The Swallows Australian Edition Magazine

You’ve been great
thanks - Eric Scarman
Well it started just like the rest of you – a bad,
new diagnosis quickly followed by surgery to
remove most of my throat and neck.
I will never forget the first day in ICU just
thinking I was going to choke any minute. The
nurse didn’t leave me alone all day. I thought,
what the heck, I must be at risk. Then I moved
to the ward and became slightly more relaxed.
Three days later the original operation didn’t
work so it was back to surgery and replace the
throat and neck again.
A couple of days later I was awake in bed
feeling not too bad, maybe a bit depressed.
The guy in the bed across from me is crying,
though there was no noise because his voice
box is gone as well. I think, well we are alive, so
no point being sad, it could be the alternative!!
My daughter Cassandra and her husband Rick
were very good to me. They fully renovated
their shed into a fully functioning granny flat.
It’s the best. All my kids were great. They
continually promoted a positive approach any
time I was down. They let me know that feeling
down all the time really wasn’t helping anyone
and I am certain without that attitude I could
have really struggled through the
chemotherapy and radiotherapy. By having a
good outlook, it was not too bad an
experience. The nurses and the doctors were
absolutely fantastic with their kindness and
help with all facets of recovery and anything I
needed. So, while it was a long three months,
it wasn’t as horrible as I was led to believe it
would be.
Life has moved on since the treatment phase
and I am extremely thankful. Tracey, the ENT
nurse, got me into the gym program at my
hospital which has really helped me with my
confidence and wellbeing. The physiotherapist
Ellen, who runs the classes, does such a great
and positive job. I know the people in the class
enjoy every minute of it twice a week.
Another big help for me has been the head and
neck cancer support group meetings, also run
by Tracey, where we discuss various issues
facing all of us. The participants all put in their
ideas and helpful tips and I know when I leave
I always feel better than when I go in.
So, all in all, what I thought was the saddest
and worst thing that could happen to anyone
hasn’t turned out that bad. Without all the help
and support from family and close friends and
the wonderful doctors and nurses, who do
such a great job tirelessly, it could be worse.
Well, I am six months from that first operation,
just about to get the speaking valve inserted
and I have the next chapter to look forward to.
Thanks to everyone, you’ve been great.
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