Welcome to OCF! So sorry you have gotten diagnosed with oral cancer in your gums. If you are using tobacco or betel nuts please stop immediately as you do not want to further irritate your mouth.

As Cheryl stated, treatment can include surgery or radiation with or without chemo. You may even be treated with only radiation with or without chemo. Best thing to do is to find a large facility where they treat many oral cancer patients so have the most experience with successful outcomes. A second opinion at another large cancer center is also a good plan. You need to look for places where they use a team based approach.

At this time, try to eat as much as possible and dont worry about gaining weight. You probably will lose some during whatever treatment you have. Your sense of eating and swallowing may also be compromised for a few weeks or months from treatments.

Line up friends and relatives to help you during your treatment. Anyone who offers to help you, tell them when the time comes you will let them know what they can do. Make sure to write down their contact info so you or someone else can call them when the time comes.

Get a full blood count including thyroid. Many of us who have gone thru radiation have thyroid issues down the road. A full blood test now will ensure you have a baseline for all the counts in case you have issues down the road.

Go see a dentist and get any questionable teeth pulled. You may need a flouride tray if getting radiation treatments. Just get the ball rolling by getting a good dental check up now.

Feel free to ask questions and we will help you as much as possible with info and support. Good luck!!!