I just have so many questions about life after surgery,if I do need jaw replacement,skin grafs.How was everyones lives changed,pain you have or other problems that might come about.Sometimes sitting here reading posts make you feel better, then others really scares me.From what I see in my mouth don't have anything on my tounge,and looking at ct scan I had about a month ago don't see any lumps or bumps around wind pipe.The only thing my e,n,t Dr would say without test back is he thinks only in 1 spot,and maybe went from cheek to jaw bone.I know I will get all answers tomorrow but my mind is everywhere now.I think im done with my rant for now..thanks for reading

Try not to get too far ahead of yourself. Focus on what you have control over and avoid "what if..." thinking as much as possible. Not knowing what the future holds can be very unsettling. There is a good life after OC, but its just like anything, it is what you make of it.

You really are ahead of the game by finding this site. Read and educate yourself about your disease so you can be a strong advocate. If you click on the small blue Oral Cancer Foundation toward the top left you will find the main OCF pages. Its full of important info every OC patient should read.

Best wishes!

well today is the day I hear about my scans,hardly slep last night up every hour.Got up at 4;30am made fire and coffee trying to do normal things. Have to get my mind off this so going to log off maybe go for a walk on this cold morning,still dark best part of morning I feel,and when birds start singing,have a good day all

wasamason


Don't stress yourself out over this. What ever the scans bring , you will get through it. There is always someone here to help you with any questions you might have. Think positive .

Best Wishes for you and your appointment today
Heidi

[quote=wasamason]well today is the day I hear about my scans,hardly slep last night up every hour.Got up at 4;30am made fire and coffee trying to do normal things. Have to get my mind off this so going to log off maybe go for a walk on this cold morning,still dark best part of morning I feel,and when birds start singing,have a good day all [/quote]

Hang in there, buddy. We've all been there, some more than others. As the information becomes available, keep some good notes. I know it's all a blur and yes, there will be some sleepless nights. Don't be afraid to seek out a psychiatric oncologist if you think some therapy or meds can get you over the mental hump. Many of us found relief from that.

Normal? That may be the most elusive concept you've ever seen, for a while, at least.

Best wishes for some smooth sailing. Lean on us when you need to or want to. No question, no thought too small.

Okay maybe I read too quickly. I know you have a history of chewing snuff, I know you said something about the gums pulling away but that it would get better.

Where exactly did the biopsy come from? Was it your node? Or an area of your gum?

If its gum then likely Surgery is part of your immediate future. I would hope gum, jaw and a neck dissection.

If it was the node and no cancer was detected in the oral cavity - then it might be a BOT or tonsilar cancer (different treatment)

Either way good luck on your scan results... take care and be well

well the the news yesterday,stage 4 in right lower jaw. Stage 2 in lymph node only one.Pet scan showed no other cancer in body,all on right side of mouth. Meeting with Dr. Monday to go over everything.Almost had to leave the state cause of my insurance I have,but with hours of phone calls found theres a cancer clause for 5 yrs.So we are able to stay in state for everything,should make it little easier on my wife

You have a diagnosis and preliminary staging so you at least know what you face going forward. Sounds like things are moving along pretty quickly if you have another meeting scheduled on Monday.

Try not to attend along any of these meetings as the extra ears make a big difference to what is being explained.

Ask about tumor board or other means to get other review of the diagnosis. A formal second opinion is a standard method but a solid tumor board is good too.

Good luck

Wasamason

My mother had stage 4 in her lower left jaw and she had the "Mandiblctmy" Surgery . This is removal of the jaw bone. In my mothers case only the left side was removed not the entire jaw. The cancer had actually ate through my mothers jaw bone like termites eat wood. This had to be going on for quit some time and she didn't even feel it.

Lets just see what will be recommended in your case. you should try not to panic to fast. What ever needs to be done don't worry you will get through it.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have. Many members here will be with you along the way.

Best of Luck
Heidi

have to ask another question,I know theres a few here that had half bottom jaw replaced.Just wondering how long the rehab. was for most.