Just wanted to introduce myself. Recently diagnosed with oral cancer and went in to the hospital this past Thursday to have it removed. The doctor called if leukoplakia and said it was a localized cancer on the bottom part of my tongue. I go for a follow up visit in about a week to see if other treatment is necessary. Have done some reading up on oral cancer and have learned that smoking and heavy alcohol use is the main contributor to oral cancer. That pretty much describes my lifestyle. I've been smoking for over 30 years and I love drinking wine in the evening when I get home from work. Now that the cancer has been removed I am so afraid to smoke or have a drink. Is there anyone else on this board who used to drink and smoke but had to stop because of their oral cancer? I know I have no choice but to stop but I don't know how I'm going to be able to do it all at once. I'm really scared. Anyway that's my story for now. Would love to hear from others who may be in a similar situation.

Leukoplakia is not cancer but it is a stage that MAY lead to cancer. It is thought to be caused by chronic irritation in the mouth and tobacco and alcohol are both known to do that so quitting is the safest thing to do.

Hi George,
Martin used to be a social smoker, only smoke when he went to the pub. Like that since his twenties. The problem is he would got to the pub for a pint every night.
He has not smoked since the first operation and might go to the pub for an ale once every 3 months. The beer tastes awful to him so he has no desire to go drink.
He seems to have been fine with the no smoking, his throat is so sore that he doesn't even want a cigarette.
Just don't smoke again. You seem to have had a warning.
Try nictotine patches, they worked for me. I still rub the space where my patch used to be when I fancy a cigarette and that seems to help even 6 months after.
Cecilia

Hello everyone, I am Glenda, My husband Justin is a 60 year old Vietnam Vet that Angent Orange and smoking probably contributed to his cancer. Even though he quit smoking several years ago, we feel that it has contributed to his base of the tongue,mestastatic to the spine.Stage 4b.

He is in the VA system. Thank GOD. We are treated so wonderful.

We are from Florida but have rented a condo in Biloxi for 2.5 month treatment plan. He just complete 12 rounds of radiation on his spine. We have had a 2nd opinion from an onclogists, seperate from the VA. The private Doctor says no cure. Any treatment is pallative.
The VA doctor says it can be cured. Plan is for Carboplatin, 16-18 weeks,with Eribitux and 7-8 weeks of radiation on his throat.
He has so much pain in his arm and fingers. His hand feels like a band is on it. His pain level never goes below a 4.

40 mg of Oxycotton (SP) and Lori Tab for break through pain. No appetite.not eating all all. Very sore throat. Lots of phelm in the AM. Very good teeth and no need to pull. Lots
He sleeps a lot. Feels so bad. Pain can get to a level 10 veThis man was a very healthy straping musclular man. Good weight and no other health issues except for high blood pressure controlled by meds. Very lonesome. Family is coming next week. He does not want company or visits. I am so isolated...

spouse of Justin 60 years old, BOT,Metatsis to spine. Stage 4b.12 rounds of chemo on spine just completed...5/21/09.
Loading dose June 2,2009. When will he start feeling better from the radiation? Will the pain go away?

My computer jumps around and words are mispelled. Please excuse...Glenda

Glenda,, thanks for letting me know why Ihave so many typos LOL I thought it was me doing it, But I like your way better,,,,George, I smoked for 50 yrs and I just out what I had in the trash and haven't had a smoke for 1 1/2 yeras because of this OC. You know what tho, I will still reach towards my shirt pocket for a smoke LOL Force of habit goes on forever i believe.

Spouse:
Does you husband has a PEG (feeding tube). Regardless of the treatment, he needs to keep up his strength, and especially not get dehydrated. He needs 2000-2500 calories and 8-10 8oz fluid. If he has a PEG, he can bypass his throat.

PS: Radiation pain is different, and healing is different, for everyone. What I've been told is that the worst is actually 1-2 weeks after treatment ends. So use your medication!

Sandy

georgec
smoking is definitely a very bad idea. It is highly likely that this caused your cancer. This means that you (and I) are able do develop cancer (bad luck, deficient repair).....
Given this it is not a good idea to tempt fate again.
As far as drinking is concerned. I would definitely stay away from hard stuff. To me this tastes like pure gasoline (2 years out from rads), therefore it is easy to stay away from it. I do drink wine again now and again.

M

Spouse,

I know you are new to the site but when introducing yourself and/or asking a question, please start your own post. That way people can devote their answers to you.

Geroge, welcome to OCF. Im a former smoker. Threw the cigs out the window on my way to one of my initial oncologist appointments. Its what proababy caused my cancer, but dont know and dont care to know the WHY of it.

Bottom line is dont do it. Think about it this way, for most OC patients they are luck to get thru this once let alone more than that. Dont tempt fate and continue on a known track of destruction. You never want to look back and have regrets that it could have been prevented. Just my personal opinion.