#91041 03-03-2009 10:19 AM | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 238 Gold Member (200+ posts) | OP Gold Member (200+ posts) Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 238 | My mother has been through three bouts of oral cancer. It started as a small place on the roof of her mouth which they removed. It later returned and they removed it again. The third time it was much worse. She ended up having the entire roof of her mouth removed and part of the bone over one side of her upper lip as it had spread there. I always knew my mother was a strong woman but little did I know how very strong she and her faith are. She bravely endured surgery and radiation and was ready to get on with her life as of mid-last year. This past Thursday, she had a biopsy and CT scan for a lump on the right side of her neck. Her surgeon said it could go either way and we are now awaiting results and praying that it has not returned. I wanted to join this Forum to learn more about the disease and how other people were coping with it. I strongly believe faith and attitude are everything, and truly admire the brave people who are going through this - both patients and family/friends. Thank you for having this Forum to come to.
CG/Mom: 5 1/2 years SCC upper palate,4 recurrences, surgeries, chemo & radiation. Mom went to Heaven 1/21/11. | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 790 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 790 | Hi Nancy- So sorry you are dealing with this.Your mother sounds like a very very strong person. I am too praying that it is not cancer. We are here for you Nancy. This is certainly not an easy form of cancer to deal with.
LOVE Kate
Tongue Cancer T2 N0 M0 / Total Glossectomy Due to Location of Tumor
Finished all treatments May 25 2007 Surviving!!!
| | | | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 238 Gold Member (200+ posts) | OP Gold Member (200+ posts) Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 238 | MissKate - thank you for such a warm welcome and for your prayers. You never understand all the things people have to endure until it happens to you or someone you know. My Mom never smoked or drank so it was such a surprise. Thanks again for your support and I send good wishes your way.
CG/Mom: 5 1/2 years SCC upper palate,4 recurrences, surgeries, chemo & radiation. Mom went to Heaven 1/21/11. | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Nancy, welcome to OCF. As a caregiver you have found a great place for support. There are so many compassionate people here who can answer your questions and give you a boost when you need it. Hope your mom's results come back with some good news, sounds like she is overdue. ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | | | Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 21 Member | Member Joined: Feb 2009 Posts: 21 | Hi there!
I am new here too, also a caregiver. Have been posting for I guess a few days now, and I already feel better, having an outlet of support! My prayers are with your mom!
Angie _______ Husband's history: Stage I sore on right tongue, removed by surgery 7/06. In 1/08, noticed small inflamed node in right neck. Radical neck, 8 positive nodes, cisplatin and IMRT to bilateral neck for 6 weeks. 12/08, large tumor in left neck. Needle biopsy positive. 2/09, begin taxol and carbo and more rt. Rad neck to follow in April. | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Welcome to our home Nancy. I am praying your mom has been thru the worst and she will be on the receiving end of good news for a change. You are right about faith and attitude being the main ingredient in fighting this stuff. We have a lot of knowledgeable people that will be more than glad to assist you in the knowledge you seek.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April. --- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 | Hi Nancy,
Welcome to OCF. You are right, attitude is such a huge part of healing. It sounds like your mom already has that under control. I'm happy that you found us here. EzJim put it best...welcome to our home. You are welcomed with open arms and ask as many questions as you can think of. The people here have so much knowledge. I will keep you in my thoughts...please let us know what happens with the test.
Suzanne
Suzanne *********** T1 SCC on right side of tongue Age 31...27 when diagnosed 4 partial glossectomies No chemo or radiation Biopsy on 2/2/10-Clear Surgery needed again...no later than April 2011 Loving life and just became a mother on 11/25/10 It's not what we CAN'T do..it's what we CAN do:)
| | | | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 238 Gold Member (200+ posts) | OP Gold Member (200+ posts) Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 238 | Hi, Suzanne! Thanks so much for your warm welcome. I do believe this website will be good for me. I was surprised yesterday when I wrote my introduction... I posted it, re-read it and got tears in my eyes. I know you are busy now getting ready for your wedding. I have two daughters, one your age and the other almost 27. My youngest got married a year & a half ago. Time flies.... enjoy every minute. Best wishes to you. Take care - Nancy
CG/Mom: 5 1/2 years SCC upper palate,4 recurrences, surgeries, chemo & radiation. Mom went to Heaven 1/21/11. | | | | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 238 Gold Member (200+ posts) | OP Gold Member (200+ posts) Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 238 | I want to thank all of you. You really know how to make people feel welcome!
CG/Mom: 5 1/2 years SCC upper palate,4 recurrences, surgeries, chemo & radiation. Mom went to Heaven 1/21/11. | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Nancy, forgive this old mind for not telling you to have a great wedding and live for each other. You 2 have to keep each other 1st at all times. If anyone tryies to interfere at any time, show them the door. LOL I wish I did.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April. --- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
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