Welcome to OCF! You have found the very best place to get correct up to date medical info and support.

You will need help to get thru this. Everyone who offers to help you, tell them that when the time comes you will let them know what they can do. Write down every single person (weather they are a close friend or not) and their contact info. I would then suggest taking your closest friend and first making sure they are up to it, then making them your contact person. They can be the one person you go to and let them pass things about you to others. Call the American Cancer Society, ask for help with a volunteer driver and if you need it they also can help with pharmacy or travel costs ($300 max). It takes time to get this set up so do not delay with calling, they are available 24/7 so call anytime.

Next thing to do to get ready is to eat. If you are slim, try your best to gain a few pounds. Oral cancer and its treatments can alter your sense of taste and ability to swallow. For most patients its temporary but it could be a few months before you can eat like you do currently, so eat now. You dont want to have cravings so enjoy everything now.

You should visit the dentist and have any questionable teeth pulled or fixed. Get flouride trays made and begin using them. this takes weeks so do not delay.

Get your hearing checked and a full blood count including thyroid levels.

If you have not selected your treatment center now is the time to do so and get a second opinion. I can provide the list of comprehensive cancer centers if you need it.

Stick with us and we will get you thru this. Best wishes!!!