If anyone can give lessons on coping with life challenges it’s Neil Arnold. What is it like to be Neil, a retired OBGYN and 24-year late stage oropharyngeal survivor? Neil no longer speaks. He is a laryngectomee and due to recurrences, he can no longer articulate words. He lives in silence. What impressed me was his staunch independence. When the …
Attitude of Gratitude: Oral Cancer Foundation Walk for Awareness
The weekend, I attended the Oral Cancer Foundation Walk for Awareness in Andover NJ. What an inspiring event, as always! I met Andrew, diagnosed at 26 with tonsil cancer shortly after being married, now a 3-year survivor. Trevor and Todd were buddies from their sons being on the same soccer team….6 months after one got oral cavity cancer, the other …
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HPV Negative: So What Was the Cause of Your Oral Cancer if it wasn’t Tobacco?
Nancy: I was diagnosed at age 54. I was a very light smoker and quit altogether at 30. They attribute my oral cancer to tobacco. But I have my own idea about it – I used to chew a pack a day of Trident or some other sugar-free gum, chewing constantly. Food for thought. Ed: I used Listerine 3-5 per a day for years …
Take Control of Cancer: Don’t let cancer control YOU
Dear Eva, I had massive surgery to remove tumor in lower jaw & cheek followed by 30 radiation treatments which near killed me. I now suffer badly from side effects & nearly everything I eat gives a burning in the mouth. Just smelling some spices makes me burn & break out in massive sweat. Is there anything I can do to …
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Move Beyond the Fear of Recurrence: Live Life with Joy
Dear Eva, Are we ever really able to move beyond the fear of recurrence? Suzanne, Yes. After 5 years, the chances of a recurrence of the cancer are greatly reduced. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t get a new primary….along with every other human being on the planet. Cancer is random. Like a car/plane crash or a tragedy of some …