Hello to everyone. My best friend went down to MDA last week for treatment for squamous cell cancer and she calls me every day to update me. Yesterday they removed 15 teeth as she will be getting chemo and radiation beginning in a couple of weeks. I have been reading here extensively for the last month and I have learned so much and without a doubt is the best site I have found, just seems like one big family. I wanted to send it to her but she does not want to read about it, so I respect that decision. I know she has a rough road ahead and I will always be here for her. I am a 4 year bc survivor so can relate to a lot of it. I wish everyone all the best and many thanks for sharing.

Welcome scotslass!!
Your friend is lucky to have your love and support. You will be able to help her by seeking information for her without disrespecting her wishes.
If she ever decides to have a look at this site I'm sure she would find it helpful.
If you have any questions that I may be able to help you with just ask or PM me. Feel free to e-mail me as well if you wish.
I'll say some prayers for her.

Cheers,

Mike

Hello and welcome to OCF! Sorry to hear about your friend, especially regarding the need to pull her teeth before chemo & radiation.
I, too, am a two-time BC survivor, but this OC is a different demon altogether, I have found.
Please convey best wishes to your friend as she begins this journey, and stay with us if you will. There is much to learn and share!

Lois & Buzz in NC

Och aye, welcome!
Ask, vent, wonder---and receive all the support and information you will need to support her.
Even if she 'doesn't want to know about this site', you will be able to pass on information to her when she has questions and concerns---which she sure will have!
And others have printed off relevant posts/pieces of information for friends/family and found that they've slowly come round.
You are certainly in the best place.
Can you go to your 'My Stuff' and add something in your signature space to tell us where your friend's cancer is/dates etc.

Brenda

Many thanks to all for the welcome, I will keep you updated on her treatment and I am sure I will have many questions.Brenda I will go to "my stuff" and see if I can give more info on her diagnosis, She did ask one of the many doctors that she is seeing what stage was it at and he told that they do not stage for head and neck cancer, but she has a meeting with chemo oncologist wed and she will ask him.
Shirley

Scotlass, is she getting rad implnats in her tongue. I have to get all my teeth pulled and then they are going to put the implant seeds in my tongue. I am waitng for ins approval but should get it because this is a medical issue. I feel you will be a good provider for her and wish you well. I have a reoccurance and didn't get rad or chemo in Aug for go around with this OC. Both sides of my tongue this time.

Jim, I will ask her tomorrow when she calls about the implant, she has all her front teeth left so I don't know if maybe she is getting a bridge or implants........... right now she just wants it all over with, she has no idea that it is going to be a long road ahead but she has a very positive attitude, how are you doing now, you always seem cheerful and I smile a lot at your posts.

Jim, just re-read your post and now I realize the question you asked was concerning RAD implants..... silly me, thought you were talking about teeth implants........... she will be going through 6 weeks of radiation, with perhaps more surgery afterwards.

Welcome!!
I am here for the same reasons with my Dad. He doesn't want to read it for himself, but I read, post questions and cut and paste specifics to send to him via from time to time. I figure he might read it, he might not, but at least it's there when he is ready! This board has been fantastic for me!

Scotslass,

You said she was going to MDA and that they told her they don't stage for H&N cancers?? I have never heard that one, especially from MDA. I think she needs to ask another doctor.