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Just started treatment for oral cancer

Madmeg
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Hi. I'm Meg. 72 next week. Oral cancer. My dentist spotted it and referred me on the 2-week promise of an initial appointment, which didn't happen. After 4 weeks we were told at least 9 weeks. So I coughed up 3 grand for a private diagnosis, with MRI and CT scans and a biopsy. I actually saw the NHS consultant after 7 weeks but as I had had all the tests privately things moved quickly after that. I wasn't terribly impressed at the first Multi-Disciplinary meeting cos the surgeon didn't turn up. I was given the choice of surgery or Radio but with no info about the surgery (other than the few remarks that the Radio man made) I wasn't able to make an informed choice. The surgeon did ring me later that day while I was in Sainsbury's (3 days before Christmas, so very busy) and I could barely hear him and he spoke really fast. Of course, Christmas and New Year intervened and I needed some dental work before Radio could commence. I have just had my third of 30 sessions over 6 weeks. So far it all seems unreal - like I haven't really got cancer - but I expect the side-effects to kick in after next week, making it all much more real.

Yes, I'm scared, but I have lots to live for and will give it my best shot.

Thanks for listening.

Meg

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    Hello Meg and thank you very much for coming here and sharing your story, 

    I hope you won't mind but I have added the words 'oral cancer' to the title of your thread so that it can be spotted more easily by other members who may have been affected by the same type of cancer. Poor you, what a painful process it was to get a diagnosis and I am sorry that things did not move very fast and you had to go down the private route and I can understand why you were not very impressed that the surgeon didn't turn up to the meeting and that you were not able to make an informed choice. All this happening during the busy festive period can't have helped but I am glad you are now on your third radiotherapy session and I hope that you are being looked after well. Fingers crossed you will not suffer from any severe side effects. It's normal to be scared but as you say you have lots to live for, you seem to have a lot of energy despite everything you've been through recently and I hope that everything will go well in the coming weeks. You've already done 3 sessions so the countdown for the remaining 27 has already begun! 

    Keep strong Meg - we are all here for you if you need to talk. Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm so don't hesitate to give them a call if there's anything you would like to know more about. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Meg, I have just had my biopsy done this week after finding a little white lump on my soft pallet.  The specialist says he does not think it's cancer and during the biopsy the ladies where lovely and one said while removing it that it's pretty superficial... 

    I'm finding myself clinging to those positives and reading your account designated with me...

    I wish you well for your treatment and just keep going :-) x

  • Offline in reply to Koi-keeping

    Hu Koi. Sounds like your was found very early, so fingers crossed that it is not cancer - but if it is that it is easily treatable.

    Let us know when you get more information.  Meg xxx

  • Offline in reply to Madmeg

    Yes I'm hoping so.  Thank you for your reply it very re assuring and just great to be able to talk about it. 

    I'm a very matter of fact guy who likes the story warts and all I'm not a fluffy it up person.  Ironically my grandmother said the same thing in 2019 when diagnosed with lung cancer she was so brave. 

    I took her through palliative care but we don't seem to be as good with our own emotions do we lol... 

    Anyhow thank you for not seeing me as an attention seeker and allowing me to vent it means a lot to me and unknowingly but also to my family who are having hard times and this would just cause unneeded stress x 

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