A grandmother-of-four was given eight months to live unless she had her tongue removed after an ulcer was found in her mouth.
Not only did she have it removed, but she also got a replacement. From her own arm. Despite being a non-smokerJoanna Smithmade the decision to have the 15-hour surgery. Doctors removed her tongue via a hole in her neck and made a new one using skin, muscle and a long vein from her left arm.
She was able to talk as soon as she woke up and can now eat and drink on her own. She has no taste buds but is cancer free and expected to make a full recovery.