Hi, I’m April.
I have been diagnosed with cancer about three weeks ago. I have been avoiding joining any chat groups for the last three weeks too 
I have been diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma or cancer of the parotid gland. I have had one surgery to remove the cancer have have recently been told I have to have another surgery in October.
Honestly I kind of don’t really know how to deal with this or what to do now. I don’t think it’s really hit me yet. I work with cancer on a daily basis as a carer but knowing I have it is a completely different kettle of fish!
my consultant is a little bit rubbish but a doctor at my GP surgery has been an absolute star and has explained all the medical side. However, I would love to hear from anyone who has had a similar experience.
Hello April, I have had saliva glands removed plus other operations too with mouth cancers, yes I bet it is a shock of being a carer for cancer patients and now having yourself so I feel for you. Most consultants are ok but you do have to ask them to speak in our language and not in their technical language. I did not have to have another in that area, as far as I know, perhaps this one has to heal up first before they can operate a second time. We have a few saliva glands in our mouths so maybe you will not be too bad saliva wise and could be another reason for the second operation to improve things? It sounds as if you are in good hands with a consultant who is on the ball. I tended to take each day as it came and not look too far ahead as I found I could cope better this way. I'm sure there will be others on this site to offer more advice on this subject. Wishing you all the best during this journey, take care.
Chris x
Its sometimes not easy but its worth it !
