JJAZ1's Journey with Invasive, Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Shocked at age 40 that I had stage 4A cancer that had spread and that I had a less than 50% chance of survival along with not knowing that my three year old son would ever know who his father was if I did not beat the cancer.

I had many complications from this and Chemo, thrush in my mouth, burned skin, inability to eat and massive weight loss to name some!

Not so much pain but was difficult as I had blood clots from the tubes which caused additional issues.

I had surgery to remove the remaining tumor in my neck which cut nerves that cause difficulty in raising my left arm, along with stiffness in my neck and shoulders.

September 2012 marks eight years since I was first diagnosed with cancer. I am healthier now that I ever was before, I am happier and enjoy life to its fullest! While I still have some minor side affects they remind me that I won and life is precious and not to be taken for granted. Every day is time for another celebration!

I felt now it would possible to recover and hopefully get on with my life. Completing treatments and surgery and ridding my body of the cancer was a tremendous goal for me and my family and allowed me to be hopeful that I could beat it!