Summary
Harriet Trewhitt, a 21-year-old from North Yorkshire, had surgery that used skin from her tattooed arm to reconstruct part of her tongue after being diagnosed with tongue cancer. Despite some complications requiring additional surgery, Harriet is now cancer-free and recovering while she plans to continue her studies. Her treatment included a type of radiotherapy called proton beam therapy.
Key Facts
- Harriet Trewhitt was diagnosed with tongue cancer after discovering a painful ulcer.
- Doctors performed surgery to remove half of her tongue and used skin from her arm, including a tattoo, for reconstruction.
- Initial surgery was unsuccessful, leading to emergency surgery due to issues with blood vessel connections and lymph nodes.
- Harriet underwent proton beam therapy, a precise form of radiotherapy, at The Christie Hospital in Manchester.
- She had to relearn how to talk and swallow after the surgeries.
- Harriet paused her treatment to attend her graduation after completing her drama course.
- She plans to study for a master's degree in drama therapy.
- Harriet is now cancer-free, though still dealing with tiredness and a slight lisp.
