Squamous cell carcinoma jaw and gum

Hi Barbara

I just replied in your previous post but welcome again from me. Although it is not a place you probably want to be welcomed into. However as I said before you will get amazing help and advice from this forum as many of us have had similar experiences.

You will know more after your appointment on Monday about the proposed surgery so come back on the forum and let us know how you got on.

My first op in 2013 was when I was 59 and it came out of the blue as I had been told that the lichen planus that caused the cancer normally had a very low rate of becoming cancerous so not to worry about it. Surgery was my only option too.

I had a partial mandibulectomy to my right lower jaw which meant that I had all my teeth and gum on that side removed but had enough bone left that I did not need a reconstruction. Also had a neck dissection to remove lymph nodes. After about 6 weeks I then had radiotherapy.

If you are going to have a similar op expect some numbness and altered sensation on that side of your face after the op. It stays with you but you get used to it after a while.

I can give you more info after you know exactly what your op will entail.

Everyone is different but it took time for me to adjust to the situation and my emotions were up and down for a while. However I recovered well from this op and treatment and got back to a fairly normal life afterwards.

Best of luck for Monday.

Lyn

Thank you, and sorry for posting twice, I got confused!  I am being positive, as much as I can. I've had solid organ transplants so that's the reason for the cancer, the medication. Great to read so many positive posts, so important. Yes, role on Monday, don't normally wish the days away but now I want speed and to get on with it.

So, went for my appointment on Monday for CT and MRI results. Good news there doesn't seem to be any spread towards the lymph nodes. But that's where the good news ends. I have another tumour on my ft native kidney. This and my right kidney have not been working since before 2000, dialysis then transplant in 2002 and then another kidney tx in 2020. I should mention that I am a heart and lungs transplant patient too, going back to 1987. Anyway, back to the kidney. The maxillofacial surgeon says the kidney takes priority over the gum and jaw. Having geared myself up for surgery by end of February I now have to wait for guys hospital to decide if they are going to remove the kidney. Meanwhile the cancer is growing daily in my mouth. Not feeling the brightest at the moment but my glass is still 3/4 full.

Oh Barbara. All I can do is wish you the very best and hope they can fix you up quickly. 

Hi Barbara

I am so sorry to hear your news. I am glad they got onto it quickly so fingers crossed they can sort it all out for you. Keep that glass 3/4 full.

Thinking of you

Lyn