Queen Victoria Head and Neck Unit and Maidstone Oncology

Hi all

I am Emma, a daughter, partner, sister, friend, colleague, teacher and cancer patient.

In September 2023, I was diagnosed with stage 1 oral squamous carcinoma cancer. I was treated by the fantastic medical team at The Queen Victoria, I had 42 lymph nodes removed and a small section of my tongue, although there were some serious complications that led to some intensive care time, the cancer had apparently gone into remission.

Fast forward to May 2024, I found a lump in my neck. In June, I was diagnosed with stage 3 oral cavity sarcoma cancer. Once again, I found myself in the fabulous care of the staff of the Queen Vic. This time however, the surgery was far more intrusive. I had 40% of my tongue removed (and replaced by the skin on my arm), more lymph nodes and part of my jaw removed and replaced with a titanium plate. Furthermore I needed a tracheotomy to enable me to breath after the surgery. I was in intensive care for two and a half weeks and then was moved to another ward on the head and neck unit. During this time, I then had a feeding tube fitted into my stomach, which I still have.

I can honestly say that every single doctor, nurse, dietitian, surgeon, physiotherapist and cleaner treated me with such kindness, warmth and made me feel safe at a difficult time in my life. Everyone went above and beyond and I am so so grateful to every single person who helped me.

After my release from hospital, I convalesced at home. I was due to start radiotherapy treatment and some chemo when I found another lump. I told my doctors and as I was lying in Maidstone hospital in my radiotherapy face mask, about to receive treatment, a doctor ran in and stopped it from going forward. I was then sent for further scans.

At the end of September, my diagnosis changed from stage 3 cancer to incurable stage 4 head and neck cancer (patches were all around my neck and spreading) that had metastasised to my lymph nodes, my lungs and as I would later discover, my leg. I have since then under the guidance of a wonderful ontological team, who I cannot say enough good things about, I have undertaken 6 rounds of chemo and 10 rounds of radiotherapy.

The results of my last scan showed some good news! There was no sign of cancer in my lungs or lymph nodes and only two small tumours in the neck region!

Therefore, to say thank you to all the nurses, surgeons, doctors, cleaners, receptionists and every member of the oncology unit at Maidstone, I would like to do a fundraiser.

I will be flying to Slovenia to zip wire on Europes longest zip-wire. Obviously, I will be paying for my trip to Slovenia and for the zip-wire. I would greatly appreciate any sponsorship you could offer. I will film or photograph the event to show I have not backed out!

All money made will go to the Queen Victoria Hospital and Maidstone Oncology.

I would like to thank the unwavering support of my family and friends, without whom, I really could not cope with this. I am very lucky to have you all. xx Thank you for any of your support. :-)

I know things are tight, so if you could spare anything, its appreciated. Cheers.

Emma xx