Just diagnosed with oral cancer

Hi LittleN welcome to the group from me, sorry you have had to join us. All the scans and the biopsies are done so they have a full picture of what's going on, so that a suitable treatment plan can be put in place. Try not to let your mind run away with itself, the waiting for results is awful. These types of cancers are very treatable, with very high cure rates. There are many of us on here with positive outcomes. Stick with us we're here to help when you need it, any questions just ask.

Ray. 

Thank you

Hi LittleN

Not roof of mouth for me ...tonsil cancer HPV16+, cure rates circa 90%...it is a lonely place to find ourselves in,  specialists know what they are talking about, normally get things spot on. I finished ChemoRadio treatment in June last year, it was tough going but doable, post treatment scans clear. I've been on some sunshine breaks, swimming, exercising. some cycling and the odd game of golf.

Stick with this forum, loads of wonderful people who have been there, done it.

Take Care

Peter

Hi LittleN 

sorry from me that you’ve had to join us. 

LittleN said:

Specialist said from biopsy low grade and fixable but how do they know this when not seen scan results yet.

The pathologist can tell how aggressive a cancer is and your consultant can marry that with their experience to give you a prognosis. So I would trust what you’re told. 
Oral cancer tends to stay locally and is curable so hold onto that. 

Hi Welcome from me. I had tonsil cancer with spread to soft palate at back of throat and the anterior wall of tonsil along with 7 affected lymoh nodes The stage you’re at is the waiting and worrying part. Try to keep off dr Google and trust yiur team they do this day in day out. When I saw my oncologist and he said he was looking ti cure me I sat back and went along with everything he told me to do. 6 years on Friday this week was my last day if treatment. Here I am living a good life. 
ask on here any questions. 

Hazel 

Glad your scans are clear and your living life and thank you for the reply to my post

Great to hear you got through your treatment and living life 6 years on. Great to hear positive outcomes to people’s journeys through this

Hi LittleN

Sorry you have to be here, but it is a very warm and supportive place to be when you are feeling the way you are right now.  I was in the same place you are in a week ago (mine is not in the roof of my mouth but on my left tonsil and left neck lymph node.)  Many of the good people on here have calmed me down and everyone has said that the success rate is very good 90% and I have held on to that.  I go in on Thursday 29th August for a Tonsillectomy and they are going to do something with the lymph node (I'm not sure what yet.)  

Talking to the good folk on here has helped to calm my worries and fears, you see this will be the third bout of cancer I have had so I started catastrophising and worrying that this will be the 'one that gets me', but with everyone's stories of having had worse and coming through the other end and their kind words.  I am now more relaxed about the whole thing (well, as relaxed as one can be.)

Keep talking on here and you will find the same comfort I have.

Thinking of you.

Hazel x

Thank you so much Hazel x

Hi LittleN

So sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis. It is a scary time but you are in good hands with your medical team and you will get all the support you need from this forum.

I had jaw cancer and as a result had one side of  my upper jaw removed and then 3 years later the other side. Part of this was taking away the roof of my mouth and replacing it with a skin graft taken from my forearm. The op was not painful and my recovery went well. Had to have a naso gastric tube for a short while (only about 2 weeks) I then got back to eating again. I did have radiotherapy also.

When you have more info from your specialist I may be able to give you more info.

I had my last op in 2022 and am back to doing nearly everything I used to do before with the exception of some changes to eating. However this may be quite different for you as I did not have any teeth in my upper jaw. Since then I  have had upper dentures made.

I am definitely living a good life so do not despair. I am retired and am very busy volunteering at my local library, lap swimming, helping out with the grandkids, gardening, going on holidays.

Once you know what your treatment plan is things will get a bit easier for you.

Thinking of you and sending positive vibes.

Lyn

x