HERSHEY, Pa. — “The moment I opened my mouth, the oral surgeon just said, ‘Oh.’”
Wendy Jackson’s voice breaks as she flashes back to the moment she knew she had oral cancer. She was referred to a head and neck specialist at Penn State Health after her dentist noticed an irregularity in her cheek. She was diagnosed with an aggressive head and neck cancer that carried a 50% survival rate after five years. Three children and a husband depended on her, so she needed immediate care. Fortunately, the team at Penn State Health moved quickly.
Within a week of her diagnosis, Jackson was scheduled for surgery. The cancer was not only removed, but her outward side effects were minimized through reconstructive surgery. Two years later, Jackson looks and feels like herself again – a woman enjoying life with her family…