Sai Priyanka Ramayanam
'Take care of your body—it’s the only place you have to live.'
At just 29 years old, Sai Priyanka Ramayanam, affectionately known as Priya, has navigated a harrowing journey with tongue cancer while balancing the roles of wife, mother, and corporate professional. Originally from India, Priya lives in Adelaide with her husband and their two children—a spirited seven-year-old daughter and a 19-month-old son. An enthusiastic and creative soul, Priya loves sketching and crafting in her spare time.
In 2022, while pregnant with her second child, Priya noticed an ulcer on her tongue that persisted longer than usual and caused discomfort with spicy foods. Concerned for her nutrition during pregnancy, Priya’s husband encouraged her to visit the GP. After the mouth failed to improve the ulcer, her GP recommended a biopsy.
On March 10, 2023, Priya received the devastating news that she had squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Priya’s cancer care journey began with swift appointments and consultations. Despite being in her third trimester, her medical team coordinated care to accommodate both her pregnancy and treatment needs but she was unable to have a CT scan. Priya’s son was delivered via C-section at Flinders Medical Centre, and soon after, she underwent a hemiglossectomy, neck dissection, and reconstructive surgery, which involved creating a flap from her left forearm and a skin graft from her thigh.
These treatments came with significant challenges. Priya had a tracheostomy—a breathing tube in her throat. “My Tracheostomy was my Nightmare. Even if I hear the word I get chills, my heart will race.” She also required a PEG feeding tube during radiation therapy.
Just one month after her initial surgery, Priya learned cancer cells had appeared on the other side of her neck. A second neck dissection and further treatments followed.
Throughout her ordeal, Priya says her family became her pillars of strength. Her parents visited in hospital and provided care when she returned home.
About her husband, Priya says “I’m lucky for a husband like him. He supported me and shared my pain and my happiness throughout my cancer journey.” Priya says. “He stood strong for me through everything.”
Her family’s support, coupled with the guidance of her medical team—including surgeon Dr. Rowan Valentine and head nurse Tracey Nicholls—helped Priya endure the gruelling months of treatment and recovery.
Priya’s recovery hasn’t been without lasting effects. Radiation caused a persistent dry mouth, making speaking and eating challenging, and chemotherapy left her with hearing loss. A severe cough during treatment even caused her to fracture a rib. Despite these hurdles, Priya is determined to rebuild her confidence and adapt to her “new normal.”
“Everything will be changed after cancer. Your personality, your behaviour, your attitude… everything will be changed. I used to be talkative girl and after my cancer I became more shy and can't start a conversation with others like I used to. I think that they will judge me for my face, for my voice.
“I used to be a funny girl but not now.
“Now if I listen to the same music that I heard during my treatment, it was like a nightmare to me. My heart starts beating fast. Until the music stops, I feel something tingly like a burden in my heart.”
Sharing her story is both a form of healing and a way to inspire others. Priya wants people to understand that Head and Neck Cancer doesn’t only affect smokers or drinkers—it can happen to anyone.
“Stay strong and positive,” she advises. “Take care of your body—it’s the only place you have to live.”
Though she hadn’t heard of Head and Neck Cancer Australia until her doctor recommended it, Priya now appreciates its resources and the community it fosters.
“Reading others’ stories on the website made me feel less alone,” she says. “I hope sharing mine can do the same for someone else.”
Priya’s resilience and determination are a powerful testament to the strength it takes to confront cancer while maintaining hope and love for life.