Hello!

I am completely new to leaving messages in forums and i don't really know what to say!

I suppose i am hoping and praying that chatting to other people with cancer will help me to cope with mine.

I am 17 yrs old and have just been diagnosed with cancer. I had an osteosarcoma on my upper right pallette that grew very quick inside my cheek. Fortunately i have had the tumour removed by a long operation and have ended up losing the right side of my upper jaw including all my teeth.

I have to wear an obturator (don't know how to spell that!) and at the moment i have one in that i don't have to touch. But soon the hospital are putting an new one in that i will have to take out daily to clean. i am so scared to look into the mirror and see myself with no teeth or gums, and have a hole going up into my cheek.

I denie the fact that i have cancer and every time i have to visit the hospital or talk to people it comes as a complete shock to me that i actually have it.

I have to undergo chemotherapy next. I don't know what to expect and am very nervous.

I put on a brave face in front of my parents and the the hospital, this means that they think i am coping well. I'm not, inside i am screaming out for help.

If anyone has any words of wisdom or tips to deal with all my emotions and hurdles please share them with me.

Thanyou

x x x

Good Evening Bex,
when it comes to leaving messages there is only one rule "say whatever you feel like saying". If you want to know anything about medications or medical terms or you just want to talk to someone with similar problems, go ahead we are here to help each other.I have said many times that immediate family and friends are all very supportive when this problem crops up but they only see the problem from the outside, you and I know the problem from the inside as is the case with everyone on these forums because we are all insiders.I have never been struck by lightening but I think it must be similar to the feeling one gets when the chap in the white coat says you have cancer,it seems like the end of the world but it isn't.Things will be different, Bex, but you will learn to live with the differences (it may not seem possible right now but you will) try to face up to the fact that you have this problem, don't be ashamed of it and don't be ashamed of yourself.Once you face up to the problem you will find it easier to bear.Take a look at the forum on light hearted humour it may give you some confidence for the future when I tell you that all the contributers are cancer patients.
Keep us posted ,Bex, let us know how you get on, a lot of people are thinking about you and we all wish you well.
Keep Smiling
John.

Hello Bex

It is quite a lot to have to go through at your age (or any age!). SW had a similar problem in her upper jaw in 1983 and has been wearing an obturator plate successfully to eat and talk. It is important to wear it to avoid the cheek contracting in. Also keep the teeth you have really clean. Follow the advice given here on oral hygiene.

Keep in touch. We are here to help.

Best wishes
Vinod