Hey Everyone,

I took the leap and became a member of this forum . My name is James and I am 26 years old. My mom was diagnosed with oral SCC T1N0M0 on her gum right under a capped tooth (bottom) last September (2012-end month). They operated her mid November. The procedure involved replacing part of her jawbone and covering it with a flap from her leg. By the time she got operated the jawbone was slightly touched by the cancer. She recovered quite quickly and by the beginning of December was already out of the hospital.

All margins were clear up to 2 cm around the area they replaced.

She has 33 radiation (external beam) treatments starting in February 2013. The radiation was hell for her worse than the actual operation.

In May they saw some abnormalities in her MRI so sent for a PET Scan. PET Scan showed some activity in her cheek the area close to the right of her chin/jawbone/neck area.

Biopsy results = Cancer.

The doctors were very surprised that it came back after surgery and radiation just under 9 months. It must have been a dormant cell. The even re-analyzed the bone and the skin of her old operation and everything was clear around the margins.

She just finished getting operated 3 days ago. The doctors did not take the chance and re-performed the same operation like last time (since the cancer was close to her jaw) and also replaced part of her cheek along the jawline. Again this time margins of 2-2.5cm around the area are all clear of cancer and were removed. Main artery which goes to the brain is also clear. Absolutely no node involvement on either side of the neck. Lungs and brain clean.

They will follow-up in a week with brachytherapy (already installed in her cheek from the operation) as a preventative treatment.

So far everything has turned for the better. Her total stay in hospital will be around 20 days. She will be able to eat alone and perform usual functions only problem she has is her mouth sometimes get dry. From her last surgery, including radiation treatments, she went from ~180pounds down to 160. I hope she doesn't loose anymore weight!

I am just a bit worried because i had asked the doctor what would happen if the cancer does return around the same area. He said treatment options are limited. I am unsure what that means but I guess they can't re-radiate her or perform additional surgery on the same side? I guess chemo would be the next bet? I know I am thinking too far ahead...but I am the type to worry...but I always try to keep a positive attitude.

My mom means the world to me and I am so happy to have such a supportive family and friends.