Bruno, welcome to OCF. Im sorry you are going thru this with your mother. Im sure your mother does not have all the facts or she would not be suggesting to ignore getting treated. Oral cancer in her situation probably can be successfully treated giving her many more good years. Without treatment, who knows how long but 5 years really is doubtful. Without treatment she could make it maybe a year, probably not 2 and it would be very difficult. Brian's description pretty much sums it up. It is NOT a disease anyone would want to die from. Of course, it is her decision. All you can do is give her info and hope she chooses what will be best for her situation.

Best wishes!


Christine
SCC 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 smile