A Face In Time

by Judy Ryan

A Face In Time is the true story of Judy Ryan, who at 17 was diagnosed with a malignant facial tumor, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. In its early stages, the pressure of the tumor alone began to erode part of her cheek bone. And once radiation was administered, damage to her skin, tissue, jaw, eye, ear and scalp was well underway. Despite a fatal prognosis, she survived and since that time there has been no reoccurance. How incredibly fortunate and remarkable it was that she recovered, but, at the time, her survival was bittersweet. In addition to the various maladies she was left to contend with, there was a marked change in her apprearance. Told with honesty and humor, her tale is one of determination that moved her beyond the cosmetic and quality of life issues left behind by cancer and radiation. Making peace with her altered features has been a life-long journey -- a journey that led to a happy life without limitations. Twenty-six years and surgeries later, Judy hopes that others can find solace in their own differences while learning from the mistakes she made along the way in her attempts to make the right choices in doctors and surgical procedures.

324 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2004