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Like most people, Karen Wright was not particularly looking
forward to her routine check-up at the dentists, but, as it turned our it was a
visit that probably saved her life.
Thirty-nine-year-old Karen was told she didn't have any problems with her
teeth.but she did have what appeared to be a white ulcer on the side of her
tongue.
"My dentist, Mr O'Connor, looked at it and said he thought I should have it
checked at Addenbrookes and he contacted the hospital for me," said Karen, who
lives with her husband Paul and their two daughters, Natalie, 10 and Sarah,
eight, at Laureate Gardens, Newmarket.
"The hospital contacted me almost immediately and I went for a consultation and
had a biopsy. Within two days I was called back and told I had oral cancer,"
said Karen.
"I was very upset, I just couldn't believe what I had been told."
In March last year, Karen underwent a 12-hour operation, during which the
surgeon removed the ulcer and a portion of the right side of Karen's tongue. He
then performed reconstructive surgery using artery and tissue from the lower
part of her left arm.
Since her operation she has had monthly check-ups at the hospital and her
surgeon Mr Cheng is pleased with her progress. "I owe and awful lot to my
dentist as well as to Mr Cheng and his team who have been absolutely
marvellous. I feel very positive.
Now Karen's husband Paul, a production worker at Roneo Office Systems in
Newmarket, is set to pound the streets of London to raise money for the
Addenbrookes department which has done so much to help his wife. Having started
running last year, he decided he would like to complete the London Marathon.
During the summer he took part in a number of races and on one occasion was
joined by both his daughters who took part in the fun run.
Paul, who used to work in racing, is now putting in between 30 and 40 miles a
week training and hopes to finish the 26-mile event in under four hours and
raise as much money as possible for the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery.
"Having to deal with cancer is the worst possible thing for any family. I can
never thank Mr Cheng enough for what he has done for Karen or for the support
he has given us. Now I want to do something for him by raising money for the
department by running the marathon."
Anyone who would like to sponsor Paul's effort can make a donation directly to
Addenbrookes Charities 9561 or send a cheque, c/o Karen & Paul, to their
home at 31 Laureate Gardens, Newmarket. For more information contact the
Journal news desk on 01838 564104
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