Supporting Member (50+ posts)    Joined:  Feb 2013  Posts: 53  |    Hi Pamy, I just started reading posts on this site in February after my recurrence of SCC of the gum.  After my first diagnosis 2 years ago, I only had surgery and was able to return to teaching a few weeks later.  This time I had to undergo 6 weeks of radiation after surgery which was more difficult, but I just returned to teaching again after 2 1/2 months off.  So to answer your question, yes there is "normal" life after a cancer diagnosis, but your health going into it and a positive attitude going through it, will help to ensure a better outcome, both physically and emotionally.  You'll be in my prayers as you await your biopsy results.        
Teacher Karen DX:  SCC of right maxillary alveolar ridge, 9/2010.  Surgery 11/2010, removal of 4 teeth and gum. Surgery 11/2012, removal of 3 teeth and gum. IMRT 1/2013-2/2013 Surgery 1/2015 retromolar trigone resection; removal of 1 tooth and gum. Surgery 10/2015 left modified radical neck dissection, inferior parotidectomy, external carotid artery resection. Cetuximab based chemoradiation 64.8 Gy to resection bed. Surgery 6/19/2018 Right inferior maxillectomy, bilateral low palate resection    |