Sherry, welcome to OCF, you are not alone anymore! There are several young survivors on the forum. Ive seen members as young as 17 years old. So you see, your age is not 'too young' to get oral cancer. Im sure you will hear from others who are in their 20s. Im thinking of 2 young women who each have 3 young children.

You can get thru radiation! "Everybody's different" when it comes to responding to radiation, medications and recovery. This is especially true with radiation treatments. Some sail right thru it without much more than a sore throat while others suffer and struggle right from the start. I am a firm believer of positive thinking helping to make it a little easier on a patient. There are many many posts about radiation you can read about on the forum and the main pages of OCF. I would suggest you read and educate yourself. An informed patient knows that its best to prepared for the worst but hope for the best.

I would suggest that you make a list of every single person who offers to help you. Write down their name and number and tell them you will let them know when the time comes that you need help. Sometimes friends and family members have a hard time handling someone's illness and they run for the hills. Even people who promise to stand by your side and help you may not live up to their promises. While going thru radiation it will get progressively more difficult. Being a mother of young children will be a challenge at times. This will be where your helpers will come in handy! Even if they take the children out for a walk or to the play ground, it will be helpful.

If you are able to eat, try to bulk up a little now as your sense of taste will change for a while. Dont worry, its usually a temporary change. There is a list of easy to eat food that you may find helpful down the road under the 'eating' tab.

Dont worry! You have found a great place for help. We are with you in your corner supporting you thru this.