Hi everyone,

I'm new here. Live north of Boston in NH. My mother has been fighting oral cancer for probably over five years now. I've lost track of the number of times she's had surgery. My sister and mother went for a follow-up today and the Doctor took another biopsy. We hope and pray this is scar tissue but with the history of what has been going on it's hard to stay optimistic. She is an amazing woman who has fought some incredible battles. In the past two years she has had 2 major mouth surgeries. Today, she is understandably quite upset. I want to be strong for her but I feel as though this cruel disease is taking it's toll. My head is spinning. I sometimes feel we have made the wrong decisions. I feel we are in the best place (Mass Eye & Ear) in Boston, with a very good Dr. (Dr. Deschler), but for the past 2 years we've not been able to breath easily.
Thanks for listening.
HML

Dear Henry - You have certainly found the right place to come for help and support. There are lots of compassionate and helpful people here that can answer your questions and give you support. You can also find so much good information from the home page of this site or by doing a search from the home page or by using the search function at the top of this page. Until the biopsy results come back, try to hang in there. It is so very difficult to see a loved one going through this and I will never forget that awful feeling in the pit of my stomach when we found out about my son's cancer. But as you say, it could just be scar tissue and you cannot know for sure until the doctor says so. Whatever it is, we are all here to help in whatever way we can. Perhaps you can tell us more about your mother and the type of surgeries she has had. I'm sure your mother appreciates the support that your sister and you are able to give her. Until you find out for sure, try to stay positive. Let us know whatever questions you have. I notice you are from NH. That's where I was born, in Concord and I went to high school in Manchester. And my father's name was Henry. How about that? Keep in touch Henry and let us know what happens.

Henry,

I'm so sorry to hear about what you and your family have been going through for so long. Your mom sounds like a strong, couragous woman.
I can't imagine what it has been like to live with the fear, anxiety and stress for so long. My husband is just getting ready to start his treatments.
Please keep us updated on how your mom is.