Hello Jamie. I was diagnosed in April 2009, surgery May 11, 2009. The biggest issue with me in the oral cancer fight, is understanding. I lost relationships with family members and some friends over this disease. 4 years later I feel that I cannot talk to my family about my disease, they judjed me and how I handled my illness. The depression, panic attacks, and afraid to be alone that came after treatment was simply seen as a, and I quote, "pity party", end quote. Families need to be educated on the emotional aspect of this disease, victims are not only fighting to live, they are fighting to accept the "new Normal" that is now a part of their lives. I was not the same person after my fight, I had changed. I was a better person in so many ways, yet in other ways, I was scarred with such hurt and bitterness that it ate at me. I felt so alone, and still do in many ways. I was alone in my fight, no spouse, so I really needed my sister and my mother more than ever. Yet, I stongly believe that due to the lack of education and awareness, that families and caregivers simply don't understand this disease and it's effects. Please, I can't be the only one that went through this, we need to help others so they don't have to go through this added nightmare of the emotional mental side of this disease!
