Hi there. I lost my facial nerve in 2021 due to cancer surgery. They did some reconstruction at Mayo which was helpful but it does take some getting used to your new face. For the most part, at rest, it doesn’t look too bad but it shows up when I smile or laugh as one side stays kind of frozen.

The lack of my smile was the hardest but you eventually get sort of used to it. People will look, as they realise something is not quite right, but after a few years I promise that you’ll feel normal again.

Changingfaces.uk.org has some great resources and lots of personal stories from others going through facial differences. It’s not like other cancers as it shows clearly on your face. But the alternative of not treating it is even worse. If you take a look at untreated tumors on the face you’ll understand why we have to bite the bullet and go ahead with surgery/radiation.

Hang in there and I’ll keep checking back on your progress.