Ruby:

Although the saying 'everybody is different' is true when it comes to reactions and responses to treatments. Its very irresponsible for someone who represents the american cancer society to even suggest its not that bad and you could care for yourself. Obviously she has never experienced oral cancer first hand and knows nothing about it. Please be smart and dont listen to someone with no experience with oral cancer. You may want to call the american cancer society and speak to a different person. They have a network set up with volunteers who drive patients for treatment. You should have been given the info instead of her own opinion and a wrong one at that.

You will need help. There are doctor appointments, daily radiation to get to, groceries, prescriptions, laundry, monitoring calories nutrition and water intake, even just the most basic household chores and bathing. On top of that you have a husband who needs a great deal of help and supervision.

Have you talked in detail to all your friends and relatives yet? Have you considered ataying with someone while you go thru treatments? What about going to the larger facility for treatments? Any thoughts on getting another opinion? There are so many inconsistancies with your doctor that you need to be on top of things. It sounds like you are getting the run around for scheduling a simple pet scan. That is something your doctors office should be doing for you.

Hoping things will get easier for you soon.