Im very sorry to read further about your fathers situation. Please understand this site is not made up of medical professionals, we are fellow oral cancer survivors and caregivers. We do not have the knowledge or medical experience to second guess what the doctors are suggesting. From what I understand surgery is the only curative option. Chemo alone will not eliminate the cancer but could shrink it enough to make surgery an option a little later. Ask the docs if this is an option to do surgery after trying a few rounds of chemo. Im not aware of any medications that will control the cancer???

Best wishes!

I am very sorry to hear the reports of the latest visits. Since it has been just two months since chemoradiation therapy and the PET shows the original cancer has spread and a new cancer is discovered, this is a very aggressive cancer.

The doctors there are far better at assessing what the options are and if surgery has been ruled out and radiation too, then only chemo seems like an option.

I know you are totally involved and push for all that can be done to help your father. Hopefully they can at least control the spread and shrink it back some. If that shows good results there may be other options.

That's crap they can remove it from both - once it moves out of the head and neck area that's different but they should operate !

I just want to tell you that my husband had both his tongue and voice box removed. This surgery is possible and quality of life is good. Keep pursuing this option.
Tammy

Thanks for reporting in the option of surgery. I know the term "salvage" surgery which is done after traditional surgery and radiation, so yes it is possible.

Of course, we are not doctors here nor have any specifics to this or any case, so should pursue the best doctors and trust their recommendations, whatever they may be.

Surgery in one instance may offer great prognosis and QOL; in other situations, the outcomes can be very different.

Thanks for all your comments and feedbacks. Really feel happy to see so many of you are caring here and i'm getting more confidence. I will fight till the end. There are few more updates after our visit yesterday.

Met the Chief doctor and he advised to provide Chemo via Tablets (2-0-2) for the next twenty days & asked to return on 20th Nov. Yes, surgery is an option if the chemo helps to shrink it and showing better results they might go for the surgery little later but not for now.(50-50 Chance for surgery)

However after returning home last night, We received our tablets in the noon today. My Father completed his Prayers, Lunch in noon and went to take some rest. After another one hour returned with bleeding in his mouth :'( told us that he had bleeding from his mouth like in clotted way and in lots, He had washed his mouth and showed us thereafter. We really got panicked and called our relatives close-by home. Spoke to doctor over the phone and he said it is okay and nothing to worry and asked to take the medicines for tonight and if case of bleeding asked to take another tablet to control. It did not bleed from the wound in his tongue, However Father feels like it may be from the tumour in his right jaw area. And after the bleeding he feel his pain on the right side has reduced to some extent. Tomorrow morning we are planning to take him to doctor to further diagnose it.

Has anyone of you had similar incidents like this before ?
Please clarify.

Thinking of you and your father. Keep fighting and supporting your father Shariff.
Keep heart, Sophie

Hi, Since yesterday my Father had bleeding for 4 times. Doctor informed nothin to worry and asked to take a tablet in case bleeding. May I please know if anyone had similar situation and what was suggested to be done?

Please advise. Thanks alot.

Sorry to hear about the continued issues. The bleeding is not reported much so not much advise to offer. Many have surgery treatments so I'm assuming the wounds are treated so they don't bleed much as I suspect if it was a concern it would be posted here.

What specific medications and chemo is he prescribed? Giving chemo orally is unusual in USA as it is almost always administered via IV bag.

Hi Shariff, sorry not to be of more help: bellow is a list of how to care for a bleeding mouth. I just copied this info from a medical site. Sophie

Bleeding in the mouth is generally caused by mouth sores, gum (periodontal) disease, or by a low platelet count (cells that help the blood clot). Low platelet counts can be a side effect of chemo or radiation treatment. This is usually a short-term problem (if the platelet count is low, see the section called �Blood counts�). Cancers that affect the blood-forming system, such as leukemia, can also cause a drop in platelets. A person with low platelet levels might bleed easily. Everyday actions such as brushing or flossing teeth can cause bleeding. Side effects of chemo or radiation can include dryness in the mouth or small mouth ulcers, which can bleed.

What to look for

Blood or bruises in mouth (from or on the gums, tongue, etc.)
Rash or bright red pinpoint-sized dots on tongue, under tongue, on roof of mouth, and/or on inside of cheeks
Blood oozing from mouth
What the patient can do

Rinse your mouth gently with ice water every 2 hours.
Suck on ice chips (avoid hard candies if your mouth is bleeding).
Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush after eating. Rinse the toothbrush in warm water to soften the bristles even more.
Use soft foam mouth swabs or gauze wrapped around a Popsicle stick or tongue depressor to clean teeth if a soft toothbrush causes bleeding.
Avoid store-bought mouthwash. See the section called �Mouth dryness� to learn how to make a gentle mouth rinse.
Eat foods that are soft, smooth, and high in calories and protein. Refrigerated soft foods, such as ice cream, applesauce, puddings, and yogurt, are helpful because cold helps to control bleeding.
Puree hard foods, such as apples, pears, etc., in the blender.
Avoid hot drinks, such as coffee and tea. Heat enlarges blood vessels and can make bleeding worse.
Put cream or salve on lips to prevent dryness.
If you wear dentures, keep them out of your mouth, especially if they do not fit well.
Avoid aspirin products. Check labels of over-the-counter drugs to be sure they don�t contain aspirin, or check with your pharmacist.
What caregivers can do

Offer the patient cold water mouth rinses before each meal. Keep ice water nearby.
If the mouth is oozing blood, keep a bowl nearby for spitting out mouth rinses.
Make milkshakes or smoothies in the blender, and offer other soft frozen treats.
Avoid nuts, caramel, sharp or crunchy foods (such as chips or crackers) and foods with hard coatings.
Freeze a few wet tea bags, and have the patient press one on any bleeding area.
Call the doctor if the patient:
Is bleeding from the mouth for the first time
Has bleeding that lasts for more than a half-hour
Vomits blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Feels light-headed or dizzy