Catherine,

I am so glad you got in to see that group. I think they all deal with cancer. So no matter which doctor you have, you will be in good hands.

My advice I am sure has already been suggested. Go into the appointment with someone else to take notes. Have your questions written down so you don't forget anything. Don't let anything they say overwhelm you because it will seem like a whole lot. Just take one step at a time - at least in my experience they are good at letting you know what the steps are.

Praying for the very best outcome! Again don't hesitate to pm or e-mail me with any questions!

Cindy

Catherine Hi,

Hubby and I are soul mates. He's cared for me thru a few health problems previously so this is just my chance to return the favor. I'm so glad to hear you have a caring and supportive Husband. If ever I can do anything to help him or ease his mind? please let him know I'm here for him too.
~Ija~

Thanks Ija,

We are both still waiting for first staging appointment on 10/23.

I've been getting together my family history and past medical records in anticipation of filling out a lot of forms.

I have also been doing a lot of reading; there is so much to absorb!

I have one question that you or someone else might know. I have seen HBO in some signatures. I know it isn't a reference to a cable channel! What does it mean?

Peace to all!
Catherine

HBO is HyperBaric Oxygen.

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/dental/hyperbaric.htm

Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop?

Hi Folks!

I had my first appointment with the ENT at MCV on Thursday. He examined my mouth, looked at my esophagus with a mirror, and felt for nodes along my jaw line. He also looked in my ears and nose (I guess there IS a reason they are called ENTs!). He asked about symptoms like pain, swelling, hoarseness, change in voice, acid reflux and swallowing problems (none). He said I had erythroplakia on the floor of my mouth. The only evidence of the 2mm tumor that was removed a month ago was some scarring from the sutures.

He told me to stop all alcohol usage (moderate drinker) and even asked if my toothpaste had alcohol in it. He said I should get a chest X-ray because sometimes the cancer migrates to the lungs.

He said I had two options:

Come back in six weeks for reevaluation. OR

Undergo an excision surgery on the floor of the mouth. When I asked how much tissue they would remove, he responded by mentioning possible salivary gland and duct compromise, potential tongue loss with perhaps the need for a graft, and a long healing time. When I asked about using frozen sections during the surgery to determine the margins, he said that might be a possibility, but that he would also want permanent sections. I wonder if I should have asked about other biopsy options that would not be as invasive. I think I understand all this, and it was clear he favored the non-surgical option.

I have an appointment in six weeks. I was expecting a cancer staging process with additional tests. I guess what happened was supposed to happen at this point in my disease. I was told to report any changes, and I sure hope nothing does change!

So now, it seems wait and see. Thank you all for your support and suggestions (past and future). I�ll keep you posted.

Peace,
Catherine

Catherine,

That sounds like good news to me. I will pray for nothing to change in the next six weeks other than what should happen for complete healing. As you know from my sig I have had the tongue removal and a good portion of the floor of my mouth and if you can get away with out that praise God.

I am happy for you!

Cindy

Thanks Cindy!

You have been a big comfort and help!

Good Thoughts to Good People,

Catherine