just an update,neck dissection showed 4 nodes affected,i am now to have radiation,not on my cheek but my neck,getting quite scared now,i keep thinking im going to die

Mandy, I know it sounds easy, but try to breathe and relax. I'm sure all of us have had the same thoughts. I still feel that way some days, even 10 1/2 years later.

Mandy... I can't tell you not to be scared... it would do no good. and realistically you have a right to be scared. What I can tell you is that there are a lot of people here who've been where you are and they are still around to tell the tale. Everyone is different, so looking at stats etc.. only tells half the story. Focus on your health now. What can you do to make this go as smoothly as possible. Eat healthfully, consume as many calories as you can now before you start radiotherapy - plan for the worst - hope for the best and do whatever you can to try and get back to normal after.
Pain management is important if you are sensitive to pain let them know. Radiation is okay the first 3-4 weeks, the last 4 weeks are not so much fun - know this and prepare for it. (even if you are only having 6 weeks of radiation the first two weeks following are the worst) I am not going to lie and tell you it's a cake walk. I had a relatively easy time of it and it was still highly unpleasant. Know yourself - know what soothes you and indulge in that. I like long baths. When I was really hurting and feeling crappy, I would grab an ensure and take a long hot bath. I would lay on the couch (with a cloth, my blanket, my rinse and something to spit into (Gross I know)) and watch aimless television shows. I did this for about 2 weeks at the end. I forced myself to walk my dog though, and meditated a bit. This soothed me. Find out what works for you. I found my waterpik was my best friend. And I stocked up on liquid nutrition and mild flavorless soups (nothing that burns)
You will get through this. Read up on the fall out from radiation and then see if you can figure out what would work to offset those particular issues. Nutrition and hydration are very important. Up your protein intake now if you can and maintain it. Stock up on lip balm - (lips get very dry) - buy a good cream etc... hugs and we are here when you have any questions.

Mandy, I think it's safe to say that pretty much everyone here has been that scared at some point. The wait before starting treatment can be one of the hardest times. It sounds as though you're doing everything you need to do to beat this. You're not alone!

hello,havent posted in nearly a year,things haven't been good,as you know had cancer of buccal mucosa removed nov 2013 and node involvement feb 2014 and then 6 weeks of radiation,cancer returned to buccal mucosa may this year,this time I had to have my entire lower jaw removed,partial removal of top jaw and partial floor of mouth,had a flap from my thigh and muscle from my thigh put in my mouth,they where going to use a tibia bone to replace my jaw but didn't, I cant have radiation as ive been radiated in that area before,they are very happy that they got 10ml clear margins,now to watch me very closely,i don't know where I go from here as I think its my last chance

Im very sorry to hear you havent been doing well and you had another recurrence this year. The surgery you described is a major one! Recovery from that can be a very long road.

Its not easy to avoid worrying about having the cancer return again, especially after what you have been thru. A recurrence is the biggest fear we all have. I used to be so spooked about having a recurrence that I wouldnt even read anything in the Recurrence section. Now I look back and realize there wasnt anything that I could have done to prevent it from happening. Maybe it would help if you try to concentrate on things within your control. Many patients (caregivers too) seek a therapist to help them manage their fears. In the US some counselors work primarily with cancer patients. Would it be an option to find someone to speak with from your treatment center?

Hang in there!

can someone please explain Erbitux,i aasume its a chemo but then i read that it is used in conjuction with chemo,i start Erbitux on monday with radiation for a recurrence,why is nt mine with chemo as well

Yes, Erbitux is a type of chemo. Sometimes its used in combination with other types of chemo.

Im sorry but Im unsure of what you are asking with .... [quote]why is nt mine with chemo as well[/quote]

Im sorry but the link for the word Erbitux isnt working. Maybe this can help?

Erbitux info

sorry,what i was asking was how do they determine who needs Erbitux and who needs it in conjuction with other chemo.my oncologist said its the rollsroyce of treatment but then i read that its quite toxic and people prefer cisplatin,is there a higher cure rate by adding chemo to radiation,im just abit confused about how it all works,this is the first time ive been offered anything other than radiation

Please understand that we are fellow patients/survivors and caregivers without medical backgrounds. While I try my very best to help answer questions based on what Ive learned over the past 8 years here, I have not had any medical training or education. So please always also check with your treating physicians as well.

When adding chemo to radiation for treatment of oral cancer it helps the radiation to be more effective. I think Ive seen somewhere that it adds 10% better results than rads alone.

I believe here in the US, doctors go by a flow chart put out by the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network). On the main OCF site we have page after page of very detailed info about this. I thin there is also a link to the NCCN site. This probably would be a very good start to learning more about how treatment plans are devised.

OCF Main Pages, Treatment Guidelines and NCCN Info

Best wishes with everything!