Hi, I am Jim and I went to the dentist to see about dentures and found i had cancer on the floor of my mouth and in my jaw. I have been told by the doctor that he got it all, replacing the floor of my mouth and my jaw with a pectoral minor chest muscle after the leg, bone nerve surgery failed. Any advice on how to proceed next? I can still taste well and don't want to lose that. Chemo or radiation? I have an appointment next week with the specialists.

Thanks Jim

Jim: Here is what I've posted before. If you have not been going to a CCC, I can tell you that it is very important. Tom


Based on my experience having had two operations for oral cancer since 2003, I would like to suggest four thoughts for newcomers.

1) Since oral cancer hits less than 1% of the population, get professional care from a center (CCC) that specializes in cancer and has oral cancer specialists on staff.

2) Don’t hesitate to travel extra hours to such a center-your disease can be life threatening. If distance worries you, see 3 below.

3) Follow-on care may be done at a location which the CCC works with and is nearer to you.

4) Don’t wait to get help, and don’t second guess expert opinion, but if concerned do get a second professional opinion.

Thanks so much for the response tom and I will ask about a CCC near me when I meet with the Cancer Survivor people tomorrow.