Who really is the specialist for after-care treatment with oral cancer? Is it the ENT? Because it seems as if they don't know a heck of alot about post treatment issues. My dad has been very sick with an infection and now breathing difficulties in the hospital and no one seems to really know what to do. I am very frustrated. He is so sick, and no one has any answers.

Where was he treated?

All my after care has been handled by my RO and the Chief of Oral Surgery at Moffitt even though I didn't have any surgery to speak of, just a search for my Primary. I now alternate seeing one or the other every 6 months. I also see my PCP for "regular" stuff like blood work or flu symtoms, etc.

We continue to see the Head and Neck surgeon every few months. My husband has had so many issues since his original surgery that the H/N was always our "go to" guy. The other Drs. were always a part of the team but the H/N coordinated a lot of those other visits for us. If you are not happy with the care he is receiving, by all means contact the original person who treated him. You need some big guns now. Also, if you are still unsure, the nursing staff has the inside scoop on who is the best.

I hope this helps.

Anita

This is the area where I think should have more support actually. From my experience and then reading others on this forum there really is no one that helps deal with the after effects of the treatment.

Finding anyone with the answers to it is frustrating as well. I have had to push my medical team for answers on the many issues and after effects I've experienced, and I have a great team in place. They seem to have the answers to treat the cancer, however the damage caused by treatment and surgery seems to be beyond most.

My MO and ENT are who I start with for physical/chemical issues, my Oral Surgeon for dental and my surgeons for after surgery issues. I use my GP for blood work only as sadly he's the "weakest link" and other then being a nice guy really isn't the sharpest tool in the shed.

Thanks for your answers and support. He's been on a ventilator twice this week and it doesn't look good. They think his trachea has just been weakened by everything, though they are not really sure. Unsure what to do at this point. It's been a long, hard week.

I see my ENT , Oncologist and another Dr for mine and usally the same day with appts.