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A new exhibition called I’m Still Me has opened at a Leeds hospital, showcasing portraits of people with prosthetic facial features, some of whom lost their nose, eye or upper teeth because of head and neck cancer. The 15 patients featured in the display took part in a research project that looked into the comfort of prosthetics made using different methods, including traditional and digital processes. In the study, 90% of patients preferred digital methods, with benefits including speed, hygiene and comfort.
The exhibition celebrates the journey of the patients, who agreed to have their portraits painted as a way of conveying the physical and psychological impacts of their treatment. The artworks have gone on display in the Bexley Wing at St James’s University Hospital. Artist Alison Murdoch, who painted one of the portraits, said being able to capture a person’s true essence without their prosthetic was “life-changing”.
One of the patients featured in the exhibition, Robin Fahey, said that seeing his portrait on display showed him that he “still had a smile.” Fahey lost his nose, eye and upper teeth as a result of head and neck cancer. Despite the imperfections of his prosthetic, Fahey said that he will “embrace what I have” and that it’s up to others to embrace people like himself.
Rebecca Fogell, another patient in the exhibition, said that although she feels like she has “got my face back” when she looks in the mirror, she knows that it isn’t really her anymore. She lost her cheekbone and part of her nose in surgery after being diagnosed with a tumour. Fogell, who worked as an NHS nurse for more than two decades, said that there needs to be a greater acceptance of people with facial injuries in the real world.
The exhibition runs until 31 January and showcases the benefits of digital methods in making prosthetics, particularly because they are less invasive, more comfortable and generally preferred by patients. However, patients also valued skilled finishing touches, which are often associated with traditional prosthetic-making methods
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