A reason to smile

Written February 27, 2022

My sweet sweet nurse friend told me she has a face case patient just like me & the patient was so sad and discouraged with how she is & looks, so my friend told her about me & showed her how I look even a few weeks post op & the patient was so grateful to see that recovery happens

If that’s not a reason to have a BIG smile I don’t know what is

Edit February 26, 2022

Since this time, I’ve been connected with three others who have cancer similar to mine, even someone just yesterday, and though it breaks my heart a little to say it, the chance to pass along any advice I have brings me such joy. I like when they say, “You sound so good!” because I know it gives them hope they’ll be able to speak clearly again one day. It hurts when they tell me they’re scared because I was too, and there’s no good way around it, only through. And I like when they ask if we can stay connected because what they don’t know until I tell them is that this phone call, or email, or text has made me feel more connected to someone than I’ve been able to in years. It fills me with a sense of purpose so profound that I know it’s what I was made for. Sometimes, I cry afterward. It hurts to open old wounds and try to be as detailed as possible about my experience, yet, it’s healing all at the same time. So, if you’re someone reading this because you’ve been diagnosed with oral or head and neck cancer, please do not hesitate to introduce yourself in the comments if you’re in need of someone to talk to. It would mean the world to me, actually ❤