Over the past few weeks I have had a few sore places in my mouth from having my teeth removed. These spots had to be snipped a couple times by my oral surgeon. They never healed which made me concerned enough to have my ENT check this out. I was put on antibiotics and offered a biopsy. Immediately I knew that they must have seen something that was unusual. Of course I had the biopsy done and the results are SCC. I was shocked, just like last time. I do not feel one bit sick other than the sore mouth and a little tired.

The PET results show cancer on my top jaw but not on the bottom jawline where the biopsy was done. That isnt even large enough to light up. The good news is that this is Stage 1. This is the third time I have been diagnosed with having cancer in 3 years. Luckily, everytime it has been Stage 1.

At this point my ENT said he wants to get a plastic surgeon on board before he can even begin to set up a plan. He wants me to be ready by mid August. It will be about 2 weeks in the hospital and minimum 6 months of recovery. This can change as there are so many variables as to the extend of the cancer when he begins the operation.

I refuse to sit around and feel sorry for myself for one minute! Cancer has taken 3 summers away from me. From here on out, I am making the most of the next few weeks before this new chapter in my life begins.

Oh sh*t, Christine... I saw the note in your signature line the other day, but wasn't sure what it meant. You have no idea how sorry I am to hear this. I wish there was something meaningful that I could do to help you through this.

Crap.

I am so glad you posted this Christine, It was getting to me big time. I still don't really know what to say. But you know my mouth will move after the shock is over You are my best buddy. You actually have been since we talked the 1st time. Or pmed.

Christine - You always have the most encouraging words for everyone else in here, now we are going to give nice words back to you as you fight yet another round. My husband has had 4 rounds and we are hoping he is done, so our prayers and hopes go to you for this to be the final time you will have to deal with this monster and you can finally enjoy many summers to come! Hugs nice lady.

Thanks for the support
I appreciate it very very much!!!!!

Margaret, it was so nice to meet you last year. Wish we could have had more time to chat. You amazed me by your ability to eat so soon after finishing treatments.

Jim, my pal. Dont you worry...I still owe you a steak dinner! Next year after you are finished with your surgery and Im healed from this setback the steak is on me

Lostpassword... Thank you so much for writing. It is so encouraging for me to see that soemone has gone thru this 4 times. Im so sorry your husband has had to do this that many times. He is proof it can be done!!!! Hope he is doing well and no more recurrances for him EVER.


I wont lie, Im scared. Getting a PEG tube and a trach is going to be difficult. I hated that darn tube more than anything else in my whole life. Facing life as someone who will have disfiguring facial scars is going to be rough. The big picture is that I can and will overcome this and move on as a better person because of all this.

Christine

I am truly sorry to hear the outcome of your tests. You have had to deal with so much because of this horrid disease.

We are here for you. Fortunately your vigilance and awareness of this disease has probably put you in a very strong position of getting it under control swiftly.

The way that you have continually supported so many people on this forum since I started visiting here has been incredible. I can't see how you could become a better person than what you already are, you're a tower of strength to so many people. We are here to return the strength and support to you as you face the next challenge.

You will get through this.

Karen xx

Well Christine - this sucks. I am very thankful it is at such an early point and that they are moving ahead fairly quickly with treatment plan. You've been there before and you will get through this - I just know you will. I feel nothing but good karma around you. You are a positive person and that (plus us of course) will help you to do what you have to do to get rid of it - AGAIN.

I remember one doctor telling me that for some people, cancer can be a "chronic" illness. You get it - take care of it - and repeat.

How grateful I am that you were on top of this. We NEED you.

Hugs

Donna

Hey Christine
I remember you joining this forum as if it was yesterday.The best news is that you are still here,the hardest thing must be the continual WHY ME?.This go round sounds as if it could be a tough one sweetie,and i send love,strength and guardian angels across the pond.

much love liz

Hello Christine,

I am so sorry to read about your news but it seems you are really diligent and knowing yourself and catching it early but it really sucks to get those kind of results. I so worry about that for my daughter. My prayers are with you and please take care of yourself, I hope you have a good caregiver to help you through this round. God bless, love and luck.

Bonnie

Christine,
Sorry about your PET results. Good they caught so early and that you wre diligent enough to tak them to do a biopsy on the sores. You have always been so encouraging to me, when I was having my "pity party." I am actually doing a lot better now. We are going to deal with whatever life throws at us and hit it head on. You have and will continue to be an inspiration to me. I will praying for you.