Ted’s Cancer Journey
Experience Ted’s remarkable recovery journey from jaw reconstruction to finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. Dive into his story and get inspired.
Ted // 30 Stories Campaign™ // Oral Cancer Awareness
My journey with cancer started in September 2015 when I found a spot on my jaw. I underwent a biopsy, which confirmed squamous cell carcinoma. However, two years after removing it, the cancer came back aggressively. So, in 2017, I had to have a mandibulectomy. Next, surgeons replaced my jaw with a fibula free flap from my leg and then administered chemo and radiation treatments in 2018.
A few years later, the battle escalated when I noticed water leaking while drinking, indicating my need for specialist care. So in 2022, I underwent revision surgery with a scapula free flap to rebuild my jaw. The radiation had caused osteonecrosis of the mandible, starting an even more challenging journey of intense pain, jaw immobility, and difficulty eating or speaking. I endured about 18 surgeries, reflecting my condition’s deterioration, which left me unable to speak or swallow.
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Despite everything, my last surgery represented a novel approach that the team had not tried before. They and I were uncertain about the surgery’s outcome and my ability to speak or swallow again. Yet, with my family and doctors, we approached it together, filled with hope and determination to progress. Each day brings me closer to recovery, and I want to share the sources of hope throughout this journey.
The hope for normalcy keeps me fighting, dreaming of enjoying a whole pizza or a cheeseburger again… the joy in life’s simple pleasures keeps my spirit up.
Being an advocate for oneself is vital. It’s important to research your cancer and find the best doctors. The physical and mental tolls of chemo, radiation, and multiple surgeries were immense, but the support from my family and friends bolstered my strength, making me feel empowered after each procedure.
The hope for normalcy keeps me fighting, dreaming of enjoying a whole pizza or a cheeseburger again. My experience as a twice-wounded Vietnam Marine veteran, having faced Agent Orange, instills in me a resilience that no challenge can dampen. The unwavering support of my family has been crucial throughout a decade of battling cancer, and the joy in life’s simple pleasures keeps my spirit up.
My wife tells me every day, ‘I am not ready for you to go and I will do everything in my power to get you better.’ This truly gives me strength. We work together and we fight together.
Our journey underscores the power of love and partnership. My wife has been my cornerstone for over 55 years of marriage. We share a life, children, and grandchildren. Her understanding and support as a caregiver have been indispensable. Together, we tackle each day with a shared determination, her unwavering support evident not in words but in the countless ways she stands by me, continually fueling my will to fight.
My wife tells me every day, “I am not ready for you to go and I will do everything in my power to get you better.” This truly gives me strength. We work together and we fight together. I have been through hell and I am still fighting.
We consider ourselves blessed… The journey with cancer is arduous, but with love, support, and determination, hope remains…
We hope no one ever has to go through something like this but if a friend of mine were to go through this I would be open to what the doctors are saying. They give me strength to keep going. Trust your doctors because they are truly out there to help you and eventually help me to continue to move forward. Have faith.
We consider ourselves blessed, having navigated the depths of despair only to find resilience and hope. My story is one of continuous fight and gradual improvement, a narrative I share to inspire others facing similar battles. The journey with cancer is arduous, but with love, support, and determination, hope remains undiminished.
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For someone recently diagnosed with cancer, reading the stories of other caregivers and survivors can inspire.
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