Brian's Story
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Oral cancer is now the 13th most common type of cancer in Canada. However, if oral cancer is detected early, treatment can be very successful. To stress the importance of oral hygiene, Brian is bravely opening up to share his journey with oral cancer. We hope you take the time to read more about his story.
“So there I am, Nov/Dec 2018, with a canker sore on my tongue. Little did I know it was about to send me on the emotional roller coaster ride of my life. Fast forward to January 8 2019. I met a lady to whom I was to become eternally grateful.
This was my first visit so we talked a while and I told her about my fear of all things dental. With this in mind she began her examination and was immediately drawn to the "canker sore”. I asked her to identify the sharp teeth I was continually scraping it on, of course there were none. Candice said she was not comfortable with it and asked me if she could refer me to an Oral Maxillofacial surgeon- I tentatively agreed. In truth, Candice was sure she knew what my "canker sore" was, she later told me it was exactly the same as her text book photograph of a typical tongue cancer.
At this point I'm still oblivious, but Candice took charge and phoned the surgeon’s clinic where she was met with some resistance as an appointment was four weeks away. Her tenacity and willingness to fight for her patient took over and she actually went so far as to suggest that if I was not seen that day she would drive me there and we would both camp out in the waiting room until I was examined. She knew due to our initial conversation that if I had to wait four weeks I would likely not show for the appointment. Miraculously a cancellation allowed me to be seen within the hour.
A biopsy was done that day and three weeks later I got the results. Fortunately my wife accompanied me- while waiting for the doctor the Jaws music was playing in my head. When he said the word “cancer”, the rest of his conversation might as well have been… “blah,blah,blah,blah”. I heard nothing. I was referred to Dr Seikaly at the University Hospital, and after another consult and a detailed explanation of the proposed procedure I signed the consent forms without hesitation.
On March 21 I had a partial glossectomy. So thorough was the preparation and explanations, there was not a nervous bone in my body as I prepared for the 12 hour operation. Some 16 hours later I gained some clarity as the anaesthetic was wearing off. Then it hit me, I felt as if my whole world had come crashing down. I wasn't prepared for this, it was the worst four hours or so of my life. At this point I would strongly encourage anyone about to undergo head and neck surgery to seek out and attend a support group meeting before their surgery. I wish I had. Seeing and talking to people who have come out on the other side helps alleviate the anxiety felt in the ICU.
When I was moved from the ICU to the ward I had visits from Dr Seikaly and his surgical team. The anxiety was dispelled and the healing process, both physical and mental began. I came to understand how truly fortunate I was. If I had to have cancer, it was in the optimal location. I didn't lose any of the base nor tip of my tongue, there was cancer found in only 1 of 78 lymph nodes that were removed and it had not metastasized. I didn't even have to have radiation treatment. My swallowing was unaffected, except temporarily by the post-op swelling and once the tracheotomy tube was removed my speech was excellent. My neck and shoulders were stiff and painful, but being cut ear to ear will do that for you- they are progressing well, my left arm is weakened and movement is still somewhat restricted due to the removal of tissue, vein and artery that were relocated to my tongue.
With all I've been through I still consider myself lucky. It could always have been worse and I'm still here thanks to Dr Seikaly and his team, but largely due to the knowledge and awareness of one member of the dental profession. With that I cannot stress enough the importance of Oral Hygiene. It is not known what caused my cancer, but who knows with more care on my part perhaps it could have been avoided?”