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Hello there, I’m Kate and having made a full recovery from oral cancer in 2016, in May 2020 I was told that the cancer was back but in so many different places that they couldn’t operate. In August I began a course of immunotherapy which slowed everything right down. Unfortunately I became intolerant to it and so in February of this year it was stopped. Although I have remained well and the original tumours seem to be quiet, I have a new tumour on the inside of my lower lip. It appeared to respond to the radiotherapy I had in August and September but it has quickly come back and is beginning to really hurt.

My oncologist said that, following the radiotherapy, I had 12 to 18 months. I just hope that the time I have isn’t too ghastly as I gather that oral cancer can be disfiguring, painful, and slow.

Remoh over 3 years ago

welcome to the forum, sorry you have a need to be here. Hope the time you have left is as comfortable as possible.

Richard

be safe, be nice, be you

YoungMan over 3 years ago

Welcome to the group, I wish you didn’t qualify for it. Sometimes it’s good to get things off your chest with people who understand and appropriately distant. There are many who understand you fears.

FormerMember over 3 years ago in reply to YoungMan

Hello Kate. This sounds like bit of a miserable future but keep a tiny bit of faith in the medical professionals looking after you.

Their aim is to examine all options and they will be trying to make things easier for you.

We also say on here no one knows what will become of us but a bit of hope, even fingers crossed, will help keep your pecker up.

I do so hope I will be proven right and things will improve for you. Xxx

Salis over 3 years ago

Hi Kate,

Welcome and commiserations. It sounds as if you have had a hard journey, I hope that you find the support you need here.

Best wishes

Sarah

Rainieday over 3 years ago

Hello Kate, We are all scared at times so get things off your chest on here as everybody understands these fears. They might have told you 12-18 months but as with most of these diagnoses, they are only ever guestimates (is that a word?). Try to think in terms of what you're going to get out of each day, rather than think of this arbitary figure. Hopefully the medics can help with any pain and discomfort so that you can make the most of each day. Sending you big virtual hugs, Rainie x

Katgi over 3 years ago

Thank you so much everyone for your replies. I feel very welcome.

I'm sure many of you will understand that it isn't being dead that scares me but the getting there. The tumour on my lip is already sore and I am terrified that it is going to get huge and unsightly as well as even more painful. It would also mean that I couldn't take in anything orally which at the moment gives me some enjoyment. I am also worried about my family having to watch me go through it. They won't be able to help and will feel terrible seeing me suffer. Hopefully the medication will be good enough that I can appear ok. At least my mouth isn't quite so sore right now since the amitriptyline has been increased.