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Must say how much I admire Swaffham soprano Marlene Gaunt who
after have micro-surgery for mouth cancer not only went back to her singing but
helped set up, via the Internet, a support group for others facing oral
surgery.
A widowed grandmother in her 60s, Marlene had part of her tongue removed and
replace with tissue from her arm.
Website for Marlene's support group, which is linked with Addenbrookes
Hospital, Cambridge is www.omfsaboutface.org.uk
The group aims to help patients feeling low because of their condition and to
encourage them not to give up. She and her friends also offer personal support
to those patients feeling the trauma of their condition.
I can speak from experience about mouth cancer. My personal nightmare began
eight years ago today. A smoker form the age of seven, I had difficulty eating
and had white patches in my mouth. I finally plucked up courage to seek advice
and within days of a biopsy was having part of my lower jaw removed and a
tumour excised for the mouth.
The jaw was replaced with a bit of rib the consultant assured me I would never
miss and some muscle and flesh form my chest filled the void left by the
tumour. I was lucky they caught my problem in time and despite my "giant
toothache" (my consultant's rather euphoric description of what I would go
through) I am here today writing this piece, living proof there is life after
Big C.
I have recovered so well that not only can I pen this column, but garden, enjoy
league table tennis, pretend to play golf and give talks to local
organisations. "She who must be listened to" - my wife - would probably say I
talk too much.
I you think you may have a problem, don't leave it too late and end up with a
radical operation like me. It does not have to be that way. If you suspect
something is wrong, get help now.
Marlene's site could be a starting point, or you own doctor.
I am deeply grieved when I see so many people smoking their health away. If
this article encourages just one person to stop smoking or get suspicious
symptoms checked, then it will have been worth its space.
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