#96364 05-30-2009 05:28 AM | Joined: May 2009 Posts: 14 Member | | Member
Joined: May 2009 Posts: 14 | I'm a 56 year old male. Last night, my wife was diagnosed with cancer of the gum area of her mouth. We are waiting for her primary care doc to call this morning. We have no idea what to expect. It's a sad and scary time.
Wife is 57 years old. Diagnosed May 30,2009 after oral surgeon did a biopsy. Wife had surgery on June 23,2009. Surgeon took piece from arm after removing squamus mass from lower gum
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 8 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 8 | Welcome to OCF. Im sorry you have to go thru this. Luckily you have found the best site for information and support to help you thru this. Treatments arent easy but they can be done successfully.
Please take a minute to update your profile with any current info you have to help us to get to know you better. This makes it easier to answer your questions. One important thing to remember about oral cancer is that everybody here is different. Their cancers are in different places in their mouths, different treatments and reactions.
You will very soon have a whirlwind of appointments. It will seem like you are always running to the doctors. Make sure you have your wife seen at a comprehensive cancer center. This way all the doctors are on the same page and they discuss the casse together. Its more beneficial to the patient.
How was your wife diagnosed? Was a biopsy done? If so, who did it?
To prepare for this, please tell your wife dont worry about gaining weight. Eat like crazy everything now, have no regrets!!! Once she begins treatments her mouth with change and eating will become a chore.
Best of luck with everything.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: May 2009 Posts: 14 Member | | Member
Joined: May 2009 Posts: 14 | Hi Christine,
Thanks for the reply. She had an irritation in her lower gums,that looked like an infection. They tried antibiotics, then an oral surgeon did a biopsy. He called last night with the news.We are near Boston,Ma hospitals and she has a fantastic doctor so I'm confident she'll get the best care. She has a positive attitude.
Wife is 57 years old. Diagnosed May 30,2009 after oral surgeon did a biopsy. Wife had surgery on June 23,2009. Surgeon took piece from arm after removing squamus mass from lower gum
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Caperman, It never hurts to get another opinion or two with this cancer. Check out this: http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/resources/cancer_centers.htm
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: May 2009 Posts: 14 Member | | Member
Joined: May 2009 Posts: 14 | Hi David,
Thanks for the input. We will know more on Monday. It's inspiring to see your situation and positive outlook.
Wife is 57 years old. Diagnosed May 30,2009 after oral surgeon did a biopsy. Wife had surgery on June 23,2009. Surgeon took piece from arm after removing squamus mass from lower gum
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 711 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 711 | Sorry you needed to come here but, welcome. As to what to expect, depending on stage of cancer and whether it's spread, it could be anything from surgical removal (best case) to that plus radiation/chemo to, if it's spread to the nodes, all of the above plus neck surgery. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. As Christine said, if rad/chemo are in the offing, have her eat everything she ever wanted. Even though I've been battling high blood pressure for years, my doc still said I should eat burgers and fries and all that stuff. Beat of luck to your DW. With lots of support from her family, she'll beat this thing.
David R. 65 yr old male non-smoker, light drinker, stage 3 or 4, depending on which doc you ask, scc rt. tonsil, 2 nodes, 7 weeks radiation and chemo. No surgery. Teatment ended 3/20/08. PET scan 8/08 showed no cancer.
And now, as of oct, 2010, caregiver to wife, Linda, with breast cancer.
May, 2013, Linda diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Enuf already.
| | | | | Joined: May 2009 Posts: 14 Member | | Member
Joined: May 2009 Posts: 14 | Hi Deejer47,
Thanks for the info. I'm feeling much better reading the posts. It's comforting to know that you and others survived this ordeal and are helping others.Wife and I had a good long talk today. We'll get through this.
Wife is 57 years old. Diagnosed May 30,2009 after oral surgeon did a biopsy. Wife had surgery on June 23,2009. Surgeon took piece from arm after removing squamus mass from lower gum
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Caperman.. welcomr to out home away from home.Sorry you had to come but its the best place in the world when needed and seeking advice. Some of us have been thru hell like maybe fighting a couple to 3 wars. Some have had it easier and some just never know. Anything you need to know after your wife starts treatment will get answered. We have alot of knowledgeable people all are nice even when they sound out of touch, There is usually a reason for that and it's called OC, Again, welcome with us.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: May 2009 Posts: 14 Member | | Member
Joined: May 2009 Posts: 14 | Thanks EZ Jim,
Comforting words help in this emotional time.
Wife is 57 years old. Diagnosed May 30,2009 after oral surgeon did a biopsy. Wife had surgery on June 23,2009. Surgeon took piece from arm after removing squamus mass from lower gum
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 595 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 595 | Hi, Welcome to OCF and sorry to here about your wife!! The Boston area has one of the best CCC anywhere (Dana Faber). Make sure that she is treated at a CCC if at all possible. I was treated at Norris Cotton CC here in Nortern New England and am now 18 months post TX and doing fine. This fight will not be easy at any level but can be won. Listen to your treatment team and ask all and sny questions that you both have. One idea is to write douwn all questions and take plenty of notes when speaking to the team of Doctors you are assigned. Well good luck and GOD speed to both of you!!! Semper-Fi Bob
Bob age 57, non smoker,non drinker, ended treatment on 11 Nov 2007 and started back to work on 29 Nov 2007. Veterans Day 2012 the Battle was lowered, folded, Taps was played and the Flag buried as I am know a 5 year survivor. Semper-FI !!!
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