Scott, welcome to OCF! You will find the best info and support about OC here. Read and absorb the info you find here and also on the main OCF pages. It will help you to understand that a diagnosis of OC does not automatically equal a death sentence, neither does a recurrence.
I LOVE the "just fix it" mode you went into when hearing your diagnosis. Thats exactly what I told my oral surgeon when he told me my bad news. If only it was that easy to fix. While it may not be easy going thru surgery and/or radiation with or without chemo it is doable and can be done. Sure it will get tough but you CAN get thru this. Even if you have after effect issues or anything that makes your life difficult after your treatments, you can still go on to live a very good full life. Its all what you make out of it.
For now, you will have a whirlwind of appointments before you settle into your treatment plan. Get a full dental check up and take care of pulling any teeth that might not get thru radiation (if you go that route?). Have a full blood workup done with testosterone and thyroid levels. Start making a list of everyone who offers their assistance, write down their name and contact info and tell them when the time comes you will let them know how they can help. Now is not the time to be proud, its ok to lean on others. I have always been a very strong, independent person and that was one of the hardest things Ive ever done, learned to lean on others. For now, eat!!!! Have all your favorites, dessert too. Its ok to gain a few pounds, if you are on the thin side push to put a few extra pounds on. If you do radiation treatments your sense of taste and swallowing capabilities may be compromised for several weeks, possibly even a few months. So eat now and enjoy all your favorites
One thing I learned during the wait between diagnosis and treatment, make your time count. Make memories with those who are most important in your life. By staying busy and making great memories with those you love it will help the time pass while you wait to begin the treatment phase.
It really does matter where you are treated. Here is a list of comprehensive cancer centers (CCC). They will use a team based approach with all the specialists together on the same page. A CCC usually has the brightest and most talented doctors using the latest technology along with tried and true treatment protocols.
CCC list Wishing you all the very best with everything!!!
