Hi everyone,
I was diagnosed with mouth cancer in June 2024. I had major surgery, 2 sessions of chemotherapy, and 30 sessions of radiotherapy. As a result, I lost half of my upper teeth. Since my surgery, I have always worn a face mask whenever I go outside. I already struggled with severe anxiety before this cancer journey, and now it has worsened because of my appearance—hence, the face mask.
I am blessed with a wife who is my ultimate source of strength and my reason to keep hoping despite everything. Because of her, I am trying my best to live a normal life, like working on getting a driver's license and finding a job. Luckily, I was able to secure a permanent job, even though I wear a face mask at work.
I have also been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, and obviously, the cancer journey didn’t help. Lately, I’ve been feeling depressed much more often than usual. I am overwhelmed by feelings of extreme hopelessness—like no matter what I do, I will just pass away, and a lot of people won’t even know I existed.
I don’t know how to move forward. I’m currently waiting to wear dentures, but they aren't very comfortable and they don't look good on me when I tried it. It feels like looking at a completely different person in the mirror.
Currently, I just try to keep myself busy at my new job. To be honest, I don’t really know the purpose of this post. I guess I just really need a safe space to share what I’m feeling inside.
Thank you for reading.
Hi Online Hope ….. you have definitely had a challenging time but I take my hat off to you for pushing through and not letting the rubbish journey you have had rob you of striving to live life as best as you can…… and well done using this space to get some stuff out there.
The cancer journey can be ever so different from person to person….. I am sure we could all compare our war wounds…..
I have been on my cancer journey for over 26 years (first diagnosed in 1999 at 43) with two very rare, hard to treat types of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphomas (one incurable) then Asbestosis and recently Prostate Cancer that navigating this journey can be such a stressful and challenging time.
Back in 1999 I was told the then median survival rate for my cancer was 3-5 years so on reflection I have been given a second chance to live life……. all within the restrictions that are now on me due to the effects of treatment in my body and immune system.
I cant give you any answers but can only encourage you to keep on keeping on.
You may not be up for this….. but talking to people ‘face to face’!!!!!!! can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
