In December, 1998 I was first diagnosed with a leiomyosarcoma which is a soft tissue cancer found on muscle. This was in the pelvic area and I underwent a radical hysterectomy in January, 1999 which appeared to have successfully removed all the cancerous growth. Unfortunately, the cancer recurred in the same area and when radiotherapy failed to destroy it, I had an abdominal surgery, in January, 2001. In the meantime, secondary bone cancer was diagnosed which had spread extensively. However, my quality of life was good. I had an extensive range of drugs including morphine which controlled any pain and I was able to pace myself, having taken ill health early retirement from my work as a Human Resources Manager.
It was at the point when I was being operated on for the abdominal surgery that I first noticed a lump on the right side on my neck, just below the earlobe. I mentioned this to my surgeon who performed a biopsy, while I was under the general anaesthetic and it proved to be another sarcoma. After consulting my oncologist, Dr Earl, who referred me to Mr Cheng, it was decided to take no further action at that point. However, by January 2002 the growth had reached a point where it was stretching the skin considerably and was very unsightly and uncomfortable.
Dr Earl felt that it would be helpful to see Mr Cheng again and I discussed the situation with him. After extensive scans he found that the sarcoma was not in the lymph node as had originally been thought but was at the extreme end of my major salivary gland called parotid gland. He advised the removal of part of the parotid gland but warned me that there was a 20% chance that there could be permanent disfigurement to the lower lip, should the facial nerve which lies close by be affected in any way.
br>It was a difficult decision but by this time, even though the surgery was palliative, I felt that I would benefit enormously from removal of the sarcoma. Fortunately, the operation was almost a complete success and following physiotherapy exercises which I carried out over the next month the impairment in my right lower lip which was slightly affected disappeared almost completely.
Mr Cheng had a very difficult task in the operation which took approximately three hours, because not only did he have to gently remove the growth from the delicate facial nerve, he also had to patch up the hole which remained since the growth was attached to skin which had also become cancerous and had also to be removed. He managed to effect a repair without resorting to skin graft and although I now have a scar with 17 stitches I am told it is barely noticeable because he has hidden it behind the ear and in the natural folds of the skin!
I am deeply grateful both to my oncologist and to Mr Cheng for the fact that they were prepared to take so much time and effort and expend their expertise and skill on a patient whose needs were palliative, rather than curative. They have helped me remain positive and I feel that I truly am still managing to live with cancer.
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