| | Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 25 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP  Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 25 | Hello All,
I was thinking about participating in the Rossville, Indiana walk at the end of April - proceeds go to OCF and it's only a four hour drive. My husband is always up for a road trip and my kiddos (7 and 4) love to stay in hotels.
How do I even begin to express what I what to say? I'll try and do my best. So many of you have been through so much and I am very proud to be part of this forum, yet, I feel so guilty as my cancer was superficial and my surgery was "nothing" compared to what you have endured. I want to do this walk but feel like because my cancer was so minimal, do I belong there? I sometimes feel that way when I am on this site because, like I said - you all have been through so much. I'm amazed by your courage!
My dentist sent me for a third opinion in regards to my persistant ulcer, maybe I could represent that early detection is key to making oral cancer history?
I feel guilty but am glad that my dentist was persistant and found it early. Just wanted to share what's on my mind.
Yvonne
Age 35
Superficial SCC lateral tongue
HPV(-), nonsmoker
Right lateral tongue resection 1/17/11 w/ Alloderm Graft
Proud mother of 2
Enjoy walking/aerobic kickboxing
Pittsburgh Steelers Fan! (#86)
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Yvonne, you are an oral cancer survivor! You are one of the very few lucky people who have battled this disease. Do not for one second feel an ounce of guilt about this. While you may not have had to deal with everything that some others have, you still had cancer. You are welcome at any event, at any time!!!! You are so right that early detection is the key to making this disease easier to treat.
Thanks for participating in the Indiana walk! Not just anyone would drive 4 hours to attend a walk.
Thank you!
ChristineSCC 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  | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 720 Likes: 1 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: May 2006 Posts: 720 Likes: 1 | You're living proof that early detection saves lives. End of story.
Leslie
April 2006: Husband dx by dentist with leukoplakia on tongue. Oral surgeon's biopsy 4/28/06: Moderate dysplasia; pathology report warned of possible "skip effect." ENT's excisional biopsy (got it all) 5/31/06: SCC in situ/small bit superficially invasive. Early detection saves lives.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 475 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 475 | Hi Yvonne,
Attending the walk as an oral cancer survivor is one of the best ways to help spread awareness. You are a perfect example of finding the disease early and having doctors who were on the ball! Congratulations on being a survivor!!
Thank you for wanting to participate in this walk. This is their second walk and they could use the support.
I wish you all the best and with your help, we can make oral cancer history!!
All my best,
Susan
Susan Lauria - OCF Director of Events - Always looking for volunteers to help spread the word about early detection! Contact me if you can help!
*Brother passed away from tongue cancer in 2006 at age 47, was co-caregiver, he was non-smoker/casual drinker
LETS MAKE ORAL CANCER HISTORY!
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 25 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 25 | I registered for the Rossville, Indiana walk. Any chance any of you are in the area and planning on going?
Yvonne
Age 35
Superficial SCC lateral tongue
HPV(-), nonsmoker
Right lateral tongue resection 1/17/11 w/ Alloderm Graft
Proud mother of 2
Enjoy walking/aerobic kickboxing
Pittsburgh Steelers Fan! (#86)
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