Hi, I’m Derek and feeling fortunate to have joined this community today. Originally diagnosed with scc and had surgery in 2019 partial glossectomy and neck dissection. Reccurant scc diagnosed in June 2024 and I’m struggling mentally and physically from scc returning a 2nd time and the surgeries I had in Aug 2024. I was very much overwhelmed at the thought of having c again and due to the location and size of tumor the team was unsure what methodology would be used during surgery meaning would a partial glossectomy be adequate or would a flap be required. I definitely was not ready to awake from surgery with forearm flap reconstruction, a tracheotomy, wound vac on arm, skin graft on leg, ng tube. Perhaps I did not research or ask enough questions regardless it was overwhelming. Then 1 day after surgery I got Covid and then my situation was even more challenging. Unfortunately I couldn’t take anything by mouth and was scheduled for a g-tube surgery. After leaving the hospital recovery was very difficult as I live alone and was not equipped for the struggles that were to come. Very frustrating experience with medical team and referrals for post op care. Ultimately I found local PT and lymphoma clinic that were awesome! Did not go to SP or any other specialist. I now have a very real fear of going to hospital even for routine follow up. As much as I try to stay positive I struggle with the idea of when c is going to return and not if…
Kind regards-
D