Hello, I have visited this site many times and read lots of your case histories with great interest. I have finally plucked up courage to join your ranks and look forward to making friends and sharing experiences.
I had surgery on 2nd March this year after approx two years of being treated for a blocked saliva gland. Biopsy results after the second op showed a malignant tumour on the floor of my mouth but I was told that this would be very slow growing and not to worry!! In a matter of weeks the tumour had grown through my lower jaw. To cut a long story short I was told that my bottom jaw bone would be cut out and replaced with a bone from my leg, half my tongue would be removed and replaced with soft tissue from my forearm and a skin graft from my thigh would cover the donor site. I would need a neck dissection and a trachy, plus I would have a peg fitted for feeding purposes.... My husband and I drove back home in silence and total shock.
My operation lasted 16 hours and I was in hospital for three weeks, during which time I had four different """trachies""" fitted and contracted the MRSA virus for luck!
I am now six months down the line and a lot of what I have gone through inbetween is echoed in many of your stories. I'm skimming over details as you have all been there but would be happy to elaborate another time!
I am so grateful to everyone for all the love and support, especially my wonderful husband, but no-one understands the day to day discomfort and frustrations unless they have experienced it, so I am grateful to you all for unwittingly supporting me and I look forward to many sharings in the future.
I was saddened to hear of the death of Alan. He has been such a brave and inspiring person.
Until next time..
Brenda
Brenda B
