Lesley Story
Series of poems
Series of poems
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MY CANCER STORY SO FAR...<br />
BY LESLEY<br />
On 26 April 2023 I was diagnosed with SCC of the lower mouth. No less than a month<br />
later I was in Poole Hospital undergoing a 10 hour operation to remove the tumour,<br />
repair with a nasolabial Flap, together with a radical neck dissection.<br />
Following two days in intensive care and 12 days on ward C4E, I was allowed home.<br />
I am still unable to swallow, so I must administer most of my nutrition and medication<br />
through a PEG tube.<br />
Some days can be a challenge as I live on my own, but I’m determined to get through<br />
and start living some dreams.<br />
I recently found myself writing a poem and intend putting my thoughts to verse as I<br />
continue my cancer journey...<br />
My Cancer by <strong>Lesley</strong><br />
I knew that you were on your way<br />
But chose to ignore you day after day<br />
Until I found a mighty strength<br />
To divulge my symptoms and talk at length<br />
So many scans and further tests<br />
Endless trips to hospital, no time to rest<br />
Then confirmation of the word I feared<br />
You turned my strength to torrential tears<br />
Before I knew it, surgery was planned<br />
My life in the balance with skilful hands<br />
Ten hours in theatre, then intensive care<br />
They'd cut you out and made repairs<br />
I made it through and my journey begins<br />
To search for happiness and spread my wings<br />
You nearly took my life away<br />
But sunrise greets me as I start each day<br />
.... to be continued ....<br />
To read more patient and caregiver stories or find out more<br />
about Head & Neck Cancer support visit our website<br />
SCAN TO DONATE<br />
www.theswallows.org.uk<br />
theswallowscancersupport<br />
@swallowsgroup<br />
Our 24/7 Patient and Caregiver support<br />
line service is answered by a real person
My Cancer #1 by <strong>Lesley</strong><br />
I knew that you were on your way<br />
But chose to ignore you day after day<br />
Until I found a mighty strength<br />
To divulge my symptoms and talk at length<br />
So many scans and further tests<br />
Endless trips to hospital, no time to rest<br />
Then confirmation of the word I feared<br />
You turned my strength to torrential tears<br />
Before I knew it, surgery was planned<br />
My life in the balance with skilful hands<br />
Ten hours in theatre, then intensive care<br />
They'd cut you out and made repairs<br />
I made it through and my journey begins<br />
To search for happiness and spread my wings<br />
You nearly took my life away<br />
But sunrise greets me as I start each day<br />
.... to be continued ....<br />
To read more patient and caregiver stories or find out more<br />
about Head & Neck Cancer support visit our website<br />
SCAN TO DONATE<br />
www.theswallows.org.uk<br />
theswallowscancersupport<br />
@swallowsgroup<br />
Our 24/7 Patient and Caregiver support<br />
line service is answered by a real person
My Cancer #2 by <strong>Lesley</strong><br />
You took my brother; you had no right<br />
But Max is with me throughout this fight<br />
Just a year after he had passed<br />
You cruelly took me in your grasp<br />
It’s seven long weeks since they cut you out<br />
My fight will continue, there is no doubt<br />
You won’t stop me fulfilling my dreams<br />
As I follow sunrise’s golden beams<br />
My scars are fading day by day<br />
And speech improving, I’m happy to say<br />
I’ll soon be eating without my PEG<br />
Just watch me as I forge ahead<br />
Perspective on my life has changed<br />
A cruise and sailing trips arranged<br />
You nearly took my life away<br />
But sunrise greets me as I start each day<br />
.... to be continued ....<br />
To read more patient and caregiver stories or find out more<br />
about Head & Neck Cancer support visit our website<br />
SCAN TO DONATE<br />
www.theswallows.org.uk<br />
theswallowscancersupport<br />
@swallowsgroup<br />
Our 24/7 Patient and Caregiver support<br />
line service is answered by a real person
My Cancer #3 by <strong>Lesley</strong><br />
Feeling tired; my mind’s a mess<br />
Nightmares continue; you couldn’t care less<br />
You’re taunting me all through the night<br />
I wake up crying, heart pounding with fright<br />
On bad days when I’m in despair<br />
I know which friends will truly care<br />
It hurts when some now turn their back<br />
I guess it’s empathy they lack<br />
My progress appears to be getting slow<br />
But so determined to reach my goal<br />
“Its early days” the professionals say<br />
But it’s me that counts each hour, each day<br />
I know that I should be grateful and glad<br />
That my bonus days aren’t always bad<br />
You nearly took my life away<br />
But sunrise greets me as I start each day<br />
.... to be continued ....<br />
To read more patient and caregiver stories or find out more<br />
about Head & Neck Cancer support visit our website<br />
SCAN TO DONATE<br />
www.theswallows.org.uk<br />
theswallowscancersupport<br />
@swallowsgroup<br />
Our 24/7 Patient and Caregiver support<br />
line service is answered by a real person
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