[quote=AnneO]I felt like a freak "getting" another cancer so soon after my tongue cancer, and it was easier to keep quiet about it than tell about it. I also felt considerable worry that I must have some bad genes, though I have been made to feel better that way because I have likely co-existed with this GIST tumor for so long. I do know many of you have had worse things happen to them, multiple cancers, and recurrences. I post this here not because I think I have outdone anyone that way, but that it might help others who are struggling with similar concerns, or who may struggle with them in the future.

I now feel grateful that I may "only" have oral cancer treatment side effects once again occupying my mind. [/quote]

First of all, thank you for an extremely well written and clear summary of what you have been going through this past few months- I am sure it will help others - even when not directly related to OC

Secondly let me congratulate you for getting through it with obvious grace. It reminds us all to count our blessings even though we have all been to some scary places already.

Thirdly, I would like to respond to your "freak" and "bad genes" comments. Your freak feeling resonated with me and I will print out and give to my mother who had a really bad couple of years with a diagnosis of breast cancer, a second UNRELATED breast cancer and THEN renal cancer - all 6 months apart. She will appreciate reading the experiences of someone who has also fought off unrelated cancers. So when Alex got sick immediately after her recovery, she spent a lot of time wondering what she had done to deserve such bad luck. She also worries she has passed her "bad genes" on to me and my sister (and guess my brother too). I think she has done us a favour. We will remain vigilant with our own health and can look to her as an example of triumph over nasty diseases. And ... I think her genes must be brilliant to have produced an immune system so good she was able to deal with multiple rounds of surgery, chemo and radiation as well as manage quite nicely with one kidney? That says good genes to me