My dad has jaw cancer

[potterycat]

I just need to vent really. My dad was diagnosed just over a week ago with squamous cell carcinoma in his jaw. He was due to have an op to remove it and have a bone graft in about 10 days from now. But since last night his gum/jaw has been bleeding. He has gone to A&E and will soon be seen by a consultant. I know he's in the best place but I am so scared.

The treatment seems fairly straightforward (in cancer terms) and he may not need radiotherapy. But now with this bleeding I don't know what to think.

Has anybody been in the same situation? I just don't know what to do or think.

bumping for others to see

I'm so sorry OP. Nothing helpful to say, but I truly hope he has the best care available and you have support too. Thoughts to you.

My bil had jaw cancer 5 years ago. He had a bone graft/titanium plate inserted.

He’s doing really well now. You would not believe he’s had anything done by looking at him.

Thoughts to you and your dad.

No advice but lots of hugs and support x

Thanks all for your kind messages! I'm happy to say that the bleeding stopped - it was down to a mould being taken which upset the site of the cancer. Still quite scary when it happened though. He's doing OK, no pain and can eat normally so I'm hopeful that means it must have been caught quite early? Anyway, we are all seeing his consultant this week (he wants to meet my mum and me) and the op could be next Monday. Fingers crossed for a complete recovery!

Hoping the consultation (and operation?) have gone well. 💐

Hitthefloor thank you for asking after him! Seeing the consultant last week set me off worrying again, because I think I'd sort of gone a bit into denial! Anyway, the consultant is a very nice man and put it all in a way that made it sound like there will be a positive result to all this, if you see what I mean.

The op is due to happen (we haven't had confirmation by letter/phone yet; I assume that's to come) on Mon 24 Feb. So that's the next thing to worry about, although I know that the team who will be treating him are highly experienced! (Dad was told by someone that they are 'artists'!)

The thing is - he shows no sign of being 'unwell'. He eats normally. His mouth hasn't bled since. He's no more tired than usual (he's 80) and has a normal appetite. I know it sounds weird but I keep forgetting that he's got cancer!

I'm glad you've felt reassured by your meeting with the consultant, hope that he antbthe team of 'artists' can work towards a successful outcome.
It sounds good that your dad is feeling reasonably normal now and eating well, I'm sure it will aid his recovery, rather than starting off feeling weak.
I don't know if it's relevant but if he won't be able to eat normally for a while post-op maybe he could have a slap up meal ahead of it? Not like the day before but maybe Friday or Saturday?

We had our pancake day last Friday as otherwise he'd miss out!

He had his surgery today and the consultant has just called and said it went to plan with no concerns. We are very relieved! Now for recovery and possible radiotherapy in a few weeks.

Glad to hear surgery went well and good idea to have an early pancake day!
If your dad is weak to begin with remember he's had surgery, don't expect too much, but hope he is comfortable.

My Step dad had jaw cancer 12 years ago. His entire upper jawbone was removed and replaced with bone from his leg, it was successful in that the cancer was removed but it limited his food intake and he developed a lot of mouth issues

He's sadly no longer with us due to lung cancer

Hi, I know this thread is from 2 years ago but I wanted to check and see how your dad did following surgery? My dad (who turns 65 this week) has been diagnosed with jaw cancer and we are waiting confirmation of operation. I'm really scared of the operation and how it'll affect him afterwards.

Friend’s husband had this 3 years ago. At the operation they decided they had a good enough margin that they didn’t need to do any more than removal of the bone although there is now very little bone in that area. He didn’t need radiotherapy and has had no further problems.

Thank you Izzy24

😊😊