Hi, my dad was diagnosed with mouth cancer on Tuesday. Its very surreal. I dont want to tell any of my friends just yet as I can't quite believe it. He says he has (what he thought was)an ulcer for about 4 months. Is this a long time in terms of cancer and leaving it?

Hi siobhan

sorry to hear your news, i'm sure you will find plenty of support on this site.

I wouldn't worry about the length of time the ulcer seemed to be there. Obviously the sooner the diagnosis and treatment the better, but i have heard of people with problem ulcers for quite a while. In my own case i had the ulcer on my tongue for about 2 years before finally getting the cancer diagnosis. I was mis-diagnosed originally which i believe is quite common in this area (?) and that is what added to the time frame. My only advice really is to listen to what they have to say and battle it head on, tryas hard as you can not to second guess what might never happen.

wish your dad all the best...

Hi Siobhan, welcome to the site. Sorry to hear your news. You've found the best place for support and information. Keep us updated on your dad. All the best, Hagg.

Hi Siobhan

Sorry to hear about your dad's cancer but so glad you found this site. As Hagg says there are loads of people here to offer support.

I had my ulcer for about six or seven weeks before I was diagnosed, but then I had to wait another eight weeks for my operation, because mine was the smallest cancer they were dealing with at the time.

Let us know how your dad gets on.

Best wishes to you both
Gwyn

Hi Sio, Am sorry to hear about your dad.
I was treated for months by different GPs before I TOOK MYSELF TO mAXFAX AFTER THE cANCER HAD GONE TO MY NECK.
yOU CAN READ MY STORY Davids story.
you dont say what type of cancer he has or where this would help people to relate I think.
Keeping your dad relaxed is a good thing but right now I guess he will feel alot of emotions.

Paul

Hi Siobhan

(one of my favorite names, by the way)

I first noticed the "thing" under my tongue in August '04 but wasn't able to do anything about it until December of that year. Heaven only knows how long it was there, festering away, until I finally discovered it. I convinced myself that it was a cold sore or a fever blister or somesuch.

What kind of cancer does he have? What stage is it? What are the docs planning to do?

This is a great site, populated by extremely helpful people who are more than willing to share knowledge that they really wish they didn't have.

Julia

Hi Siobhan

I am so sorry to hear about your dad. You have come to the right place. If you feel uncomfortable talking about it to your friends then you know you have a place here where you are always welcome to talk as much as you like or ask as many questions as you like. Dont worry too much about the length of time. Things will move more quickly now. Keep talking to us and let us know how things are going. Take care of yourself too.

Love Mum
xx

Hi, thank you for all of your replies, it kinda makes it easier to talk about. My dad has a CT scan on Monday and MRI scan on Thursday and Thursday afternoon he will get the CT results which will indicate what can be done and any questions we have the Drs will answer them. He has been given a provisional surgery date too. We're all a bit flabagastered at the moment, but as a family we are trying to remain strong and talk to each other. Thank you for your advice, it really helps!

Siobhan

P.S. thank you Julia

I am so sorry to hear about your father's cancer. As you can tell by my name here Iam in the same position as you. My father was diagnosed with stage IV base of the tongue cancer on July 3rd - he has just finished his chemo and still has some radiation to do.

Where exactly is your father's cancer? oral tongue? tonsil? gum? give us mroe info so those on this site can give you better questions to ask and info to research. I found this site very helpful (sometimes scary) but all stuff I needed to know so I could be helpingmydad.

I had a list of questions with spaces for answers and my father thought I was being over dramatic and then when we walked out of the appointment all he could do was thank me (and my list). Talk to you soon.