My Timeline Through Oral Cancer
What started as a simple earache in December 2025 became a journey I never expected to take.
Over the months that followed, I went from urgent care visits and misdiagnoses to finally learning that I had squamous cell carcinoma. My journey has included major surgery, the removal of part of my jaw, reconstruction of my tongue, the loss of my teeth, countless appointments, unexpected delays, and radiation treatment.
There were times when getting the care I needed became a challenge of its own. Referrals went unanswered, appointments were delayed, and I often found myself making phone calls and searching for answers while trying to recover and prepare for the next stage of treatment.
I'm sharing this timeline to document my experience honestly, from the first symptom through diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and everything that comes next. Every person's experience with oral cancer is different, but I hope that by sharing mine, someone else facing a similar diagnosis may feel a little more informed, prepared, and less alone in what lies ahead.
This is my journey through oral cancer, one day and one step at a time.
December 15, 2025
The Earache Begins
I began experiencing an earache, the first symptom that would eventually lead to my cancer diagnosis.
December 23, 2025
First Urgent Care Visit
I went to urgent care for the first time and was diagnosed with strep throat.
December 30, 2025
Second Urgent Care Visit
With my symptoms continuing, I returned to urgent care. Once again, I was told that I had strep throat.
January 5, 2026
Primary Care Visit
I saw my primary care provider about my ongoing symptoms and was referred to an ENT specialist.
January 17, 2026
ENT Appointment
I was evaluated by an ENT and referred to a head and neck specialist. Unfortunately, I never received a call to schedule an appointment, and my attempts to follow up went unanswered.
February 9, 2026
Dentist Discovers Lesions
I visited a dentist who noticed lesions in my mouth and referred me to the Texas A&M School of Dentistry for further evaluation.
February 17, 2026
A Major Turning Point
I was finally evaluated at the dental school. After examining me, they immediately sent me to see a head and neck cancer surgeon that same day. I was told there was an approximately 80% chance that I had cancer, and a biopsy was scheduled for the following week.
February 25, 2026
Cancer Diagnosis Confirmed
The biopsy confirmed that I had squamous cell carcinoma. My medical team immediately began preparing me for surgery.
March 2, 2026
Major Cancer Surgery
I underwent a five-hour surgery to remove the cancer. The cancerous lesions had invaded my jawbone, requiring a jaw resection. Surgeons also removed 38 lymph nodes and reconstructed part of my tongue using a free flap.
March 5, 2026
Referrals for Follow-Up Care
I was referred to oncology, speech therapy, and lymphedema therapy. After waiting a week without being contacted, I began calling the offices myself but struggled to get calls returned.
March 10, 2026
Released From the Hospital
After spending eight days in the hospital recovering from surgery, I was finally able to go home.
March 17, 2026
Trying to Coordinate My Care
I was finally able to make contact and schedule an appointment with oncology. I was still unable to begin lymphedema therapy, as the therapy offices I contacted told me they did not provide treatment for lymphedema.
April 21, 2026
Oncology Appointment
I finally had my oncology appointment. I was referred to a dental oncologist for the dental clearance required before beginning radiation treatment.
April 22, 2026
Preparing for Radiation
I underwent a radiation simulation and had a custom mask created to keep my head and neck precisely positioned during treatment.
April 27, 2026
Another Setback
At my dental oncology appointment, I learned that all of my remaining teeth would need to be extracted before I could safely undergo radiation treatment. This meant another unexpected delay in beginning treatment.
May 6, 2026
Remaining Teeth Extracted
I had all of my remaining teeth removed. Before radiation could begin, I had to wait approximately three weeks for my gums to heal.
May 13, 2026
A Change in Oncologists
My oncologist retired, which meant I had to schedule another appointment and transfer my care to a new oncologist.
May 19, 2026
A New Radiation Mask
Because my teeth had been removed, the shape and structure of my mouth and face had changed. I needed to have a new radiation mask made before treatment could begin.
June 3, 2026
Follow-Up CT Scans
Because so much time had passed since my surgery, I underwent three additional CT scans before beginning radiation treatment. Thankfully, all of the scans were clear.
June 11, 2026
An Unexpected Oncology Appointment
I received a call to schedule an appointment with the oncologist who would oversee my post-radiation care. When I arrived, I was told the appointment had been scheduled by mistake and that I was not supposed to see her until four months after completing radiation.
June 15, 2026
Radiation Treatment Finally Begins
I finally began radiation treatment, six months after my symptoms first appeared and more than three months after my cancer surgery.