Angelina, that really stinks that someone you work with is so ignorant to make a rude comment. I would feel the same as you, its one thing for a child who doesnt fully comprehend this to say something. Kids will adapt but shun anything 'different'. As far as the collegue, have you confronted them? I would and its not being rude either. Just would want to clear the air and set the record straight so they understand it wasnt a choice to talk differently, it was medically necessary. If that didnt work, approach their immediate supervisor and Im certain it will immediately cease. Harrassment in the workplace is against the law as is bullying especially someone with a disablity. I am like Suzanne and work in customer service where my voice is my job. I work very hard to overcome any speech problems to talk clearly so everyone can understand me. Its a difficult job and doing it with a voice problem makes it much more difficult. Stand up and be proud, not everyone can persevere as you have

Angelia, I have so many scars and especailly on my stomache area that I will nmot take my shirt off unless it is absolutely necessary for a medical procedure. My shoulders have scars about 10 inches long, the right one has a triple operation scar about 10 inchs long, this one from 1 bicept tendon repairs, the 1st was a joke as was the DR that did it as it had to be repaired using a staple, I was the 1st for this to be tried on at UPMC in Pittsburgh Pa, the left has a mayching scar from rotator cuff repair using a crew and washer, one elbow has a nice scar, then my stomache looks like it was the drawing board for a railroad track blue print. I have 2 sets of scars from the anneurysm with 1 still to go. One goes from close to my right side across and up the left side and the other is straight up the center to the middle of my chest. Then there are the scars from the nissen fundiplication to my esophagus. Looks like much oversized dimples big enough to hie something in. LOL Nope. my shirt will remain on. I don't even look unless I have to. Side ways I am the pic of health and look like a young body from working out the past few months.

Thank you all so much for the nice replies. I am doing much better, and that colleague of mine did apologize about making the first comment. Then went one to say that I did sound kind of funny. I did not get upset with her, just chalked it up to she did not understand what people with oral cancer go through. I did want to say, "Try talking with part of your tongue missing just a week afterwards." Anyway I am feeling much better, and thankful for everyday. One a better note, school is out for the summer and I will not have to see this person for a little over 2 months.

I agree with Christine, as usual:) If I was in Oklahoma I would be there to say something to that woman for you. I tend to be outspoken when needed. Especially with something like this. At least you don't have to see her for a while. Maybe she will realize the error of her ways.

Talk to you on Tuesday

That rude lady will never learn of her lesson. She is just plain old ignorant and doesnt understand cancer.

Come on Suzanne, we need a road trip! First to see our pal Patty, then stop by and say hello to Jim, next swing over to Oklahoma right in time for school to start.

Us OC survivors can be a tough bunch

Rude ignorant people like that make me really cranky!!!

I'm just loading up my car for the road trip! It might take me a while to get there, but where will I meet you?


Angelia, things WILL get better with time. You have just had surgery and there is probably swelling that still has to go down, which will make a huge difference.

Karen

On the cafepress web site is a t-shirt that says "Carefull, I already kicked cancer's ass". I think you need to wear that one to school. And Markus, you have a problem with the governator's California accent?

Re Arnold... Hell no!!

I have an accent myself ...... (part Swiss, Part Emory)

M

I think I would get fired if I wore a shirt like that to school. My tongue is getting better however, I had my first taste of real food tonight and then bit the you know what out the tip of my tongue. Hey, couldn't feel it, until my teeth hit each other. Went to the bathroom and I bit it pretty good. Guess I better be more careful, huh? Someone else made a comment about my speech this weekend. She also knew that I had this cancer in my mouth. I am getting sick of it. I just want to kick their you know what!!!!

walknlite,, go for it and don't take pity or use vaseoline , Bury it good.