Well, we saw my MIL's (mother in law) regular oncologist yesterday, and he was surprised to hear the ENT felt surgery was not a good option. But, when we explained (and he called the ENT himself) he understood... given the location of the cancer, it would mean losing the corner of her mouth (stitching that part of the upper and lower lip together) thus making her mouth so small that she could no longer remove her prosthetic. Or put it in.. the idea of not having teeth for the rest of her life she found quite daunting, given she has trouble speaking sometimes WITH the prosthetic. Not to mention they said swallowing and drooling would be much more of an issue than they already are.

The good news (we will know more next monday when we see the radiation onco) is that they felt radiation would not be too awful for her. Apparently there is some kind of electron radiation they do that is not as deep or severe as before? And since she never had radiation with her first Oral cancer and her esophageal was low enough down she will likely still be a candidate for it.

She has agreed to do the radiation assuming all is well on monday. I think her spirits were MUCH lifted after our appt, she was smiling, and is back to her sweet self, enjoying the boys and laughing (a little). For some reason, the onco's smile reminded her of the Bob commercials (you know the ones!) and she didn't even hear much of what he said so I had to refresh it for her in the car on the way home.

She really is a dear lady... we joke when I fill her feeding bags for "mealtimes" and I make up menu's so she can at least pretend she is eating glorious foods like Chicken Divan, Quiche, and cheesecake.

Thanks again for the support, Heidi