Hello everyone.

I was diagnosed with SCC of the gum a couple of weeks ago. It has been caught very early, barely stage I. I spent several days at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN getting all of the tests that one with Cancer needs. I will be having surgery on January 12th to remove three teeth and part of my jaw bone. My outlook is very good. But I am still scared. I have three kids, ages 5, 4 and 2 1/2. My Mom died of Cancer when I was 8, so just hearing the "C" word is enough to make me panic.

I spent a good part of my day reading posts on this site and it has really touched my heart. You all seem like such wonderful people. I don't have any specific questions now, but thought I'd introduce myself. And you can bet that my prayers will be directed to all of you that are going through the same stuff.

Goodnight.

Dx 11/30/2006 Stage I SCC of gum/surgery 01/12/07 resection of the right posterior mandible with a right buccal transpositional flap 3 teeth removed/reconstruction to come in 9-12 months