Jennifer, an associate tax accountant from Marietta, Atlanta, has shared her remarkable journey after battling tongue cancer. Over a decade ago, Jennifer first experienced leukoplakia, a condition marked by painful white patches on the tongue due to HPV. Her condition took a turn in August 2009 when a tumor the size of a blueberry was discovered.
Despite an initial surgery to remove the tumor, Jennifer’s cancer recurred in 2017 and 2019. In March 2020, she underwent tongue reconstruction surgery, which involved removing a section of flesh from her left arm and attaching it to her tongue. This procedure aimed to prevent further tumor growth.
Following the surgery, Jennifer had to relearn basic functions such as talking, singing, and eating. She lost 60% of her taste buds and had to adapt to a new way of living. The flesh used for her reconstruction now features a blue star tattoo, originally from her left bicep.
“I don’t look like the typical person with a mouth tattoo,” Jennifer said. “But I use it to educate others about tongue cancer.”
Jennifer’s speech was significantly impaired post-surgery, and she couldn’t say her name until 2022. She attended speech therapy to recover her ability to talk and eat. She also worked with a nutritionist to adjust her diet, relying heavily on protein shakes during her recovery.
Jennifer’s journey with leukoplakia began in her early 20s, initially presenting as a large white patch on her tongue that caused burning sensations. Despite recognizing the need for medical attention, she delayed seeking help until 2009 when her aunt insisted she visit a dentist. The dentist suspected cancer, and subsequent tests confirmed stage one tongue cancer.
Fortunately, early intervention meant Jennifer did not need chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, recurring tumors led to further surgeries. By her third surgery, Jennifer was frustrated by the persistent issues and chose a more aggressive approach, resulting in significant weight loss due to dietary restrictions.
Jennifer’s reconstructive surgery involved taking flesh from her arm, as she is right-handed, and she approached this change with resilience. She dedicated three months to recovery, focusing on speech therapy and dietary adjustments. Her efforts have allowed her to eat smaller foods and practice speech, including singing.
The tattoo on her new tongue has occasionally led to misunderstandings, such as an officer mistaking it for a breath freshener. Despite these challenges, Jennifer remains confident and focused on her mission to raise awareness about tongue cancer, particularly among people under 40.
She advises people to watch for white patches on the tongue, unexplained weight loss, bloody mouth, and jaw pain. Regular check-ups are crucial, especially for those with HPV.
“Stay proactive with your health,” Jennifer said. “If you notice any symptoms, seek medical advice and keep up with your appointments.”