Carom
AMSTERDAM - Forty year-old Sander Jonen, twice world champion in artistic billiards, has been diagnosed with a tumor in his jaw. Tests in the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek hospital in Amsterdam showed that the tumor is malignant. The owner of the Partycentrum Osdorp now awaits an operation.
,,I am assuming it can all turn out for the best, but this is still quite a blow'', he says. ,,The tumor is in my left jaw, in the bone, and it is hard to tell how large it is. They want to operate on the shortest possible notice, but as they explained it to me: eight surgeons will have to work on it and the operation will take up to 12 hours. My jaw has to come out entirely, and for that my cheek must be put to the side. An identical bone part from my lower leg will then replace the jaw. That operation requires several specialists, tests and scans.''
Jonen needs to stay hospitalized for three weeks, and will need radiation for an additional five to six weeks. ,,It looks like I will not be playing the Artistic Masters in Haarlo, even if I have not cancelled yet. I am awaiting a call for the operation, but if that is pushed back, I could maybe play.''
He admits that he has pain in his jaw on a daily basis. ,,I have trouble sleeping because of that pain, and they can't suppress it. The tumor pressurizes my jaw, the fluids build up and my jaw expands.''
The first warning signs were last December, when he had an inflammation of a molar. ,,I went to the dentist, who gave me antibiotics. That worked for a while, but during the GP in Marseille, I started to feel the pain again. Back home, I got a referral to a jaw surgeon, who took some tissue and had it tested. It turned out to be bad news.''
Now awaiting the operation, he reports to the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek hospital a few times a week, in view of the preparations. ,,The dentist and the hygienist make every effort to keep my mouth clean. During radiation, your mouth dries out, which is bad for your teeth.'' Jonen is now over the initial scare. ,,It was a real blow. When they told me, I thought "this can't be true". I am a down to earth type, but for this to happen at my age? With all due respect, when I walk through that hospital, I see mostly senior citizens.''
,,It will work out, and turn out for the best, I am certain. I am in very capable hands in that hospital. It will take a lot of time though, possibly another operation later on, because there will be lots of scars.''
Sander Jonen won the world artistic title in 2006 and 2011, and the European title in 2009. He was national champion many times, and winner of several Grand Prix tournaments.