I look in the mirror and what do I see?
Someone strange, yet familiar...could it be me?
This person is older with face out of shape
A neck like a turkey's - scars all over the place.
Her leg's now her jawbone, her arm's now her tongue!
She speaks with a slur and eats "mush" with a spoon!

This person was active, no time to spare,
Now it's afternoon naps and she knits in the chair.
Life's busy with hospitals, tablets and ointments,
When once it was travels and social appointments!
A "flap"'s what she got in - it's now in her mouth.
She had all her own teeth - now missing down south!

The phrase "keep your chin up" will cause her to flip...the next one to say it will get a burst lip!

I posted these poems some time ago, as you can see, but just thought they might be appropriate to new members who have had to undergo surgery.

Cup Half Full

I look in the mirror and what do I see?
A very important person looking at me.
Each scar is a jewel, every stitch is a gem,
Sewn in by my angels - thank God for them!
They took out my cancer and so made me well,
Yes, I look different but 'what the hell'.

I may now talk funny, get food on my chin
But to those who love me it's never a sin.
Strangers may stare, but hey 'what the heck'
I sure don't need another pain in the neck.

I look in the mirror and what do I see?
A very important person looking at me.
So treasure those jewels - they cost too much to hide,
Thank God, be grateful........
And wear them with pride!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Brenda Brady,

Dear Brenda,
I can really relate to your first poem at this time in my life. Since we had the same type of surgery. My leg is my jaw now and my arm is my tongue also. And I have scars everywhere.On the outside as well as within. I am still on a feeding tube but am working on swallowing liquids. Hopefully I will get to the point in my life where I can relate to the second poem. Thanks for expressing how I feel. annabel lee

Hello annabel lee, I wrote both poems at the same time (Feb 05) Little did I know that I would have a repeat op in the July on the other side of my jaw - but both poems still apply!! Do you have much pain? I have still have lots, especially in the evenings when I'm tired. Also feel I have too much 'fullness' in my mouth (I've had a flap reduction but it didn't help) I know you have had radiotherapy which will have made swallowing more difficult for you. I hope you can soon manage something like soup - the feeding tube is a God-send but it's good to taste some proper food again. Do you have any problems with your foot from the leg where they took the bone? I can't put my foot down for the pain on occasions and then all of a sudden it's o.k. again - very strange! Sorry to moan - I guess I'm having a bad day. I hope you progressing well. Brenda.

Yes Bremda I still have pain like you mostly in the evening and at night. They also want to do further surgery in my mouth like your flap operation. But I won't consider any surgery until next year.I've had enough surgeries for this year. My leg healed up fine with no problems at all. My arm is another story. I have nerve damage in my neck that goes all the way down my arm. I do exercises that help some but not much. Thank goodness they used my left arm since I am right handed. My husband has been my savior. He has tended my wounds,hauled me to doctors and visited me every day when I was in the hospital even though we lived more than and hour away from the hospital. He says I might look different and sound different but I am the same on the inside. That is why he loves me he says. That makes me feel so much better. Like you I have good and bad days. But we must keep going somehow. I like your poems. Take care. al