My Mom got her biopsy results yesterday and learned she has cancer
under her tongue. I know that if discovered early, oral cancer
treatments are typically successful and not difficult. Unfortunately,
the sore has been there several months and is the main reason my Mom
has lost so much weight lately. She has many other health problems,
including: high blood pressure, ulcers, arthritis, alcoholism, osteo,
mental depression and she has had several strokes. Understandably She
is 73.
1.) The Oral Surgeon who did the biopsy has recommended a MRI. Is
this the best way to determine the extent of the cancer?
2.) Why didn't the Doctor already arrange for an MRI?
3.) Mom is a member in a (Columbia, MD) HMO. I'm afraid that she will
not automatically be accorded priority treatment. How do I make sure
that her treatment plan is accorded the proper level of urgency? Is
there anything I can do to keep the process moving?
4.) Where can I find information about alternative treatments for
oral cancer?
5.) With all of her other health problems, shouldn't there be one
Physicican overseeing treatment who is aware of all of Mom's health
issues? How do I see that one is appointed?
Thanks for your help,
Mark in Baltimore
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