GYM WORKS OUT
UNFIT women are four times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease or other causes than fit women, says a study.
A WOMAN who had her tongue removed to fight cancer now has a new one – made from her arm.
Stephanie Wigglesworth was diagnosed with mouth cancer after noticing a tiny ulcer on her tongue.
Her tongue was cut straight down the middle and half of it removed to treat her squamous cell carcinoma.
But medics were able to build her an entirely new, working tongue using a lump of skin from her forearm.
Stephanie, 36, said: “When the doctor told me I had mouth cancer all I heard was white noise.
“But I’m a really positive person so, although the treatment was difficult, I’ve come out smiling and grateful.
“It’s amazing what they can do these days. Who would have thought I’d have a new tongue made from my arm?”
Stephanie ignored the ulcer until it started feeling numb in January, 2013.
After scans for other illnesses drew a blank, Stephanie took to Google then demanded tests for cancer after reading about it on the search site.
The mother of two said: “I called my neurologist and I insisted that I was checked over. They did a biopsy and that’s when I was diagnosed.” Doctors decided the best course of action was to operate and she had a six-hour procedure.
After the cancer was removed, Stephanie had a neck dissection – she was cut from her chin to her neck and then around to her left ear – to give doctors access to her throat.
A large section of skin was removed from Stephanie’s left forearm and used to create a tongue.
Stephanie, of Aylesbury, Bucks, added: “My arm, where the skin was removed, hurt more than my mouth, which I couldn’t believe.”
Now cancer-free, Stephanie still uses a feeding tube to eat but can drink liquids.
She can still talk, but her voice no longer sounds the same. Stephanie is putting her positive attitude to good use and writes a blog: My Cancer And Me.
She said: “All my friends and family know that I’m a positive person. I want my old voice back, but I can’t so I just have to accept it.
“I miss all of the lovely food we used to eat as a family, but at least I can still drink tea. I really
love tea.”