Tracy Summerfield was advised by her physician not to be concerned when she observed a small blemish inside her nostril.
However, three years later, the mother from Manchester learned that she had skin cancer, with the tumor having extended to her lip. In April 2015, just before heading to work as a nursing assistant, she noticed a minor spot on the inside of her right nostril.
Tracy Summerfield was advised by her physician not to be concerned when she observed a small blemish inside her nostril.
However, three years later, the mother from Manchester learned that she had skin cancer, with the tumor having extended to her lip. In April 2015, just before heading to work as a nursing assistant, she noticed a minor spot on the inside of her right nostril.
She consulted her general practitioner, who suggested it appeared to be an infection and prescribed an antibiotic cream. Despite applying it twice daily, the spot did not improve.
Nevertheless, she chose not to focus on it, as she and her partner Colin, who had been together since 1989 and both had adult children from previous relationships, led busy lives and spent their free time with family.
In July 2018, Tracy observed that the spot had begun to extend beyond her nose, appearing to spread onto her upper lip.
Her face was marred by scars, leaving her feeling unattractive and in tears.
Upon returning to her GP, she was referred for an urgent appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist for a biopsy and scan. Despite experiencing some discomfort and irritation from the spot, she remained convinced it was not serious and informed Colin that she would attend the appointment alone to receive the results.
She was unprepared for the devastating news that followed. “I’m sorry,” the consultant stated. “We have identified a cancerous tumor at the back of your nose.”
Her friend Mary, who accompanied her, embraced her as she felt paralyzed and speechless.
The consultant detailed that the growth measured 2cm by 3cm and had infiltrated the skin on her upper lip. He informed her that surgery would be necessary to excise the tumor, but it would likely result in facial disfigurement.
“Will I be left with scars?” she inquired, tears welling in her eyes. Overwhelmed with distress, her greatest concern was the uncertainty of her future.
I sought to improve my health so that I could be present for my family.
That evening, when Colin returned home, I took the opportunity to sit him down and share everything with him.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers globally.
Each year, approximately 147,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are identified, while there are around 13,500 instances of the more severe melanoma type.
If you notice any lump, ulcer, lesion, or skin discoloration that has not healed within four weeks, it is advisable to consult a general practitioner.
While it is likely not cancer, it is prudent to have it evaluated.
Typically, skin cancer is treated through surgical intervention. A remarkable 90% of non-melanoma cases are successfully treated; however, 2,000 individuals in the UK succumb to melanoma annually.
Before Colin could express his distress, I knelt down and took his hand. “Will you marry me?” I inquired. Although we had never felt the necessity to marry, my perspective had shifted.
Colin lifted me to my feet. “Nothing would bring me greater joy,” he replied.
I informed our children about the cancer diagnosis, but I also shared the joyful news of our engagement, determined to keep their spirits up.
We had already planned a trip to Barbados that November to celebrate Colin’s 50th birthday, and we decided to hold our wedding there, just the two of us.
I was aware of the possibility that I might be left with facial disfigurement on my wedding day, but my commitment to marrying Colin was what truly mattered.
In August 2018, I underwent my first surgery to excise the tumor.
Upon waking four hours later, I found my nose and upper lip heavily bandaged.
Although I was in pain, I was discharged the same day to recuperate at home.
The surgeons successfully removed all evidence of the cancer, eliminating the need for chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
This allowed me to concentrate on my upcoming surgery and our wedding.
My nose was still wrapped in sterile bandages, and the pain prevented me from leaving the house.
Beneath the bandages, there was a significant void where my nostrils had been. I struggled to envision how I could ever look the same again.
Colin reassured me of his love, regardless of my appearance, yet I remained heartbroken. I found it difficult to come to terms with my altered face.
Three weeks later, I underwent another surgical procedure, which exceeded my expectations in terms of success. The surgeons skillfully harvested skin from the side of my face to reconstruct my upper lip, utilizing cartilage from my ear to create a new septum.
However, when the stitches were removed three weeks later, I was confronted with the aftermath. My face was marred by scars, and I felt utterly disfigured, leading to an overwhelming wave of tears.
Colin reassured me of his love, regardless of my appearance, yet I remained deeply troubled. I struggled to come to terms with my altered visage.
With only five weeks remaining before our wedding, I recognized that my scars would still be apparent. Consequently, I reached out to Look Good Feel Better, a charity dedicated to providing makeovers for women affected by cancer. In October 2018, I participated in a trial operation at Maggie’s Cancer Centre in Oldham. Upon seeing my reflection afterward, I was astonished.
The makeup artist had skillfully concealed my scars, rendering them nearly invisible. “I look like myself again,” I exclaimed in tears.
On the morning of the wedding, I recalled the techniques the makeup artist had taught me and utilized the samples she provided to mask the scars on my face.
An hour later, I was prepared and walked down the aisle in the gown I had chosen specifically for this occasion.
When I met Colin on the beach to exchange our vows, he was captivated by my appearance. “You look stunning,” he remarked.
For both of us, it was an unforgettable and emotional day. Although my scars remain more than a year later, I am gradually learning to accept them. They are my warrior scars, serving as a testament to my resilience and survival through all that I have endured.
At that moment, she dismissed it as a trivial issue that would resolve itself. Yet, weeks later, the spot remained unchanged.
She consulted her general practitioner, who suggested it appeared to be an infection and prescribed an antibiotic cream. Despite applying it twice daily, the spot did not improve.
Nevertheless, she chose not to focus on it, as she and her partner Colin, who had been together since 1989 and both had adult children from previous relationships, led busy lives and spent their free time with family.
In July 2018, Tracy observed that the spot had begun to extend beyond her nose, appearing to spread onto her upper lip.
Her face was marred by scars, leaving her feeling unattractive and in tears.
Upon returning to her GP, she was referred for an urgent appointment with an ear, nose, and throat specialist for a biopsy and scan. Despite experiencing some discomfort and irritation from the spot, she remained convinced it was not serious and informed Colin that she would attend the appointment alone to receive the results.
She was unprepared for the devastating news that followed. “I’m sorry,” the consultant stated. “We have identified a cancerous tumor at the back of your nose.”
Her friend Mary, who accompanied her, embraced her as she felt paralyzed and speechless.
The consultant detailed that the growth measured 2cm by 3cm and had infiltrated the skin on her upper lip. He informed her that surgery would be necessary to excise the tumor, but it would likely result in facial disfigurement.
“Will I be left with scars?” she inquired, tears welling in her eyes. Overwhelmed with distress, her greatest concern was the uncertainty of her future.
I sought to improve my health so that I could be present for my family.
That evening, when Colin returned home, I took the opportunity to sit him down and share everything with him.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers globally.
Each year, approximately 147,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are identified, while there are around 13,500 instances of the more severe melanoma type.
If you notice any lump, ulcer, lesion, or skin discoloration that has not healed within four weeks, it is advisable to consult a general practitioner.
While it is likely not cancer, it is prudent to have it evaluated.
Typically, skin cancer is treated through surgical intervention. A remarkable 90% of non-melanoma cases are successfully treated; however, 2,000 individuals in the UK succumb to melanoma annually.
Before Colin could express his distress, I knelt down and took his hand. “Will you marry me?” I inquired. Although we had never felt the necessity to marry, my perspective had shifted.
Colin lifted me to my feet. “Nothing would bring me greater joy,” he replied.
I informed our children about the cancer diagnosis, but I also shared the joyful news of our engagement, determined to keep their spirits up.
We had already planned a trip to Barbados that November to celebrate Colin’s 50th birthday, and we decided to hold our wedding there, just the two of us.
I was aware of the possibility that I might be left with facial disfigurement on my wedding day, but my commitment to marrying Colin was what truly mattered.
In August 2018, I underwent my first surgery to excise the tumor.
Upon waking four hours later, I found my nose and upper lip heavily bandaged.
Although I was in pain, I was discharged the same day to recuperate at home.
The surgeons successfully removed all evidence of the cancer, eliminating the need for chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
This allowed me to concentrate on my upcoming surgery and our wedding.
My nose was still wrapped in sterile bandages, and the pain prevented me from leaving the house.
Beneath the bandages, there was a significant void where my nostrils had been. I struggled to envision how I could ever look the same again.
Colin reassured me of his love, regardless of my appearance, yet I remained heartbroken. I found it difficult to come to terms with my altered face.
Three weeks later, I underwent another surgical procedure, which exceeded my expectations in terms of success. The surgeons skillfully harvested skin from the side of my face to reconstruct my upper lip, utilizing cartilage from my ear to create a new septum.
However, when the stitches were removed three weeks later, I was confronted with the aftermath. My face was marred by scars, and I felt utterly disfigured, leading to an overwhelming wave of tears.
Colin reassured me of his love, regardless of my appearance, yet I remained deeply troubled. I struggled to come to terms with my altered visage.
With only five weeks remaining before our wedding, I recognized that my scars would still be apparent. Consequently, I reached out to Look Good Feel Better, a charity dedicated to providing makeovers for women affected by cancer. In October 2018, I participated in a trial operation at Maggie’s Cancer Centre in Oldham. Upon seeing my reflection afterward, I was astonished.
The makeup artist had skillfully concealed my scars, rendering them nearly invisible. “I look like myself again,” I exclaimed in tears.
On the morning of the wedding, I recalled the techniques the makeup artist had taught me and utilized the samples she provided to mask the scars on my face.
An hour later, I was prepared and walked down the aisle in the gown I had chosen specifically for this occasion.
When I met Colin on the beach to exchange our vows, he was captivated by my appearance. “You look stunning,” he remarked.
For both of us, it was an unforgettable and emotional day. Although my scars remain more than a year later, I am gradually learning to accept them. They are my warrior scars, serving as a testament to my resilience and survival through all that I have endured.