Hi. I am Gayle from the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. I have recently been diagnosed with SCC cancer on my tongue. I have not yet begun treatment, but my Maxiofacial Surgeon favours laser surgery because I have been lucky to have caught this at a very early stage and it has not affected my lymph glands. He will be discussing my details at a team meeting at the Gold Coast University Hospitable with his team of surgeons not long after Easter, to decide on which treatment is best for me. My husband and I have been invited to attend. He thinks I will be a good candidate for laser surgery because my tumour is quite small.

I have never smoked, was a light drinker but stopped completely about eight months ago. I have been tested as negative for HPV virus.

I have been researching so that I will have an idea of what to expect.

Welcome to OCF, Gayle! You have come to the best place for online support and correct medical info about anything and everything to do with oral cancer (OC). When first diagnoses it can be quite overwhelming to most of us. Theres so many appointments and specialists to run around seeing that it can make your head spin. Take it one day at a time. Now that you have found our site, we will be here to lean on and ask questions.

During your treatments and recovery its a very good plan to focus on what is within your control.... your intake! The very best thing you can do to help yourself prepare is to start by eating all your favorite foods, desserts too. You do not want to go into something like this having cravings. This is even more important if you are on the average of slim side, try to gain a few pounds before anything begins.
Unfortunately any disease that affects the mouth will also affect the patients ability to eat. For most patients, this is only a temporary thing.

Hang in there! Best wishes with everything!!!