Gemma before facial palsy
My symptoms started when I noticed a small swelling in front of my ear with tingling sensation across my face. In September 2023 I underwent surgery for a full parotidectomy to my right side, this involved complete removal of the parotid gland, a salivary gland situated just in front of my ear. Doctors were suspicious that I may have a low-grade cancer in the gland.
Unfortunately, the surgery didn’t go to plan, the tumour was wrapped around my facial nerve and it ended up taking nearly 7 hours. I woke up with facial palsy which I hadn’t expected. I had been warned there was a 1% risk of this happening, but the surgery was much more involved than expected. Also, after my tumour was sent off for further testing to London specialists. it was confirmed that it was clear cell carcinoma, a type of cancer.
Gemma after surgery
I didn’t feel prepared for the new me and found it hard to deal with this as well as recovering from major surgery.
I had to adjust to the way I talked, how I could eat, drink and sleep. I tried to ignore it by not looking in the mirror at myself, but I know it was hard for everyone around me. I got comments saying you don’t look like Gemma anymore. It was so hard going out and just doing things like a food shop. I wanted to feel better by going out, but I would get stopped and people would say “oh what’s happened?” Inside my heart sank as I wanted to forget about how I looked for a while, but people wouldn’t let you.
I tried really hard to carry on with my work as a Beauty Therapist but found it exhausting talking all day and painful because my eye wasn’t blinking. I also needed six weeks of radiotherapy on my head and neck, this delayed my progress even more.
Two months after surgery
I was very lucky to have been referred to a specialist facial therapist early on based at a hospital in Sussex. She has helped me immensely with my progress and I wouldn’t be where I am without her. I feel getting this support early really helped.
Two weeks after surgery
Five months on my facial palsy is improving and getting better every day. The left side of my face was over-working to compensate for the paralysis on the right side. At the specialist hospital I was injected with Botox to my lower mouth muscles to help my right-side work more.
I want to help create awareness because when waiting at a bus stop someone made really mean comments to me and imitated the way I looked. I’ve been very open on my socials with my work to help others and would love to help raise more awareness of facial palsy.
My Instagram is @beauty_lounge_tankerton.
Disclaimer: Please note that views expressed are person’s own and should not be considered a recommendation of particular medical treatments, therapies or surgeries. We would always advise you seek advice from a health professional with experience in facial palsy who can assess your individual needs.