I also posted this in the Symptoms and Diagnosis area of the forum.

Hello everyone,

I am new here. I am a 34 year old mother of 2 boys, and married to an active duty AF man who is currently in Afghanistan.

I went to the dentist today (it's been awhile since my last visit) and opted to have the VizLite testing that screens for oral cancer. I decided to have it because 1. I smoke and 2. My family has a history of cancer, and more specifically, oral cancer (my father's brother).

There was an abnormal lesion found in my mouth. The dentist put me on antibiotics to make sure it is not just an infection (it is not painful), and I will go back on 2/13 to recheck the area. If it is still there, he wants to biopsy it.

Of course I am nervous and scared, and feel like I brought this on myself with my habits over the years. I haven't had another cigarette since getting the news. I was at my dentist's this morning at 10a, and he called me at 7p and left messages for me asking me how I am. I'm not sure how to take this, if he's just that caring or if he's really worried.

Anyways, I was just looking for a place to see how others are dealing with this and I'm so glad to have found this forum.

CC

CC, Let me first say THANK YOU and to your husband for service to country.

Second, go ahead and quit smoking.

Third, at your age cancer would be very unlikely. Yes it is possible so continue with diagnostics but try to worry less.

If it turns out to be a problem then we are here for you.

Your life sounds great, except for the distance between you and yours. I hope your concerns are for nothing.
It sounds like you have a great dentist that is concerned about you and your reaction.
Getting information is a good first step, but also assessing the situation and your resources are appropriate too.
Even if you get bad news: You are young, you have health care, family and the problem found early if one exists at all.
Worry and fear will wear you down healthy or not, so walk tall, enjoy your life and your children.

Good luck and live well

UncleVern

Hi, just read your post, my mother was diagnosed with oral (tongue ) cancer in November and is currently going through treatment. I just wanted to say never blame yourself or your habits, my mum gave up smoking 25 years ago and this still happened to her, its the luck of the draw, some people smoke and drink all their life and live until 90, for others its just pure bad luck. Anyway hope everything checks out ok for you, keep me updated

Thank you all!

I am praying for the best, but admittedly it is hard not to worry at times! That's what we do! I will definitely keep posted on how things turn out on the 13th when I go back!

I am amazed after reading up on this how prevalent it can be. I have never really read much about it up until now. I guess that's how it goes, right? We never pay attention until faced with it. My dad was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease almost 3 years ago, and when I heard, I didn't even know what it was!

Thanks again for the support and I will let you all know how things turn out.

God Bless!
CC

Hi CC,

Welcome to OCF and I wish you luck. I really hope this is nothing but I know it's hard not to worry. Let us know how things turn out.

Suzanne

CC, Good for you to step up and had that test done you may have saved yourself from a lot of grief. I hope that the report will be in your Favor.

Welcome to OCF a great place for help and information. To most of us here this is our daily intake of strength. All of us are here to help each other. We are here to walk through this with you. So take a deep breath and try not to worry until the reports are all in. OK? No use up setting your self and the kids.

Good for you to quit smoking.. Wow, cold turkey. I know how hard it can be. I quit too, but it was when I had surgery.

So take care and know we are here for you..

Diane

It's been difficult with the quitting. I have cried, screamed, and banged until I felt better. That's harder than the waiting. HA! It's something that has been there for me for so many years as a comfort, I almost felt like smoking more after being told! But, for the sake of my children (12 and 6), I want to try and be around as long as I can for them!

Thanks again so much! It is a blessing to have support systems and I am glad to have found this forum!

Welcome to OCF. Hope all turns out to be ok with your tests. Its a scary time waiting for test and results. Try to stay focused and enjoy everyday with your family. If and thes a HUGE IF, your results come back not as you want then take a deep breath. Dont let worry steal your precious time.

Quitting smoking is very very difficult but you can do it, especially since you have such great motivators (2 children). I threw mine out the window on my way to surgery from having cancer, never smoked again. Hang in there.

Thanks Christine...

It's so crazy. I'm sitting here wondering why I decided to check the box to have the screen. I had to pay out of pocket for it, and now I feel it was definitely divine intervention no matter what the test shows!

The lesion in my mouth is not painful at all. But, it's definitely there. It's a little bigger than a BB shot and white. I haven't been able to stop looking at it.

I really miss my husband, but I am thankful he's not here. I tend to go through things better alone. After my youngest, I had a miscarriage and didn't call him until after I went to have my u/s. I didn't want him there. I don't like to see the worry in his eyes, so it makes it a bit better to have this happen now.

Well, I will just continue to wait. Fortunately the kids are a distraction, and I'm also a full time student. I should be studying for my midterm that I have to take tomorrow by midnight (I'm a distance learner online), but instead, here I sit!

I will get through this!

CC