Hi everyone, I wanted to update on what has been happening since my last surgery in November.

After 3 year and 10 months, last week I returned to work on a part time basis. Due to the many challenges I'm now forced to deal with following OC and severe damage from Osteoradionecrosis I'm not able to return to the same job description I held, and loved before I was diagnosed. I'm extremely grateful my employer has created a new position for me. We're not exactly sure what my position will involve yet, we are making it up as we go along.

Returning during the holiday season has made the transition easier. Skeleton staff and light traffic travelling to and from the central business district has eased my nerves a little. A lot has changed within the office, but then again, so have I.

I miss the old Karen, and everything about my life before this dreaded disease took so much from me. I always will. Besides the emotional and physical bashing our minds and bodies survive during multiple surgeries and treatments, it takes a lot of guts and determination to overcome the many difficulties some of us are forced to adapt to every waking moment of the day from the permanent damage we are left to deal with.

Only months ago, the possibility of returning to the 'corporate world' after battling OC didn't seem like an option for me. Nearly all of my tongue removed and twice rebuilt with tissue from my thigh and hip to be permanently anchored down to become the floor of my mouth. My lower teeth, gums, chin and jaw removed and jaw rebuilt with bone from my hip. Tracheostomy for several weeks at a time. A PEG feeling tube for 3.4 years. Nerve removed from my neck to go in my mouth. Metal plates and screws holding my lower face together. Teeth implants, a titanium plate made to become the platform for my denture teeth to sit on. Neck dissections from ear to ear. No muscle around my neck and throat due to the many surgeries. The list goes on. Yet, here I am planning what food I will prepare to take to work for lunch next week. It is a challenge, but I'm sure it will get a little easier with time.

In February I will be having more surgery to 'release lower lip constracture' and a bilateral face lift. When my jaw was reconstructed my lower lip and face was pulled down and my lips no longer sit together naturally. It causes some drooling which can be very upsetting and stressful when I try to speak. Releasing my lower lip and doing a skin graft should allow more movement and therefore lift my lower lip. At the same time I will be having a bilateral face lift to shape my lower face / jawline to give a natural appearance.

I will be staying in hospital for a couple of nights and off work for about 3 weeks. I will be wearing a compression garment for appoximately 2 weeks after the surgery. Based on the many complications and setbacks I have had in the past, I had warned my boss about the possibility of more surgery. Fortunately, being away from work so soon is not a major problem, they understand my priority is with my health and wellbeing. They have been supporting me every step of the way since the day I was diagnosed.

I will update after the next surgery.

Karen

Karen,

You truly are an amazing woman and so lucky to have a boss that is so willing to help you get back into the workforce.

I sure hope that this next round of treatment will be your last and that you will finally be able to get on with your life.

Thanks Jerry

Yes, I have been incredibly lucky, everyone I work with has been wonderful throughout the whole ordeal. They have re-written the sick leave rule book for me. I hope this will be the last surgery to.

Karen

Karen,

Yours is an amazing story of determination, perseverance and will. Your employer phenomenal. Good luck as you face your next challenge.

Marlene

Wow, I am impressed with your determinaton and fortitude. You serve as an inspiration for all of us on those tough days.

Sharon

Thanks Marlene and Sharon. I appreciate your kind words

Karen

Karen, I'm humbled by what you've been through and your determination and positive attitude. You inspire me, and I'm sure everyone else who reads what you've written.

I will keep you in my thoughts.
david 2

Hi Karen,
Even though I am aware of most of your journey it was amazing to read through you updated summary.
It is so hard to comprehend all that you have been through.
One comment you made says it all;
�It takes a lot of guts and determination to overcome the many difficulties some of us are forced to adapt to every waking moment of the day from the permanent damage we are left to deal with�.
You have guts and determination by the bucket load as you have been through more than most and you have my admiration as well as the rest of us here on OCF.
My very best wishes with your next challenge of the upcoming surgery in February.
May the end result be exactly what you are hoping for.
Love
Gabriele

Congrats Karen!!!! This is a huge accomplishment!!!! Way to go!!!! Im so proud of you for working hard and getting back into the work force. I wish you the very best in luck with this. Also best of luck with your upcoming procedure.

Karen, I cannot even begin to comprehend all you've been through. You have inspired me with your strength!
Best wishes to you!