She Thought Her Mouth Sores Were Just Ulcers. Now She’s Having Her Tongue Removed

### Kent Woman Shares Battle with Rare Tongue Cancer to Raise Awareness

In an inspiring move to raise awareness about the increasing prevalence of tongue cancer, 25-year-old Olivia Donnelly reveals her personal journey following a shocking diagnosis. Hailing from Kent, Olivia initially struggled with painful ulcers on her tongue for two years before being informed that the condition was far more serious than initially thought.

Olivia first began to experience the discomfort of tongue ulcers two years ago, but despite several tests and biopsies returning clear results, doctors misdiagnosed her with an immune system disorder. It was only in January of this year that she discovered a concerning hard lump on her tongue, prompting her to seek further medical attention.

Recollecting the day she received the call from the hospital, Olivia stated, “As soon as I had that phone call, I knew that something was wrong.” This premonition led her to bring her mother along for the appointment that would change her life. There, she learned that the lump was, in fact, a cancerous tumour and that further tests would be required to determine the necessary treatment.

Following a series of MRI and CT scans, the news became more devastating; Olivia was informed that she would need to undergo a surgical procedure to remove 40% of her tongue. The surgery would also involve reconstructing her tongue using a skin graft taken from her wrist. Additionally, doctors expressed concerns about cancer spreading to her lymph nodes, indicating that radiation treatment might follow if further intervention was necessary.

“This is a lot to digest,” Olivia shared candidly in a TikTok video on her account, @Olivia22x22, where she continues to document her health journey. “I’ve got to learn to speak again, to eat again — all that stuff.” She detailed the emotional rollercoaster that has accompanied her diagnosis, oscillating from feelings of stability to moments of deep sadness as she processes what lies ahead.

Her anticipated recovery time is approximately six months, a period she views as “bittersweet.” This sentiment is compounded by her recent milestone of moving into her first home with her fiancé. Olivia expressed that her planned life changes are now on hold, highlighting the complex emotions intertwined with her diagnosis and treatment requirements.

In her efforts to raise awareness, Olivia underscored the rarity of tongue cancer, noting that it affects only 0.4% of the population. According to the National Cancer Institute, while still relatively uncommon, diagnoses are on the rise at an average of 2.1% annually. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can encourage others—particularly young people—to be vigilant about their health.

Moreover, Olivia took the opportunity to clarify misconceptions around potential causes of her cancer. Although she had previously vaped sporadically, medical professionals attributed her condition to “bad luck” rather than lifestyle choices.

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Olivia remains focused on her healing journey and the importance of representation in conversations about tongue cancer. She continues to advocate for better awareness, aiming to educate young people on recognising symptoms early and seeking timely medical advice.

Olivia’s story is illuminating and serves as a crucial reminder of the unpredictable nature of health and the necessity of awareness, especially concerning rare conditions. As she navigates this difficult chapter, her bravery in sharing her experience will undoubtedly resonate with many.