don't know if this is the right place

JackieA
JackieA Member Posts: 150
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
First I have to tell you that my husband is stage 1v breast cancer, however he has mets to all the bones. Back in 2009 he had mets at the base of the skull, had radiation etc. I am posting here because we recently discovered a tumor or knot the size of a quarter in his neck area...kind of close to the base of neck, but not in the shoulder. He is currently on chemo. A couple of months ago we told the dr that my husband was having problems holding his head back and he seem to have a sore throat a lot. He was given steroids and antibiotics. Okay...this knot started off as a popcorn kernel, but now a quarter. He has had many sore throats his neck seems to have a puffy area where his adam's apple is. He is hoarse all the time. Lots of drainage. Well after his onc takes a look at it, he says, we will continue to do chemo to see if that will shrink it, if not we will cut it. I am not comfortable with this. Should we be more concerned,or just accept this?

Comments

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #2
    Approach...
    Well, normally I'd say that a biopsy is the only definitely sure way to know if it's cancer...and still is in your case.

    But, in your case, if the chemo is of a type that is also used for H&N, I don't see the point, (which is probably the MD's approach).

    If after treatment, there is still concern or growth, then for sure something additional needs to be done.

    But, that's only my unprofessional thoughts.

    Thoughts and Prayers,
    John
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    #3
    Hi Jackie
    My first impulse is "Be more concerned - ask lots of questions" - but that's just the way I am with doctors (ask the poor suffering vet who is treating one of our cats). If you have faith in the doc, then great - doc knows more than we do. By "takes a look at it", do you mean some type of scope, or biopsy? If not, I would ask if a biopsy would be in order. Lots of Head and Neck patients do develop a puffy area in the adam's apple region - it's short term for some, and longer term and recurring more frequently for others. The knot, though, that would make me want to go into more detail with the doc. Good luck, and keep us posted.
  • Hal61
    Hal61 Member Posts: 655
    #4
    Be more concerned, or just accept . . .
    Hi Jackie, welcome, and I hope your husband soon has relief with his current chemo treatment. As John said, the Doc has confirmed that the chemo is of the kind that can shrink the growth in your husband's throat. Whether to be more concerned, or just accept and go with your Doc's advice is the $64,000 question here. As cancer patients we are asked all too often to answer it. One thing that hasn't been specifically suggested is get another opinion. Your husband is currently undergoing chemotherapy, but the growing knot is a symptom that reasonably warrants another look, and it might make you and your husband more comfortable.

    best to you both, Hal
  • JackieA
    JackieA Member Posts: 150
    #5
    Hal61 said:

    Be more concerned, or just accept . . .
    Hi Jackie, welcome, and I hope your husband soon has relief with his current chemo treatment. As John said, the Doc has confirmed that the chemo is of the kind that can shrink the growth in your husband's throat. Whether to be more concerned, or just accept and go with your Doc's advice is the $64,000 question here. As cancer patients we are asked all too often to answer it. One thing that hasn't been specifically suggested is get another opinion. Your husband is currently undergoing chemotherapy, but the growing knot is a symptom that reasonably warrants another look, and it might make you and your husband more comfortable.

    best to you both, Hal

    I guess my thought
    is this...He has been on Chemo since 2009...nonstop. He gave him a break in December which mean the knot has been growing all along. Along with others. So I am like, it is growing while on chemo."W"
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #6
    JackieA said:

    I guess my thought
    is this...He has been on Chemo since 2009...nonstop. He gave him a break in December which mean the knot has been growing all along. Along with others. So I am like, it is growing while on chemo."W"

    Second Opinion...
    Well in that case I think that I'd be questioning the effectiveness of the treatment and chemo being uses.

    I've never hear of anyone being on chemo for two years.

    Definitely a second opinion might be in order.

    Like mentioned, if nothing else for a confirmation and sanity check.

    Best,
    John
  • KristynRuth
    KristynRuth Member Posts: 21
    #7
    Skiffin16 said:

    Second Opinion...
    Well in that case I think that I'd be questioning the effectiveness of the treatment and chemo being uses.

    I've never hear of anyone being on chemo for two years.

    Definitely a second opinion might be in order.

    Like mentioned, if nothing else for a confirmation and sanity check.

    Best,
    John

    As it was stated before, I'd
    As it was stated before, I'd ask for a biopsy.
    Praying for the best for him.

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