Model Shares Cancer Battle Triggered by Routine Dental Visit

Elly Brown’s Struggle with Oral Cancer and Remarkable Recovery

USA: Elly Brown, a model from Henderson, Nevada, recently opened up about her harrowing journey after a routine dental appointment led to a life-threatening battle with cancer.

Elly’s ordeal began when her dentist, during a routine examination, noticed a lump on her tongue. This discovery led to a diagnosis of stage one oral squamous cell carcinoma, a typically benign form of cancer. A minor surgical procedure was performed to remove the cancer, seemingly resolving the issue.

The Return of Cancer

However, just a year later, Elly began experiencing excruciating pain in her ear, signalling the return of cancer. Medical assessments revealed that the cancer had progressed to stage three, spreading to her lymph nodes near the tongue. Her battle was far from over.

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Agonising Surgery and Recovery

Elly underwent a gruelling 12-hour surgical procedure to combat the advanced cancer. The surgery involved the removal of half of her tongue and parts of her jaw, which were then reconstructed using tissue and bone from her leg. This extensive operation left her face significantly swollen.

She was also fitted with a tracheostomy, a procedure that created a hole in her neck, allowing her to breathe and eat without the use of her mouth. The surgery and recovery process was an arduous journey that tested her resilience.

Elly described the emotional toll of her cancer diagnosis, noting that the news was devastating. She recalled the initial fear and anxiety, even before undergoing chemotherapy, concerning the potential loss of her hair.

Despite the physical and emotional challenges, Elly remained determined throughout her treatment. She endured chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and her recovery included relearning how to walk due to the impact of her surgeries.

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Remarkable Comeback

Elly’s strength and support from friends and family were crucial during her recovery. She emerged from her treatment with renewed vitality, regaining the ability to breathe, walk, exercise, chew, swallow, speak, and even sing. She underwent surgery to address the scar on her face, further enhancing her physical and emotional well-being.

Today, Elly continues to lead a fulfilling life, holding the position of Vice President of Production at Network Media. She undergoes annual scans to confirm her oral cancer-free status, and the results have consistently been positive since her aggressive treatment.

Elly’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early cancer detection. She hopes that sharing her story will encourage others to seek timely medical attention when unusual symptoms arise, and to support awareness and prevention efforts for cancers like oral squamous cell carcinoma.

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