After five years I have been entered into the 'WINS' column at my oral cancer clinic with a recurrence at this stage considered to be 'extremely remote' in my case.

This site has been wonderful for me - support and info. I have received support and love from around the world. I was fortunate enough to be able to celebrate with Gabe (whom I met on this site) after my last appointment yesterday. She is a patient at the same clinic but made a special trip yesterday. While waiting for me Gabe was told that the clinic's doctors will all be attending the head and neck conference in San Francisco at the end of this month.

I hope that OCF members who are undergoing treatment at present will take heart and know that treatment can be effective. Did I wonder whether it was worth it 3 weeks into radiation? YES, I sure did because it was such a difficult road. But was it worth it. YES, YES, YES.

Love to you all from Helen

Helen,

You have made my day. Thanks for sharing your wonderful news. Even though we didn't get to meet last year when I was in Sydney, I feel like we are family. I'm so glad that you and Gabe hooked up and your support for each other is a testament to the wonderful things that this group can accomplish.

Here's to the next five years.

Jerry

Once again congratulations Helen. I hope to be in the same position in just over 3 years from now. Great catching up again and having that small celebration even if it was only coffee.
The sun is well and truly over the yardarm now so will say cheers again with a glass of wine this time
Love
Gabriele

Hi helen and gabe

congratulations helen what great news,and gabe you will get there.you have obviously got great treatment,and i wish rays mum(parellel-silence) had fared as well.I am not sure where in australia she is being treated,but when she told me her mums doctor hadn't heard of using steroids to reduce facial swelling in oral cancer,and he had to ring other doctors for advice after ray mentioned it too him,i was shocked.She has had to be admitted to hospital and is waiting for a hospice bed,but ray is not happy with the treatment she is getting.

funny how different hospitals have different ways..

glad you two are so chirpy

take care
love liz

Thankyou Jerry and Liz for your kind words. Gabe, unfortunately I can't celebrate with a glass of red because it still tastes like vinegar to me.

Gabe and I attend a specialist multi-discipline head and neck oncology unit at a major Sydney teaching hospital. Sorry to hear about Ray's mum not having an experienced doctor. Australia is a huge land mass with a relatively small population, and if a patient does not live within easy distance of a major city then I'm afraid specialist treatment can be hard to come by. Possibly that is the reason but it is certainly not acceptable.

Love from Helen

Great Great news. I hope I make that anniversary. I hope we all make it as well.