our mom has scc of the tongue. She had pre cancer patches for ten years. In April of 2003 she had a biopsy done for about the 15th time. We all thought it was just routine again and weren't worried about it. But for some reason I went with her to her doctor's appointment for the results, which I hadn't done before. To our surprise it came back invasive cancer. I can't even explain what we went through. We have a very small family and she is the center of everything.

So sorry to hear of your news. My husband has oral cancer, had major surgery and radiation in 2003. He is doing okay but has limitations on his ability to eat. We live in Huntington Beach as well. Let me know if we can be of any help. Good luck with your Mom.
Becky Ray

My sister and I struggle everyday with the rollercoaster of ups and downs and all of the unknown that our mom is about to encounter. We are frightened and hopeful that after she gets the radiation and chemo which start on Monday the 26th of January that the cancer will not recur. She has a battle up ahead with the chemo and radiation and we don't really know what to expect. Did your husband have the chemo and radiation? This is the second recurrance and the first surgery consisted of removal of over half of her tongue and part of the gums and the radical neck dissection with no radiation and chemo. This time her doctor feels its necessary to do the radiation and chemo (swing at it with a really big bat). So we feel like he really knows what to do. All the preparation for the weeks ahead has her very frightened and we can't even imagine how she must feel (especially because we feel so awful). When she was first diagnosed I was four months pregnant with my first child. Now I have a beautiful daughter Keeley who will be 4 months old on Sunday. This is my moms first grandchild and she is the light of all of our lives right now. That sweet pure innocence of a baby and the smiles she always offers keeps us all going. Please feel free to send me an email if we can be of any support to you and your husband. Thank you for your response.
Danielle

Dear Danielle,

I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. What is so wonderful to hear though, and which will help her tremendously, is your love and concern. I am six weeks finished with radiation for laryngeal cancer and I will tell you that grandchildren are better at relieving pain than morphine sometimes! As you mentioned, just seeing that beautiful little face of your Keeley will bring a smile to your Mom when there may be very little to smile at. My daughter knew how I smiled each and every time I look at her little guy (he's 18 mo) so she borrowed someone's Polaroid camera and every other day gave me a new picture of the baby to smile at when I was having a bad minute or two. She would ocasionally make one of the pictures really silly so I would share them over at the hospital with the other cancer patients. Everyone needs a good laugh or even a good smile during these times. I wish your entire family blessings and excellent physicians taking care of your Mom.
Lynn