Posted By: penners Update on Teresa - 6 month check up - 08-17-2010 08:26 PM
Wow... can't believe it's been 6 months since Teresa's surgery. She met with the oral surgeon today who did a thorough exam and said "there is no evidence of any cancer"! HURRAY!!! He also told her that she had another year and a half to continue to have improvements in saliva and taste issues.

Tese feels like her tongue is huge but actually it is quite normal looking. The flap the surgeon did was from a muscle inside her chest rather than a graft from the arm or leg. Anyone just meeting her would never have any idea that she endured the surgery in Feb and rads through May. She is still having a difficult time accepting the changes (carrying a water bottle, feeling thick tongued, stiff neck, altered taste, ect) but to those of us who are not experiencing it... she had done fantastic!

I want to share her positive experiences and recovery with everyone as so many of the posters have had much more difficulty.

God Bless you all !

Dodie
Posted By: Susan3175 Re: Update on Teresa - 6 month check up - 08-17-2010 11:49 PM
Hooray Dodie and Theresa!!! This news has made my day. It gives me so much confidence that my sister will pull through. Thanks so much for the update!!
Posted By: Nate82 Re: Update on Teresa - 6 month check up - 08-18-2010 12:34 AM
Hi,

My name is Nathan, I am 27 and recently became a part of the good fight my friends. Needless to say I have never felt so alone and scared in my entire life. I noticed a cold sore on my tongue about 2 months ago and tried treating myself with salt water and peroxide as I did when I was a child. This time it did not go away and only got bigger and a throbbing pain I cannot begin to describe.

As I visited a doctor he diagnosed it as an infection,gave me anti-biotics an sent me on my way, the problem got worse. The next visit he took a culture of the sore and diagnosed it as fungal then sent me on my way. About 5 days later I could barely eat and went in for a biopsy which came back positive as squamous cell. I have no health insurance and no one would touch me with a ten foot pole.

So I basically faked an injury to get into the county ER to have them CAT scan me as well as blood tests and x-ray. Finally after 14 hours a real doctor came in, took another biopsy and said from the look and feel she predicted me as a stage II. My mom has fallen a part as well as my fiance, now I am losing it and have no clue what awaits me. I have smoked and drank consistantly everyday for about 6 years now, I need guidance please before I lose this war. I have been sober 12 days and nicotine free for 9, my appointment for the consultation is tomorrow and I am scared of what they will say. Please, I just need someone Ican talk to, I feel shattered.
Posted By: julieann Re: Update on Teresa - 6 month check up - 08-18-2010 04:01 PM
Hello Nathan:

I just wanted to reply that I'm sure many of the forum members who have been on for a while will probably answer you with their experiences/suggestions. You certainly have my thoughts and concerns. Keep posting on your progress, good luck, and prayers coming your way.
julieann
Posted By: ChristineB Re: Update on Teresa - 6 month check up - 08-19-2010 02:33 AM
Dodie, thanks for posting the update on your aunt. I cant believe its been 6 months since she has finished her treatments already. How time flies. Congrats to both of you on her great check up. Im a firm believer of positive thinking. Glad to hear she is doing so well. Mentally, that adjustment takes a long time to sink in. Wishing her continued improvements and good health smile
Posted By: EmilyE Re: Update on Teresa - 6 month check up - 08-20-2010 12:59 AM
Oh Dodie that is wonderful news. Sorry I am just now seeing this and havent asked you about her. Even though those small things probably seem like huge annoyances to her, they are like badges of honor, from one hell of a war. My mom always told me she'd live any day with water coming out of her nose if it meant she was granted another day on earth (she had her palate removed).

you are gaining your sister back and thats a beautiful thing. hope you live near each other!
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