Cancer teacher's battle to return to classroom
A TEACHER who lost most of his tongue to cancer has spoken of his battle to get back to the classroom.
John Dabell was 40 when he was diagnosed with mouth cancer – usually found in the over-60s.
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John Dabell hopes to return to teaching at Forest Fields Primary School
In a 15-hour operation, surgeons Iain McVicar and Phil Hollows at the QMC used arteries and veins from his arm to rebuild his tongue.
Three-quarters of it had been cut away to remove a cancerous tumour which spread to John's neck.
The Wollaton father-of-one – who neither smokes nor drinks heavily – now hopes to make a full recovery and return to teaching at Forest Fields Primary School.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW WITH JOHN HERE
"My aim is to walk back into the classroom the same person as when I left," he said.
Of the day he was diagnosed, he said: "I remember feeling for the first time in my life the blood draining from my whole body. The shock was total. Immense."
"One of my greatest fears was not being able to speak again.
"I have been through a lot of challenges and now I am able to take on board more that comes my way."
10 Comments
by Roger, Sherwood
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 9:33PM
“Good luck with your recovery.”
by Vicki, Bobbers Mill
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 7:41PM
“Best of luck to you John and hope you're soon back at school.
My 44 year old husband was diagnosed with mouth cancer that had also spread to his lymph glands last summer and was lucky enough to be put be under the care of Mr hollws and his wonderful team who did an amazing job and will be eternally grateful.
You hear the dreaded word "cancer" and the floor just falls from under you, but when you have a team looking after you like Mr Hollows and Dr Christian looking after your chemo and radiotherapy from the City Hospital, you're in good hands.
Dale is now back at work and cycling miles again.
Christmas was a very rough one for us last year, but are looking forward to seeing him tuck into his christmas dinner this year , and will think of you John and your family and raise a glass to the people who will have got you there.
This dreaded illness can strike anyone, no matter what age, fitness, smoker or not and this is what everyone needs to be aware of. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”
by r, Nottm
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 4:18PM
“We all miss you at Forest Fields and wish you a speedy recovery, hope to see you soon John.”
by Hayley, forest fields
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 2:47PM
“Get well soon john and see you back at forest fields school soon.”
by Cheryl, Beeston
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 2:04PM
“My dad had the same operation by the same surgeons 4 years ago and thanks to them he is still here to tell the tale. I will talk to anyone who will listen about this operation as I think it is very important to make people aware of Mouth Cancer. I think Mr McVicar and Mr Hollows are both amazing people and brilliant at what they do. Let's not forget the nurses in the MaxFax clinic and also on the wards who care for these patients following the operations. Mr Hollows involved myself and my mum in the decisions regarding dad's operation which helped us greatly at a very difficult time and I will be eternally grateful to him for this. I believe that if it wasn't for Mr Hollows my dad wouldn't be here today. To John, things will get better and I am sure you will manage to eat your Christmas dinner and enjoy every mouthful, good luck to you. I am running the Race for Life on Sunday in the hope that more can be done to hopefully prevent others having to go through a similar experience.”
by Steve, Notts
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 12:52PM
“Well done John and best of luck.”
by Graham, NG14EX
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 11:15AM
“I just listened to the interview,considering the operation was only a few weeks ago,quite remarkable !
Well done John,I hope that everything continues go smoothly for you.
Might I suggest that you get some photographs of your rebuilt tongue...the kids are bound to ask to see it when you get back to school.
Finally,how's the taste buds ?
Good luck.”
by S, Wilford
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 10:26AM
“Good luck to you John, hope you get back into the classroom soon.
A very inspirational story and one a lot of kids can get something from.”
by Afton, Beeston
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 8:14AM
“Very brave. Have a lot of respect for him. Good luck with the future!”
by Amy, Nottingham
Wednesday, June 17 2009, 8:04AM
“What a brave man- all the best to him. I bet the kids can't wait to have him back at school!”