Hello from South Wales

I was diagnosed just over 6 weeks ago with stage 4A cancer of the gum, sinuses, soft palate and facial bone. It came as a real shock as I was really healthy and active, have never smoked, very moderate drinker, social only. I am 69, 70 in March but lead an active life. On the 9th December the amazing team of Oral Maxillofacial department at the University hospital of Wales challenged these rogue bunch of cells. They removed my gums, soft palate, bone and replaced with vessels from my wrist and forearm and these sites received a skin graft from my stomach. Despite my request for a tummy tuck at the same time, this didn't happen! Pathology tests revealed that my lymph nodes are clear, a huge relief meaning that the cancer hasn't invaded South. The margins on the original site however aren't clear so I'm waiting for Chemo and radiotherapy to start on 19th January. I am fortunate to have amazing family and friends who have been and continue to be incredibly supportive. My way of dealing with difficult situations is through humour, sometimes dark. I thrive on positivity and don't do 'poor me' and sympathy as I find it draining. I know this works for me as my son died in 2020, he was 32. That's how I get through it. Is there anyone on this group that would be happy to communicate with me? It's a big ask, I know!

We all know that if you have walked in someone's shoes then you just 'get it' wishing you all a positive 2026. Ali x