Finding light in adversity – Immaculate Jeyakumar

From Pain to Purpose: Life After Head and Neck Cancer 

I’m a survivor of head and neck cancer. But my story is not just one of survival – it’s about transformation. I’m here to share a perspective many patients don’t often get the chance to voice: what it really feels like to live through cancer…and what comes after. 

The Beginning: Seeking Help, Facing Roadblocks 

My journey began in 2022 with persistent ear pain. I reached out to my GP but was only offered a telephone appointment. I was told to “go away and rest” – that it was all in my head. Later, I was misdiagnosed with sinusitis and prescribed antibiotics multiple times. 

At a routine dental check-up, I pushed for a referral. My dentist reassured me it was likely nothing but still referred me to a Maxillofacial (MF) consultant at Kingston Hospital. The consultant dismissed my concerns, stating I was “unnecessarily” there under a two-week referral and didn’t order any scans, despite my pain. 

Early 2023: Symptoms Worsen, Desperation Grows 

A swelling appeared on the right side of my neck. Once again, I was offered only remote care – a photo submission. I pleaded for a face-to-face visit. Still, I was told my lymph nodes were “fighting infection” and to take over-the-counter medication. 

Eventually, a locum GP referred me for an ultrasound. The results were reported as normal – but later, I learned the GP had misread them. 

Back at my dentist’s, I demanded a second opinion. He reluctantly agreed to refer me to a hospital of my choice – East Surrey. I followed up, chased the referral, and eventually my case was transferred to Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford. 

In pain and desperation, I wrote a heartfelt email to the consultant’s secretary. I even offered to give my appointment to someone else if they could just see me. That email changed my life. 

The Diagnosis: Facing the Truth 

The very next day, I was called in to see Mr. Walsh, MF Consultant at Royal Surrey. On February 17, 2023, he ordered a jaw scan and then a biopsy – immediately. His early suspicion? 90% chance of mouth cancer. 

It was Stage 4, aggressive squamous cell carcinoma. Mr. Walsh prescribed morphine and referred me to the Head and Neck surgical team. When he asked me what I wanted to do with my life, I told him, “I worked for the NHS. I want to give back. I want to serve.” He promised to help me get there. 

The Fight Begins: Surgery and Survival 

The surgical team presented me with options. Emotionally broken, I initially said I’d prefer a morphine overdose. But I was told that would only prolong suffering – not end it. Eventually, I chose to fight. 

On March 27, 2023, I underwent an 11-hour radical surgery: partial removal of the tongue, neck dissection, jaw reconstruction using a shoulder flap, and feeding tube insertion. I lost my voice and relied on a magic board to communicate. Saliva pooled in a bowl. My body and spirit were shattered. 

But on April 14, I was discharged. My first request? “Tea, please.” That sip felt like a giant leap. 

Radiotherapy and Recovery 

On June 1, I began six weeks of radiotherapy, five days a week. The last two weeks were especially brutal – burns, blisters, hair loss. But I made it. 

The feeding tube caused persistent pain and complications. I worked relentlessly to eat and take medications orally. By August 2023 – despite recommendations for longer tube use – I had it removed. That was a major psychological victory. 

Though left with shoulder immobility, I followed every exercise and regained function in months. I’m left-handed, which helped me adapt. 

Speech therapy, physiotherapy, and swallowing rehabilitation continue to this day. 

Life After Cancer: The Battle No One Prepares You For 

Post-treatment, the silence begins. There’s no structured care for late side effects, emotional trauma, or the long-term damage: chronic pain, dry mouth, numbness, nutritional deficiencies, dental decay. I was told there were no more medical interventions available – but reminded that I had been given the greatest gift: life itself. Still, it’s hard. Every day is a battle. But I choose to rise. 

Finding Purpose: Giving Back 

In February 2024, against medical advice, I walked 158.5 miles in 32 days with my husband, raising £4,700 for Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK and the Second Chance Support Group in Guildford. 

I now serve as an ambassador for Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK, regularly sharing my story and working with Cancer Centres to identify information gaps. I’ve launched taster sessions in Qigong, breathwork, and lymphoedema care. This is the volunteer work I promised to do – if life gave me a second chance. 

Tools That Helped Me Heal 

The journey after cancer doesn’t end with survival – it’s about rebuilding. I explored alternative therapies not just for pain, but for peace. These practices gave me lifelines: 

• Qigong & Seated Yoga – Grounded my body and breath 

• Gong Bath Sound Healing – Soothed deep emotional tension 

• Breathwork – Helped me manage pain and anxiety 

• Support Groups & Podcasts – Reminded me I wasn’t alone 

• Reflexology – Brought physical relief and inner calm 

• Music & Faith – Carried me when nothing else could 

These tools gave me strength when painkillers couldn’t. They empowered me to live again. 

Final Thoughts: There Is Life After Cancer 

To those on this journey: know that the aftermath of head and neck cancer is real, often invisible, and deeply personal. You may feel forgotten. But you are not alone. There is still beauty. There is still purpose. There is life after cancer – and it’s a life worth living. 

I’ve been called a “Pocket Rocket” by my consultant. My surgical team still beams with pride. But behind that strength is a daily choice to keep going. 

What keeps me going?My faith.My family and friends.The joy of giving back.And the hope that my voice – once silenced – can help others rise too. 

If my story speaks to you, share it. If you’re walking this path, know this: you’re not broken. You’re becoming something new. And you’re not alone. 

— Immaculate Jeyakumar 
Oracle H&N  Volunteer Ambassador | Survivor | Pocket Rocket