Elly Brown's Journey: Battling Oral Cancer and Finding New Purpose

Elly Brown, now 45 and hailing from Henderson, Nevada, recently shared her harrowing ordeal after what started as a routine dentist appointment turned into a life-altering battle against cancer. Her compelling story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the importance of early detection.

During a seemingly typical dental check-up, Elly's dentist, just "checking my tongue as usual," made a shocking discovery—a lump. Little did she know that this small lump would send her on an unexpected and challenging journey. Diagnosed with stage one oral squamous cell carcinoma, which is generally considered harmless, she underwent a minor surgical procedure to remove a piece of her tongue. 

However, life took a dramatic turn a year later when excruciating pain gripped her ear. Doctors delivered the devastating news: the cancer had returned, now at stage three, spreading to her lymph nodes. Elly faced a daunting 12-hour surgical procedure that involved the removal of half her tongue and part of her jaw. Her face swelled due to the complex operation, where doctors skillfully rebuilt her tongue and jaw using tissue and bone from her leg.

Today, Elly stands as a symbol of strength and recovery. The cancer has not returned, and she has successfully resumed her career in media production. In addition to her battle with cancer, Elly also copes with lichen planus, a rare condition that causes purplish, flat-topped, and itchy skin lesions. Only affecting about one to two percent of Americans between 30 and 60 years old, lichen planus patients require regular oral check-ups to monitor mouth lesions and detect potential cancers due to persistent inflammation.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is diagnosed in around 54,000 adults annually, with a higher incidence in men. The good news is that about 70 percent of those diagnosed with this cancer live for more than five years post-diagnosis, particularly when detected early. Survival rates soar to 84 percent when the cancer is caught in its early stages but drop to 41 percent when it spreads to other parts of the body.

Elly recalls the moment she received her cancer diagnosis in 2017, saying, "My oral surgeon was checking my tongue as usual and felt a lump." She vividly remembers her surgeon's concern, saying, "He actually said, 'I don’t like the look of that,' which is not exactly what you want to hear from your oral surgeon." She underwent a biopsy that confirmed squamous cell carcinoma, a moment that left her unable to eat, sleep, or concentrate for a week.

A minor surgery successfully removed the lump, but her lichen planus prevented follow-up radiotherapy. A year later, unbearable ear pain signaled the cancer's return. Elly pushed for further tests, leading to the grim diagnosis of stage three cancer. She faced a daunting journey of treatments, including a hemiglossectomy, a mandibulectomy, a tracheostomy, and a feeding tube for five months. The extensive procedures left her with a prominent scar running from her lip, down her chin, and around her jaw.

Despite the physical trauma and challenges, Elly expressed her gratitude for the medical team's compassion and expertise. After the surgeries, she gazed at her reflection, acknowledging the impressive efforts to save her life. Her face was swollen, the stitches fresh and deep. She emphasized the importance of counting her blessings and cherishing life.

Elly's battle included chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and relearning to walk due to the surgery on her leg. She leaned on the support of friends and family who rallied around her. Their encouragement and even wheelchair-assisted trips to the dog park provided solace during her recovery.

In 2020, Elly underwent surgery to address the scar on her face. She now undergoes yearly scans to ensure her oral cancer remains at bay, and the results have been consistently clear.

Since her diagnosis, Elly has embarked on a new career path, serving as the vice president of production at Network Media. She reflects on her journey, saying, "Thankfully, I have been oral cancer-free ever since my aggressive treatment five years ago. These days, I’m feeling wonderful and full of gratitude." She encourages others to share her story and advocate for early treatment for any unusual symptoms related to oral cancers. Elly's remarkable journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of resilience and the importance of early detection.