My 66 yr old Mom, has just had her third oral cancer tumor in 19 months diagnosed. With the first occurrence in 10/04 and major surgery to remove the lesion from the hard palate along with a radical neck to remove lymph nodes. She has a small lesion on her upper lip as well. Surgery was followed by 6 weeks of radiation to the right cheek area. Her second tumor was diagnosed in 12/2004 (second primary occurrence)- surgery 1/2005 - had a Peg tube and trach this time. Peg removed after 3 weeks without ever needing to use it. 3rd tumor diagnosed this week - major surgery again within the month. Does this seem normal? Any other treatment options? Mom lives in Sask. Canada - totally different healthcare system than U.S. Doc told my parents that Mom will continue to go through this type of process till she dies - seemed like a harsh answer - but maybe it is true. Any information is appreciated. Thanks

lgh, first, I am so sorry for what your mom and your family are experiencing. I wonder if she should be receiving chemotherapy? You might read the news section of this site for up-to-date information about treatments. I don't know if there IS a "normal" with this disease, but your mom has certainly had a rough time of it. I hope this third time is a charm.

Wow!Igh, while I can't speak to the medical question, I can tell you that I'll pull for your Mom and you. Amy

That does seem like a harsh answer and I hope the docs are wrong and that there is some other form of treatment for her that offers some real hope but I don't know enough to answer whether they are right or not.

Mom had surgery on Tues - it was way more extensive than anyone including the surgeon thought it would be - they had to break her jaw (I assume for access), remove part of her tongue, spots around tonsils and down her throat and including pieces of her voice box. She spent 2 days in ICU but is out now. Would chemo help at all? If so, what are the usual drugs?

Hello lgh, I wonder where she is receiving treatment? If she only had radiation to her cheek, she may be a candidate for additional IMRT radiation. I don't like the doctors comment either and would consider other professional opinions. Sorry to hear about the extensive surgery.

I wish I knew what to say to you. I will pray for your Mom and for you and the family. She must be a strong woman to go through so much. I am glad you are there for her Igh.

May God give you comfort and peace of mind,
Barbara~

Mom had a right radial arm flap taken to cover the surgical site. It failed and was removed on 7/26. She failed the swallow test and had to have a PEG tube placed. Went home with a trach and PEG on 8/7. She is struggling to talk. She is suppose to go back to the surgeon on 8/29 to determine if they will retry another flap. They were told that it did not heal due to the previous radiation in the area. If the first one did not take, what are the chances that a new one will?
I got a copy of the op report today - the tumor on the base of her tongue was 8 cm x 6 cm (pathology report stated 7 cm x 4 cm x 1.5 cm). It extended from posterior third of the tongue down to the epiglottis. The lingual nerve was in the tumor and was 'sacrificed". From what I have read, this nerve is responsible for sensation of the front part of the tongue and mouth. If this is severed, and she can not feel food in her mouth, does it still make sense to have another surgery? To my knowledge, Mom has no knowledge of the nerve damage - we just got the op report from her family doctor. Don't want her to go through more surgery if it is not warranted.

Lgh, There are two lingual nerves (left and right). If the nerve was removed then that side of her tongue would lose mobility. Taste may also be affected. The other half of the tongue will take care of things pretty well. In other words she probably won't have problems with that.