It's Back

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ToBeGolden
ToBeGolden Member Posts: 695
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
I am almost certain that my vocal cord cancer has returned. I am in need of some short success stories (say 50-100 words), where a returned cancer has been successfully treated. And I have a easy definition for success. A treatment which produced six-months of freedom from major symptoms.

How's that for a chellenge.

If there are no stories, I will assume everyone has been "totally cured" and no longer have a need to visit this board. How's that. Rick.

Comments

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #2
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    Hi Rick

    Why do you think it is back, if it is because of pain that is something I believe we all live with from time to time. And soreness I have had throat soreness on the life side of my mouth for over 6 years now but nothing showed up on the PET scans. I understand we all worry when we feel or see something that you know is not right, for me it is bleeding, but like I said nothing shows up every time the doctors check. If you are worried give your ENT a call and get checked because worrying too much can make your body sick.

    I wish you well my friend
    Hondo
  • ToBeGolden
    ToBeGolden Member Posts: 695
    #3
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    Hondo said:

    Hi Rick

    Why do you think it is back, if it is because of pain that is something I believe we all live with from time to time. And soreness I have had throat soreness on the life side of my mouth for over 6 years now but nothing showed up on the PET scans. I understand we all worry when we feel or see something that you know is not right, for me it is bleeding, but like I said nothing shows up every time the doctors check. If you are worried give your ENT a call and get checked because worrying too much can make your body sick.

    I wish you well my friend
    Hondo

    Signs Cancer is Back
    1) Most recent biopsy showed dysplasia.
    2) CT showed expansion of false cords. Unusual growth.
    3) And recent onset, rather constant ear and face pain.

    Time and tests will determine whether or not it is cancer. Stories of successful treatment of a returned cancer would be helpful, if they exist. But I will muddle on, whether or not the cancer has actually returned at the present time and whether or not survivors of returned cancer visit this board.

    Of course, there has to be some survivors. And percentages really don't mean much from where I am standing. I must just choose the best treatment options and muddle on.

    Thanks, Rick.
  • denistd
    denistd Member Posts: 597
    #4
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    ToBeGolden said:

    Signs Cancer is Back
    1) Most recent biopsy showed dysplasia.
    2) CT showed expansion of false cords. Unusual growth.
    3) And recent onset, rather constant ear and face pain.

    Time and tests will determine whether or not it is cancer. Stories of successful treatment of a returned cancer would be helpful, if they exist. But I will muddle on, whether or not the cancer has actually returned at the present time and whether or not survivors of returned cancer visit this board.

    Of course, there has to be some survivors. And percentages really don't mean much from where I am standing. I must just choose the best treatment options and muddle on.

    Thanks, Rick.

    false vocal cord expansion
    It seems you have already had some tests that showed something. My cancer started on the false vocal cord. The first ent guy I went to said that I had a swelling on the false vocal cord, when biopsied by the 2nd guy I went to I had cancer there which was blocking off the vocal cords, hence the lost voice. I think you need to make sure in a hurry what "unusual growth" means. Good luck to you man.
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #5
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    on muddling on
    Waiting and worrying is really hard, and many of us have been or are there today. I will say this about what you've just said: dysplasia is a histopathologic diagnosis, which really refers to how the cells look including certain nuclear and cytoplasmic criteria. It certainly does not mean cancer, nor does it necessarily mean precancer. It is a very common finding, for instance, for quite some time after radiation.

    Ear pain, if caused by cancer spread, is due to involvement of the eustacean tube, the opening of which is probably 4 inches from the vocal cords.

    I guess what I'm saying is that all of us are living on borrowed time, and we'd do well to rejoice in that and take these things one step at a time, one day at a time. I've not had recurrent vocal cord cancer, nor have I had vocal cord cancer at all. But I have had pharyngeal cancer three times now, and I'm still alive, and still am being offered treatment alternatives that have a reasonable expectation of curing me, and allowing me to live a reasonable life.

    Best wishes to you.
  • fisrpotpe
    fisrpotpe Member Posts: 1,349 Member
    #6
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    ToBeGolden said:

    Signs Cancer is Back
    1) Most recent biopsy showed dysplasia.
    2) CT showed expansion of false cords. Unusual growth.
    3) And recent onset, rather constant ear and face pain.

    Time and tests will determine whether or not it is cancer. Stories of successful treatment of a returned cancer would be helpful, if they exist. But I will muddle on, whether or not the cancer has actually returned at the present time and whether or not survivors of returned cancer visit this board.

    Of course, there has to be some survivors. And percentages really don't mean much from where I am standing. I must just choose the best treatment options and muddle on.

    Thanks, Rick.

    only
    to me it is only cancer if the biopsy comes back cancer. i am a two time cancer survivor of 15 plus plus years, have had pain in ears, ringing in ears, trouble swallowing, eating spicy foods, very sore teeth. I am trying to be short storied, so I will just say it. it's now what we may think it is but it is how we react to anything. Believe it will be fine and it will be fine. Positive Mental Attitude is most important in getting thru treatment, recovering and living life as a Cancer Survivor.

    please keep us updated as your diagnosis continues....

    John
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #7
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    Biopsy
    Like John mentioned above...you'd think if you've had all of those things going on, that someone would have ordered a biopsy by now.

    Only thing that I can offer is also like John above...it's not cancer, until the professionals tell you it's cancer.

    Best,
    John
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #8
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    Rick

    Believe me I know as I lived for years with the doctors telling me my cancer was back but the CT, MRI’s and PET scan all showed something different. I was down all the time and depressed thinking I am dyeing so what the hell. Rick I been here 6 years now and never treated for the third cancer I was told by my doctors that I had and only giving 6 months to live. I went to the Mayo Clinic and they did a Biopsy and it came back clean. Now after all this time the doctors realized what they were seeing was inflammation and scar tissue. Also let me tell you I had soreness and pain in the throat, redness in the mouth could not swallow but all of it was the inflammation, not cancer.

    I know you said your last biopsy was showing dysplasia which is abnormal development of cells. Just give it times and see if it is not just something else.

    Hondo
  • luv2cut1
    luv2cut1 Member Posts: 288
    #9
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    Hubby had supraglottic cancer. Treated with chemoradiation (cisplatin &470 erbitux) 2008. 2009 came back in lymph nodes in neck. Treated with radical neck dissection and chemotherapy reirradiation (carbo/taxol) 2009. May 2011 suspicious growthon vocal cord-biopsy and PET negative for cancer. Oct 2011 PET still clean. 25 mos out from second treatment and doing well.

    Believe me - I worried myself sick and still do BUT its not cancer until the biopsy says it is AND even if it is cancer, it is possible that it can be treated again successfully.

    Hang in there. Thoughts and prayers with you.

    Myka
  • Pumakitty
    Pumakitty Member Posts: 652
    #10
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    Sorry you have to go through this again
    I hope that all comes back to be nothing, but if it is a reoccurance you can beat it again. Dad is fighting his battle again with a reoccurance of his tongue cancer. After only two treatments his pain is almost half of what it was and his tumor is already shrinking. The doctor is now thinking they will be able to control the cancer or put it into remission.

    Prayers coming your way and hugs,

    Kathy
  • ToBeGolden
    ToBeGolden Member Posts: 695
    #11
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    Thank You
    I finally have been able to find time to read your kind responses. I wish to thank everyone who has taken time to respond to me. I will keep you posted as more information becomes available. I'm afraid that the information will tend to trickle in at a very slow rate. Rick
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #12
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    ToBeGolden said:

    Thank You
    I finally have been able to find time to read your kind responses. I wish to thank everyone who has taken time to respond to me. I will keep you posted as more information becomes available. I'm afraid that the information will tend to trickle in at a very slow rate. Rick

    Rick

    No matter how the report comes back just remember there is always hope my friend

    Hondo
  • fisrpotpe
    fisrpotpe Member Posts: 1,349 Member
    #13
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    Hondo said:

    Rick

    No matter how the report comes back just remember there is always hope my friend

    Hondo

    Rick
    I agree with Hondo and here is the place to find hope, vent and get information help.

    John
  • ToBeGolden
    ToBeGolden Member Posts: 695
    #14
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    ToBeGolden said:

    Signs Cancer is Back
    1) Most recent biopsy showed dysplasia.
    2) CT showed expansion of false cords. Unusual growth.
    3) And recent onset, rather constant ear and face pain.

    Time and tests will determine whether or not it is cancer. Stories of successful treatment of a returned cancer would be helpful, if they exist. But I will muddle on, whether or not the cancer has actually returned at the present time and whether or not survivors of returned cancer visit this board.

    Of course, there has to be some survivors. And percentages really don't mean much from where I am standing. I must just choose the best treatment options and muddle on.

    Thanks, Rick.

    Tracheotomy and Laryngetomy
    When she scoped my throat, the ENTdoc found severe constriction of the airway. No surprise to me: I have difficulty walking to the mailbox. My difficulty in breathing has developed very quickly, over the last 2 weeks.

    The ENTdoc says I need an Urgent Tracheostomy, cutting a hole in my neck and connecting the tube going to my lungs.

    If a biopsy finds cancer, she is recommending a total laryngectomy, removal of the vocal cords.

    Lots to think about.
  • buzz99
    buzz99 Member Posts: 404
    #15
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    ToBeGolden said:

    Thank You
    I finally have been able to find time to read your kind responses. I wish to thank everyone who has taken time to respond to me. I will keep you posted as more information becomes available. I'm afraid that the information will tend to trickle in at a very slow rate. Rick

    You won't know if there is recurrence until the biopsy says so. Buzz was told his cancer was back but it turned out to be an infected clot in his jugular vein. He had a visible mass in his neck which ballooned out to include his entire neck and left side of his face. All the doc found was infection and the biopsy was negative. He is on massive IV antibiotics and Coumadin (blood thinner) but feeling much better. Karen
  • oldpaint03
    oldpaint03 Member Posts: 27 Member
    #16
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    buzz99 said:

    You won't know if there is recurrence until the biopsy says so. Buzz was told his cancer was back but it turned out to be an infected clot in his jugular vein. He had a visible mass in his neck which ballooned out to include his entire neck and left side of his face. All the doc found was infection and the biopsy was negative. He is on massive IV antibiotics and Coumadin (blood thinner) but feeling much better. Karen

    My husband finished treatment in Jan. 2011 and in July he got swelling on his neck where the cancer had been. The ENT told him that the cancer was probably back. He had a cat scan and it showed a blood clot in the jugular vein. He has had 3 cat scans and they all show a blood clot. He was worried that the cancer was back also but he had a pet scan 2 weeks ago and the cancer is GONE.. The only way to know for sure if the cancer is back is with a biopsy. This cancer stuff SUCKS! And once you've had it it is a continual worry that it might show it;s ugly face again.
    Prayers and Good thoughts going your way for NO CANCER!!
    Jonni
  • fisrpotpe
    fisrpotpe Member Posts: 1,349 Member
    #17
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    ToBeGolden said:

    Tracheotomy and Laryngetomy
    When she scoped my throat, the ENTdoc found severe constriction of the airway. No surprise to me: I have difficulty walking to the mailbox. My difficulty in breathing has developed very quickly, over the last 2 weeks.

    The ENTdoc says I need an Urgent Tracheostomy, cutting a hole in my neck and connecting the tube going to my lungs.

    If a biopsy finds cancer, she is recommending a total laryngectomy, removal of the vocal cords.

    Lots to think about.

    Best
    One of the best things to happen to me after radiation,chemo and surgery many years after is when in surgery to be scoped for biopsy decided I needed a Trach. Couple hours after waking up I felt it so much easier to breathe. I was headed in the same direction when after they were in to get biopsy it turned out to be necrosis, a long term side effect. I too was told if it is cancer I would need the total laryngectomy. I still have the trach and would not care to give it up after having for 3 years 6 months.

    Prayers going your way for the doctors, you and your family.

    Believe all will be fine and it will be fine!

    John
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #18
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    oldpaint03 said:

    My husband finished treatment in Jan. 2011 and in July he got swelling on his neck where the cancer had been. The ENT told him that the cancer was probably back. He had a cat scan and it showed a blood clot in the jugular vein. He has had 3 cat scans and they all show a blood clot. He was worried that the cancer was back also but he had a pet scan 2 weeks ago and the cancer is GONE.. The only way to know for sure if the cancer is back is with a biopsy. This cancer stuff SUCKS! And once you've had it it is a continual worry that it might show it;s ugly face again.
    Prayers and Good thoughts going your way for NO CANCER!!
    Jonni

    Hi Jonni

    I am sorry to hear about the blood clots and hope he gets in under control. But I am also very happy to hear your Husband got an all clear on his C, that is great news.

    Hondo
  • ToBeGolden
    ToBeGolden Member Posts: 695
    #19
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    oldpaint03 said:

    My husband finished treatment in Jan. 2011 and in July he got swelling on his neck where the cancer had been. The ENT told him that the cancer was probably back. He had a cat scan and it showed a blood clot in the jugular vein. He has had 3 cat scans and they all show a blood clot. He was worried that the cancer was back also but he had a pet scan 2 weeks ago and the cancer is GONE.. The only way to know for sure if the cancer is back is with a biopsy. This cancer stuff SUCKS! And once you've had it it is a continual worry that it might show it;s ugly face again.
    Prayers and Good thoughts going your way for NO CANCER!!
    Jonni

    Biopsy Probably Next Week
    I may have a biopsy next week. There has been foul up with communication, and that foul up has been largely my fault. But all will be put right.

    Sorry to hear about the blood clot, which must be a worry of its own.

    Besides being a cancer surviver, I have ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of arthritis. I found some clinical articles which state that spondylitis can produce some of my results, fixation of the joints in the vocal cords. So it really will take the biopsy.

    I need to prepare myself for the worst, mentally. Even if the biopsy turns out negative, I still need to be ready to fight the Beast. It's not the time to give up.

    Just let me say that I will fight the Beast over and over in order to build up my courage.
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #20
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    ToBeGolden said:

    Biopsy Probably Next Week
    I may have a biopsy next week. There has been foul up with communication, and that foul up has been largely my fault. But all will be put right.

    Sorry to hear about the blood clot, which must be a worry of its own.

    Besides being a cancer surviver, I have ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of arthritis. I found some clinical articles which state that spondylitis can produce some of my results, fixation of the joints in the vocal cords. So it really will take the biopsy.

    I need to prepare myself for the worst, mentally. Even if the biopsy turns out negative, I still need to be ready to fight the Beast. It's not the time to give up.

    Just let me say that I will fight the Beast over and over in order to build up my courage.

    Hi Rick

    I am with you on fighting the beast my friend so you will never be along. And I sure do hope and pray that the biopsy will be negative

    Wishing you well
    ╠╣ONDO
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    #21
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    ToBeGolden said:

    Biopsy Probably Next Week
    I may have a biopsy next week. There has been foul up with communication, and that foul up has been largely my fault. But all will be put right.

    Sorry to hear about the blood clot, which must be a worry of its own.

    Besides being a cancer surviver, I have ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of arthritis. I found some clinical articles which state that spondylitis can produce some of my results, fixation of the joints in the vocal cords. So it really will take the biopsy.

    I need to prepare myself for the worst, mentally. Even if the biopsy turns out negative, I still need to be ready to fight the Beast. It's not the time to give up.

    Just let me say that I will fight the Beast over and over in order to build up my courage.

    Ugh
    Very sorry you have to have a biopsy. Like Hondo and the others, I'm hoping the biopsy is done quickly, and yields favorable results. Glad to see you're loaded for bear. If it is cancer, you're ready to fight. If it's not - you're ready to deal with whatever it IS.

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