Lori’s Story: Living Fully After Oral Cancer

Lori shares how her oral cancer journey began with a sore on her tongue that would not go away. Although one early evaluation minimized the issue, her dentist pushed her to seek further care, which led to a diagnosis on the spectrum between severe dysplasia and microinvasive cancer. From the start, Lori emphasizes the importance of listening to your instincts, getting multiple opinions, and choosing a surgeon who is not only highly skilled but also someone you trust and can communicate with over time. She describes a long treatment path that stretched over many years. Her surgeon took a careful approach, removing as little tissue as possible to preserve her ability to speak and eat, while continuing to monitor and treat recurring problem areas. Eventually, after about 15 years of repeated biopsies and smaller procedures, the cancer became more invasive and required a larger surgery, reconstruction using tissue from her leg, and radiation. Lori speaks candidly about how difficult radiation was for her, including severe dry mouth, pain, difficulty eating and speaking, and the emotional strain of daily treatment. Throughout the episode, Lori reflects on what helped her endure and recover. She talks about being her own advocate, getting a second opinion, keeping follow-up appointments, and finding small ways to regain a sense of control. She also shares practical advice, from asking technicians to communicate during radiation to finding products and routines that made side effects more manageable. Now, years later, Lori says life is good. Her speech is not exactly what it once was, but she can still work, travel, enjoy restaurants and live with deep gratitude for where she is today.