Hi my story is that 5 years ago I had a lump on my jaw thinking it was an abscess but unfortunately a fast growing tumour.
I was then told need surgery within 3 weeks or I wouldn't see Christmas.
I was diagnosed in November then had a 17.5 hour operation in December to remove half lower jaw bone ,skin ,nerves, all teeth part of lip and tongue also part of upper pallet lower pallet and lymph nodes because it had started to spread into them so basically alot to get a good margin.
Then 6 weeks of radiotherapy to top it off.
Plus a feeding tube and then learning how to eat with no teeth and also talk using only one side as of mouth because of paralysis on the other.
I am know cancer free after 5 years but still having facial surgery and mouth checks I am grateful to all the drs and nurses but it has come at a cost mentally to me of how I now look and the impact of the operation and radiotherapy on my body.
Just thought I would put my story out there so if you would like to get InTouch with any advise about how to cope living with the aftermath of a facial surgery I would love to hear from you.
X Melanie
