Welcome to OCF, Bonita! Im very glad you have found our site to help you and your husband get thru everything you have coming up. We will be here to help you both as much as possible with correct, up to date medical advice and support. As a caregiver, you have a very important but at times also very difficult role!!! Make sure to take time away just for you to clear your head from time to time. Even a quick walk around the block can be uplifting when someone feels the weight of the world is on their shoulders caring for their loved one.

At OCF, we are 100% neutral about which treatment facility any of our members select. There are many websites which have their own very specific criteria for rating hospitals and treatment facilities. OCF has always operated on a science based theory and does not favor one place over another. only saying what has been scientifically proven ... CCCs have been scientifically proven to have better success rates than other treatment centers. Remaining neutral and not accepting advertising are important to ensure OCF remains impartial which is part of the Health on the Net's certification. We are one of the very few online public message boards for cancer to meet the stringent criteria necessary to qualify to carry the prestigious Health on the Net's badge. OCF encourages our members to seek out the best medical care they can and then "go with it".

Second opinions are VERY important!!! As far as treatment facilities go.... its been scientifically proven CCCs have the best outcomes for patients treated there. I would suggest try to get into a CCC and yes its important to go for a second opinion at a different unrelated CCC (if that is at all possible for your family). Some doctors will suggest to their patients to go for a second opinion. Its normally up to the patient to track down whatever facility they decide upon for another opinion. CCCs use a team based approach so all the specialists are on the same page. The meeting are called tumor board meetings where patients are able to attend and ask questions. This is a fantastic opportunity to not only learn more about their illness but to see their medical team in action sharing ideas coming together to create your husbands individual treatment plan. As far as second opinions go, your husband should try obtaining a 2nd opinion from another facility that is completely independant of any facility where your husband has already been seen to get a true, unbiased 2nd opinion. I have included a list of CCCs where you can search by area if distance is part of whats most important to you in your facility decision. One important thing to remember if concerned about location... do not allow location to choose your fate! .

Other help is available for OC patients and their caregivers for financial assistance. Theres places that will transport cancer patients on their corporate planes or different airlines who provide cancer patients free or drastically reduced fares so they can get to their treatments. It cant hurt to look into these organizations if your family or anyone else needs financial help while they are dealing with cancer, treatments, etc. Each organization has its own criteria and rules but there are many charities and places that help cancer patients, their caregivers and families.

Theres millions of thing you will learn about oral cancer, treatments, recovery, even things about CCCs. We will help get you guys thru everything. By reading posts here and also on the Main OCF site, you will learn a ton of important info. Just remember the stories you read about on our public forum are not what everyone goes thru. We're all different and will respond to medications, surgeries, treatments, recoveries in our own unique way on our individual timeline. One commonality Ive noticed is younger OC patients tend to bounce back quicker when recovering from OC and its treatments. Also those patients who do the best on keeping up their daily intake of at least 2500 calories and 48 oz of water. For now, try encouraging your husband to eat all his favorite foods. If hes on the slim side, he should try adding a few pounds as many patients struggle to keep their weight steady. If during treatments your husband is losing weight every week thats a sure sign he isnt taking in enough and needs to immediately increase his daily calories which for most of us is very difficult to do when we're not feeling well. Theres tons more I could tell you but Im sure you both are dealing with many unfamiliar things with the recent cancer diagnosis. Hang in there and its ok to lean on us, we completely understand where you're both coming from.

Best wishes!!!


NCI list of CCCs

US News Best Hospitals List

Main OCF Site, Understanding Oral Cancer

Main OCF Site, Financial help for OC patients including flights, lodging, etc