#89252 01-30-2009 11:04 PM | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 11 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 11 | 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 | | | | | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 | 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.
Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 97 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 97 | 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
ENT conjectures before, no PET approved by HMO. Metastasis 11/06. CT 2/07: mass RT sub-mandibular gland. 7 CM mass/tonsil, base of tongue removed, biopsies 2/07 and 3/07. Vein lost, RT face numb. PET scan: spot in chest, un-investigated. Oral surgery 4/07. 3X Cisplatin and 32X IMRT from 4/07-5/07.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 | Hi CC,
Have you had the area checked? I saw that was supposed to be done on 2/13.
Suzanne
Suzanne
***********
T1 SCC on right side of tongue
Age 31...27 when diagnosed
4 partial glossectomies
No chemo or radiation
Biopsy on 2/2/10-Clear
Surgery needed again...no later than April 2011
Loving life and just became a mother on 11/25/10
It's not what we CAN'T do..it's what we CAN do:)
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 27 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 27 | Hey CC,
Keep us updated on your status. I too live in VA and if you are not too far from Richmond, VA (VCU Medical Center) and need the name of a good doctor and can give you the name of mine.
Hope because you haven't posted means that you got great news and are just living your life.
Cindy
SCC of tongue removed 3/07 mod. left neck dissection. Tumor reappeared 6/07. Removed 8/07, right neck dissection, free flap from wrist for tongue graph. Radiation 30 (IMRT), chemo cisplatin 4 rounds finished 11/07.
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