Teejay, welcome to OCF! So sorry you have joined this group, especially due to having a recurrence. Ive gone thru oral cancer 3 times myself and know its no picnic.

Please try not to second guess your original treatment plan. You were cancer free for a long time (2 1/2 years is a long time!). If it was a case of something being missed with that surgery, it probably would have popped up by now. You are being treated at one of the countries top cancer centers, which is excellent. I still would recommend having a second opinion at a top cancer center to hear what their team would say for a treatment plan.

Before you begin, make sure to have a full blood count done including thyroid. This is very important as most patients will end up taking thyroid meds down the road (myself included).

Anyone who offers to help, write down their name and number. Tell the person you will let them know what they can do when the time comes. Now is not the time to let pride stand in the way of getting people to help. You will need help, everyone does so get used to the idea of having helpers. Its a hard idea to adjust to for some, as they are very independent.

Make sure you go for a complete dental check up. You will need dental trays for flouride made and any questionable teeth removed now.

Right now eat everything you can and try to bulk up a little. Dont be concerned about gaining weight as most patients lose weight while going thru rads.

Wishing you all the very best with everything you are facing!