Update - Cancer of the Nose and Upper Lip

Hi Heather

Glad to hear things are progressing for you too at last.  My specialist dentist initially said the same thing about there not being enough room for teeth but my surgeon has found a way so hope yours does too.

It is so good to hear that you are able to speak more clearly now that must make a big difference.

Keep me in the loop how you are progressing.

Best wishes

Lyn

Hello, I've been reading your posts, I think your all amazing. Your so super strong which clearly helps you to get through difficult days. I'm going to have an operation in 3 weeks to remove the cancer in my nose. My nose will be totally removed.  I'm a very positive person which helps with everything that's happening. I'm worried about waking up after the opp, as not sure what to expect. I know I'll be in hospital for 5 days, as they need to ensure the skin grafts work over the nasal area. Six weeks later its radiotherapy. Its all a bit overwhelming at times, but reading your posts have defo helped. I hope you both get your operations soon, along with medication to help too. 

Hi Ellie

I do hope that Heather responds to your post as she has a wealth of experience with nose cancer.

 I do not have the same cancer as you or Heather so have not had my nose removed but I have been chatting to Heather from time to time as we are both having similar reconstruction surgery for our upper jaws.

I have just completed the first of 3 operations to have my upper jaw reconstructed using a prosthesis and am very happy with the result. I now have a full set of teeth in my upper jaw after a year without. Just getting used to some differences but getting there.

Best of luck with your op you have such a good attitude and that will help you enormously.

It is only natural to be apprehensive as it will be a big change to your life but the surgeons are absolutely amazing and you will be in good hands.

Sending you positive thoughts

Lyn

Hi Heather

How are things going with you any progress on your reconstruction surgery?

It is now 3 weeks since my op and I am now sporting a full set of upper teeth. Still got a nasogastric tube in but that is coming out tomorrow. I have been practicing eating and am getting on quite well with puree but the drinking is a bit more difficult. I can no longer get enough suction for a straw but am managing a cup but it is very messy as one side of my lips does not yet meet properly so out the fluid comes but I manage to get enough in. I know need another 3 ops to rectify this but the surgeon is confident he can make my top lip more flexible and so function better so fluid won’t come out. The next op is on April 26^th. but will only take half an hour so is only an overnight job.

I am very pleased with my new look and once the NG tube is out will no longer wear a mask in public.

Hope all is well with you.

Lyn

Hello , lovely to hear from you. I'm so pleased to hear you are having great results,, you also have a great attitude. Small.steps to get there and it seems you are. Good luck with the opp. Keep us updated with your progress. Thanks again x 

Hi Ellie,

Thanks for your post.  Sorry I didn’t reply sooner but have been laid really low with severe tonsillitis. It’s the first time I have had an infection since my cancer treatment, I think my immune system is still low.  Anyway on the mend now. I am sorry you have to join our club. When I had my surgery I had my nose, upper lip, front gums and top lip area totally removed. I was dreading what I would look like, but my hospital gave me a mirror and told me to look as soon as possible. I did have a good cry, but soon got use to looking different. Magnets were implanted during surgery and I was fitted with my first prosthetic nose soon after surgery.  I had six weeks of chemo radiation treatment, which I found worse than the surgery.

Its been over three years since then and I am just near the end of my reconstructive surgery.  It’s a long and sometimes difficult road ahead but you will get through with lots of support, love and a positive attitude. 

Please stay in touch and don’t worry too much about the surgery and treatment. You will soon get used to looking different.

Speak soon.

Heather

Hello, so sorry to hear you have tonsilitus, its horrible isn't it. Hopefully you'll recover pretty soon. Thankyou for the reassurance, as it is scary. Hearing your positivity defo helps. Great to hear about your reconstruction. I hope that goes well.too. thankyou again, and yes I'll defo keep.you updated x 

Hi Lyn,

Nice to hear from you. I am really pleased you’ve got your teeth I have been told there is no room for mine without another round of major surgery. Still fighting my corner on that one.  Glad you are able to eat more. I can understand about the liquids.  I can’t drink from a normal cup I use a beaker instead. I can’t use a straw either.  

I am still recovering from severe tonsillitis.  This is the first infection I have had since my treatment three years ago and I had to stay in bed and just wanted to sleep, my throat and mouth was really sore.  I am still on antibiotics, but feeling a lot better. I think my immune system is still low following my cancer treatment.  

Anyway just in the process of getting a new prosthetic nose and then I will get in touch with my surgeon to find out what’s going on.

Well I hope your surgery goes okay and please let me know how you get on.  I am envious of your new front teeth though,haha.

Speak soon

Heather

Hi Heather

Sorry to hear about the tonsillitis that sounds awful. Hope you are feeling better soon. I had my NG tube out today and am very happy about that. I managed to eat a soft boiled egg today for the first time since getting teeth. I am going back to my library volunteering job on Thursday and will showcase my new face. I am even going to try and put on a bit of makeup as haven't been able to do that for a year. Things are definitely looking up.

Good luck with the fitting of the new prosthetic nose I hope it all goes well.

Lyn

xx

How wonderful to.hear your news. I'm.so pleased for you.