 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Welcome to OCF, Mandy!
Sounds to me whatever you have was caught very early if it is localized. Im assuming you mean you have oral cancer of the buccal mucossa (gums). Was it biopsed? Who is removing it?
If you arent comfortable with understanding everything that is going on, read and educate yourself, ask questions. An informed patient is able to advocate for themselves which can be necessary. There is so much important info on the main OCF pages and here on the forum we will help you.
Have you considered a second opinion? It probably would be a good idea to go to a comprehensive cancer center (CCC) and at least hear what they have to say. You have time if your tumor was found early. It could be a big difference in the quality of your physicians.
Best wishes!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | 
