Sophie, when copying or quoting from any source, please list the source. Sadly, not all medical sites are reputable or give medical advice that always has the best interest of the patient in mind.

Personally, I would be very concerned about bleeding from the oral cavity.
I would get to the hospital and have the Dr look in the mouth and also scope down the nose to find where the bleeding is coming from.
Oral cancer patients can have catastrophic bleeding.
Tammy

Yes, I am very concerned about the bleeding, I would insist the ENT specialist make an emergency visite and locate the cause of the bleading. (Some cancer medication can also cause the blood not to cloth as well)

I would also ask the medical team for a detailed plan of action with dates set for surgery. Our medical team told us what they were going to do during surgery and what to expect as far as recovery and permanent changes. You will be amazed at how much is possible.

My husband's case is different but his cancer also started in his oral cavity and spread into his jaw bone and local lymph nods very quickly. With everything happening so fast, and with a stage 4 diagnosis, I was very releived when the surgeon said he would be able to save my husband and have him looking his best. You father will need help 24/7 during his recovery after the surgery. If possible make a plan for your family to assist him in shifts. I did not sleep for 5 days so that my husband could rest.

Waiting at the end was torture: my husband's growth got about 1/3 bigger, his jaw bone stated to pain because of deterioration and nerve pinching. There was also the smell of decay which I did not mention to my husband until he was healed as he did not notice it.

Once they took my husband away for surgery, I was finally able to relax. He was in there hands, and all that could be done would be done. I trusted them. All this to say, my huband came out of a huge surgery and he is living well.

Its important to know if you feel you trust your medical team. Are they keeping you well informed? Do they have a clear plan with clear goals for your father?


Reconstructive surgery has come a long way, there are a lot of options for yoyr father.
Thinking about your family, Sophie







Sorry about the general link posted ealier, not very useful:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/oral/page1/AllPages/Print

Shariff. Sadly I am not sure about the medical system in India, however I can say for the few people that have been on here for that country - I've noticed that they don't seem to follow the standard guidelines for care and treatment of this disease - which is unfortunate. It's hard to tell without knowing the full extent of what is going on with him but if he's not in a large city with a top hospital that treats cancer, then perhaps he needs to get there. Chemo is not known to cure this cancer, sometimes you may get a reduction in size of the tumor, but more often than not It only holds it at bay for a short time - the human body is adaptive eventually it adjusts to the poison of the chemo and then the chemo no longer is effective. This happens rather quickly sometimes. So it sounds to me like they are putting you off. Again I'm not sure of your system there but here - if a dr can't do the surgery you can find out who is the best and ask to be referred. Hugs

It is important to remember members live around the world and have access to a wide range of medical options ranging from practically nothing to truly world class. We know developing countries such as India and Philippines have far less developed medical systems and access is far less widespread than say Canada, England, or New Zealand.

I have no specific suggestion other than trying to understand their situation and plight and offer posts that fit their situations.

What works and is available for some certainly may not be available to others and I'm conflicted whether mentioning, encouraging, or promoting something that is not practical, reasonable, or achievable in their situation is more helpful rather than not.

Hey don - I am well aware of this this is why I mentioned not being familiar with the medical system there. Unfortunately he's stuck with dealing with what is offered to him - however, he can up the game by doing a bit of research and finding out who is tops in the ENT field and who is considered the best surgeon for this type of surgery (and by not allowing location and distance to determine where his father receives treatment if at all possible - i know finances can have an impact on this which is unfortunate). This should be available to him with some questions and maybe use of the internet. A little research may shed some light. Also having a copy of the normal (NCI) guidelines for treatment of this disease and his father's staging when he goes to the the specialist should arm him with questions and concrete support.

hugs.

I believe the NCI guidelines are too vague and only intended to provide a cursory view. The clinicians guidelines followed by the NCCN are the standards used by most cancer centers.

There you go... thank you... same premise... arm yourself with knowledge and go forth... hugs.

Hi Cheryl,

My intent was not to direct my post to you but more generally that each patient has to deal with the realities of their care system, that is all.

I know everyone here wants to and strives to be as helpful as possible. However, I think there is not much realistic benefit by bringing up NCI or NCCN guidelines to someone in the India care system.

I am certain India and other countries have their own set of established or maybe adapted/adopted other medical guidelines and the doctors are probably not only inclined but bound to follow that set.

Sure, the King of Saudi Arabia gets on a plane and gets medical care in the USA but not many have such an option and have to receive care that is available to them; often times at a much lower standard than here in the developed world.

I'm just saying it's great to point out what is available and works to all but there is no need to nudge, cagole, or overly encourage those to seek care beyond their means. Rather, support their effort to seek the best care they can obtain.

We all care a lot so we want the very best outcomes for all but the reality is many will never be able to obtain the very best outcomes, even all here in the USA do not achieve it.

Don, the NCCN guidleines are the global standards for treating cancer, with adaptations for technology, metabolic differences, drugs available, regulations/laws, etc.

While the guidelines have not been translated into specific language versions for all cancers, they are often used as a starting point for comparative purposes.