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| Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Welcome to OCF! Im very sorry you are having so many issues all at once. Definitely not easy!!!
I do not know how health care systems work in other countries so I will give you the same info I give all members by assuming they are in the US. As you know, here in the US it can be a few weeks to get into see a specialist. As far as seeing an oncologist goes, its probably a little too early as there has not been a cancer diagnosis yet. But, as someone who has already had cervical cancer that changes your need for an oncologist. It wouldnt hurt to check in with your oncologist and see what they think of whats been going on with you. I would suggest finding an ENT who specializes in treating oral cancer (OC) patients. There are different kinds of ENT's, some primarily put tubes in children's ears, rarely seeing any patients who have OC. If you still have lesions in your mouth then seek out an ENT and get yourself thoroughly checked out.
I would be wondering the same thing about why the tissue wasnt sampled and sent out to get evaluated. Unfortunately, now its too late. All you can do from here is to think positively and take this step by step. Only thru a biopsy can anyone know for certain what something is. Doctors can visually take a look and scope you (isnt that fun?) and feel your neck, etc and tell you what they think it is but thats just a guess... an educated guess but still just a guess. This may help make you feel a little better... there are all kinds of non-cancerous bumps, sores, lumps that can appear in a patients mouth from time to time. Anything that appears in the patients mouth and does not resolve itself within 2 to 3 weeks needs to be checked by a professional. By professional I mean by an ENT who specializes in treating OC patients.
If your mouth is sensitive due to some sort of irritation I suggest a couple things that may help it to heal. If you smoke, drink alcohol or use a mouthwash that contains alcohol eliminate these things immediately. They could be causing your issues. You can also rinse your mouth 4 times a day with a mixture of 1 cup warm water, 1 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp salt. The salt can burn your mouth so if you feel you cant tolerate swishing that around in your mouth for 30+ seconds then cut back the salt to 1/2 tsp, if that still burns your mouth cut it back again to a 1/4 tsp. The salt is an important tool in helping your mouth to balance its ph levels and to heal so do your best to leave salt in your mixture.
I hope this info has helped you. Best wishes with everything!!! 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 | | |
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