hi!
I am new to this. My mom in bangalore, india was diagnosed with scc right side of tongue stageII/III in feb. went through surgery, removed right lymph nodes and salivary gland and then went through 71/2 weeks of radiation. It finished in june. After 2 months she started getting pain in her left side and her left ear and left side of tonsil/lymphnode started selling. Dr. said tonsil infection and gave her 2weeks of antibiotics. Nothing helped. In the night times the pain is more. she went to her oncologist. He found a small lump like thing on her left side of tongue and prescribed higher dose of antibiotics for another 2 weeks. after 2 weeks he found that lump has decreased and told her to come after 2 weeks. That was yesterday. Yesterday he said that the lump is still there, but small so he needs to do biopsy. I am so scared. As she already went through radiation on her right side and it was very hard, I am scared for her chances.

She is a nonsmoker, non-drinker, no tobacco. She is 68 years old.

Please help, anybody, please.

sincerely,
swati.

Swati,



First breath, don't let fear overcome you as that helps with nothing. We have a saying on these boards that its NOT cancer until a biopsy says it is so we have to wait for the results. Until the results come get mentally and emotionally prepared to support your mom if it is a recurrence and take every opportunity to let her know how much you care.

None of us are guaranteed our next breath so be sure to enjoy every moment without letting fear and worry steal whatever joy you have in the time you are blessed with. One step at a time, that's the only way to move forward.

Keep your chin up

Eric

Agreed, if it's still there it needs to be biopsied. Did she have a CT scan? MRI? I'm assuming so. This cancer can sometimes jump sides. They should scan her as well. I know she's been through a lot. They can still operate to remove the spot. Some of it could also be related to the radiation. There is a spray radius despite the fact that it is focused, it's not always confined to the focus area. My hair thinned out all the way up to my crown on one side. despite the fact that the radiation was aimed at my tongue and neck! Also The affects of the radiation can last a long time. I have had tender spots on my tongue on the good side all along. They get better they get worse. They are not solid lumps more like areas of irritation related to the radiation. They are easing now, and I'm almost 6 months out. Good luck - I hope it's nothing.

Hi Swati, I would agree with Cheryl and Eric. My father had developed a sore on his right tongue 3 months after radiotherapy (for his left tongue) and it was bothering us. We consulted the doctor and he adviced Biopsy but I was reluctant for another biopsy and asked for PET/CT first and if required, follow up it with biopsy if something suspicious comes up. Thankfully, it came all clear.

Hi!

I got the biopsy report today. They say it is cancer again. I am very scared. Does she have any chances?

Please advise.

sincerely,
swati

Swat,

I am currently starting treatment for a second time. They say I have a chance and you will find a number of people in this site who have battled this disease more than once and survived.

Given that her second occurance looks small I would think they could treat her succesfully. We will all be praying for you here and best of luck.

Remeber to take this one day at a time. there is always hope and medical science has come a long way in treatin recurrance of oral cancer so keep your chin up.

Hi Kelly,

Thanks. It's just that she is in India and I am in U.S. I am begging her to come here, but with no insurance, my parents don't want to come.
I know I just have to keep hope, but kind of getting hopeless. the new one, it's only few cells, it seems, came after just 21/2 months of radiation.
Is total tongue removal only choice

please advise,
swati

I am very sorry to read of your mother's recurrence. Of course she still has a chance. I am not very familiar with health care options in other countries. I can only tell you that a recurrence needs to be handled quickly and with the best medical professionals. I know here in the US there are many top doctors and cancer centers where she could get treated.

I have had oral cancer 3 times and luckily gotten thru it. Do NOT give up hope. Did the doctors suggest your mother needing a total removal of her tongue? Many times with surgeries a doctor will determine things like that when he is in there and taking frozen sections to view clean margins.

Please reread what Eric wrote about letting cancer steal away your time. Stay positive!!! When people get upset its difficult to think clearly.

Best wishes to your mother!

Dear all,


Thank you all so much for all the support. Right now they are going to remove her teeth as the radiation damaged the gums. The problem in India is that we can't tell the doctors anything. They do what they want. I am telling my father to get a CAt scan done, but the oncologist says it's not necessary. I have not able to sleep in nights. Can't get leave from job to see mom as I went in may/june. So feel guilty and upset all th times.
Thanks to you guys, I can vent my feeling out.

Yhanks again

swati

There is something called FMLA which would grant you time off to care for a sick family member. You are allowed up to 12 weeks per year. The only stipulation is that you have worked a full time job and have been with the employer for at least 1 year. If you have 11 months and 29 days, you dont qualify. Thats how strict it is. So if you used FMLA in May and June for 8 weeks, you still have at least another 4 weeks left. This is a nationwide law so you really could go as they cannot deny you and must hold your job.