Hello - I am new here, but not new to Mouth Cancer, having had several SCCs over the past 11 years.

Welcome Tony my friend  . I'm sure your experience will be a great asset to this group.

Thank you Wayne, and for pointing me in the direction of the group. The one good thing about this cancer is that you realise it gives an opportunity to hep others.

Yes I fully agree Tony. You have been an asset to me and it's a privilege to have you as a friend. Thanks.

Hi Tony. Welcome to the group. It is great to hear of the work you are doing. Wow 8 mouth cancers that is a lot!! It sounds as though you have adapted well to your changed circumstances. I have had 3 jaw cancers over the years starting in 2013 when I was 59. I am also on a modified diet and can only manage mainly puree. My appearance is slightly altered after my ops but I am ever thankful to the wonderful skill of my medical team. The journey has helped give me a much greater appreciation of life and I now don't put anything off that I think I would like to do. I found this lovely group in 2019 after my first maxillectomy and everyone was so supportive and helpful. I had felt rather isolated before that. I am now 71 and living a great life with some differences so that goes to show if cancer is caught early it is quite treatable.

Best wishes

Lyn

Hi Tony 

We have "met" on The Mouth Cancer Foundation FB group. 

We are a friendly bunch as you will find if you look through the posts here

I hope you stay around. 

TonyP said:

I have joined partly to see how things work here, so I can then recommend the community to newly diagnosed patients who may have that 'Head & Neck cancer

Our "rules" are different from the ones you are familiar with so do taker a few minutes to read through them here GUIDELINES

Hi Tony. 

Thank you for sharing, it really helped. 

I have head and neck cancer,  post op and post radiotherapy. I am not that bothered about the scars, it is the other side effects of the radiotherapy that gets to me. The swelling of parts of my face, the mucositis, having to permanently carry packets' of tissues around with me. Can't eat or drink in company and can only manage soup and porridge when on my own; I'm sick of soup! 

I haven't been out since before the radiotherapy, feeling like a monster; might offend or upset people. 

Am sinking into a depression and  I need to.pull myself out of it.

Friends have been wonderful as are family. 

It's the not going out that's the problem.

Do I risk the stares and the questioning looks; have an answer ready just in case someone comments/asks. 

1. Sorry I just needed to get this out. 
2. Help. 
3. What do I do? 

Hi Tony welcome to the group.  I’ve. Come across you on a few other forums. The more the merrier not that any of us wanted to be here in the first place. We’re a friendly bunch always happy to help. 

Hazel. 

Hi Tony, 

Thank you so much for sharing your Journey & recommending the groups for much needed support. 
I am coming up 7 months clear of chemo radiotherapy treatment for T2N1M0 tonsil & lymph node. I remain on the shakes as I still struggle to eat solids and have other issues going on due to treatment. I am still trying to navigate this new life and sometimes struggle.

Reading all of your journeys, gives such hope and inspiration. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. I have to say, this forum is fantastic. 

Hi. Go out and if anyone says anything ( which they probably won’t ) be honest and explain. I’ve done that many times people do understand   I had ng tube fitted and went out with it I only got one  adverse comment from a lady older then me thought I was anorexic i soon put her straight. Don’t let  cancer rob you of going out less. 

Hazel 

Hi Jeanie. Sorry to hear you are going through a hard time at the moment. I went through the same as you for a while so understand where you are coming from. I felt embarrassed about how I looked plus all the same issues with eating and drinking and mopping up my mouth constantly. I have found over time I have adapted to things and now take things in my stride. It is the first few steps that take some doing. The getting out there and building up your confidence.In my experience I have found that people rarely even look at me and have had no remarks from anyone. I can't eat out either now and have to be careful about drinking because of the dribble issue. However I still go out with friends and family for meals but eat before I go. I buy a drink and sit with it in front of me to be part of the group. I sometimes manage to drink a little using a straw with much effort and this is getting better with practise. I do have my answer ready in case anyone asks. I intend to say that I have had a few operations on my jaw so I can't manage to eat what is on the menu. I don't want to make a big production of it and want to down play things.

You have to be brave I have found and just take the first few steps and then things follow on as your confidence increases.

You can do this.

Lyn