First, congrats on the good test results. That is always such a huge relief when the tests come back clear.

A recurrance is a terrifying thing to think about, but it can and does happen. As a survivor of a recurrance there are a few things to add. Every person here has dealt with things slightly differently as far as their reactions to meds/tx.

I had a clear PET scan a few months after my treatments ended. About 3 months later, I got another small sore on the inside of my L cheek. It was almost the same spot as where one of my first tumors was located. It was about 1/4 inch away. The docs think there was a tiny microscopic bit of cancer that wasnt killed thru chemo/rad. They think it had been 'hidden' somehow. Honestly, to me it didnt matter at all how it got there. The facts were plain and simple that I had OC again and had to get rid of it which I successfully did.

I had always been one who was very scared about a recurrance and wouldnt even read about it for some odd fear that it would happen. It happened anyway, it was removed with surgery and I have since had a clear PET recently. I have learned and hope to pass on to you that the future isnt something we have much control over. Please dont waste time worrying about a recurrance, it just steals your time.

Wishing you and your mom many happy, healthy wonderful years to come.


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile