Having recovered from liver failure in what was a long and painful year
for me and my family, I went to my dentist in December, 2003 for a routine
check up. Looking into my mouth, 'Ah,' said the dentist, 'you have a growth on
your palate, do you feel any pain?' 'No,' I replied, as I was not even aware of
it. At this stage it was soft and spongy to touch, about 1 cm in size and red
in colour. I had not noticed it because it was so far back in the mouth. I
wondered if it could just be a sore but the dentist did not think so and wanted
her colleague to have a look which made me feel a little more tense. Having
examined it they had some words and decided it needed further examination and
referred me to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel. Having been through so
much that year I thought I did not want more problems but also thought best to
check it out and the dentist said it could just be harmless.
Having had some appointments at Whitechapel and at St Bartholomew's Hospital, I
had a biopsy in March and was told one week later that the results had come
back, they asked me to come in the next day which I thought was rather quick
but I reassured myself it can't be that bad. As this was unexpected my husband
could not come with me for this appointment.
I was on my own. I was seen by Mr Cheng. The first thing he asked me was if
there was anyone with me? I said, 'No' and he said, 'don't worry but I have
some bad news for you. The biopsy shows signs of cancer, but the good news is,
that it is a tame cancer. He asked if I was OK and wanted a cup of tea, but
surprisingly I did not feel bad, but I felt guilty that I was putting my family
through more worry and upheaval again. Mr Cheng explained the growth would need
to be removed with part of my bony palate as would the area surrounding it. I
did not like the thought that the defect would be covered over with a mouth
plate.
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"Bimla Mann"
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In early April, 2004, I was operated on and the next day the surgeons
explained that they had to remove more than expected but it had been
successful. I now have to wear a plate in my mouth during the day to help cover
the hole left by the surgery on my palate. I had some problems with eating and
lost the ability to enjoy the full taste of food, but other than that, I am on
the road to recovery and have been given the all clear of cancer which is a
great relief.
I still have checkups that have shown the wound has healed properly and to help
with general aftercare regarding speech and how this can be affected by the
palate. This experience has changed how I view life, material things can be
bought unlike your health. All your little everyday worries are nothing
compared to your well-being. All of my extended family have supported me all
the way but the main burden was on my husband and sons who rallied together to
look after things. With everyone's help getting back to full health was made
much easier.
Bimla Mann
November, 2004
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