 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | I agree with getting a new doctor. Even a second opinion should be done at another facility. A cancer center is always the best option as they are the most experienced with the highest success rates. There would be a treatment team to evaluate your mother and the best treatment options for her. At cancer centers they treat hundreds of oral cancer patients per year instead of a smaller facility where they see one every few months.
I understand how important insurance coverage is but please dont let that determine the outcome of your mothers treatment. Most hospitals and cancer centers are happy to make payment arrangements and many will give discounted care. Some places will provide 100% of care for free.
Best wishes with finding the proper help for your mother.
ChristineSCC 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  | 
