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ES
developed mouth cancer at the age of 82. This is
her story.
I first found out I had oral cancer when what I
thought was an ulcer in my mouth turned out to be
the dreaded cancer. I was 82 at this time. I was
really left feeling numb by the diagnosis but I
was determined that I was not ready to meet my maker
just yet.
I was operated on in September of 2000, having a
scar running from just under my left eye down to
under my jaw, and was in hospital for about 7-10
days (the mind starts going when you get to 84).
I was fed through a tube in my stomach for a few
days and then ventured onto soft solids.
Next came the radiotherapy and the dreaded mask.
This was the part of my illness I found the most
difficult to cope with: 20 sessions of radiotherapy.
A mask fitted and then screwed down so that there
would be no movement. It really was a weird feeling
- one I would not want to experience again. Then
came the soreness, ulcers, skin breaking open and
weeping and being unable to eat any solid food at
all. The dietician and district nurses recommended
the hi-fibre drinks and soups, and these became
my diet for the next few months.
I was just healing from that when MORE BAD NEWS
- a lump on my neck. The cancer had spread, more
surgery needed. Once more, I was back in the LGI
and had another major op. This time to remove the
lump and many of the glands around and about. When
I came to and looked at myself in the mirror I had
more zips than a dozen pairs of trousers (no wonder
I felt that I was suffering from metal fatigue).
I am now just starting to eat normally and with
Mr Joshi's help (and my bottom set of teeth!), I
hope I will be able to put back on some of the weight
that I have lost.
A big thank you to all the hospital staff who have
helped and are still helping me. The care and after
care I had and am having from Leeds Dental Hospital,
LGI, Cookridge and Pinderfields has been second
to none (let no one knock the health service to
me).
My advice to others is NEVER SAY DIE.
ES
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