Hi,
Just discovered site after hospital visit today. Had successful operation for floor of mouth cancer RH side. Removal of Lymph nodes, 5 teeth and flap from donar site left wrist between tongue and where teeth were. Have taken heaps of photo's of my mouth, neck, since operation since Sep 2006. Have now had 3 operations since on the flap to reduce bulk all under general. Still a problem since the last Op 4 weeks ago with granulation between tongue and flap. Today it was cauterised with a silver nitrate stick. Will go back next week for more of the same.
Just wanted to say hi and wondered if there is anyone one else from Australia? Will spend a bit more time over next days having a good look a the site. Was looking for something like this for the last 10 months.

Welcome Gabe

It sounds like you've been having a tough time. Glad the op was successful regarding your cancer.

You have found THE oral cancer site for support and info. Many others here will have followed a similar path and will share their experiences with you. As you will with them.

The OCF membership stretches worldwide. I look forward to your input.

Love to you from Helen

Hi Gabe,

Welcome to the OCF. Sounds like you have been through some rough times.

There are several Australian members here besides Helen and I'm sure you will hear from some of them.

Through this great organization I have made many friends in different parts of the world. I spent 2 weeks in OZ this past February and I was able to meet with a member, TIZZ, and her husband in Manley, outside of Sydney. Helen had planned to meet us, too, but it unfortunately it couldn't work out.

Where exactly do you live?

Jerry

Hi Gabe,

Another Aussie here. Where are you? I'm in Sydney. I'm glad you've found this site, it's been such a boon for me. I'm 3.5 years since then end of radiation (Squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil, radical neck dissection, no chemo). Without this site I would be totally lost, as we know, specialists don't always communicate very well! Ask heaps of questions and someone will always respond

Cheers!

Tizz (Meredith)

Hi again
Thank you to Helen, Jerry and Meredith for the replies.
I am in Sydney also..around 15 KM's from the City. The hospital where I had my treatment and continue to go to is at Westmead (1 stop past Parramatta.) and also not far from where I live.
They have a great Children's Hospital but also a good Cancer Centre. Have a look at http://earth.google.com/ and you should find it. It is Sunday evening now and it does not look like the silver nitrate stick had much of an effect but will see after another go on Wednesday. Jerry I think you mean Manly and not Manley:-)) which is a great beach to visit. Back to work tomorrow and wonder if you have also had issues with the amount of time taken from work. I am lucky that I have been with my company for a long time now and had enough sick days however my immediate boss who has only been there for 2 years and was originally sympathetic..not so much now. Thanks again and I am happy to have found this site for oral cancer as I have been loooking for a while and wondered if it was such a rare from of cancer.
PS Only thing I am unsure of is that I posted on Coping/Anger and Fear which is not that far wrong but being new did not know there were different forums. I need to spend more time soon to see how it works as I can see there are around 12 different forums.
Cheers
Gabriele

Hello Gabriele

I too am a Westmead patient and intend to be a Westmead graduate in six months when my 5 yrs is up. My last checkup was in July.

Sorry the silver nitrate hasn't been effective so far. Yes, I had difficulty working for a year during and after treatment. I am self-employed so had to cease operations. I am working hard again now but can't imagine a private sector employer being accommodating for that long. It must have been so difficult with your rare cancer and prolonged treatment plus the tiredness etc you will have dealt with.

Hope your second cauterisation on Wednesday is a success. Please let us know how you go.

Love from Helen

Helen, should we get you a Mortarboard when you graduate at Westmead?

Gabe, I'm in Dee Why/Brookvale (also self employed), if you ever visit the Northern Beaches. And good luck on Wednesday.

Cheers!

Tizz

Hi to you both,
Helen, I would be interesting to see if we had the same surgeons or "team" as they called it. I remember while I was in recovery around 7 came around (some students I think) every day. Could not talk at the time due to tracheotomy tube and had to write it down. Will always remember the plastic surgeon saying that the flap looked good every day. It felt like there was me and then there was my flap:-)) At a guess and without reading all the rules I would say you should not mention doctors names but it would be interesting if we had some of the same. My email address should be visible to let me know.
On Wednesday morning it will be speech therapy first then the silver nitrate stick. Might ask if I can take some home and do it myself or even if my GP can do it as it seemed simple enough when I had it done on Friday. It

Hi Gabriele,
I'm another Aussie who regularly visits this site, I hail from Melbourne and I don't think that I've seen anyone else from here on the board as yet. While I don't post much I've found that the information on this site is invaluable and those who post are empathic and supportive and a font of knowledge as far as this disease goes. Good luck with your treatments!
Sue

Hi all,
I have been in contact with Helen last few days as we have a fair bit in common (Doctors and Nurse). We attend the same Westmead hospital outside of Sydney. I also went to a spa first week of January for some pampering which by coincidence is in Helen