#29483 11-01-2007 04:52 AM | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 2 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 2 | Hi guys, I hope you can help me. I quit chewing tobacco after using for several years and I was a smoker before that. High-risk category. I am vigilant with self-exams and saw a suspiscious mark on my tongue. I went to a dentist with a Veloscope, who said that the tongue was fine (swollen salivary gland), but a small patch flouresced (sp?) on my check under the veloscope. It is about a cm or so and very difficult to see with the naked eye, although a small white patch is noted. I AM IN A PANIC. The dentist wants to repeat the exam in a week; I feel like getting a surgical biopsie yesterday. Given my history, I feel sure it is something. Any advice for now, and how should I proceed if it is cancerous? Thanks | | |
#29484 11-01-2007 12:55 PM | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 510 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 510 | Hi Mike, and welcome to OCF! Hold on, shortly there will be several responders to your post saying "take a deep breath...now, breathe"..."it ain't cancer til the dr. says it's cancer"...
Whatever 'it' is, there's nothing you can do until you get your report next week. Try to think positively and keep your wits about you if possible.
If 'it' IS cancer, we'll be here to help you through the process.
Lois & Buzz in NC
CG to 77 y/o hubby;SCC Alveolar Ridge; Wake Forest Baptist Hosp surgery: 07/19/07; bi mod radical resection/jaw replacement;
T2 N2-B M0 Stage IV-A
28 IMRT +
6 Paclitaxel/Carboplatin
Getting stronger every day!
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#29485 11-01-2007 02:15 PM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Mike,
Glad to hear that you are feeling better about your situation after our emails.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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#29486 11-02-2007 10:04 AM | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 2 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 2 | Thanks to everyone. I have resumed breathing thanks to your prompt replies. I've had the best day today since the situation began. My prayers are with you guys and I will let you know more as soon as I do. I am very grateful.
Mike | | |
#29487 11-02-2007 12:54 PM | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 632 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: May 2007 Posts: 632 | Keep posting Mike!
We're all here to listen, understand, sympathise and offer any relevant advice.
Continue to breathe deeply---it really does help!
Brenda
Brenda in UK--Diagnosis 30/5/07--undifferentiated carcinoma in right jawbone and muscles. Stage 4
6/7/07--new diagnosis primary is in lung. Finished 4cycles of palliative carboplatin/gemcitabine
therapy September 07
Now dying to live!
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#29488 11-03-2007 10:00 AM | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 580 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 580 | Mike,
Sounds like Jerry has provided you with some good info. I, like Jerry, also utilize the Velsope in my practice. It is not the magic wand and needs to be utilized along with a proper medical, dental and family history; a proper visual examination and physical palpation head and neck examination. Then all the information need to be interpreted before a lesion is destined for biopsy etc.
I'm sure Jerry has filled you in.
If I can offer any help PM or e-mail me.
Mike
Dentist since 1995, 12 year Cancer Survivor, Father, Husband, Thankful to so many who supported me on my journey so far, and more than happy to comfort a friend.
Live, Laugh, Love & Learn.
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