George,

Please go to this blog site and read it carefully and look at the pictures.

Rich's Plea

This is what happens if you continue to smoke after being diagnosed with oral cancer. It will recur.

Make this your new mantra: "If I smoke, I will DIE!"

Whenever you desire a cigarette, think of Rich, and say this mantra over and over in your head.

"Cold Turkey" is not the only way to go. There are OTC nicotine replacements that help some with nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine is not one of the carcinogens found in cigarettes, but it is the addictive substance that must be dealt with. There are also prescription drugs available through your doctor such as Chantix which may give you the support you need to stop smoking.

BUT...YOU MUST STOP SMOKING! Drinking is a secondary concern.

YOU CAN DO IT!!! Many people here have.


Catherine

2mm tumor excised 09/23/2008 (floor of mouth)
SCC (superficially invasive, well-differentiated)
Stage 1, T1N0M0
01/2009 and 01/2010 - PET/CT clear
Four and 1/2 years - NED!
"Detection can be easy, treatment is not!"