DEAR david they gave me the chantix but had to cut the dose due to stomach problems.but it does work some.i finding bumps on my neck i think that arent even there.i go to ent the14 of jan.evry thing has come back ggod so far
least little ache sends me into a panic.I am almost 5 mos out of rad and chemo they say they got it all i hope.

Lolita,

What type of support network, family and friends, do you have? It sounds like you need someone in your life to support you in giving up smoking.

You were lucky they caught your cancer early and you didn't have nodes or mets involved. And, they gave you an intense treatment and continued follow ups. The docs did and are doing their part, now you need to do yours.

You sound lost as if you don't know what to do next. If drugs aren't working, try professional counseling with an addiction specialist to stop smoking.

We can support you here and celebrate in your successes...like today, can you try to smoke 1/2 of what you did yesterday?

Please try to get additional in-person help. Wishing you the best!

Thanks for all your kind thoughts and support, it does feel good to know you are all out there and understanding like no one else I know.
No explanations how we get from "cancer free" to recurrence in such a short period of time. As we all know this disease is a very fast mover once it gets started, and I think it is present for a while before symptoms are evident. Dr. said when skin metastis is present it means the disease has found its way around all the bodies usual defence mechanisms and distant metastis is also likely, especially to lungs. CT scan confirmed lung mets. I am sure palliative treatment will be offered but I don't think hubby will accept anything that will prolong his life. He has had a terrible time with depression all through treatment and with not being able to swallow, has no wish to continue on. It is good to hear, Brenda, that these palliative treatments have given you so much more quality time. I still marvel at your trip to California. You are a good example of what positive attitude can do.
We have a very supportive healthcare team and friends offering help so I will get through this and will try to manage hubby's care at home. I also will try to recognize when I have hit my limits of endurance and accept hospice placement if needed.

I think hospice here is different from in US.
We can go in and have therapeutic treatments, pain controlled sorted, then come back home---okay to die! But maybe later because of 'therapies'. Haven't done it yet,but will when need to!
Has he got anti-depressant meds? I have, and although doc won't give me antii-anxiety meds for my latest biopsy----anit depressants DO work do whoooo---skin!---I'll cope somewhow--don't have choice do I??
Yoga breathing helps--try that for yourself--life is for the living! It's got me through more before and through and after just this cancer!
Because i KNOW I've had a lucky year (I loved going to see my daughter), I will cope, and have just booked what may well be a 'final trip' to Cyprus in 4 weeks time--see friends, relax in warmth, maybe even die whilst there or shortly after coming back.
Have chest/side pain, 3 neck lumps--all growing--at the end of the day, I've lived my 58-yr life, loved my family and cared for my parents before their deaths, taught and counselled scores of Special Needs kids and their families, brought up 2 wonderful twins (hey, In spite of me!)
Lolita--begin a new thread that 'just for you'---go to 'new topic' we want to support you!
Brenda

The newest drug to ease smoking cessation is Chantix. One of my dau-in-law quit smoking within a week of beginning the meds. Good luck to you, my dear!

Lois

Wallyswife and Brenda, you are two of the strongest, most practical, amazing women I know. Your approaches are methodical. Your lives filled with love. You make the best of each day and have provisions for days that might not be so great. You have each taken situations that would cripple many people into inaction and shown us how to take each day one at a time without concentrating on the long term outcome. Much love to both of you.

brenda how do i make my own thread .sorry im slow at all this
thanks lolita

Lolita,
go to the forum list: http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/cfrm
Then select in which forum your topic fits: e.g. Oral Cancer Recurrence
then click on new topic (left top corner) and give it a name, viola!

cheers
M

Hello all. Just a short post to let you know hubby lost his battle Jan. 17th. I was able to keep him at home and comfortable to the end with the support of our medical team and my family. It was what the palliative care movement would call "a good death". He died free of pain, in his own bed surrounded by the love of his family. I miss him terribly but am thankful he is now free of the physical and emotional suffering oral cancer imposed on him. Thank you all for the emotional support over the past months.

Joan: No words can comfort you, I'm sure...Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time...

Lois & Buzz in NC