Hi, I am new to this group and so thankful it is here.
I was diagnosed with SCC 11/28/2023, 3cm lesion inside my right cheek. The one thing you have to do is be your own advocate. My wonderful ENT informed me that SCC in the mouth can spread quickly and that it has to be removed immediately. Back story, I was aware of the lesion end of August but thought it was a canker sore(I have never had one), two office visits basically confirmed until it got so painful I went in again and was referred to an ENT. He immediately diagnosed cancer on 11/17/2023.
My ENT took biopsies to confirm the cancer and said he would get me in somewhere as soon as possible but the facility may not be close. Well, my local hospital couldn’t fit me in for surgery until March, he got me in at a hospital two hours away and I had surgery 01/04/2024. Never any mention of chemo or radiation as when you’re dealing with mouth cancer that can be devastating.
I had the surgery, they cut out 5cm in my cheek…replaced the skin from my wrist and removed 28 lymph nodes…28 of 28 tested, no cancer. It was painful and I am still recovering but no chemo or radiation and I am cancer free.
I see my ENT on 03/11/2024 for follow. 🤞🏻