André

Right orbital prosthesis, attached using 3 magnets

“I suffered from sinus cancer, which is recognised as an occupational disease.

It all began 5 years ago. I was cold, I lost my appetite and had toothache, and then increasingly intense headaches. After 6 weeks, I was sent to Strasbourg hospital. After a biopsy, they discovered that it was cancerous. I started to lose weight - 20 kg all in all. The disease affected my sinuses and orbital cavity. Dr Hémar removed the tumour together with my right eye and the bone that was affected. I then had sessions of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Dr Zink reconstructed the hollow section of the cheek using a radial forearm flap and then a few months later, the hollow section of the temple with a rib graft.

In February 2018, Dr Hémar fitted 3 implants into the orbital rim in collaboration with the anaplastologist. As I had been treated with radiotherapy, I had to wait for several months before the bone was completely consolidated. After 5 consultations with the anaplastologist, I received my facial prosthesis in June 2018. My friends and acquaintances find it incredible that you cannot see anything, there is literally no difference compared to the other side of my face and I look like I did before. Some people even asked me if I can see with my prosthetic eye! I was able to take a photo for my ID card to go on holiday abroad. I went by plane and no-one flicked an eyelid when I went through security and the security alarms didn’t go off. I felt reassured. I’d brought Dr Hémar’s certificate with me explaining that I wore implants, but I didn’t need it.

Physically, I feel absolutely normal, more comfortable. I’ve started going to evening dances again. My wife insists that I wear my prosthesis all the time in public. In the evening I prefer to take it off. When I go to the swimming pool, I wear my prosthesis without swimming goggles, but I don’t put my head under the water. My biggest problem is getting used to seeing with just one eye. Sometimes I bump into people because I cannot hear with my right ear anymore either. It’s getting better now. I don’t think about it anymore, not even in the car which I can drive using my wing mirrors. But for doing precise DIY, I am not quite there yet. “