My Dream Team of Docs & Postoperative Recovery Crew
The Team
: : : DIAGNOSIS SUPPORT : : :
Tillery Family Dental
Dr. Michael Tillery
Dr. Tillery has been serving patients local to Indianapolis for over 30-years. Had I not been under the care of he and his remarkable staff, who discovered the cancerous lesions under my tongue, I might not be here today. Their commitment to ensuring a comfortable and stress-free visit drew me to Tillery Family Dental. They utilize the most up-to-date techniques, tools, and medications to ensure every dental exam is a painless and positive experience. Today Dr. Tillery and his wife (pictured) have become like family to me.
: : : BIOPSY SUPPORT : : :
Oral Surgeons of Indiana
Dr. Mark Anderson
Dr. Mark Anderson provided the most highly skilled care during the biopsy and precancer phase of my disease. He is specifically trained in oral surgery techniques and procedures and served as the assistant professor of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at Indiana University from 1995 to 1999. Suffice it to say, Dr. Anderson did a remarkable job educating me about my disease while treating me with kindness and integrity.
: : : SURGERY SUPPORT : : :
Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, IU Health
Dr. Michael Sim
My confidence was anchored in Dr. Sim before we’d ever even met. Input from other physicians, both locally and from across the country, highlighted how fortunate we are to have Dr. Sim in Indianapolis. His research interests span head and neck cancer, including HPV related squamous cell carcinoma and transoral robotic surgery. The mastery of his craft is genius. My glossectomy was both time and task intensive, spanning nearly six-hours. I was admittedly intimidated upon hearing it explained. However, Dr. Sim’s ability to articulate his process gave me hope and confidence for healing, which ultimately saved my life.
: : : POST OPERATIVE CARE SUPPORT : : :
Indy Health and Fitness Chiropractic Care
Dr. Rob Schroeder (“Dr. Rob”)
I’ve been a patent of Dr. Rob’s for nearly 15-years, including while I was pregnant with Ryan. Suffice it to say, I trust him implicitly. After glossectomy surgery my jaw was not functioning like it had before. I could hear a popping sound when I yawned and I was developing bad habits to work around the occasional discomfort of eating. I went to Dr. Rob for help about three months post op. He immediately noticed that my face appeared cooked and moved it back into alignment. The relief I experienced was instant! I still see Dr. Rob regularly for chiropractic maintenance and care.
: : : POST OPERATIVE CARE SUPPORT : : :
: : : POST OPERATIVE CARE SUPPORT : : :
Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer
I discovered Support For People With Oral Head And Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) by attending cancer support group meetings at the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center. Having significantly benefited from the peer-to-peer counseling in this setting, I joined SPOHNC as a member. I also applied, and have been accepted into, the organization's national database of peer counselors. In doing so, I can be matched with individuals who are navigating oral cancer in real time to offer friendship and compassion.
Muscular & Scar Care / Certified Athletic Trainer, Soft Tissue, Mobility Specialist
Taylor Harris, MA, ATC, LAT
Taylor Harris is part of Indianapolis’ best medical provider team for sports performance located at Indy Health and Fitness. His talents as a soft tissue and mobility specialist have substantially improved my life following glossectomy surgery. The procedure left an eight-inch scar on my arm and another on my neck spanning from behind my ear to the middle of my throat. By the time I arrived at my first appointment with Taylor, both scars had developed tight, painful knots underneath them. I was also experiencing nerve pain and numbness in my thumb and hand. Ever since I started receiving treatment from Taylor, my scars have become significantly less painful. Their appearance is also softer and the mobility in my neck and arm has significantly improved. I see Taylor every month as part of my self-care regimen.
: : : POST OPERATIVE CARE SUPPORT : : :
Oncology Social Worker, Certified Health and Wellness Coach
Michelle Hoy, LCSW, OSW-C, CHWC
Michelle Hoy is an experienced Oncology Social Worker with a history of working in the hospital and healthcare industry, and I thank God for her!
I am blessed by Michelle every month during the group Zoom therapy sessions she hosts through Indiana University Health. Michelle is also revered for her expertise in Grief Counseling, Social Services, Group Therapy, Clinical Research, CBT, and Crisis Intervention. Michelle is a remarkable listener and guide. Having her speak into my life, post oral cancer sugery, helps keep my spirit at peace.
: : : ORTHODONTIC CARE : : :
Gorman and Bunch Orthodontics
Dr. Jason Bunch, DDS, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Dr. Jason Bunch of Gorman and Bunch Orthodontics earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with distinction, as well as his Masters of Science degree in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, from Indiana University School of Dentistry. He has also been one of the top 1% of Invisalign providers in North America for two decades. Just months before my oral cancer diagnosis I had completed Invisalign treatment under Dr. Bunch’s care and was thrilled with the result. Sadly however, painful precancerous blisters on my tongue (and surgery on my tongue) prevented me from wearing my Invisalign maintenance liners and my teeth moved out of perfect placement. Now, having fully recovered from oral cancer, I returned to Dr. Bunch and he has been able to fit me for Invisalign once more. I’m so excited to have straight-teeth smile back again!