Hello!
I have recently learned of The OCF and this forum and feel like I have discovered a family that I didn't know I had. I am 17 and a half years out from my treatment for two bouts of oral cancer.
I am alive and well and telling my story of survival to groups around the country. Certainly, there are still issues to deal with from the cancer. But I survived to become a grandmother and am very grateful for the bonus life I have.
Looking forward to chatting with you all. I am happy to offer any support I can from this vantage point!
Take great care,
Terri
Welcome to OCF Terri,
It always does our hearts good to hear from long term survivors.
17 years is wonderful (congratulations) and gives comfort and hope to those who are going through treatment now. Also encouraging for those of us worried about a recurrence. I am sure many here would love to hear your story and a good start would be to put a brief description in your signature.
Go to My Stuff, Profile and when you scroll down to the bottom you will see signature. What you add there it will come up with every post.
I am looking forward to hearing more from you.
Gabriele
Wow!! Welcome Teri! Seeing a 17 year survivor is so uplifting. Where was your cancer located?
Welcome Teri! It's so uplifting hearing that your a long term survivor. Can't wait to get to know you better!
Me too, Teri. I will be looking for more information from you as to the type oc you had and your treatment(s). WOW - 17 years! That's wonderful and so encouraging, which is what we all need. Thank you for joining us.
julieann
Wecome aboard Terri. Your type of OC history is a great for us to read. I hope you post your history as to where you had OC and what the Drs did to cure you so long ago.
Welcome Terri,
Good to hear from another long term survivor. As Gabe suggested, please update your signature so all will know where your cancer was and what type of treatment you received.
Take care,
Eileen
Hi Terri and welcome, wow, 17 years, that is wonderful! And it is also very hopeful, I have had 3 bouts of it myself. Again, thanks so much for joining us! Take Care, Carol
Welcome to OCF Terri. So nice to have another long term survivor on board
Im sure you will be able to help many with your experiences. We all would love to hear your story. Hope you take the time to add your signature.
Whats up Terri!! Survivor stories are always awesome, I try and pay more attention to those stories rather than the opposite.
Your Friend,
Nathan
I was building up to a "what if it comes back" moment today, and then I read your post. 17 years! I'll keep that thought.
Welcome!
Marlene
Hey Teri,
I found this site shortly after my diagnosis. I had already found all the sites that had the ugly info on them; I was looking for survivors and their stories. I wanted to know I at least had a future to look forward to.
I've been coming here ever since.
My ONE YEAR ANIVERSARY FOR COMPLETION OF TREATMENT WAS YESTERDAY!
My mom is a 5 year survivor but lives a much different life. Once a non stop powerhouse now she rarely leaves her home. She is addicted to oxycotin and refuses to see this as an issue . She refuses to eat and uses only a feeding tube. Had radiation and chemo. Her family loves her but she will not live near us. It breaks my heart that surviving for her is just that not enjoying life. I know that she has been to hell and many times is still there. Is there any way to reach her and improve quality of life.
Grieving Daughter
Sometimes making a change from something familiar where you have gotten used to knowing what to expect can be very difficult even if the change would be a better one and would improve well being. Have you talked to her doctor re the oxycotin? Maybe he would have an idea or could talk to her about getting off the oxycotin. My son always reacted better to suggestions when they came from someone other than me. Printing out and showing your Mom what others have said about the benefits of exercising the mouth with "real" food and not only relying on the feeding tube might help. I sure hope that things improve with your Mom so that you can feel better too!
Congratulations Kelly! That is fantastic--I hope you are having a grand celebration!
Terri
Dear Daughter,
I am really sorry to hear about your mom. Will she listen to your concerns? Hard to know the impact of the addiction. You might get help from people or groups that deal with addiction--just a thought.
There is a way for us to communicate privately by email and I'd be willing to do that is you want to.
Be well,
terri
Thanks Marlene. Believe me, I had plenty 'what is it comes back' moments and I'm here. Glad that helped!
take care, Terri
I agree about survivor stories. My saga is pretty dramatic and I'm here to tell it, so super grateful.
take care,
Terri
Hi Terri,
I think we are all interested to learn a little about the details of your experience with OC.
Things like type of OC, treatment and any issues etc.
also if you could add a signature that would be great (see my previous post).
Cheers
Gabriele
going to see mom this wekend will share what i have learned here