Ashamed to realise it's been close to, if not mroe than, a year since I last logged on here. Pleased to report that it's because I've been ridiculously busy working. I finally achieved my goal and got my Bachelor of Nursing (with distinction, I'll have you know! Plus the Class Medal. PLUS the University Medal!) and am now working in a Coronary Care Unit in Edinburgh. It's hard work, sometimes thankless, more times incredibly rewarding and I'm putting all my own experiences of hospitalisation to good use. I've been nursed by the best and the worst this profession has to offer and I think I'm the better nurse for my experiences (never thought I'd be grateful to cancer for anything, but there you go!)
I'm 2 1/2 years in remission now and just waiting to hear about dental work; after much hinting, prompting, pleading and, ultimately, hissy fits, I was given an assessment by the 'local' restorative dentist and she seems quite optimistic. I think we're going to try to get a plate fitted (2 options there, which I'm not entirely sure I understand!) but if they fail there's a very slim chance of implants. I'm not holding my breath for that though; she explained that the chances of it being successful are very remote. I'm not one to give up easily though, so I'll keep pushing. It's hard to believe I've come so far so soon; a few people all but wrote me off when I was diagnosed so it's immensely pleasurable to prove them wrong! I'm stronger in every respect now than ever before, and getting stronger every day.
Just shows... if you believe in yourself you can do anything.
Love Janette x

Hello Janette

Good to hear from you again! Glad things are going well. Congratulations on achieving your degree despite your problems. Having been on the receiving end, you will now know how to be an excellent nurse. Do keep telling us how you are getting on, it is good to know that there is life after mouth cancer. Take care.

Best wishes
Vinod

Welcome back Janette! I joined this forum about five months ago, so don't suppose I have "met" you.

Congratulations upon "defying the odds"... pursuing your goals (despite the "C-word")... and continuing to press forward. Your posting was inspiring. Yes, your personal experiences and health challenges will most certainly make you a compassionate and insightful nurse, espcially sensitive to the emotional struggles that patients with serious diseases suffer right along with the physical difficulties. Luckily the majority of healthcare providers (on all levels) that my husband and I encountered during the course of his cancer ordeal were all quite exceptional, both in terms of skill and compassion. Nursing is a beautiful profession and I admire those who touch and care for others in such a powerful way.

May you continue to receive God's blessings, Janette. Obviously He has plans for you!

From my heart,

Melanie