Hello,

I am a 4 time oral cancer survivor not related to HPV. First occurrence was in Aug. of 2014 in my left palate. Surgery followed by 30 radiation treatments. I lost 60 lbs. and most of my saliva.That in itself was a challenge. The next was June of 2017. It was now in my left cheek-again more surgery and a graft taken from my right thigh into my cheek. The next was Sept. of 2018. Again in my cheek and gum area-more surgery. Dec 2018-biopsy on lesions on my gum and palate showed severe dysplasia. This time my doctor referred me to a head and neck specialist who could resect and reconstruct the left side of my mouth. I had that done 3/4/19 and had a terrible experience. I also had all my nodes on the left side of my neck removed. Here I am almost 2 months out from the last surgery and am pretty depressed. Due to limited saliva, my teeth began to rot about 2 years ago despite exceptional oral hygiene. So, I had all my teeth removed-it was such a loss.The way I healed from my last surgery required me to have part of my top denture cut as scar tissue formed from my gum to top inside lip. The surgery let me with a droop on the left side of my lips and total numbness in the left side of my lips that extends to my chest. The scar from the neck dissection is tight and burns. I feel a little disfigured and like a stroke patient. I was told by doctors and social worker that I have to get used to my new normal-really?? I guess i am mostly angry-and sick of the whole thing. wendy