With what my dad is going through, it hasn't seemed right to share that I have seen our ENT on Fri. 1/18 for myself.
The lining of my mouth is burning like crazy, and the white lines that are across both my inner cheeks now have a "lacy" white appearance. The ENT I saw has taken wonderful care of my family for 20 years. I trust his opinion. He said he believes it looks like what my dad started out with. Either oral lichens planus, or oral leukoplakia. He said that although smoking isn't good for it, it didn't cause it. I have had the lichens planus rash on my wrists and feet since Feb. 07. So it makes sense to me that I might have it orally, and that would cause the burning as my feet burn like crazy too. My parents both had/have psoriasis, and my son has been diagnosed with Psoriatic arthritis. I've had problems with my immune system since my late teens, that Cleveland Clinic diagnosed as Lupus.

I see my Dads doctor at Cleveland Clinic on Tues. 1/29.
I don't know if he will biopsy then or not.

I'm shaking like a leaf writing this, I am scared.
I'm researching this site and web for info.
Came across a finding that was reported in Science news daily about avocados..."September 5, 2007

Dell,, you seem so sweet and caring. I hate to hear of youo going thru this. If there is anything I can d, please let me know.. I have you in my prayers,, your Dad too.

Morning Jim,
Thanks for the kind words, thanks for being here!
Deb

Dell , you have been here for me and I shall be here for you thruout whatever needs to be done. You are a sweet caring lady . I will be looking for posts from you to keep us updated.

Oh Deb!! You tell of my biggest fear. You must be in such a panic knowing how difficult these tx's can be. On the positive side you were aggressive seeking help in your care--I'm so proud of you for being so strong!
My neighbor Maureen makes an awesome chicken salad with alvacado, as soon as I can get in touch with her I'll send the recipe out if you are intersted.
I'm hear if you need me.
Love,
Donna

This SOUNDS like lichen planus, which your doctor is right is not related to tobacco use. Leukoplakia however is, and is common on the palate of smokers and the vestibule between the lips/cheeks and mandible in spit tobacco users. Both can have that lace like look, but it is most commonly associated with lichen planus. Lichen planus has never been shown conclusively to be a pre cancerous condition. Only 25% of leukoplakias turn into malignancies. That you have had LP elsewhere makes you a good candidate for it as your diagnosis.

Brian I was glad to see your answer ro Dell. She is a good friend of mine and I know this will put her mind at ease. It just relaxed mine. Thank You

Donna, I would like a copy of the chicken salad with avocado's recipe, it sounds delicious, and your support and friendship are a godsend!

Jim, your an angel on earth, I couldn't have even shared this with the group if it wasn't for your caring, you inspire me everyday!

Brian: I'm clinging to your knowledge and experience.
Thank you for sharing it with me.

Avocados are delicious "as is." A really soft avocado can be eaten with a spoon straight from the shell. Avocado can be mashed and used like a spread, or instead of or combined with oil in a dressing. If acid is not a problem lemon juice or even better lime juice can be added to avocado. Try tuna with softened cream cheese and mashed avocado. Avocado can be chopped up and added to a salad. For people who can chew, try fennel(it is also called anise or finochoio and looks like celery with fern on top), avocado and olive oil and, if tolerated a little taragon or basalmic vinger. Tomatoes and avocados are a good combination.

Deb, thank you for the compliment. I know some that wouldn't agree with you about my being an angel. LOL..You are a special person yourself Mam.

Hi Malka,

The uses for avocado's sound really good, you made me hungry!
We have to pay about a buck a piece for them here in the north, are they less expensive in NO? I would love to hear some more of your favorite foods from the south. I read your posts and am very encouraged by them.

Kindly,

Avocado prices seem to fluctuate here from too expensive to not too bad. There probably is a California Avocado web site with all sorts of exotic recipes. If you really want to know about our food just come here and stand in the produce section of any grocery, put two items in your basket and at least three people will ask you how you are going to use them and offer you their recipes. Beware "cajun" recipes in magazines, they usually are awful and far from authentic.

One of the best recipe sites is KopyKat.com.. you can search to your hearts content.. LOL I have copied a lot of good recipes from there. The ones I have tried are very good.

I was told to eat the smaller bumpy skinned variety avocado for this reason (which is more common) and I have to admit I've had a lot of them since I read that article, because I worry too. I like mine with horseradish.

I would never have guessed horseradish, which I love!
What a good idea!

Update: I saw the Otolaryngologist today. The same doctor who performed my dad's surgeries. He found what he suspects is oral lichens planus on both of my cheeks, and the base of my tongue.
(I didn't see it on BOT, learning to look better)
He referred me to his dermatologist for biopsy with an asap text message, but told me not to lose sleep over it. I hope the resident who was working with him and examined me just before my dads doctor was paying attention, because he said he didn't see anything wrong. Have a dull ache in left bottom jaw, hope it's nothing. His nurse was very interested in sharing the avacodo finding, she asked me to fax it to her so she can share it with her patients, she was very kind and caring and wants to especially share it with her radiation patients.
Will update again when I've had the biopsy.

Deb,, maybe if the avacodo works, you will be helping a lot of people, including me when I can chew again. I did have 2 nice ladies getting chemo at the same time. It was very interesting to have someone to talk with.