Welcome to OCF, Dizz-zzey! Im very sorry to read about what you were recently diagnosed with and what a rough treatment plan you were given . I know its very scary not knowing what comes next or which way to turn. Im very glad you discovered our site to help you with info and support!!! You can read thru thousands of posts here on many varied topics and also on the main OCF site for up to date science based info on any/everything about oral cancer (OC). Im adding the link at the end of my reply. Theres TONS of helpful and informative info that Im positive will help you to understand more about your illness. Learning about OC will help to to be a strong advocate for yourself.

I know you are in the UK and I apologize in advance for my ignorance, I do not know anything about how your medical system works there but here in the US second opinions should always be done at another seperate facility. We have very large, best cancer specialist in hospitals/centers where they have all the top physicians and work together using a team based approach so all the specialists work together to make each individual patients treatment plan. These Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCC's) are the best of the best here in the US. The CCCs are where if its at all possible for US patients to go for at the very least a second opinion. By the first set of physicians getting a second opinion for you and booking it, you may want to be certain the second facility is not related in any way to the place you have already been to. The reason Im saying that is a seperate facility wouldnt have a problem creating a treatment plan without knowing what the first facility planned. But if the second place works with the first one, they could be just mirroring whatever the first opinion said. OC is an absolutely horrible disease with at times horrendous treatments and long seemingly never-ending recoveries... but, it is doable and we will help you get thru whatever you are facing.

One thing you may want to consider starting to do already is to eat all your favorite foods, desserts too. Hearing about needing a permanent feeding tube and trach can be difficult to hear and accept. Having all your favorite foods now to make sure you do not go into this having any cravings. Eating enough during any treatments as well as drinking enough water is VERY important, every single day!!! Dont worry about putting on a few pounds either!!! Most OC patients lose weight when facing eating and swallowing issues during radiation treatments and/or surgeries. You just never know how these things will turn out, just remember "everybodys different" and will respond to treatments, medications, etc in their own unique way. Even if someone has the exact same sized tumor, location of tumor, are the same age, sex, lives around the same area, same amount of stress in their life, profession, and every other characteristic where on paper, they look exactly alike does NOT mean they will experience the same things or even something similar with their cancer, treatments and recovery.

Theres a million little things about trachs and feeding tubes you will pick up along the way. Ive had both and they each have their own complications, dos and donts. One big thing is to keep both sites very clean, washing hands before and after working with either one to avoid exposing yourself to any germs or illnesses you picked up somewhere.

Best wishes with everything!!!

Main OCF Site, Understanding section