Christine,

I'm at the two year mark now, but only 11 months from my Nerve Graft. When they did my reconstruction they knocked out my facial nerve, so before they do any cosmetic they wanted to try and restore function. I've got a few more months before they determine whether the graft will restore function to see what other reconstruction/cosmetic (facial sling etc..) surgery that needs to be done.

Hey Karen

i just dropped in to say how much i admire you,Christine and Eric.your ongoing battle against the worst after effects of this pernicious disease is a testament to your strength and bravery,and i am sure an inspiration to all those souls who have a never ending reminder of the deadly gift of surgery and radiation.

Thanks for your thoughtful words Liz.

So far, no dramas. The bruises are turning a dark shade of yellow - mustard.

I feel fresher today. I went to my friends Hair Studio last night and she washed my hair without getting a drop of water on any of the bandages wrapped around my lower face, neck and throat. Usually she waves the water sprayer around like a baton and I get drenched. Job well done and much easier than trying to wash it over a basin or something, we tried that when I had the trachestomy, and it didn't work.

Karen

I'm SO happy!!! Before the dressing was changed today, I got a look at my lower face. I can't believe it's symmetrical again. I'm actually beginning to look like the old me. I honestly didn't think I would ever look in the mirror and feel like I'm seeing me again.

Today the stitches were removed from my stomach where some fat was taken. Because of the many surgeries and damaged skin from the radiotherapy, the stitches around my chin, throat and neck will be in for another week.

After the jaw reconstruction in 2008, my lower lip had been pulled down so my lips didn't sit together as normal. Also, due to some nerve damage one side of my lower lip drooped more than the other side. With the skin graft and fat injected last week it has lifted up my lower lip and evened out that side of my lip, which in turn should help control the drooling. The skin around my neck isn't pulling as much as it was, it feels much better.

So far everything is looking good and feeling good.

Karen

Fanbloodytastic Karen,
I am so HAPPY that you are HAPPY
Love
Gabriele

Great news Karen! I'm so happy for you.

Its nice to hear some good news Karen. My warmest and best wishes for even better results once the healing finishes. x

Minh

Karen,
Your good news bolsters my faith that anything is possible! I just had a followup with my PS and he really shot a hole in my expectations. Told me I'm the worse case he's ever seen and I shouldn't expect much. Just the day before I met a woman who had very much the same experience as we have had and she looked wonderful (considering). My PS absolutely refused to believe it when I told him about her. I'm sure he would find your success unbelievable as well. I need to convince him to become a member of OCF so he can read these success stories for himself. You are an inspiration!!

Pat

That's so great, Karen. My ENT was telling me there was a surgery he could do that would straighten my mouth out but I wasn't in the mood for any more surgery at the time. Maybe I'll consider it now. You've gone through so much more than I have and you're an inspiration to me.

Karen,

It is so wonderful to read your post. Your excitement and happiness with the results of your surgery are so apparent. You certainly deserve a break! I am so happy for you!

Anita