Hello JRM, 

It's completely normal to be feeling anxious about the road ahead after being diagnosed with mouth cancer and knowing that smoking and drinking is one of the risk factors, it must have been a bit of a shock to you given you have never smoked or drunk. The surgery is bound to be a bit daunting and I thought I would share with you our information on surgery for mouth cancer - there is a lot in there and several sections so take your time to read it all and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our nurse helpline on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and they will be happy to answer questions you might have about what to expect from surgery. 

There are many other members of our community who have embarked on a similar treatment journey before for mouth cancer and I hope that they will be along shortly to share their story with you. If you type the keywords 'mouth cancer' in our forum search function which is located at the top, you will be able to see past relevant threads from other members who have been affected by mouth cancer and have been through surgery before. Feel free to pick and choose those threads that you feel you would like to respond to if there are any - it does help to get in touch with others in a similar situation and I hope that you will be soon be chatting here to others who are or have been in a similar place. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi

Hope you are doing OK.  My mum had surgery in June and is currently half way through her radiotherapy.  Not sure what stage you are at now as I've only just found your post. It feels like a long road but we're staying positive.  Hope your are too. 

Mum is on her 70s and we're so proud of how she's coping. 

Hi thank you for your kind message. I’m currently recovering from surgery ahead of radiotherapy. I’ve just turned 60 myself. I’m currently away from home as stayed with my original consultant when we moved. Staying positive as I can and as you say it’s a long road. 

Hope the surgery went OK

We've completed day 12 of radiotherapy today she's doing well. 

That's hard being away from home but probably better to stay with your consultant 

I think I'd do the same

Please keep in touch and let me know how you're getting on

Thank you for your kind wishes and I hope everything goes well for your Mum x