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I have created this website for you to visit and find out information
about another cancer that has invaded my body. I have found
out from past experience that this is the best way to get the
correct information out there for all.
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DIAGNOSED AFTER BIOPSY
On October 30th, 2019 I was diagnosed with a mouth cancer
titled Squamous Carcinoma. I had a tumor-type thing lodged
between my jaw and cheek. My regular dentist found it and
referred me to a oral surgeon. The tumor was probably half
the size of a peanut, it did not hurt, I hardly knew it was there.
Funny how the nasty stuff likes to lurk and sneak up on us.
Makes me angry. Anyway, he cut it out and sent it off for
the biopsy which came back positive. The rest to come.
On November 18th, 2019 I met with my surgeon Amit Aqrawal
and his team at The James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, OH.
I was very pleased with him and his team. The feeling of being
told and seeing first hand - I do believe I AM in the best care.
Before I continue, let me say there is good and bad news. So let
us go with the good news which is this type of cancer is very
curable. 98% curable!! I'll take that!! The bad news is that this
will include a very extensive surgery which I have been told can
last 10 hours. This surgery is scheduled for December 19th, 2019
and I will be hospitalized for 7-10 days. I don't need to tell you my
heart hurt hearing all this. I had no idea how to feel! Lost! Shocked!
My husband Mick and son Jeff were by my side as they sat and
listened, again in shock. Part of my jaw bone will be removed
and any cancer detected. A size bone needed to replace the
jaw bone will be taken from the side of one of my legs to
replace. Again, "are you kidding me?!" Oh my goodness.
TREATMENT
After surgery and while in the hospital I will not be able to eat
and will have a feeding tube inserted into my nose and will receive
nourishment that way. There will also be a trakia in the front of
my throat to make sure I can breath okay as there will be swelling.
Since I left The James I have been trying to wrap my head around
all this and still I am in disbelief. My mouth?! Who would have
ever dreamed?!! Certainly not me. While chemo and radiation were
my option during my first cancer of uterine - that is not the case
with this type of cancer. Not a option. So, I must do what I must
do. Can I? Days I go in and out of wondering. The waiting certainly
is wearing on me. Since this surfaced, I have received a extreme
amount of good wishes, cards, prayers, thoughts and words of "you got
this Susan, and you are a strong woman Susan." My goodness,
the support helps more than any of you can imagine. It is most
difficult to imagine not being home for Christmas. Putting the
tree up and decorating has been difficult -
with knowing I won't be home.
But my husband will be when he is not spending
time with me at the hospital. I felt it not fair at all for me to
take it all away from him because of what is happening to me.
So the tree is up and the stockings are hung with care in hopes
of many, many wishes this year. One is for this nightmare to be
over with and the family can get on with our lives. Hoping Santa
with God leading the way will deliver! One does what one has to
do. Again, 98%! Awesome odds against this nasty stuff. Yes,
scared, scared a lot, but the outcome has got to be worth
all that I face right now.
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I will send out updates as I am able
AND AS they occur.
I promise.
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Thank you for coming here.
