Dear Philly and David,

Rita and I have had similar surgery to the one you are most likely facing. Please know that we both will be right here to answer any questions you may have. You might want to start by doing a search for our posts in the archives.

My case was much like yours...ignored and mis-diagnosed for about the same length of time. One of my goals now is to spread awareness for both the public, so that they will know not to allow their practitioners to wait so long when something doesn't heal, and for dental and medical practioners to be better informed about oral cancer. Mine didn't even recognize it when it had spread and was classic.

I have lost 6 teeth and the bone on the upper right, along with about a third of my hard palate. I still have my own four incisors and all my other teeth. I did not have to have radiation, which was a blessing, and I now wear an appliance called an obturator, which fills the opening left by the surgery and provides some fake teeth for cosmetic purposes, and I do quite well. There is nothing I can't eat, and I talk and sing just fine.

Feel free to ask anything at all. I was so terrified and alone at the time of my surgery that I never want anyone else to feel that way!! Philly, you might have some questions as the caregiver.

Take it one day at a time. And if you wish to email me or PM me, feel free. Just go to my profile.

XO--Colleen