREE resource to focus and work toward your food goals with this SECL Social Eating Check List This is the first episode of series 3. Introducing 5- Notch Friday - subscribe to get the information straight to your inbox every Friday! Living with the diagnosis of dysphagia following HNC treatment means many things to many people. I talk about the 3 biggest things I discovered, managed, and to this day continue to work on. My new look e news is launched with this episode ...5 - Notch Friday. Subscribe to receive help...2022-12-0214 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 40 Food Confidence & Meal Planning◥◥ Get your FREE resource to focus and work toward your food goals with this SECL -Social Eating Check List In this episode I discuss the importance of meal planning and getting the basics right so you can manage the challenges of unfamiliar territory when it appears. I talk about food confidence and how meal planning plays into that. My 300km walk through Portugal & Spain and how I managed my food whilst burning up to 2000 calories plus a day. Support the showYour listening to me here, you can also subscribe, watch on You Tub...2022-11-2015 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59EP 39 Food mindset - are you setting yourself up for failure?◥◥ Get your FREE resource to focus and work toward your food goals with this SECL - Social Eating Check List In this episode I discuss the importance of self motivation, finding ways of (resources) to manage food anxiety. Self talk and communicating your needs to others.Support the showYour listening to me here, you can also subscribe, watch on You Tube, follow me on socials, buy me a glass of bubbles and or ask a question. Find out how to do all that and more here Get full access to GAG...2022-11-1320 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 38 I am so over that food!Live your BEST food life. Download my FREE printable resource The 3 step process to meal planning Change from eating to live to living to eat. Your relationship with food and how you think about it makes a difference. Best ways to stay connected to food even if you are not eating. If you are a carer this episode is for you too. Purpose of food for youHow you think about food Ways to stay connected Support the showYour listening to me here, you can also subscribe, watch on You Tube, foll...2022-11-0614 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 37 Advocate for yourself - if not you then who?◥◥ Get your FREE resource to focus and work toward your food goals with this SECL - Social Eating Check List In this episode I discuss working out what your needs are, communicating your needs ( to whom & how) and recognising if this is creating your BEST food life.If you have not already listened to Episode 18 - now would be a good time to do that -It's all about food goals. Check it out ...Support the showYour listening to me here, you can also subscribe, watch on You Tube, follow me on socials...2022-10-3014 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 36 The Trauma eater - accepting realityLive your BEST food life. Download my FREE printable resource The 3 step process to meal planning Coming to terms with who you are following treatment. Acceptance of the different food person you are now and finding small ways to improve your food life.I get it. This is hard and it took me a really long time to come to terms with it. But come to terms with it you must. There is no other way and no way out. It's ok - let's do this together. Support the showYou...2022-10-2311 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 35 Facing public scrutiny with dysphagia◥◥ Get your FREE resource to focus and work toward your food goals with this SECL - Social Eating Check List Facing the public with dysphagia Coughing up mucus (frog spawn) as I like to call it. Using a PEG tube to feed in publicDealing with public scrutiny Covid - bodily fluids and how that might work Culturally acceptableSocially acceptable What do you do with all that excess mucus in public? Listen in as I discuss everything about this treatment that is rarely discussed - well publicly anyway! Support the showYour listening to...2022-10-1620 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 34 Managing food availability fear◥◥ Get your FREE resource to focus and work toward your food goals with this SECL - Social Eating Check List Not knowing what you are walking into can be a real issue after HNC treatment. Is it stopping you from doing things (activities) you use to do? Why? What you can do to mitigate the negative process that seems to come with treatment.Be bold, make decisions quickly and get on top of the fear, anxiety & solitude.I know, easier said than done! Listen in to how I do it and did it...2022-10-0914 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 33 Eating on the run with dysphagia 🙄😏◥◥ Get your FREE resource to focus and work toward your food goals with this SECL - Social Eating Check List Whether you are travelling, working or like me, just going out for a days' hike how do you pack food to eat?1. Be prepared2. Know your fall back options3. Cope with and manage anxiety I am also undertaking a meditation course which I have found has reduced my anxiety a lot!https://www.wakingup.com/ - @SamHarris Find or follow my trip Portugal to Spain here Support the show...2022-10-0216 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 32 PEG Tube Stigma◥◥ Get your FREE resource to focus and work toward your food goals with this SECL - Social Eating Check List 3 things I suggest for PEG Tubes generally ...1. Forgive yourself - there seems to be a STIGMA with PEG Tubes there should not be!2. Embrace the PEG 3. Have a plan to get off the PEG Slow feeds, allergies, travel restrictions I cover it all.Support the showYour listening to me here, you can also subscribe, watch on You Tube, follow me on socials, buy me a glass of bubbles a...2022-09-2620 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 31 Mastering Physical Food ConstraintsPurchase my Book here Easy Follow Easy Swallow My top 3 Lymphodema - cold laser, massage, lymphatic drainage massage Dry mouth - water, soup chasers - acupuncture - it worked for me! Stiff (concrete) neck likely due to side effects of radio therapy Dry needling , massage, yoga Support the showYour listening to me here, you can also subscribe, watch on You Tube, follow me on socials, buy me a glass of bubbles and or ask a question. Find out how to do all that and more h...2022-09-1818 min
The No Feeding Tubes Show Episode 1-59Ep 30 Portion Sizes & Time◥◥ Grab your FREE Social Eating Checklist Recognise the length of time it takes to eat anything - be prepared and tell othersPortion sizes - how to explain to a restaurant, café, pub you can't eat big portions and why ( yep get graphic) Talking, eating & breathing - you just can't. It's almost impossible to try and have a focused conversation and eat and breathe at the same time. Recognise that the parameters of your eating have changed and you must change with them. No point in pretending they are not happening because they are. ...2022-09-1120 min