Rosalyn – Grateful Patient of Dr. Lisa Shnayder

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

In October 2008 I received the diagnosis of "Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma," which is a big description for oral cancer. I had observed a lesion on my tongue for a period of time. My family dentist strongly urged I have a biopsy.

I made an appointment with a local ENT group. After further observation it was decided I should make an appointment with Charles L. Dunlap, D.D.S., Pathology Department, UMKC. After one quick look he scheduled a biopsy within two days. I received "the call" from Dr. Dunlap within three days of the biopsy. He confirmed my suspicion. It was squamous and must be removed. I had never smoked and wondered why cancer would happen to me. As we know, Cancer defies reason. He highly recommended the KU Medical Center. He said they are one of the best centers in the nation. Dr. Dunlap made the initial phone call to get my appointment set up. Here we have a professor at a Missouri University (Tiger) recommending a KU facility (Jayhawk) but this isn't basketball or football is it?

I went to the KU Medical Center the following week and began my PET scan and laboratory work up. A few days later I met with Lisa Shnayder, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. She had received my results and surgery was imminent. She would remove a section of my tongue and remove a sampling of lymph nodes in my neck to test for possibility of malignancy. There could be possible speech impediment and I might need speech therapy after recovery. Due to a conflict of schedules I would have surgery on Wednesday before Thanksgiving. (Seems a drastic step just to keep from having Thanksgiving dinner at your mother-in-law's).

On the morning of surgery I checked in with the Admission office. There, a man by the name of Paul Jurick completed my paperwork. Paul had a personal experience with oral cancer and was a great inspiration. He said he had something for me. He handed me a bright red Beanie Baby crab. He explained it was on loan only. After my recovery it was to be returned. Seems this is a traveling crab and has made the rounds in hospitals all over the states. Paul loans the crab to cancer patients. Instructions were to place the crab on my pillow when I was feeling bad or low so visitors know to leave me alone. This gentle ceremony meant so much to me and my husband. This was the first indication of what caring hands I was in.

To describe Dr. Shnayder, my surgeon, I would say she is petite in profile with long auburn hair and a very strong Russian accent; always a smile on her face with care, concern and professionalism in her bedside manner. I had recently lost a dear friend from Russia to a tragic car incident. I felt this to be an omen and I now had an angel in my pocket. Here it was, Thanksgiving evening, and Dr. Shnayder comes to the hospital just to check on me!!! She took time out from her family Thanksgiving celebration (including infant daughter that has just experienced eating Gerber Squash for the first time) to visit a patient.

It has been a year now. My recovery went well. No radiation or chemo needed. I came out of recovery talking. No need for speech therapy. I AM ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES. I remain cancer free. Dr. Shnayder keeps me under close observation. As she says, in the future the only thing we will have to discuss is the weather.

The adventure was scary but the KU Medical Center was outstanding. I share this message every chance I get.

One more thing: this Thanksgiving I am eating turkey and all the trimmings and yes, it will be at my mother-in-law's house. No more VERY BERRY ENSURE for me!!!

Rosalyn
November 2009