A friend of mine developed what she assumed was a terrible ulser in her mouth late last year. She refused to seek medical advice until the pain was too much to bear (she could not speak or eat by this time) and initially was placed on antibiotics. About a month went by before the correct tests were done and basically she was told that she has oral cancer and that it is now too far gone. No modern treatment will cure her and the best the doctors could offer was radiation to perhaps increase her life expectancy, but she would probably spend the rest of her days in hospital. As she has a young family she decided not to have any treatment. Now she is trying to live each day without any medical intervention at all. The cancer seems to be very advanced. She has lost so much weight and is down to only 39kg.
My question is about the progression of this disease when no treatment is given. What can we expect in the days, weeks and months to come?

Dear NLS, I'm so sorry to hear the awful prognosis for your friend. The fact that she has a young family makes it all the more tragic. You are asking a very difficult question - and one I am unable to even guess at - although someone else may be able to offer advice. We can only hope that your friend has a strong positive spirit and proves her medics wrong. There will be lots of support and prayers for her on this site and, hopefully, someone will be able to help with your original question. All good wishes. Brenda.

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The cancer seems to be very advanced. She has lost so much weight and is down to only 39kg.
My question is about the progression of this disease when no treatment is given. What can we expect in the days, weeks and months to come?

Dear NLS

She will get weaker owing to the loss of weight, be fatigued easily, and perhaps be in pain. Everyone varies in how it progresses. All I can advise is that her loved ones should be prepared to help her do what she wishes and understand if she can't complete it and be prepared to talk to her about any discomfort she might have and seek help for any pain she may have. Sometimes, she might suffer in silence, trying to be strong, and not bother anyone. Be close enough to have her trust that she is really not being trouublesome in seeking help from her family.

Make her feel that you care about her, and tell her that she has friends she has never seen who care about her.

Best wishes
Vinod