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Good News as We Enter the Holiday Season
Temperatures are dropping and the holiday season will be here before we know it. As seasonal illnesses like colds and the flu start to circulate, we want to take time to check in to ensure your family is happy and healthy. We are always here to support you and your family however we can. At 9114HNC, we wish you a wonderful fall and winter. 

ELHT Paves the Way in Reconstructive Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Last year, the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust completed treatment for 75 complex cases of head, neck and oral cancer with an amazing 100% success rate. This treatment involved an innovative microsurgery known as free flap microsurgery. This surgery helps reconstruct the face after cancer has been removed.
The surgeons will take tissue from any part of the body with intact blood supply through the blood vessel and re-attach it to blood vessels in the neck. The surgery is very complex, but as new hospitals start to offer it, it could be very promising for HNC patients. If you are not sure whether or not your local hospital has an option for free flap microsurgery, be sure to do your research and learn more.
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Cancer Patients Fight Back with Food
One of the biggest challenges that many HNC patients experience is getting the right balance of nutrition. Cancer treatment can come with many side effects, like diarrhea, constipation, taste or odor sensitivity, sore throat and decreased appetite.
Patients undergoing head and neck cancer treatment can have even more challenges, like tongue swelling or burning sensations in the mouth. This article is filled with some of the most creative ways to ensure that you are getting great nutrition even though you are undergoing cancer treatment. If you have nausea, soft and bland foods like dry toast and plain broth can be helpful. For fatigue, having readymade meals available like peanut butter and crackers is a good way to get enough food without taxing yourself too much. Maintaining a healthy weight is critical during cancer treatment, and there are services available to help you. When you can master nutrition, you will have a better treatment and recovery experience.
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Physical Therapy Insights and Tips

In this blog, Alyssa shares her insights and tips on physical therapy as a Head and Neck Cancer paitent. 

"My tips for anyone seeking a physical therapist are basic. 

First, do your research and select the right professional for you! Make sure they are well versed in the field and can effectively help you. 

Second, attend your appointments and diligently work on exercises at home to ensure progress.

Third, openly communicate with your team to ensure everyone is on the same page. You want to have a clear understanding of the treatment plan and establish goals. I was fortunate that my team continuously checked in with me. They would call and email in between appointments to see how I was feeling, as well as asked how I felt during in person sessions. This allowed them to make any necessary adjustments to ensure every exercise perfectly addressed my needs and goals.

Fourth, ensure you have supportive, non-skid sneakers and comfortable clothing. You will be moving around quite a bit depending on your treatment plan and you want to make sure to wear the appropriate attire to optimize your sessions. 

Fifth, do not get discouraged. Do not give up. Manage your pain and remember the healing process takes time. Stick with the plan and stay focused on the big picture for a healthy, strong and mobile future."


To read more of Alyssa's physical therapy tips click the link below! 
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Help Us Help Head and Neck Cancer Patients
911 4 HNC relies on your kind donations to help head and neck cancer patients receive the treatment that they need to survive and thrive. If you found the research and information in this newsletter to be useful and want to help us reach even more patients and families, please consider making a donation or purchasing some of our merchandise. Don’t forget to follow our updates on Facebook to keep up with the latest HNC news.
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Our mailing address is: 911 4 HNC 4550 N. Park Ave Suite 506 Chevy Chase, Md 20815 USA.
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