I was diagnosed in December with Oral cancer. Was I shocked? Nope. Seems to be the way things go. My husband told me a week ago that his mind went AWOL til recently.
I've had surgery. 1/4 of my tongue was removed on the left side, all of the bottom inside of the floor of my mouth on the left side, as well. All lymph nodes from the ear to the bottom of my throat were also removed. It has left me looking as if I've swallowed a tennis ball, but because of the lymph node removal, the incidence of recurrance is now 5% down from 75%. GO DOC!!!
My doctor is a VERY young looking Duke graduate of otolaryngology. I THINK that used to be EENT doctors. No matter. :) He also will receive his Majority soon in the military. He's most likely not as young as he looks which pleased me to no end. The younger the better when it comes to cancer surgery, at least for me.
We made a very hurried house buy in WV from Ohio because of the diagnosis of cancer. I knew that the coal fields of WV has a very high incidence of head/neck cancers. I wanted someone very experienced in that field. I was extremely lucky in the physician I drew by chance. I have had a six week checkup. My speech is improving daily. Eating seems to come naturally, so we won't get into that :) My next appointment is in mid March and I expect no less than a clear report.
My physician's name is Dr. Michael Beasley. If you're in WV (or anywhere else for that matter) SEEK him out if you need help. He's absolutely top drawer.
Michael S Beasley MD
(304) 353-0213
1306 Kanawha Blvd
E Charleston, WV 25301
Physicians & Surgeons-M.D., Physicians & Surgeons-Allergy & Immunology, Physicians & Surgeons-Otolaryngology
