Just identified cancer on my gums m quite worried and still waiting for final reports that's why don't know the stage but observed change 2 months back.can any one please help me.

Welcome to OCF! Im very sorry you have a need for our services after receiving an oral cancer diagnosis. Our group is made up of patients and caregivers from all over the world. We may not always know how different countries medical systems operate but we do understand what you are dealing with and can help with info and support. I suggest start reading posts here and also read info from the main OCF site. This will help you learn about your disease and make you a stronger advocate for yourself.

For starters you may want to begin focusing on your intake. Treatments for oral cancer can significantly affect a persons ability to eat, taste and swallow. This is usually a temporary change but it can take months for you to return to your pre-cancer abilities (or close to it). Your intake is of the utmost importance! Its something you have control over so start getting used to taking in at least 2500 calories every single day and 48-64 oz of water. If you are on the slim side, try taking in even more to help add a few pounds prior to any treatments.

You should also get a full blood workup done including thyroid (and testosterone for men). Its important you have a baseline set of numbers before you start any treatments as its not possible to know what your numbers normally are after being treated if having radiation with or without chemo.

Anyone who offers their assistance, tell them when the time comes you will let them know what they can do to help. Make sure to write everyones name down and contact info for later in case you need someone else to give them a call or text. There are many small things you could need help with during and after rads. Over the years working on the forum, Ive seen most people genuinely want to help but many dont know what they can do so dont be shy if you need help... ask.

Best wishes with everything!


OCF main site --- diagnosis

OCF Main --- Treatments

Got reports of CT scan and biopsy identified 19x12 mm cancer Tumour on left mandible and is soft squamous cell carcinoma at initial phase and rest body parts are not infected including lymphs . Doctor has suggested for surgery and later radio and told is 100 % curable.please suggested are we going on right direction.

As I mentioned in my previous post, we are a group pf patients and caregivers. Please remember we do not have your medical history in front of us, medical training or text book experience. Our knowledge comes from living thru oral cancer (OC) diagnosis, treatments and recovery experiencing everything first hand.

In the US our physicians adhere to the NCCN flow chart to aid them in their treatment plans. I do not know what is done in other countries. What you described for your treatment plan sounds like what many of us here have been thru. Please take some time to read some valuable info with both the link below and the links in my previous post above.

Ive also sent you a private message (PM). click on the tiny flashing envelope next to the My Stuff tab. There an important link there to review too. Please use the link to follow the directions about adding a signature. It really is important in helping us to help you.


NCCN treatment plans for head and neck cancers

Best wishes!

We are glad you found this site to help you on this journey. Christine has sent you very good, important information. Please read and study the information in the links as it will help you so much. We have all been through a journey and come here to learn and to help each other. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions here as likely someone will be able to talk with you about it. Take care and please keep us updated as to how you are doing.

Surgery done on 17 oct 2016 (Mandibulectomy) left mandibles.2 cycles of chemo cisplatin & 5-FU. first radiation on 6 Dec is planned. Quite confused about radiation technique, Cobalt 60 or linear accelarator which one to use.In my current hospital cobalt 60 is available and my oncologist told there is not much more difference between two.Please suggest.

Please understand we are a group of patients and caregivers without medical backgrounds. We also are based in the US but do have members from all over the world. Im sorry but I do not know how the medical system works in countries outside of the US.

In first post to you, I included a link for Treatments. There you can read all about radiation and the different types. There are links within the tabs to give you even more detailed information. Here is the US most radiation is IRMRT, some Proton and even fewer brachytherapy (seed implant radiation). Im sorry, I do not know what Cobalt 60 or linear accelerator are.


PS... I sent you a private message back in October with links to review. Please check your messages and follow the directions in the links to add your signature as soon as possible. We need your basic background of your history to be best able to help you. Thank you!

From what I understand, Cobalt 60 is a type of Gammaknife, which is really stereostatic radiosurgery, and is not really surgery, but a precise form of radiation with minimal effect on surrounding tissue, which was largely used on brain tumors. Gammaknife, Cyberknife are trademarked names.

Linear accelerators, most commonly used, are state of the art radiation machines, such as IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, IORT, Stereostatic Radiosurgery, that deliver customized high doses of x-rays to tumors in all areas, while sparing normal tissue.

http://oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/imrt-radiation/

Completed 3 cycles of chemo cisplatin and 5 FU ,now under radiation and completed 20 out of 30 rads.Feeding tube placed,lots of coughing and thickened saliva ,lost weight,sleepless.Almost all hairs are lost and few left turns white,feeling fatigue.Please advice what to feed also suffering from common cold.

The hair loss is probably from the chemo (as far as I know, Cisplatin does not cause major hair loss, so it may be the 5 FU). All the other side effects you have listed are fairly common effects of radiation. You might want to look at rinsing your mouth several times a day to get rid of the thickened saliva. My husband used a Waterpik on its lowest setting and with some of the prescribed mouthwash. It worked exceedingly well for him.

Are you eating by mouth or are you using your feeding tube? If you are using the feeding tube your medical team should recommend the appropriate supplement for you. Here in North America there are a lot of choices. My husband was on Ensure and some people use Boost. If there is a dietitian at your hospital, it would help for you to speak to this person. Your calorie intake each day should be about 2500 to 3000.

ChristineB, the forum administrator, always recommends that patients keep themselves hydrated. Indeed, she is right. If you are dehydrated (and radiation does that to you), you will feel awful. Make sure your water intake is close to 48 oz a day. You can find out from your treatment centre if they will give you intravenous hydration if you are really dehydrated.

The effects of radiation will continue for several weeks even after the end of treatment. So, it is important that you continue to keep up the fluid and calorie intake.