Jennifer
I think that is a long time to wait... when all your test results are in , hopefully in the next day or two, your ENT will get you in sooner to see the oncologist. Who made that appointment and why are they willing to have you wait so long if you need chemo?
As to the hearing loss, I guess everyone is different and much depends on where the tumor is.
Keep your chin up Jen ..we are pulling for you.

Marica

Nothing much to add Jennifer but my support for you and your family! Keep that positive attitude and research this diaease on the search engine on the top of the page. Type in anything you can think of about oral cancer and read up on the posting's. Knowledge will give you even more confidence as you start your journey to recovery. Come here and ask any question or just vent when needed.

Best Wishes for a full recovery, Danny Boy

Jennifer,

I had ear pain before my tumor was removed but once it was removed, the pain was gone and there was no effect on my hearing. The ENT said that the tumor was inflaming the nerves and there is a lot of referred pain from the mouth to the ear. If the tumor is very late stage, and it doesn't sound like yours is, then nerve involvement can become an issue.

I did have a PET scan before my surgery, and a CAT scan. My initial biopsy was May 16, got the results May 23, I saw three ENTs between May 27 and June 2, and my surgery was July 1. You are having everything done that you need to have done and I don't think you should panic over a week or two. Research the modified neck dissection (which compared to the glossectomy was a walk in the park)and decide if that is the way you want to go. Depending on your staging and what the scans say, it may not be optional.

Please feel free to e-mail me -- I'd be happy to call you. It sounds like you've gotten it early which is the key to being around for your kids for a long, long time.

Barb

Jennifer,

It is amazing how everyone is different. Unlike you and Barb, I had no ear pain before, but have it now. I was told that mine is referred pain from my neck dissection and that it will go away when the neck is healed.

Waiting is a terrible thing, but it will more than likely have no effect on the outcome. Certainly, it doesn't hurt to push for a closer date after the results come in. Remember the squeaky wheel gets oiled. I squeaked a hell of a lot and got plenty of oil.

Now is the time to line up family and friends for your post-op time. You'll be amazed at the offers you'll get. You're never too old for a babysitter and you will need much help for you and your children.

It would be very helpful if you tell everyone that knows your situation to go to this link and read about "The Red Balloon Group". http://www.evagrayzel.com/red_balloon.shtml
It is a great way to help them learn how to help you. Eva Grayzel helped me before and after my surgery and we have developed a bond through our mutual experiences. If you want to contact her, email me first.

With family and friends and our support group here, you will get through this major ordeal. It will be tough, but as my wife said to me, "there is no other choice, we will get through this and be stronger for it". We did, and we are.

Good luck with the results of today's tests and keep us posted. During your recuperation it would be great if you could have someone keep us posted on your progress until you can get back to the computer.

Jerry

Jennifer,

Welcome to the neighborhood. I would like to tell you to sit back and enjoy the ride but I would rather tell you to read all you can about diagnosis and treatment right now so you can be better prepared to ask the questions you need answered in developing a sound treatment plan to give you every possible chance at beating this horrible disease the first time around. I am certainly hoping for the best possible medical team to be provided for you. You may have some rough road ahead of you but as you read from more and more you will see it is a well travled road! Give those kiddos a great big hug from me.

Ed

Thanks for all the replies. It sounds like I am experiencing exactly the same thing Barb did. Hopefully my ear pain will go away as hers did! Jerry, thanks for telling me how long you were in the hospital. That was good information, as I really haven't had any idea what to expect.

Barb and Jerry, thank you for the offers to talk! I think I will wait until I know more...after meeting with my oncologist, and then send you a note. Will be helpful if I know what type of surgery I'm facing and am more informed!

Thanks again! I'll move over to the Treatment board and start reading everything I can there. :-)

Jennifer