While I was doing my hyperbaric treatment, I looked at the person in the next tank. Usually I am there by myself and chat with the nurse. Today next to me was a small very pale woman who was quite frail. She appeared to be my age or possibly slightly older than me. Her husband looked like he was completely worn out also and very concerned.

After a little tv time I looked again and to my surprise I saw she had something around her neck which I thought could be a trach. I looked away so they wouldnt think I was staring and being rude. My next peek at her showed the same big lump like I have on my stomach. Im sure she also had a feeding tube.

When I got out of my tank they were gone. I asked the nurse and told her its ok if you arent allowed to tell me but I think that woman has oral cancer. My nurse at HBO is so sweet, she just closed her eyes and shook her head slightly and said you know there is a reason for everything. I pulled out my OCF brochure and gave it to my nurse to give to the woman and her husband. I told her its ok if you cant tell me, but I just know and I also know I can help them. That woman I saw today was me one year ago and it really opened my eyes as to how far I have come.

Im sure next week I will run into them at HBO and be able to talk to them. After all, cancer patients and their caregivers have their own secret club that only we understand. My insurance just approved 20 more dives for a total of 70 HBO treatments. Looks like Im going to make some new friends, hope they check out OCF.


Christine
SCC 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 smile