New Lingen Davies Trustee Pete Jackson felt ‘something was wrong’ for two years before he received a diagnosis confirming he had tongue cancer.
Following a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment, he’s now on a journey to find his new normal…
Pete Jackson, 62, had been reassured his symptoms were ‘nothing to worry about’, but after two years of impacted eating, he made the decision to go back to his dentist for another check.
“I’d had something the matter for two years and had been to the dentist and was referred to the clinic in 2022.
“It was affecting my eating and I was chewing on the other side. When I look back, it wasn’t painful and it wasn’t causing me any distress. But finally, I was at a point where I couldn’t put my tongue out straight, so I went back to the dentist and was referred straight away for a biopsy.”
In June 2024, Pete was diagnosed with tongue cancer and decided early on that he would be open about his experiences in the hope it would help others facing a similar diagnosis.
After receiving his diagnosis, Pete had a biopsy before being fitted for a bespoke radiotherapy mask – used to keep the patient’s head in place so radiotherapy reaches the right place. Treatment began four months after his diagnosis, with six weeks of radiotherapy alongside six weeks of chemotherapy.
“When I had my radiotherapy, I asked if I could take a video to see what it looked like when I was in it. Seeing how the machine worked really helped me understand and accept it.
“Friends and family were really supportive throughout my treatment and other people shared their own experiences, which was very positive. Receiving encouragement and support was helpful to me.”
Though Pete’s treatment was going well, things got harder the closer he got to the finish line.
“The final week I was very tired. The saliva function of my mouth was impacted and I was unable to eat. I had to have food through a PEG for 2 months.”
When Pete finished treatment, his celebration was cut short when he came down with a temperature the following day due to an infection. He spent the following ten days at Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.
“It was very hard for my wife. Just before Christmas I had a big swelling under my ear on the side of my throat. I looked and felt like the Elephant Man. Thankfully, I was home for Christmas.”
After a post-treatment review, which included further tests and a biopsy Pete received the good news that his treatment had been successful.
Now, a few months after completing treatment, Pete has been busy pouring his experiences into creative outlets.
After ‘going down a Pinterest hole’ and seeing lots of people using their radiotherapy mask to create a piece of art, he followed suit and created his own, entering it into the Royal Society of the Arts open art competition.
Titled The Arc of Resilience, the piece reflects the arc made by the radiotherapy machines, as well as encompassing the people, moments, and support that helped Pete stay resilient.
“Art is a part of therapy I could do, telling my story through the mask.”
Pete has also been working closely with Young Tongues, a global support charity dedicated to people who have been diagnosed with tongue cancer, which is something he started during treatment.
Connecting with others through a shared experience has been really helpful for Pete, both during and after his treatment.
“I’ve made some good connections with other people. It’s a very personal thing – some people never want to see it or think about it again, but I wanted to do something with my mask.”
As part of his work with Young Tongues, Pete has appeared on their podcast, sharing details about his diagnosis, treatment and everything in between.
“I’m trying to find a new normal.
“It’s still very fresh but I’m a positive person and generally see opportunities in all situations. Lots of good things have also happened.
“Before my treatment I was doing parkrun with my daughter. I’ve always been a runner and had started doing parkruns, getting faster and faster each time.
“I’d been losing weight from running and, when I started my treatment, I was really fit which really helped me. It was a good position to be in.”
Since finishing his treatment, Pete has returned to his Couch to 5k training and recently completed his first parkrun.
While he finds his new normal, Pete will continue to be monitored for the next few months.
“They did another biopsy in early February 2025 as they’d seen another swelling on my cheek, but I was told I had the all clear.”
Pete has now joined the board of trustees for the charity, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge from working adult social services and the community in Telford.
Pete says, “I know this journey has changed me, and I’m not sure I’ll ever quite go back to who I was before – but that’s OK.
“I’ve discovered strength, creativity, and a community I never knew existed. If sharing my story can help someone else feel a little less alone, then it’s worth every word. I’m grateful to be here, still running, still laughing, still keeping on keeping on.”
