Shirley Norton

Shirley's Story - Overview

My massage therapist found lumps in my neck in mid-November, which became more pronounced at the end of December, prompting  Doctor visits and a resulting referral to MUSC ENT Oncology after review of a CT scan.  Needle biopsies and a full body PET scan confirmed cancer in the neck, but not elsewhere  - HUGE relief!

 Surgery was March 15 for  posterior and bilateral neck dissection/resection and we came home Friday evening, March 18.  As Russ Landers put it, Frankenstein will be an ez option for my Halloween costume!  Actually, they assure me that the scarring will be minimal, but who cares - I'm just happy to be here!

 I am not in a neck brace and am pretty stiff-necked, but am in much better shape than anticipated.   Range of motion is  limited and almost non-existent turning to the right, with issues with the left shoulder due to the muscles removed in the deep posterior neck.  But hopefully PT will improve all of this.  Afternoon naps have been the standard, but the daily improvement in all areas is wonderful and I have started watching the Fit Bit steps increase daily.  I have feeling on the right of my head, an increasingly prickly feeling on the left, and still total numbness for the entire front neck.     

When post-surgery treatment begins is probably when Jack is going to need the most support of all kinds, probably starting mid April, so please don't forget about us.  He has been a superb nurse and wonderful in every way, as has the rest of my family, but I don't want to push my luck!  The phone calls, texts, emails, cards, and food have ALL been greatly appreciated and are so uplifting.  Talking too much stresses my neck, so please forgive unanswered phone calls.  Jack's email is jcnorton53@gmail.comand his cell (call or text) is 803-422-8273. 

Many, many Prayer Warrior friends have reinforced that God has got us every step of the way and we are totally at peace and never alone.  Thank you all so very, very, very much!