I am a 50 year "young" woman from Ontario, Canada. I was originally diagnosed with oral cancer in October 2004. Since then I have had numerous cancerous tumours removed from my upper gums and palate. In November 2010 I found out that the cancer is now over most of my upper gums.

I had a CT scan in Toronto last night to determine if it is invasive or not. I am looking at radiation and am wondering what others have experienced having radiation on your gums. Did you need to have you teeth and/or gums removed?

Any advise and information would certainly be appreciated.

Hi Wendy, welcome to OCF> You will find lots of helpful info and support here. If you will be having radiation then you should get to the dentist asap. He will need to assess your teeth and remove and that are not in good strong condition. The dentist should also make floride trays for you to use.

Now is the time to also eat as much as you want and not care about gaining weight. A few extra pounds added now will be helpful to you. Most of us have lost significant amounts of weight. I lost 65 pounds and have not gained any back. I struggle to keep weight on. Radiation will change your sense of taste for a while so enjoy all your favorites before that happens. Dont worry its only temporary.

Best of luck with everything.