Almost decision making time, SCC, surgery sounds only option.

Sorry Ses I can help personally but have a look at one of our members profile chris2012 

Chris has had major surgery with life changing consequences 

I’m sure he would say it was worth it. 
just click on his name. 

I can only wish you the very best on the road to come and send you both hugs

Hi Ses

So sorry to hear that your partner is needing a major op. Getting cancer is a huge shock and takes a while to come to terms with. Our life is taking a nice predictable path and then suddenly our whole world changes and we are on another path not of our choosing.

I have cancer of the jaw and my first cancer diagnosis was in 2013 when I was 59 and had a partial mandibulectomy followed by radiotherapy. Then I had a left maxillectomy in 2019 with more radiotherapy. My last op was in 2022 when I had a right maxillectomy. I am currently waiting for some reconstructive surgery for my upper jaw. The cancer in my jaw is as a result of lichen planus.

Is it worth having these operations? I have been on this path for a while now and after 3 major ops I still feel that they were all worth having in spite of the ups and downs. They have been life changing and I have had to come to terms with living a different life because of the side effects but they have given me another chance at life and I decided I would not waste the chances I have been given. I am now 69.

I have done so many things that I would not have been able to do if I had not gone ahead with the ops. I have welcomed grandchildren into my life, gone on some great holidays, met some wonderful people, been involved in volunteering and generally lived a fulfilling life. Things I wouldn’t have missed for the world.

Yes the ops are hard and recovery can take a little while but the prize at the end is worth it.

My medical team has been wonderful and I know that your partner’s will be great too. They are so experienced at their job and will do everything in their power to help your partner.

There is definitely a great life to be lived after a major op so be positive. You will get so much encouragement from this forum as I have had too.

Sending you and your partner positive thoughts.

Lyn

xx

Thanks Lyn I didn’t know whether to tag you or not. 
How are all your extracurricular activities going? 

Good evening Ses, sorry im late in replying. As Dani said i have experienced major surgery three times including the reconstruction of my lower jawbone. I would say that it is definitely worth the trauma despite all the bad things you have heard, i would not say any of my operations were horrific but they were also not a walk in the park but I'm glad i persevered as it all worked out ok in the end,  you can hardly see my neck dissection scar now. Im sure your partner's consultant would not suggest doing surgery unless if he/she did not think it was worth it , yes drinking and smoking do not help but i know people who have not smoked or drunk at all yet still get it so sometimes its just bad luck, i did smoke and drink like a lot of people do but mt consultant never held it against me . Im sure once your partner knows for sure what the plan of attack is and everything has been explained he will find the decision a lot easier. Wishing you both all the best for Wednesday, take care.

                                                                                                           Chris x

Thanks Dani for tagging me. 

                                               Chris xx

Hi Dani

Everything is jogging along fine with me thanks for asking. I have just had a call from the dental hospital to have a CT scan in preparation for having my case taken to the dental implant committee so that is a step in the right direction. Fingers crossed they approve funding the implants otherwise it will have to be plan B when I come up with it.

My exercise group has been on hold for a few weeks as it has been school holidays here and Terry and I have been doing a lot of babysitting. Fun but exhausting, I sleep well afterwards. Back to the group today so am looking forward to that.

Still enjoying my volunteering at the library.

Had my 69^th birthday recently.  The family put on a small dinner party and made pork roast for Terry and watercress soup for me. I had a tiramisu dessert in lieu of a cake. Sophie one of my granddaughters helped me blow out the candles as I am a bit short on puff. She is a sweety which is why I use her name as my username.

Currently looking into a holiday to Tasmania. Thinking of taking the car on the ferry as it will be helpful to carry my own supplies.

As you can see still enjoying life but may have a slight hiatus when my reconstruction surgery hits the top of the surgeon’s list but not wasting time waiting for it.

Hope all is well with you and the bees are behaving themselves.

Love Lyn

xx

Wonderful to hear you so upbeat ....you are a true star.

Bees are all tucked up for winter (well as far as any intervention goes) they have been flying well collecting ivy pollen and nectar in our Indian summer. 

Hope you enjoy your next trip and send us a picture of a devil 

Hi Sophie. Happy belated birthday. Sounds like a plan let’s hope you don’t need plan B. Yes when we bring the ferry over to Spain it’s easier as all my mouth washes toothpaste etc goes in the car ,for you it’s even better you can bring your blender etc. we used to travel with nutri bullet and numerous ensures but don’t need them now. We e 3 weeks left before we set off back to England and the cold. Weather brill a constant 30 degrees was even swimming in the sea yesterday. Body will get a shock in my return not sure I’d I mentioned we’re keeping apartment at least another year. 
One life live it and yiu certainky are look forward as Daninsays to Tasmanian devil picture xx

hugs Hazel xx