Cancer is quite an emotive word; to hear someone you know and love
mention it, but more specifically tell you that they have cancer brings about a
wave of emotions, feelings and thoughts.
When my mum said her biopsy results from a growth on her palate had shown
cancer, there was initial shock and surprise but this soon gave way to support
for her. I asked what the course of treatment would be and we as a family were
there for each other, all chipping in make the whole experience less
frightening and lonely. We knew what the surgery to remove the tumour would
involve with regards to the procedure itself and had to be prepared for the
recovery period afterwards and how the defect created on the palate during the
operation would be overcome. But it had to be done.
My dad and I went with my mum to the hospital before the surgery while Mr Cheng
and his team explained what would be done. After the surgery, others in the
family also visited while my mum recovered on the ward. Other families in a
similar situation will clearly have worries and concerns, but it helps to be
able to talk to the doctors and be present when doctors and nurses explain
procedures and after care to the patient as well.
While mum got used to the plate which fills the defect of her palate, her diet
was different to her usual as she ate softer foods. Her speech was not quite as
clear, but as she got used to the plate in terms of eating and talking, you
would not really know that there had been a problem. Through the attention
taken leading up to the surgery, we were reassured that there were people who
cared and give advice. Speech therapy was received after the surgery. We were
also pleased with mum's recovery. An experience like this should not have to be
dealt with alone and it went without saying that we would deal with it together
but it is nice to know people care in the surgical team.
Kulbinder
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