My 21 yr. old girlfriend has oral squamous cell carcinoma

[sapetty]

My girlfriend of 6 yrs. was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in March of this year (2007). She had a Leukoplakia for a period of about 4 years and we were told there was less than a 5% chance of it becoming and actual cancer. She mad several visits to two different ENT doctors and the both said that it shouldn't be there at here age. They said it should be removed but niether of them scheduled her for any more appointments. Her last biopsy in February of 2007 showed the that it was indeed now squamous cell carcinoma. She has already undergone 2 surgeries. The first surgery April 26, 2007 was to remove the tumor, about 2cm, from her tounge and to do a sentinel node biopsy. The tumor was removed and the node biopsy showed that one of the two nodes removed contained less than 1mm of cancer (They termed this the smallest possible amount detectable). The second surgery June 15, 2007 consisted of further surgery on her tongue in order to insure clean margins and a modified neck disection in which they removed 17 lymphnodes. All the nodes came back negative but they removed a 1/2cm tumor from her tongue. She is now set to begin Chemotherapy and Radiation at the beginning of August. If any of you can give me any info about anything having to do with oral squamous cell carcinoma I would appreciate it more than you could ever know. We have already altered our diets, eating organic foods, flax seed daily and very little sugar. She is only 21 and just graduated from nursing school in May after her first surgery. I am in my last year of undergrad studies and will have a BS in Biology. We are planning on getting married when I graduate and this has turned our world upsided down. I have been doing a ton of research and bought a many books looking for anything to help treat her or ease the effects of the chemo and radiation. As I said before I will appreciate any info you can give me. Thank you and God Bless, Andrew.

[Richard Day Gore]

Andrew, I know you asked for info and unfortunately I don't have any, very sorry. But I wanted to let you and your girlfriend know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. It's a dreadful situation to go through but she is very lucky to have your devotion. Please let us know how she (and you) are doing.
Love and regards,
Richard Day Gore

[bia-the-b]

TOO BAD I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THIS SITE BEFORE !
I am a squamous cell carcinoma survivor ! I had the works, Lymph node biopsy, lymph node removal operation, Bilateral tonsil removal, chimo, radiation, peg in the stomach. I was not a smoker or drinker, SHIT HAPPENS. I am now doing fine !
They never found my primary and that is what worries me a little. Just wondering if she will get a stomach peg? I would have a few important tips on this.... My prayers are with you both and please keep me up to date on how you are BOTH doing. You are in this together.

BIA

[In]

BIA,

It's been a while since Sapetty has posted- so there might not be a reply, Though i hope he does check he's emails and replys.

I do think you should do your own story/thread. As this is not such a common or voiced subject. It ight help many others.

Thinking of you- Inica