Hi All,

I hope to get some answers here. My mother was diagnosed with Stage 1 tongue cancer 3 months back.They first performed a surgery at the tumor site on July 18th and removed the cancer.The doctors informed us it would be atleast a month before they can go for radiation therapy.Within 3 weeks of the surgery another lump/sore appeared next to the surgery site.On August 23rd they began brachytherapy treatment and the 2nd tumor was gone.There were some side-effects like ulceration but she was recuperating from that as well.But today my mom was complaining of another tumor somewhere near the tip of the tongue. She said that the pain was similar to the pain that she initially experienced.I am not sure if this is a recurrence or is this just one of the side-effects. The hospital is located far off from where we live, so it would be another week before we can go to the doctors again. Please advise.

Hi,
Since your mother is experiencing pain, the sooner you can get her to an experienced do tor, the better. Have you phoned her doctor and asked for advice? Pain management is important and your mother's needs should be addressed as quickly as possible.

You didn't mention where your mother is being treated. Please make sure that it is at a comprehensive cancer center.

You can locate these centers at the OCF's website:
http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/resources/cancer_centers.htm

Although it may be a long distance from where you live to one of these centers, it is the way to get the best possible treatment and advice.

The best care may not necessarily be the closest. - Sheldon