New here (ok, returning from a few years ago)...

my Mother in law (lives with us) was just diagnosed with her 2nd round of oral cancer.. first time was 6 yrs ago on the top of her mouth/sinus area. It took nearly 3 yrs to get her dental implants to the point where she could begin to think about eating something other than boost when she was diagnosed with esophageal cancer (another primary). Just today she was diagnosed again with oral, this time near the corner of her lip. Frankly, her mouth has been a mess for a few years now, she is tube fed and has been for 3 yrs and is so fed up with it all.

We are waiting now on her appt with the radiology oncologist (her ENT does not think surgery is a good option for her at this point, especially given the condition of her mouth already). In the meantime, I am trying to get my ducks in order... would getting her seen asap by her prosthodontist be the next step? Her lower implants are screwed in semi-permanently, and the uppers she can remove on her own.

Because I have a special needs child I really have to plan ahead as much as possible. He is TPN and GT fed and we have to travel for his medical care at least a few times a year (coming up the end of october through mid november), so planning is essential to make sure everyone is taken care of appropriately.

Any suggestions on planning would be most helpful... I do have a call in to her regular onco doc as well, hoping maybe he can give us some insight on what this means and what to expect with regards to how well he expects her to get through treatment, assuming she decides to. She is considering not, so if you can give thoughts regarding what would happen if she chooses not to treat that would also be appreciated..

thanks a bunch,

heidi