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#188652 03-10-2015 11:44 AM
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I had a leukoplakia with a severe dysplasia removed in October. It grew back within 3 weeks and then it was removed again. In December the cancer clinic advised a wait and see approach with 3 month check ups. I was back in February and had another leukoplakia removed at the border of where the first patch was removed. It was removed by the ENT but it has since grown back. It is still tiny but they will remove it next month at my ENT visit. I am going to a Naturopath and taking anti-oxidants, a disgetive formula, a probiotic and lots of curcumin. My diet is full of veggies, I have lowered the amount of meat that I eat. I exercize at least 5 days a week normally. Sometimes more. My weight has gone down and my energy is up! But I am wondering if it would be best for me to insist on something more aggressive. I have that little worried feeling at the back of my head that has been lingering.... I'm only 41 I don't smoke and rarely drink... It is not considered cancer at this point but not off by much. What do you think? Any advice for a worried person would be appreciated!

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Unfortunately, Ive seen this happen to several members over the years. As far as I know, there isnt anything you can do to stop this from happening. Too many variables make it next to impossible to pinpoint the exact cause or take proactive steps. I wish I knew of other options for you.


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile
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Thanks! I just fear that it will become something bigger and that waiting and seeing wasn't aggressive enough! To put it into perspective it is only minor and annoying at this point. It isn't even fully considered cancer. And it could be so much worse than it is. Waiting and seeing what happens takes patience. But I am otherwise healthy and I am grateful. When I go to the ENT I see people with bandages on their faces, with major surgical scars and lots of tracheotomies...I'm just going to work harder to be grateful and say more prayers.

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Leukoplakia has been attributed to stress... I am wondering if you have any caps near the offending area? perhaps an allergy to the amalgam?

welcome


Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
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The initial concern was a worn down tooth in the back it was filed down and then we waited two weeks to see if the leukoplakia would improve and it didn't.... mind you I do have one metal filling on that side of the mouth. I will mention it to my ENT and my dentist and see what they say, thanks! My naturopath is looking into the value of IV Vitamin C treatment to and I am going start taking a green tea EGCG supplement as well...

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I had lichen planus which is not dissimilar to leukoplakia before I got the cancer. No one seemed to know much about it so my GP sent me to a dermatologist who tested me for allergies. I showed a sensitivity to mercury and amalgam fillings so had all those replaced to no avail. The patch of lichen planus grew worse over the years. It took many years to turn into cancer if that is any comfort and my GP's and dermatologist's lack of action were both determined by a senior guy, an oral surgeon who said categorically that it was just lichen planus and there was nothing they could do. In hindsight I should have asked to see someone else ... like an ENT. You are already at that stage but if you are worried you could seek out someone who specialises in leukoplakias etc. I don't think a naturopath's treatments can do much to affect cellular changes within the tissues of the mouth. It would be better to see someone who has researched these lesions and written papers on them. I think you are wise to be vigilant but don't fret and spoil your enjoyment of life. just make sure you have taken all the necessary steps. Best wishes!


1996, ovarian cancer surgery + cisplatin and taxol.
September, 2007, SCC of left lateral tongue. Excision.
October, 2009 recurrence in scar tissue, T1NOMO. Free flap surgery from left wrist - neck dissection. 63 year old New Zealander. No chemo, no RT.
February, 2014. New primary in left buccal mucosa. Marginal mandibulectomy, neck dissection, right arm free forearm flap. T1N0M0 but third occurrence and some areas of concern: RT started 8 April and finished 19 May.
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Ditto what alpaca said, and many blessings to you.


Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
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Thank you... I am so fortunate to be under the supervision of the oncologist in the Cancer Clinic in Windsor, the ENT specialist in London, my Naturopath, my dentist and a new GP! I am otherwise healthy and happy so I am very grateful. Truthfully I've never been seen so many different practitioners in my life. But so far, we are managing it. Having it removed when it is tiny is nothing but a minor inconvenience. My next round of appointments start at the end of the month. I only have one metal filling in my mouth at the moment which was put in about a year ago just before all the fun started...Hmm.... I'll keep you all posted, thank you for the support!


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