Hello everyone.I just found this forum and it really is a life saver in knowing other people are out there either facing this or going through it.I dont know if I will be diagnosed with oral cancer but it sure is frightening waiting for the dentist appointment.

this is wonderful to hear about peoples experiences and not just read the info out there through web surfing.The info is so confusing.

thanks everyone for posting

I feel like I was you way back in May!
Let's just hope you AINT got cancer, but at least you know that if you have, we're waiting to pull you through!
Try not to worry--loads of people with worries find out it's NOT cancer, whatever it is, but well done for being aware enough to have made the dentist appointment and done some research!

Brenda

ameagle,

Isn't this place great!!! The people on here are so wonderful. Did you ever think in this day and age you would find people like this?

thanks so much goose and brenfran.

This forum is wonderful,I have spent a week researching this , stressed out had trouble sleeping ,and none of these websites are really filled with very good info except this one,and its because of hearing from real people.
This site is a real life saver.

Thanks again everyone for contributingI had my ,first good night sleep in a week

cheers

Just waiting is REALly hard. It's best to try to keep busy, get the earliest appt possible. Then, lots of deep breathing, exercise - even if it is just bending over to touch your toes, talking to friends and especially coming here because there is always somebody to listen and hold your hand. Keep posting and let us know what's happening.

Thanks ann marie and everyone,Ann Marie you have a lovely name . Did your son have alot of signs I am shocked by the ages on here of some of the people.

I have really enjoyed this forum so much and I am going to keep everyone informed,I wish more of the internet and the world were as caring as this forum.Its a shame to have to get sick to meet so many nice people.

take care
Greg

Hey Greg and welcome.

Yes the waiting is very hard,but there are plenty of people here to chat to and pass the time with.

Hope your news will be good

love liz

Yes, Greg - my son did have signs - he had what he thought was a sore under his tongue from having bitten it. He kept putting off going to the dentist because he was between jobs and no health insurance. It finally started to hurt so much that he did go and luckily the dentist recognized something suspicious and sent him to an oral surgeon who biopsied it and sent him to a maxillofacial surgeon. I hope your appt is soon and that everything goes well.

thank you Liz and Ann-Marie for your responses.Ann Marie,I am sort of in the same boat,I have no health insurance which brings alot more anxiety to this.Did your son have trouble getting the work done he needed.

thanks again everyone for responding

Greg

Greg,

Welcome to OCF. Hope your wait will be over soon. This is a great site as you have already found out. Lots of help and information. I hope your news turns out to be good and not cancer.

Take care
Diane

Greg,
Welcome!!
I echo those who are trying to help you get over your wait. I know don't woorry about it doesn't really help. Try and preoccupy your mind with the little things you take for granted and don't pay much attentiom too...it worked for me.
This is a great site, with wonderful caring people, and there is tons of information from personal experiences to scientific research.
Keep us posted.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, good luck.

Mike

Greg - It helps to talk to whatever health professionals you come in contact with about your situation and they can help direct you toward resources for those without health insurance. My son's maxillofacial surgeon waived his fee because of his circumstances since it was a teaching hospital with a cancer center and because my son would be part of a cancer study with interns observing the surgery and treatment. There was a drug reimbursement program for which he qualified which took care of the drugs he had to have every day before going to his radiation treatments. There are lots of other hospital expenses but the hospital was really great with setting up a payment plan for him. He's back at work now and with lots of bills and having to make up child support payments (for 6 yr old daughter) missed while out of work and disabled but he's a lot better off than he was a year ago.

thanks everyone for the welcome and thank you Ann Marie for the advice about the teaching college.I am near unc-chapel hill so I may look into that as I learn more about this.

Thanks everyone for having this forum,it really has helped me feel alot better.

take care
Greg

Greg - When is your dentist appointment? Sometimes appointments can be moved up if you call and ask. When my son's oral surgeon's office made an apointment for him with the surgeon for a week later, I was such a basket case that my ex-daughter-in-law called for me and moved it up to 3 days later! It's good you are checking out Chapel Hill. If you do a search on OCF main page for Comprehensive Cancer Centers you will find the url for Chapel Hill at - http://cancer.med.unc.edu/ - and many others. The Chapel Hill website can give you lots of information about their cancer center that can help prepare you for making a decision or be able to ask questions of your dentist.

Greg --

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has a program that focuses on the importance of ensuring that those without medical insurance are able to get coverage (its primary focus is children, but the site also includes information for uninsured adults). This page connects you to guides for each state -- simply click on your state on the map.

The main part of the OCF site also provides insurance information .

All the best,
Leslie

Greg: Buzz and I are just 'down the road apiece' from you in Central N. C. (Montgomery County) Keep us posted as to your situation, and let us know if there is anything we can do to help you!

Lois & Buzz in NC