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It’s the call you never expect: a loved one’s routine complaint turns your world upside down.

In this raw, emotional episode, Dr. Ashley Joves invites you into her family’s recent journey: a journey that began with her husband Brian’s returning tongue pain and unraveled into weeks filled with anxiety, countless medical appointments, and a heart-stopping cancer scare. As a dentist, Ashley never imagined the warning signs could hide in her own home, or that she’d be racing to get her own husband the care he needed, all while grappling with layers of fear and hope.

Dr. Joves shares the rollercoaster of emotions she and Brian faced as they navigated initial diagnoses, uncertain biopsy results, and the lingering possibility of cancer. Leaning on their faith, a generous circle of friends, and her colleagues in the dental and medical fields, she opens up about the power of community, the agony of waiting, and the critical importance of vigilance when it comes to oral health. Her poignant story is both a cautionary tale and a rallying cry: prioritize preventative screenings, never ignore the subtle signs, and hold your loved ones close. Through it all, Ashley’s voice rings with gratitude, hope, and a deep reminder that none of us are alone in our darkest moments.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The importance of early oral cancer screenings (even for those with no risk factors)
• How to recognize warning signs that may otherwise go unnoticed
• The emotional reality of supporting a loved one through a health scare
• Why trusting your instincts matters, even when initial results seem reassuring
• The value of advocating for timely medical attention and second opinions
• Ways to lean on faith, friends, and professional networks during crisis
• The impact of gratitude and vulnerability in times of uncertainty

Let this story be your reminder to regularly screen your loved ones for oral health and lean on your community in times of need.