This is my second bout with oral cancer - tongue and mouth. I had carcinoma in situ 8 years ago when I was also fighting my second bout with breast cancer. Treatment was surgery. My oral cancer stems from horrific mouth sores I had with chemotherapy during my first breast cancer, at least that's what I believe, and at least one expert researcher agrees. I have no other risk factors. Persistent moderate and severe oral dysplasia followed that chemotherapy treatment.

I am about to start radiation and would like to know what to expect and what permanent effects follow? I expect pain, dry mouth, lack of taste, difficulty eating and speaking. What else? and what is permanent? Do we have to use fluoride for life? Will I be able to continue working while I am going through it? Will I need lots of dental work in the future? What will be the effect on my jaw? How long will it take to heal from the radiation? Will I get more sores?

I've had lots of mouth soreness over the past 15 years and frequent discomfort eating, but I lived with that okay.

We seem to be running out of treatments since I can only have radiation once.

I hope someone can answer these questions.

nannygranny6. P.S. I am a "young" 60 year old.