In December 2022, Deborah noticed a strange pain in her lower left mouth. Known for being meticulous about her dental hygiene, she immediately went to her dentist, who prescribed antibiotics and diagnosed her with periodontal disease. Trusting the process, she underwent deep scaling and a bone graft. But the pain never truly left, and her jaw continued clicking.

While navigating her own health concerns, Deborah was also focused on her husband’s recent melanoma diagnosis and care at UConn Health with Drs. Hao Feng and Hillary Newsome. Still, something didn’t feel right with her own condition. On a return visit to the dentist, with gums now bleeding and showing white patches, a biopsy was finally ordered.

That biopsy changed everything.

Referred by Newsome to Dr. Danielle Scarola, a board-certified otolaryngologist who was then practicing at UConn Health. Deborah received her diagnosis: squamous cell carcinoma in the left oral cavity. From that point on, everything moved at lightning speed.

She met with her surgical team the very next day, and just a couple weeks later underwent a nearly 10-hour surgery. “It was one of the worst experiences of my life,” she said. “I had a catheter, a feeding tube, several incisions, swelling, a graft in my mouth, the pain was excruciating.” She stayed in the hospital for six days.

Despite the pain and shock, Deborah recalls every doctor and nurse as “amazing.” She leaned on her strong faith, believing there was a reason this had happened. “I didn’t follow the typical protocol,” she said. “The cancer caught me off guard. My mistake was not pushing for a biopsy earlier, but I never thought it could be cancer.”

Pathology revealed tiny cancer cells in her jawbone. More devastating news for her and the family. Even though her lymph nodes were clear, her care team at UConn Health didn’t take any chances. Further treatment was needed

She met with Dr. Robert Dowsett, Dr. Upendra Hegde and the multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer team in the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center who walked her and her family through an elaborate education about this cancer and its management along with the importance of post-operative treatment to further reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.  This intensive treatment plan: 33 radiation sessions, weekly chemotherapy and check-ups was ably supported by twice-weekly fluid and electrolyte replacement, and care from speech therapists, a dietician, an oncology APRN, a palliative/supportive care APRN, and a social worker.

One nurse looked at her and asked, “Are you ready for this?”

Her answer: “I’m not ready, but I’ll do whatever I need to do.”

“I was so overwhelmed,” Deborah said. “I went home, laid in bed, and prayed. I knew I was in a fight for my life.  The next day I reviewed all the information from the previous meeting and went into survival mode.  It was my only choice.”

She began treatment on October 25, 2023, surrounded by a circle of love and support. Her husband, children, extended family, and friends were always by her side. In the infusion room, Deborah says she was surprised by the sound of laughter. “I remember thinking, ‘How can they laugh? They’re being treated for cancer.’ But once I started, I understood. Laughter became a relief. It became medicine.”

“I followed each and  every recommendation made by my doctors and oncology team,” says Deborah.  It was extremely difficult on her family to witness the pain and challenges she endured.

During treatment, Deborah began journaling. She never referred to her cancer by name—only “IT.” Her writing became an outlet for anger and frustration, it helped her maintain a positive attitude with everyone in her life. One of the hardest parts was being immune-compromised and unable to spend time with her grandchildren.

The tumor is now gone.

Today, Deborah is walking outside again, going to the gym, and adjusting to eating on one side of her mouth. She remains grateful to the entire UConn Health team. “Every time I had a question, they were there. I can’t express enough how appreciative I am. They saved my life.”

She still undergoes regular visits and scans and feels anxious each time. “It’s always on my mind,” she admits. Her care team affectionately called her a “rockstar.”

“In my eyes,” she said, “I’ll only be a rockstar if I never have to go through this journey again.”

Deborah believes that sharing her story can offer hope and guidance to others facing cancer.