I'm new to the forum. I found it a few weeks ago, but haven't posted anything yet. I'm 23 years old and found out I had oral cancer on the left bottom portion of my tongue. I had the cancer removed March 31st. Had a skin graft to reconstruct my tongue. Thank God my cancer was discovered early. I feel so fortunate, especially after reading what many of you have been through. Not sure yet if I will need radiation or chemo. I will find that out on May 11th. I have been having a very difficult time coping with all of this. My anxiety is through the roof. I am scared that this is just the beginning of a very difficult journey. I could use some words of encouragment!

Ashley,

They key thing you said is that you caught it early. Survival rates for early detection and treatment for oral cancer are actually fairly good. The reason oral cancer has a bad rate of survival overall, is because most cancers are detected in later stages.

By the way, I was in a convenience store the other day and the guy next to me at the register mentioned to the clerk that he just quit smoking. Said he was worried about getting cancer. I said I had just gotten over treatment for oral cancer that I thought was brought on by my smoking. Now the shocker! The clerk behind the counter said he was a 37 year survivor of oral cancer while pointing to a small scar on his neck.

He said his was caught early and he never smoked. I asked him how life was treating him and he said all in all it was OK but he could use a better job.

Hoping your job is of more concern to you than your health for at least the next 37 years.

Ashley, as Kelly said, this thing is very curable if caught in the early stages, which yours seems to have been. It's hard not to worry. We all do it and it's natural. But take heart in Kelly's story of that long term survivor - wow! - and the excellent state of medical treatment these days.

You've got a whole new group of friends here at this forum. Please keep us posted. Ask as many questions here as you want. There are no dumb ones. And the same and more goes for your doctors. Let us know how we can help.

Courage.
David 2

Ashley, since you had a surgical solution so far to your cancer, are you being seen also by a radiation doctor and a chemo doctor as part of your team, and were they part of the decision to do the surgery first? Just trying to decide if your diagnosis and primary treatment came from a multidisciplinary thought process or not.

Ashley, I'm very sorry to hear about your having oral cancer but am extremely glad that you found this forum. People here will take you into their family, offer sound advice and tons of support. Like someone said above - don't be scared to ask anything - I'm sure they've already heard it somewhere. I will keep you in my prayers. Hang in there and stay positive for your 5/11 appointment. Take care - Nancy

Hi Ashley, This is a tough thing for such a young lady to have to go through. I have a daughter who will be 22 on 5/15/10 (she is still smoking) I know how I would hate to see her go through this @ such a young age. In any event, your on the mend! Surgery is behind you! I did not have surgery, but did have radiation & 4 treatments of chemo. My advice: if you are able to eat...eat (a lot!) If radiation is needed: ask for Adavan (takes away anxiety)Take this 1/2 hour before treatment. Chemo:no big deal, little hair loss (don't worry, it will grow back!) Keep a positive attitude & look forward to all your tomorrows! You will get through this, take one day @ a time. On 6/20/10 I will be celebrating the 2 yr. aniversary of my last day of radiation treatment. I had a mushroom type tumor on the top R of my tongue. Because I was clueless and waited so long before I sought any medical attention (I just wanted it to magically go away) my cancer spread into my lymph nodes. Today, I feel fine! You will to before you know it! Keep posting so we can stay informed of your progress. You have a whole new family here now, that cares about you. We are here to help in any way we can. How wonderful for you that you found this site so early in your journey. Best wishes & speedy recover to you honey.

Wow! I'm so amazed by everyone's response! This is exactly what I needed. Thank you so much. Kelly, thank you for that story about the 37 year survivor! I'm so thrilled to hear this. Brian, my ENT Doctor decided on surgery since my PET Scan showed the cancer had not spread. He is very confident that he removed all of the cancer, but he wants me to meet with a chemo and radiation specialist to get their input on my condition. I have been so fortunate, actually, through everything. I work full time, but my job does not offer health insurance. When my doctor found this out, he decided to treat me for free. He's such an amazing Doctor and I feel like the luckiest person in the world to have him as a physician. I'm a very, very blessed girl, but sometimes I get so overwhelmed with all of this. I'm so grateful to have found this forum. Thank you so much for your support! Tears of joy came to my eyes when I read everyone's response.

Ashley,

Welcome to OCF. It's great that you will be seeing radiation and chemo docs as it is so very important that you treatment is decided by a team approach.

It's nice to hear that there are docs out there that will do pro bono surgery. You sure are lucky to have found one.

As far as encouragement is concerned, I am one of the few surgery only suvivors on the forum and I just celebrated my 5th anniversary. And the decision to not have chemo or radiation was made by the team of dcocs that I saw.

Ashley, I wonder at times where I would be if it wasn't for our family in OC. I had many times when My mind overworked and I wanted someone to hold me. That is the times, and still are when I come here and read others problems and they seem to make mine small and insignificant. Then I am fine again and go on laughing and joking my way thru this life we have. Again, I thank all of you for keeping me upbeat and happy.