 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | A speech pathologist will be able to help your sister with her speech. It sounds like she has a long road ahead. I know another OC patient who was diagnosed at 17 years old. He went thru many major surgeries and went on to live a very good full life with getting married and having 2 wonderful children. Your sisters future may seem bleak right now but she is young and that is in her favor.
Your sister is lucky to have you with her. Make sure she is not in pain. Be her voice while she is in there. Watch the hospital staff to ensure they are doing everything they can to ensure her comfort.
Best wishes to your sister with her recovery.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
