Wellness

[luvdoodles]

I have been recently diagnosed with oral cancer that has spread to my lymph nodes. 10 hour surgery, reconstruction on my tongue, using skin from my wrist and thigh, 5 days in ICU plus another 5-7 on another floor until I can learn how to swallow again. Has anyone else been through this. I am so nervous. I survived breast cancer, survivor for 20 years. This just sounds so invasive and a long healing process. Would like to hear from anyone who went through this procedure.

[NycVixen]

I haven't but I sincerely hope you have a speedy recovery. I just lost someone close to liver cancer. In his case, nothing else could be done. I think they caught it too late so surgery was not an option.

It will be difficult but you are a survivor and you will get through this. You have options and that is truly a blessing. I wish you the best.

[Kachina624]

@luvdoodles  I'm so sorry to hear your bad news.  I've never known anyone with oral cancer but it sound like a real b****.  The first I'd heard of it was on a poster in my dentist's office.  What are the symptoms and how was yours discovered?

Here's hoping you make a speedy recovery and your rehab goes smoothly.

[ItsME]

@luvdoodles  I have no answers for your question.  I do want to send you my very best wishes as you go through this difficult process.  My thoughts are with you, and I am hoping that the surgery goes well and the recovery is a quick as possible.  

[hckynut]

@luvdoodles

Many years ago a roommate in the hospital had some form of mouth cancer, not sure back then if it was called "Oral Cancer. That was in the early 1970's.

This man was a farmer and he always chewed tobacco. He had to have his lip reconstructed from part of the skin of his lower lip. I remember his doctor saying, "if you continue to chew, we can't make you another lip". That's about all I am familiar with concerning cancer in that area.

Sending good thoughts your way, and maybe someone here has dealt with, or has more knowledge about this that can tell your their views and/or experiences.

My very best to you,

hckynut(john)

[IMW]

Prayers and best wishes for a complete speedy recovery. 

Maybe ask surgeon's office if they could help with some resources.

Contact cancer care or such and ask for support groups.

Try googling  oral cancer survivors-

[meallen616]

[tends2dogs]

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@luvdoodles wrote:

I have been recently diagnosed with oral cancer that has spread to my lymph nodes. 10 hour surgery, reconstruction on my tongue, using skin from my wrist and thigh, 5 days in ICU plus another 5-7 on another floor until I can learn how to swallow again. Has anyone else been through this. I am so nervous. I survived breast cancer, survivor for 20 years. This just sounds so invasive and a long healing process. Would like to hear from anyone who went through this procedure.

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@luvdoodles  I am so sorry to read about your diagnosis.  I would have to think that since they are offering this procedure, they must be confident that it could offer you a chance of overcoming this. 

My MIL had oral cancer.  It is a long story, but after my FIL passed away, she gave up on life.  She had a sore in her mouth, but never told anyone.  By the time it was discovered, she a hole in the roof of her mouth.  It had spread to her lungs.  She did not want treatment.  They offered radiation/chemo, but they admitted it wasn't a hopeful situation.  They are offering YOU a treatment plan.  Your surgeon and or doctor can tell you about the success rate for this type of surgery. 

This is why I feel that you have a good chance to conquer this.  It sounds like a long, hard road, but you also sound like a fighter and survivor. 

You will be in my thoughts and prayers.  All the best! 

[drizzellla]

My cousin went through it. And in fact her "cancer Doctor" had the same thing too. She felt better that he was treating her because he went through the exact same thing she did.

She is now doing great. Slowly getting back to a regular diet. And it was rough for awhile. It was hard understanding her, when she spoke. So she wrote quite a bit to everyone on Facebook and emails instead of using the phone.

She never smoked or chewed tobacco, did not drink and was always golfing, swimming or doing something. That is why they moved to Tenessee from Michigan when her husband retired - so they had longer seasons for golf etc.

Sadly her husband was declining heath wise when she was operated on. So she was dealing with her troubles, when he died. But she progressed right along - like a champ.

My Dad had a severe strock and he learned to swallow again among other things. He did great, he was able to eat solid foods again. And enjoyed every meal.

I wish you alot of strength. Yes, it will take time to heal. But the body is an amazing thing. 

[IlliniGirl88]

@luvdoodles  -  I don't know anyone who's gone through this, but want to let you know I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through.  I hope your recovery goes well and hugs to you!