2008-03-03 — Margaret Newsletter #1

Although this blog is primarily an account of my encounter with mouth cancer, it also touches on the case of Margaret, my ex-wife. By what seems a very unlikely coincidence, Margaret was also diagnosed with a mouth cancer. Hers is a tumour on the tongue rather than one on the floor of the mouth, but still it does seem a coincidence. We are able to compare notes and give each other a certain amount of support. This entry is the first of a number of newsletters that our son Chris sent out to Margaret's friends and family

Dear all,

I have compiled a distribution list of those who have requested, and those who I thought might be interested in my Mothers progress. Please feel free to forward onto others whom I might have missed out or to those that might also have an interest.

To give you all a brief idea of where we are; Today at 09:30 she went into the SMZ Ost and is scheduled to have her operation tomorrow morning. For those that don't know the details, it is a tumour in the tongue, with a 2cm diameter. This will be removed, but also her lymph gland on the right side of her neck. The operation will take around 4 or 5 hours, and barring any complications she will be monitored for a further 3 hours before being returned to her room at around 16:00.

The next step will be recovery. Apparently my Mum is known for being a fast healer, and I hope this is the case. Her tongue will inevitably be swollen and will have to be rested for the healing process, so communication will take place with pen and paper, for some of us this is quite a bonus :)

For those who wish to visit, the hours are as follows: 14:00 - 17:00, and 17:00 - 20:00. In the evening visiting session the visit is restricted to outside the actual room where patients reside, I guess so that others in the room get their peace, but there are apparently smaller rooms that one can sit in and that are quite nice.

I will be visiting her this evening, and will make my plans with her for the rest of the week. Tomorrow either my Dad or myself will be in contact with the hospital to find out how things went and as soon as I have any news I shall let you all know. I would not recommend a visit tomorrow, unless of course my Mum tells me that this is what she wants in which case I shall let you know.

Well, I will leave it there as a first update. I know my Mum is very touched that so many people are thinking about her, and I thank all of you for your support and your strength.

Until tomorrow, have a nice evening, and best regards,

Chris