Update on my diagnosis.... maybe

Klynten
Klynten Member Posts: 29
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hello All,

My last post was explaining that I have Stage IV SCC with Occult Primary(3 large lymph nodes involved right side of neck). My doc's had decided my treatment plan was 7 weeks of daily rads and 2 Cisplatin treatments. I was ok with this, I had a plan and was ready to go. In fact, treatments are to start next week. I went to the RO and had the mask fitted and did the ct scan so they could map out on the computer where the radiation was gonna be targeted. This ct has showed either a nodular mass in the periphery of the right parotid salivary gland or another lymph node, they aren't sure but it needs checked out.
So I have mixed feeling about this. One, I want them to find the primary so we can focus the treatment to those specific areas, but I also just want to get this thing started and over with so I can move on. I see my ENT doctor on Friday and expect to find more out there.
If dealing with this cancer wasn't enough, my wife and I have been having issues.
Anyways, does anyone have experience with salivary gland cancer and I am wondering how cancer has affected peoples relationships with their spouses.
I hope everyone is having a good 2012 so far
Clinton

Comments

  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #2
    parotic salivary gland cancer
    is a glandular cancer, not a SCC, so if you have SCC in a lymph node biopsy it will not be coming from the gland itself. Anyway, you and your treating physician can figure all this out tomorrow. There is a lot to be said to just get your treatment underway.

    Cancer treatment is a huge stress, both on you and on your spouse. As such, I suppose it can affect your relationship either way. I wasn't married when I went through my first cancer, but I am this time. My current wife is a great partner to me, so no surprise, the cancer has made us pull hard together as a team.

    Now my first wife and I had been divorced about a year when I got the original cancer. I remember her saying that I deserved it. But then, that attitude was why we were divorced to begin with.

    I wish you the best in both the cancer and home issues.

    Pat
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #3
    It's a Good thing
    Thnk positively about it...or try.

    At least they have found something additional, so even though it's not the news you want to hear. But in finding it, it allows them to take action for dealing with it.

    I know the feeling of wanting to get started, but the better plan going in, hopefully the better results coming out.

    My wife and my relationship is even stronger than before.

    Best,
    John
  • Klynten
    Klynten Member Posts: 29
    #4
    longtermsurvivor said:

    parotic salivary gland cancer
    is a glandular cancer, not a SCC, so if you have SCC in a lymph node biopsy it will not be coming from the gland itself. Anyway, you and your treating physician can figure all this out tomorrow. There is a lot to be said to just get your treatment underway.

    Cancer treatment is a huge stress, both on you and on your spouse. As such, I suppose it can affect your relationship either way. I wasn't married when I went through my first cancer, but I am this time. My current wife is a great partner to me, so no surprise, the cancer has made us pull hard together as a team.

    Now my first wife and I had been divorced about a year when I got the original cancer. I remember her saying that I deserved it. But then, that attitude was why we were divorced to begin with.

    I wish you the best in both the cancer and home issues.

    Pat

    here we go
    Well, ENT Doc said that we will do a Fine Needle Aspiration, CT guided. Said there are 2 nodules, one on each side of the parotid gland. States he isn't worried, usually these nodules are usually no big deal. No reason to change start dates or change the way we are doing things. I was hoping for a shot in the dark, a chance for finding the primary site. Maybe even a hope that we would postpone treatment, after all.... if we aren't treating it, I DON'T HAVE IT. I guess I have some more denial than I thought, cause I am more upset about not going in to search mode again. We will check it out and make sure there isn't further mets or a secondary cancer. All I can do is move forward.

    Thanks for all the helpful advice and just letting me know I'm not alone
    Clinton
  • Klynten
    Klynten Member Posts: 29
    #5
    longtermsurvivor said:

    parotic salivary gland cancer
    is a glandular cancer, not a SCC, so if you have SCC in a lymph node biopsy it will not be coming from the gland itself. Anyway, you and your treating physician can figure all this out tomorrow. There is a lot to be said to just get your treatment underway.

    Cancer treatment is a huge stress, both on you and on your spouse. As such, I suppose it can affect your relationship either way. I wasn't married when I went through my first cancer, but I am this time. My current wife is a great partner to me, so no surprise, the cancer has made us pull hard together as a team.

    Now my first wife and I had been divorced about a year when I got the original cancer. I remember her saying that I deserved it. But then, that attitude was why we were divorced to begin with.

    I wish you the best in both the cancer and home issues.

    Pat

    accidentally posted twice
    :)
  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #6
    Klynten said:

    here we go
    Well, ENT Doc said that we will do a Fine Needle Aspiration, CT guided. Said there are 2 nodules, one on each side of the parotid gland. States he isn't worried, usually these nodules are usually no big deal. No reason to change start dates or change the way we are doing things. I was hoping for a shot in the dark, a chance for finding the primary site. Maybe even a hope that we would postpone treatment, after all.... if we aren't treating it, I DON'T HAVE IT. I guess I have some more denial than I thought, cause I am more upset about not going in to search mode again. We will check it out and make sure there isn't further mets or a secondary cancer. All I can do is move forward.

    Thanks for all the helpful advice and just letting me know I'm not alone
    Clinton

    Klynten
    You are definitely not alone.

    Denial. Yup, it would be nice if we could just take a nap and wake up to find none of this was really happening. But there is a lot to be said for just taking the next step. And the step after that, and the one after that as well.

    From what you have written, it sounds like you have a good medical team. That's worth a lot too.

    Look forward to hearing from you again. Geez, the Saints are trying to hand San Francisco this game.

    Pat

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