I was referred to this site by a nurse (Oral Cancer Survivor) from my Head & Neck support Group. I hope I meet the requirements to participate so here goes..

My name is Blayne, 45 yrs. Male non-smoker, was in excellent health until I was diagnosed with SCC of the Nasal Septum May 28, 2004. Stage Three. Rare diagnosis so I have found out. My symptoms were nose bleeds for about two years and I went to the ENT doc fairly regularly.Had CT Scans and was told I just had a "Deviated Septum" Not until I started yelling at the ENT doctor to "DO SOMETHING" was a biopsy performed.

The tumor had spread to my hard palate so I had pretty radical surgery to save my life.
Total Rhinectomy (Nose removal)and Palectomy (Hard Palate removal)was performed last July. The surgeon did an excellent job, however he did not tell me I would be "Mute" without a device called an "Obturator" (mouthpiece-retainer) he also went very close to the roots of my teeth as that was where the tumor was headed next.

I am now eight months cancer free! And so far no radiation or chemo!

I have to speak with an Obturator (Mouthpiece-Retainer) and I am going thru some painful procedures at UCLA Maxillofacial Dental Division.
I have adapted well but I am dealing with some anger issues. I have found that doing some inter-action on some cancer sites have helped out. But I tend to act out my anger at the wrong times within my family, so it causes some family issues that are difficult for a man to express.

I go out in public with a huge bandage over my former nasal area, and have a daily struggle with
pain in my teeth and speaking clearly.

I am still off work as I was an outside sales person and work in the advertising field, filled with people who are big on appearance! I suppose I fit the "In-between" cancer survivor" for this site. But I can sympathisize with people who are dealing with the Oral Pain and the anxiety of reoccurrence. However SO FAR SO GOOD!