Hi Debbie,

You and I have a similar life story, I have 3 sons and I was 40 when diagnosed (I am 43 now). I had tonsil cancer and 3 nodes positive with radiation. I didn't have the work on my jaw as you have. I do have jaw pain and some swelling from time to time in exactly the same areas that you describe. If I massage these areas too vigorously they become more sore. My guess is that the loose teeth are also a perfectly normal side effect of the surgery. (as long as they aren't too loose) I am not a doctor, but I agree with cheryl that you might have an infection. Yes you need to follow up with your doctors. If it is an infection it can get into the bone and cause more serious problems.

Most all of us have had to deal with the post treatment mental game of "do I have it or not" or am I cured or not. Of course it could be a return of cancer but I don't think what you are describing falls outside the normal long term side effects. NO you shouldn't WORRY about a return of the cancer. Worry will not help in any way. Be diligent in following up with the doctors don't let them take a wait and see attitude.

Back to your anxiety and depression. Both are absolutely normal responses to having your life shaken up by all this. I can tell you that the anxiety will get better over time and by working on "mind control" wink You can train yourself to have less effects from anxiety. Talking about it helps as well as meditiation, or other distractions.

As for depression, I like to think there are two kinds of depression. One you can work your way out of and the other needs some professional help and medications to restore the chemistry in the brain. Crying and sad feelings about the future (or potential lack of it) are common and in my view not necessarily a sign of more serious depression. These things also fade away as more time goes by. Right now you are in the period of time, post treatment, when I had a lot of difficulty. Just knowing that others have gone through this will help (it sure did for me) and I didn't find this OCF group of people till I was almost 2 years out of treatment.

Take care and stay in touch.

Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.