Refusing treatment

Hi Wilbur,

Last year I was diagnosed with oral cancer T4N0M0 I had surgery which entailed having part of my left lower jaw removed. Not once did I consider saying 'no' to having this life saving operation. I was daunted at the prospect of the treatment of course, but I was determined to fight this awful disease with all the strength I had in me. My gifted surgeons (there was a team of them) did a wonderful job of crafting my fibula bone from my leg, along with its attached blood vessels and tissue, to rebuild the jaw. They have down an amazingly job and have not left me looking horribly mutilated at all. It's been a difficult journey and for a while I was limping but now I'm dancing! I don't know what the future holds but I'm absolutely loving life and living it to the full. If the cancer does return, with the help of my doctors, nurses and the support of my family and friends I'll endeavour to fight it again.

Wishing you all the very best for your surgery next week 

Eliza

Hi Wilbur. That is a valid question about declining treatment. I have had 3 occurrences of jaw cancer(all in different places) and 2 lots of radiotherapy over the years starting in 2013 when I was 59. With my second occurrence 6 years after my first occurrence  I did think about declining treatment. I was 65 then. I discussed with my surgeon. He was very open with me and outlined how things would progress if I did not have treatment.It did not sound pleasant.  I thought things through and decided that I still had a lot to live for and did not like the sound of the pain that would occur during my slow demise if I did not have treatment so I proceeded. I did have significant issues afterwards with eating but on the whole got back to a good life and felt quite well. I then had another occurrence 3 years later and this time did not think twice about having the treatment as I could still see a lot of life before me that I wanted to participate in. Again I was glad that I went ahead as even though I now have no upper jaw and only one partial lower jaw the reconstruction I had was amazing so there is only a slight change to my appearance. I now feel great, have gone on several holidays, welcomed several more grand children into my life and live a happy and fulfilled life. I enjoy every day for what it brings. I am in no pain and have figured out my new normal fairly well. I am now 72 and have had an extra 13 years of enjoyable times that I would not have had if I had refused treatment. 

Deciding about treatment is a personal choice,  everyone is different and individual circumstances need to be considered. However I do not regret my decision.

Lyn