At last, a website that offers information, support and encouragement. I was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in September of 2001. I found a tumor under my tounge the size of a fifty cent peice and a lump on my neck every time I ate something. I underwent surgery in October that consisted of removing the tumor and using a skin graft from my thigh. The surgeon thought Id be back to work in a couple of months.... wrong. Part of my tounge had to be removed; the cancer had metastisized to lymph nodes on both sides of my neck and disection was done to remove two nodes. Infection set in the day after I was released from the hospital. Radiation was performed twice a day for six weeks beginning in November. My taste buds have not returned and they had to pull what teeth I had on the bottom which makes eating all but impossible. I can, however, tolerate Boost (six cans a day). I am beginning to eat soft foods like scrambled eggs and soups, but very little per day (about 4 Tablespoons). It has been a long rough road but I feel God has given me a second chance at life. I have found, like so many of you, that a positive attitude is essential for a speedy recovery and healing. I have not yet returned to work. Part of me wants to but another part of me is very much afraid of how others will perceive me. As shallow as it sounds, I am self conscious of my appearance and speech. Has anyone out there had cosmetic surgery for minimizing scar tissue? My doctor's say there is nothing that can be done and future surgery would probably make things worse. I have begun massage therapy to help move the fluids and break down the scar tissue on my neck. It seems to be helping.
I have more questions but I'll stop here. Since I'm a new member, I hope to correspond with some new found friends. Hopefully I can answer some questions that others might have or at least lend some support to another. Thanks for listening. Lorraine