Just over two weeks ago I walked into Stanford Emergency and was almost immediately diagnosed with a 2" tumour at the base of my tongue. Last Saturday I had an MRI and I have a PET scan scheduled for the 23rd. We are currently looking to see if the cancer has spread. I was diagnosed 6 months ago with TMJ disorder, so there is some fear that it has spread to my jaw. I should add that a biopsy has shown my cancer to be HPV 16 positive.

Honestly, this forum scares me a little.

I am in good health, and good humor, otherwise. But I am alarmed at the above introductions. I begin radiation therapy soon and have no idea what to expect.

Im being treated in Santa Clara.

Welcome to OCF! You have found the best place to get info and support for oral cancer. Im sorry if you are scared by the things you read here. By reading this site, you will find important info you should know so you can better advocate for yourself. I know a cancer diagnosis is scary, most of us are afraid of the upcoming unknown things that we are going to face weather we want to or not. You are in the right place, we have been where you are and will help you.

You are probably very busy with appointments right now. Before you begin treatments you should have a complete dental exam with flouride trays made. You should also have a full blood work done including thyroid and testosterone levels. These things are very important.

One of the biggest things to do to help yourself get thru this easier would be something that is within your control, your intake. Every single day, starting now you should be taking in a minimum of 2500 calories and 48-60+ oz of water. These numbers are DAILY MINIMUMS. I cant stress enough how important this is, it will make a huge difference in how well you do. Starting now and continuing thru until a year after you finish rads, let these numbers be your daily goals.

Stick with us and we will help get you thru the upcoming rough weeks. It isnt easy to battle this cancer. Hopefully you will be one of the lucky ones who sails right thru. Believe me, if I can do it so can you!!!

Best wishes!!!

I'm sorry you have to be here but under the circumstances it's the best place for you to be. Lots of love and advice from people who have been there. You're about to be overwhelmed with info. So far it sounds like our situations are very similar. I blogged about my experience at www.iwishihadbetternews.blogspot.com

Best of luck to you! I'm sure we will talk soon.

Steven,

So sorry you are going to have to deal with this crap but this site will be a huge benefit throughout your Tx and recovery and you will recover.

Thank you for your support.

So let me ask. What are my alternatives? Do I allow the medical profession to draw me into this chemo/radiation treatment or do I find something else? Is there anything else at all that I may do?

Currently the only way to eliminate the cancer is thru surgery and/or radiation with or without chemo. Those are your only options.

The only thing you have that is within your control is your intake. That needs to be your focus starting today right thru until a year after you finish your treatments. Your body is going thru so many changes and is under so much stress battling cancer and trying to heel itself you need good nutrition.

It seems like you are not satisfied with your options. A second opinion is always a good idea. Below is a list of comprehensive cancer centers (CCC). Those are the countries top hospitals to treat cancer. They use a team based approach where all the specialists get together so everyone is on the same page. If you cant get to a CCC, there is also a list of the top US hospitals. Look for a teaching hospital or university hospital. Find the best medical care you can and go with it.


CCC list

US News Best Hospitals List

Ditto what the others here have said. Rads and chemo is the treatment for your type of cancer. There are always people who will try to sell you a miracle cure etc... but really - the only way to treat this is rads and chemo/ surgery or a combination of the three. Rads is not fun... in fact it's scary... but it is doable.

Alternately eating healthfully will help with strength and immunity. Hugs and welcome.

You want this thing DEAD! I had a friend explore the holistic approach. If it doesn't work, you are much further down the road and possibly flirting with quality of life issues. At best, you will wonder about every sore throat from now on. There have to be people who have taken that approach successfully. I just haven't met anyone.

The treatment plan I was on has a track record of working along with the requisite percentages of success. After my "all clear", I sleep like a baby. I still have percentages to think about but I am certain I did everything I could to kill that lousy disease.

This is for certain: whichever path you choose the wonderful people on this board are right there with you!

I can understand your fear/unease when browsing these forums. I too was a bit nervous and fearful. Cancer is no joke, there is no other proven treatment than the surgery, likely rads and possibly chemo approach.

I hate to be harsh, but I challenge any drum beater, anti-cancer diet pusher or alternative medicine groupie to show me the data.

There are folks who say that its all big pharma pushing these expensive treatments... These alternative paths are bovine feces, and please don't get caught up in it due to fear. They are people looking to make a buck off of your very real fear and should be covered in honey and staked down the nearest ant hill.

Now that you know how I really feel: I do believe it's a very human reaction to look for some less scary way to deal with things and very understandable, but it will not help.

You have to accept you're in it for the battle of your life and get ready to fight, because it will be tough, but this board will help you get thru it.

Amen what he said ^