Gemma's Big Hike

My Story

Thanks for taking the time to visit my Giving Page. This year I am taking on a one-day long distance hiking challenge - all while raising money for life-saving research. Please donate to my Giving Page and help me take big steps to beat cancer . February 2023 I noticed a swelling on the right hand side of my face in front of my ear. I made a doctor appointment (with much difficulty) and they didn’t seem too concerned but booked me for an ultra sound. I waited a while for this to happen but because they didn’t seem concerned I wasn’t worried. I was then told I was on a 3 month wait list. Luckily a lovely client worked in a hospital and got me an appointment for the ultra sound. After the ultra sound I was sent for an urgent biopsy in June. The results showed signs of suspicious low grade carcinoma tumour. After more scans and tests, MRI , ultrasound , CT and bloods it was strongly advised that I had the tumour removed with level two neck dissection to remove two lymph glands. I was scheduled to have the surgery on the 8th September at Ashford hospital under Ent consultant Dr Theokli. Everything was all great going into surgery but this is where it all changed. The surgery was planned to take around 3/4 hours with a 1% chance of facial palsy. It ended up taking around 7 hours with the tumour wrapped around the major facial nerve. It wasn’t what they were expecting and two more surgeons called in to help with the surgery. Obviously I was oblivious to all that went on until I woke up in recovery. I ended up with facial palsy down my right side of my face and unable to close my eye, eat, drink or talk correctly. Something that was very difficult to take in. As I wasn’t expecting this. 17 staples closed my wound from the top of my ear down to my neck. Whilst I was in hospital all 3 surgeons came round to visit me to tell me how complicated it was. I felt very lucky to be in such good hands. As I recovered at home and looked after so well by my husband and two daughters. 27th September was one of the hardest days of my life when I had my follow up appointment with my consultant to talk about the results. It was sent off to London for specialist testing and unfortunately came back being very rare and signs of aggressive behaviour. I was told I was very lucky to have got it out when we did. He then went on to tell me I’d be having radiotherapy everyday for 6 weeks. No chemotherapy as the type of cancer it was doesn’t respond to chemo. You never think you’re be that person in the room being told this. Lots of tears from myself and my husband as we didn’t expect to hear news like this. More tests were to come as they were thinking I had a primary cancer elsewhere. So pet scans, MRI and CT scans were all requested and happened very quickly. I was pleased to hear that cancer was no where else to be found in my body. My first radiotherapy appointment started on the 18th October where I had my mould moulded to my face. It wasn’t the most pleasant experience but knew it had to be done. Radiotherapy started on the 6th November and finished on the 15th December. I coped well through this until the last few weeks where I lost all taste and found it painful to eat due to mouth and throat ulcers. Also the tiredness kicked in. I managed to work through 4 weeks of radiotherapy but know I needed to stop towards the final weeks. I’ve got my MRI with neck contrast booked for the 15th march to check the treatment has been successful. There after it will be yearly for 5 years. I’ve absolutely had the best team around me, facial therapist, speech therapist, oncologist, dietitian, macmillan nurse, care team and my consultant. I really couldn’t ask for more and by doing this marathon hike is my way in saying thank you. So thank you for supporting me in saying thank you to our wonderful NHS and donating to cancer research and salivary gland cancer charity.