Sandy, the is The Oral Cancer Foundation. It is not only for SCC type oral cancer but that is the most common one we see. Its for all oral cancer patients and caregivers. You could find other sites helpful or you may not. You are always welcome here and we will always try to help as much as we can.

Tomorrow is my day for a 2nd opinion on chemo. Tomorrow is my day for dental clearance so the radiation can begin..should I be concerned that 2 1/2 months have passed between surgery and radiation?

yes - sorry but it's the truth. Surgery is meant to remove the tissue. Even if there are clear margins there is always the potential for something to be left there. This why they generally give 6 weeks for healing - unless you have complications - then they like to keep it in that time frame.

I am surprised you've waited that long. It is a complicated surgery no doubt but most of the major healing takes place in the first 6 weeks. They know how long it takes for bones/tissue/muscle to heal.

Anything beyond that time there is the potential that anything left there can grow back, expand, and move. (this often depends on the type of cancer and aggressiveness of it) I am not overly familiar with sarcomas. But my question to the drs. while I was battling my tongue tumor was - how soon can you do it?

Why so long a wait?

best of luck.

Still no clearance back to the dentist in 1 weekfor treatment. Hurry up and wait. Finding out patience is Not part of me. Getting frustrated fast. Back to the oncologist in a week. He wants to talk to the ENT. Something tells me this conversation should have already taken place. Aghhhhhhh.

Yes hon you need to push - start phoning - get your face in front of theirs - not rudely - explain - you're scared you don't want this to come back you've been waiting and you're very anxious. Sadly where medicine is concerned it's the squeaky wheel that gets noticed otherwise you just blend into the group.

Radiation has finally started I'm 11 treaments in and have noticed a tightness in my neck and face, I'm assuming this is normal. Throat is sore, face is red and feels hot. Stopped having fun 3 months ago when this all started....trying really hard to stay positive

Hi Sandy,

You are doing great, hang in there. You been here long enough to get read up so you know what to expect. Just drink and eat as much as you can for as long as you can. Most start having real issues by week three. good luck, don

Sandy, now is when the side effects usually begin to appear. They will progressively get worse as time goes on, even continuing the first few weeks after finishing treatment.

What you can do is to focus on your intake. That is what will make this easier. Every single day you need a minimum of 2500-3000 calories and 48-80 oz of water. Every single day! No skimping!!!! That quickly becomes a bad habit and before you know it you will become malnourished and dehydrated. You do NOT want to end up hospitalized for that. I went thru it a couple times and it was horrible!!! So please push yourself to always take in enough every single day.

Rinse your mouth at least 4 times a day with a mixture of 16oz of warm water with 2 tsp baking soda and 2 tsp salt. the salt will probably burn but try to keep it in there by cutting back to 1 tsp or even 1/2 a tsp. Salt water helps with healing those mouth sores. The baking soda helps neutralize your ph balance in your mouth.

Hang in there, we are here to lean on if you need us.

Hi there... tightness is normal!!! redness - you need a good cream for after daily rads. Just don't apply it prior to. It's a one foot in front of the other prospect. You will get there. hugs

Ask your doc for prescription cream like beta-val for your neck. Pat it on several times per day but never within 3 hours prior to rads. It can cause issues with your treatment.

Hang in there!