Janet’s Cancer Journey
Janet had an inspiring cancer journey—overcoming multiple surgeries, facial reconstruction and adapting to new ways of eating. She credits perseverance, gratitude and her faith.
30 Stories in 30 Days™ // April 2023
Back in 2011, my physician diagnosed me with a tumor in my mouth. My pain initially started as a toothache. I visited two doctors, both of whom said my toothache resembled an infection. At that point, I visited a specialist, who performed a biopsy that unveiled a tumor beneath my tooth. My specialist referred me to a head and neck oncologist, who then referred me to my current head and neck surgeon, who performed my first surgery.
After my head and neck surgeon successfully removed the tumor beneath my tooth, I went through 36 sessions of radiation over the following two years. This felt like an incredibly difficult process, as I could not eat and relied on a feeding tube to get my nutrition for a few months.
When I woke up each morning, I felt grateful for my friends and family who supported me.
At a follow-up appointment, my surgeon noticed a lump in my palate. I underwent surgery, during which my surgeon found the tumor had grown so significantly that they had to remove and reconstruct 75% of my palate. This procedure was certainly the most difficult, as I had to use a feeding tube again for 9 months and undergo another round of radiation.
After the palate resection, a follow-up PET CT scan uncovered a small tumor in my nose. Removing this small tumor required reconstruction of my face, but I recovered and returned to work in several months as a financial planner.
A couple years later, I slowly started feeling unwell. I lost a significant amount of weight and constantly felt tired. I visited a local oncologist and got another PET CT, which showed a tumor in the back of my jaw. I underwent my fourth surgery to remove it, which required reconstruction of my jaw. Following this operation, while I did not undergo radiation, I had to endure another year of recovery.
Most recently, I underwent a PET CT and everything appeared fine. However, unfortunately, the way I articulate and eat has drastically changed since my first operation. I cannot open my mouth beyond half an inch, and I must eat my food in tiny pieces. Over the years, I have learned how to eat and drink with a syringe.
Looking back after the multiple procedures I endured, the most important thing I reflect on is the value of never giving up and trusting God to get through the pain. During my recovery, I often could not move or speak. But consistently reading the Bible pushed me forward.
Cancer can either break us or make us, and I choose to live every day gratefully, with full appreciation that I was surrounded by loved ones who helped me push through.
I vividly remember the multiple times when my head and neck surgeon told me I was cancer-free. I felt incredibly strong and comfortable during these moments, and I felt that my perseverance had finally paid off. When I woke up each morning, I felt grateful for my friends and family who supported me. I cannot overstate the value of being humble throughout recovery and living life one day at a time.
Going forward, I aim to inspire others with the following message: no matter how you look, you can still do your job and live your daily life. Following a complete reconstruction of my face, I now realize that it does not matter how you look, but how you feel inside and the confidence with which you carry yourself.
I urge anyone undergoing significant facial reconstructions to try not to worry if people will judge you based on looks, though I know how hard this can be.Additionally, do not let anyone tell you that you cannot do anything. I have made a strong recovery from multiple surgeries and a full return to my daily job. Cancer can either break us or make us, and I choose to live every day gratefully, with full appreciation that I was surrounded by loved ones who helped me push through. Ultimately, I want to emphasize to everyone: never give up and trust God with everything.
Interested in Sharing Your Cancer Journey?
For someone recently diagnosed with cancer, reading the stories of other caregivers and survivors can inspire.
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