Cancer Survivor Story: by Sharon Jenkins-Muse
It was May 2003, and I had completed my annual physical. All was well except concerns regarding a swollen gland in the soft tissue area on the left side of my neck. My doctor suggested it was probably just a swollen saliva gland and put me on antibiotics for a few weeks. When the gland didn't shrink, my doctor decided to refer me to an ENT, who ordered a fine needle biopsy and a CT scan.
On June 13, I learned the horrible news that the swelling was a malignant tumor. Dr. Sandeep Samant recommended immediate surgery. I was angry and scared because I had just lost my father in 2001 to lung cancer. On July 28, I had my first surgery to remove the submandibular gland—one of the major salivary glands. I completed a tonsillectomy on August 22 and had the first of 37 radiation treatments on October 22. On Christmas, I had my first solid, small meal and was able to celebrate the holidays with my family since completing radiation. This June, I will celebrate my 51st birthday and my fourth year as a head/neck cancer survivor.
The only difference in my daily routine now is that I keep a bottle of water or sugar-free gum with me at all times due to the chronic dry mouth as a result of the radiation damage to my saliva glands. I also avoid being in the presence of cigarette smoke and other pollutants. I've always been a social drinker, careful to consume no more than two to four drinks of wine per week.
I was very fortunate to receive the best of care from a great team. I would like to say thanks to all of them for taking such wonderful care of me during very difficult time in my life.
