A Father's Brave Battle With Throat Cancer

Can you please tell me how Mr. Reynolds is doing now? Is he cancer free?

This may be a silly question but exactly how do researchers think the hpv virus is transmitted - can it be contracted through saliva by kissing someone infected with the virs?

Respond with your own comments here. As a recent survivor of base of tongue throat cancer, I only wish I had found the Oral Cancer Web Site earlier http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/forum/index.htm

Various companies have put out devices, two mentioned here, Vizilite and the Brush test. These are only of small value. A proper visual and tactile screening done by a competent medical or dental professional (including hygienists) will find the vast majority of oral cancer in early, highly survivable states, even precancers. Since in its earliest stages it is painless, annual screening by a third party is absolutely essential to catching this at states (early stages) where survival is optimum.

The need for a new blog to allow patients to discuss this disease, the issues related to getting it, dealing with the side effects of treatment (both physical and emotional) is not necessary. www.oralcancer.org has the world's largest online support mechanism for caregivers, survivors, and patients of these specific cancers. I wish to thank not only Reynolds but RD for getting this important story out. RToo few hear about it.

As an oral cancer survivor myself, this story hits home and is typical of the stories that are echoed thru the Patient Support Forum on the Oral Cancer Foundation Website. http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org. The information contained on this site is squarely focused on Head and Neck Cancers. The message board is chock full of information, assistance and support, given by people who are and have gone through or helping someone with their cancer. Thank you Mr Reynolds, for sharing your story

I urge anyone interested in learning more about this disease to visit the Oral Cancer Foundation -- http://www.oralcancer.org -- a nonprofit organization that offers prevention, education, research, advocacy and support activities. The site also has a very active message board (Survivor/Patient Forum) where patients, their family members and others can ask questions and get honest answers about oral cancer.

Respond with your own comments here.My brother was diagnosed with the exact cancer. Your story is his story every word to the tee. Sad, a non smoker, heathly, 53 years young. He is still fighting his battle (since 10/08). He is not healing from the radiation doctors feel that there may be more cancer but all the test and biospy's come back negative. Does Mr Reynolds have a blog. I would cherish the opportunity to have my brother communicate with Mr Reynolds. Thank you. janmarie1@comcast.net

I was a 38 year old with the same condition. This story touches me deeply. The fears and anger and disbelief are just incredible feelings that are hard to describe, only a person who has been through cancer can understand the pain and fear. Congratulations on completing this journey and good health to this gentleman.

I am a Registered Dental Hygienist with a peripheral relationship to oral cancer. As an educator for a company that diagnoses common oral spots by using a brush biopsy, we find pre-cancerous spots that once removed, prevent oral cancer. It's shocking how resistant dentists are to implimenting this easy to do, painless, accurate test. I also work for a dentist who uses a laser to treat painful mouth sores from chemo & radiation therapy, allowing them to eat & swallow with much less pain.