Dad's results after surgery

Katie10485
Katie10485 Member Posts: 41
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

My dad got his path results back today and stitches taken out after his surgery (modified radical neck dissection) last tuesday.

They found the primary tumor- it was in the base of the tongue, as they expected it would be, and they got it all out.  I think that's known as "clear margins". 

It was in more than one lymph node- somewhere like 4-6 lymph nodes were affected, but they removed all lymph nodes on that side and there was no indication that it was spreading or moving anywhere.

Doctor overall very pleased with how everything looked and they agree it was caught very early.  Right now the plan is rest for 4-6 weeks and radiation starting probably right before christmas, every day for several weeks.  At this point, probably no chemo.  Depending on results of HPV test, they will continue to deliberate this.

I want my dad to get another opinion on radiation treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering.  This was all done at Morristown Medical Center in NJ which had a very reputable surgeon and we could get in 2 weeks faster than Sloan. 

Next step will be a meeting with radiation oncologist in Morristown. 

I am feeling much better with this knowledge.  I was worried we would not find the primary tumor and possibly have to radiate his entire mouth.  This makes me feel more confident with the prognosis.  Doctor was very happy and feels more confident that prognosis is very good. 

Comments

  • Katie10485
    Katie10485 Member Posts: 41
    #2
    oops

    typo- radiation would start right before thanksgiving- not christmas. 

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    #3
    plan for success

    Katie,

    Base of tongue, very popular spot, that’s where mine was.

    I wish him the best.  Ask him how much he likes drinking water?  That was the first and best  advice I got----drink water and swallow often.

    Matt

  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #4
    Katie, Jim's was base of

    Katie, Jim's was base of tongue too. As Matt said, have him drink water, water, water. Hydration is very importane. I pray treatment goes well and he has a fast recovery.

    Debbie

  • Katie10485
    Katie10485 Member Posts: 41
    #5
    thanks

    Thanks!  I will remind him about drinking water often. I found out clarification it was only 3 lymph nodes.  I am feeling more optimistic about everything and looking forward to moving on to the next step. 

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #6
    Katie, so happy the primary

    Katie, so happy the primary was found and a plan has been made.  a second opinion is always a good idea.  many here have done just that.  it is improtant that you trust the people providing your dad's care.  it would be nice if he didn't need chemo.  that has side affects of its own as does the rads.  he will have a rough rough with some bumps and potholes but he will make it thru this.  Especially with you looking after him.  come here often throghout his tx with any questions or concerns and we will always try to help.  please keep us posted on his progress.  praying he heals nicely from the surgery and tx can get started on schedule.

    God bless you both,

    dj

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    #7
    Katie, 
    Praying for your dad!

    Katie, 

    Praying for your dad!  My dad had cancer of the sinus and lymph node involvement.  Thank God he is cancer free now!  He ended treatment July 25th 2013.  Just one day before his bday. Once treatment is over, then he can concentrate on improving!! Sending positive vibes your way! 

  • Anonymous7/6/2023
    Anonymous7/6/2023 Member Posts: 176
    #8
    "Clear margins" (well

    "Clear margins" ('well differentiated') - that is very good.

    Mine was 'poorly differentiated' (meaning the tumour had sent out many microscopic tendrils - picture a teeny tiny octopus), which means they can't get it all.

    Radiotherapy is tough, BUT you DO get through it.

    People here are full of compassion AND helpful tips and information for getting through.

    Your dad has had a victory - surgery - the first battle. The second one is radiotherapy - but he will WIN.

     

    I've just had an idea :) Why not, if your dad's up to it, have a pretendy Christmas now! Make it like a proper Christmas with a tree, and the best he can manage with food. A proper Christmas with all your own family traditions! I promise you wont regret it! :)

    TIPS:

    My surgery was last 27 December; by then my (oral tongue) tumour was huge, so I couldn't do solids really any more. My Christmas dinner was:

    Turkey pureed with lots of gravy

    Roast potatoes pureed with lots and lots of butter (real Guernsey butter) - good job we did this last coz it broke the blender hahaha

    Pureed brussels sprouts

    And, so help me god, pureed Christmas pudding with lashings of custard mixed with fresh cream!

  • longtermsurvivor
    longtermsurvivor Member Posts: 1,842 Member
    #9
    Estelle_H said:

    "Clear margins" (well

    "Clear margins" ('well differentiated') - that is very good.

    Mine was 'poorly differentiated' (meaning the tumour had sent out many microscopic tendrils - picture a teeny tiny octopus), which means they can't get it all.

    Radiotherapy is tough, BUT you DO get through it.

    People here are full of compassion AND helpful tips and information for getting through.

    Your dad has had a victory - surgery - the first battle. The second one is radiotherapy - but he will WIN.

     

    I've just had an idea :) Why not, if your dad's up to it, have a pretendy Christmas now! Make it like a proper Christmas with a tree, and the best he can manage with food. A proper Christmas with all your own family traditions! I promise you wont regret it! :)

    TIPS:

    My surgery was last 27 December; by then my (oral tongue) tumour was huge, so I couldn't do solids really any more. My Christmas dinner was:

    Turkey pureed with lots of gravy

    Roast potatoes pureed with lots and lots of butter (real Guernsey butter) - good job we did this last coz it broke the blender hahaha

    Pureed brussels sprouts

    And, so help me god, pureed Christmas pudding with lashings of custard mixed with fresh cream!

    pureed brussels sprouts

    er, huh, having trouble getting my head around this.......

     

    :)

  • Anonymous7/6/2023
    Anonymous7/6/2023 Member Posts: 176
    #10
    Blended into a 'thick puree'

    Blended into a 'thick puree' texture using hot butter :)

    This is the sort of texture I some day hope to be able to achieve again, although I wouldn't waste it on sprouts this time! :D

  • Katie10485
    Katie10485 Member Posts: 41
    #11
    CherieLW said:

    Katie, 
    Praying for your dad!

    Katie, 

    Praying for your dad!  My dad had cancer of the sinus and lymph node involvement.  Thank God he is cancer free now!  He ended treatment July 25th 2013.  Just one day before his bday. Once treatment is over, then he can concentrate on improving!! Sending positive vibes your way! 

    Thanks Cherie!

    Cherie, thanks so much for your note.  It's helpful to know that someone knows what I am going through seeing their dad go through this.  Thank you for sharing positivity!! 

  • Katie10485
    Katie10485 Member Posts: 41
    #12
    Estelle_H said:

    "Clear margins" (well

    "Clear margins" ('well differentiated') - that is very good.

    Mine was 'poorly differentiated' (meaning the tumour had sent out many microscopic tendrils - picture a teeny tiny octopus), which means they can't get it all.

    Radiotherapy is tough, BUT you DO get through it.

    People here are full of compassion AND helpful tips and information for getting through.

    Your dad has had a victory - surgery - the first battle. The second one is radiotherapy - but he will WIN.

     

    I've just had an idea :) Why not, if your dad's up to it, have a pretendy Christmas now! Make it like a proper Christmas with a tree, and the best he can manage with food. A proper Christmas with all your own family traditions! I promise you wont regret it! :)

    TIPS:

    My surgery was last 27 December; by then my (oral tongue) tumour was huge, so I couldn't do solids really any more. My Christmas dinner was:

    Turkey pureed with lots of gravy

    Roast potatoes pureed with lots and lots of butter (real Guernsey butter) - good job we did this last coz it broke the blender hahaha

    Pureed brussels sprouts

    And, so help me god, pureed Christmas pudding with lashings of custard mixed with fresh cream!

    Thank you Estelle!

    Estelle, Thank you for helping me feel some reassurance with the clear margins/well differentiated.  I'm sorry your circumstances were different and will be praying for you.

     

    That is a nice idea about the Christmas before treatment.  I will have to think about this.  KNowing the timing, he will either be ending treatment around christmas or towards the end of it. Either way, probably not going to be a very fun time for him.  

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    #13
    Katie10485 said:

    Thanks Cherie!

    Cherie, thanks so much for your note.  It's helpful to know that someone knows what I am going through seeing their dad go through this.  Thank you for sharing positivity!! 

    You bet!  Praying and wishing

    You bet!  Praying and wishing you all luck!  

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