The purpose of this study was to explore oral cancer pateint's life experiences after surgery. The qualitative research method was used and eleven post-operative oral cancer patients were recruited in a medical center in northern Taiwan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and auto-taped after informed consent had been obtained. Data were analyzed using content analysis method. The results show that the oral cancer patients' life experiences were related to: realizing the meaning of pain, accepting the change of body image, exploring the ways of communication with others, and learning home self-care. The results of this study can provide nurses with a guidanace in caring patients with oral cancer in practice.