Hello all,

I am a three-time survivor of SCC: 2005, 2006, 2011. Needless to say, I've been on this roller coaster, like many of you, for quite some time.

I've had a lesion on the floor of my mouth for almost five weeks now (if not longer) that has become a bit ulcerated. My dental oncologist at MDAnderson took a biopsy this past Tuesday morning. Diagnosis: mild hyperkeratotic dysplasia.

I am on an anti-biotic and anti-fungal for two weeks in the hope that this lesion will go away. What is your advice at this point? I'm in so much pain that I'm considering resigning from my high school teaching/coaching job. Do I just stay on pain meds and pray for the best?

Thanks for your help,
Angela

What I see is: It's NOT cancer!

It comes back to one of the OC mantra; "It's not cancer until they say it is".

What you ask is totally a personal choice. Resigning, applying for benefits and such is a decision that would yield results depending on your personal situation. We all have had life changing decisions in our journey and it's truly an intimate and personal choice.

It comes down to how you feel. If your "passion" for your work has faded or you're just tired and need a break. Meditate on the circumstances of your situation and make the appropriate decision.

Good Luck, positive thoughts and prayers on whatever decision you make.

"T"

Thank you for your encouraging words. You are totally right--this is completely up to me. I needed to hear someone say that.

I think about this too.

If I could "retire" so to speak at this point, I would, heal and enjoy the things that bring my heart joy Unfortunately, I cannot. However, I do play the lottery

"T"

Congratulations on being a 3x cancer fighter! I never say survivor, and I'm a 8x cancer fighter myself, and proud to say that. I feel your pain, your uncertainty, fears, even if it was a small bump. It doesn't get any easier each time, and each is like the first, having to go through the same testing, worry, wait, and is probably even worst than the first time knowing what you went through, can go through, and what limited treatments may be left. I'm glad this was not found cancerous, but probably will need to be monitored, and you are at the best place to do so, MD Anderson.

Before you do anything rash, maybe speak to your doctors on their thoughts. Personally, I've been through worst, speaking of myself, and wouldn't give up anything I have or regained now, including work if I did, but I haven't work in 4 years lol, not by choice, being situations are beyond our control sometimes, and wish everyday I could. Your thoughts, and situation may be different, and to each their own, but the main thing is to keep fighting! I say this now, maybe next week my thoughts will change All the best.