This is a good idea to know other cancer patients in this category.

I am 70 years old and was diagnosed for oral cancer , verrucous carcinoma in late 2007 . Underwent surgery but as the margin was not adequate got a recurrence at the same location and which lesion was removed by surgical excision. Since then, I have had many recurrences as mine was a multi focal cancer of the oral cavity, head and neck , mainly squamous cell . Treated by surgery , radiation as well in 2015 and 2020 again had further recurrences and had 2 surgeries in March 2020 and have been through a lot of trauma as the second surgery was not really warranted and was coerced by the oncosurgeon on grounds that they wanted to check if the cancer had gone to the bone , though there were no signs of bone erosion. Was basically duped and now suffering as a victim due the free flap fibula implant in the lower mandible followed by radiation and 3 cycles of chemotherapy. Now the side effects of radiotherapy are causing me stress, swollowing and speaking difficulties and am on a PEG tube for feeding as cannot take any food or liquid by mouth which is all sore and painful . Had other 2 recurrences, one in November 2021 when I was treated with Keytruda for 14 cycles but stopped due to another recurrence . Just had laser ablation treatment to remove the lesion / tumor at the base of the tongue , which has been successful and currently on immunotherapy with Ebutrix and low dose chemotherapy to fight any residual cancer. It has been a long struggle and more so recently as have become weak and suffering from pain which is depriving me of sleep.

Any advise ?

Anyone been in a similar situation?

Best
Shailesh Patel