My first post, Oropharyngeal Cancer

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Dave55
Dave55 Member Posts: 12
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

 Hi,

  I have been following the forum for a couple months. I was diagnosed in July with Stage 4a, hpv+, with UNP. They did semi Radical (I think it's called) Neck dissection on Aug 5th to remove matted lymph nodes on the right side of my neck, along with about 5 or 6 different biopies in my throat and mouth during the surgery. All the biopsies came back negative. They told me they thought my body had killed off what cancer there was. My neck feels almost as good as new again. I do have some loss of feeling in the area, but movement seems as good as always. I started 6 chemo treatments once a week (CIS), and 6 weeks of radiation therapy today. All went well. Boy those masks are fun aren't they :).

    I just wanted to post and thank everyone for all they do to support other people like myself with there informative and caring posts. OH!, and there wealth of information to help us. I've never been a talkative person but if there's anything I can do to help answer someone's questions I'll be happy to do so. I'm sure I will need others support in the days ahead. Probably full of questions.

                                                 Thanks for being here for us and God Bless!

Comments

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    #2
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    welcome

     

    Dave,

     

    Welcome aboard the H&N forum and the mask is a real gas.  I never liked it ,  but came to find all the sounds, lasers and movement interesting. I also, faithfully took 1 Lorazepam daily and toward the end a big swig of magic mouth wash out in the parking lot.

     

    Don’t forget to drink lots of water and swallowing.

     

    Wishing you a smooth ride.

     

    Matt

     

  • MrsBD
    MrsBD Member Posts: 615 Member
    #3
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    Questions

    You have questions, we have answers (or at least opinions). I'm glad you found this site as it was a great source of information, inspiration, and support for me. We'll be here for you.

  • Barbaraek
    Barbaraek Member Posts: 626
    #4
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    welcome

    Dave,

    I'm glad you decided to post and introduce yourself, though we are all sorry that anyone has to belong to this club. There is much to gain from this site, both informational and inspirational. Glad that you are adding to the collective good of the forum.

     

    Barbara

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #5
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    dave, welcome to our club,

    dave, welcome to our club, i'm glad you decided to post.  we get sad when we get new family members but we're always glad to help when we can and we will be here to help you.  lots and lots of questions seem to come with having cancer but you should be able to get the answers you're looking for here also.  its okay if you don't talk much, others talk enough (like me) to make up for you....lol.  yeah, those masks are something.  some here kept their masks and decorated them and others used them for shooting practice.  I left mine on my last day!  well, welcome to the club and we look forward to hearing from you.

    God bless you,

    dj

  • Dave55
    Dave55 Member Posts: 12
    #6
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    debbiejeanne said:

    dave, welcome to our club,

    dave, welcome to our club, i'm glad you decided to post.  we get sad when we get new family members but we're always glad to help when we can and we will be here to help you.  lots and lots of questions seem to come with having cancer but you should be able to get the answers you're looking for here also.  its okay if you don't talk much, others talk enough (like me) to make up for you....lol.  yeah, those masks are something.  some here kept their masks and decorated them and others used them for shooting practice.  I left mine on my last day!  well, welcome to the club and we look forward to hearing from you.

    God bless you,

    dj

    Thanks

    Thanks for all the freindly replies. 28 days to go!

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #7
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    Welcome to the H&N Group

    Welcome to the H&N, and sorry you need to be here. I never had the mask, but I sure got the neck dissection on both sides leval 2~5. 48 glande on the left and 38 on the right. I did get the feeling back on the right side. Funny in a way how the feeling comes back an inch or so at a time. My ears were numb so when I put on headphones I never new they were there. The left side is numb and for me, most likely will never come back. Feels odd to shave as I cant feel if it is touching. Glad you are doing good. It will just keep getting better and easier as well.

    Bill

  • Dave55
    Dave55 Member Posts: 12
    #8
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    Dave55 said:

    Thanks

    Thanks for all the freindly replies. 28 days to go!

    1st week over

    I made it through the first week even though it wasn't much fun. Was doing well until third day, that's when nausea and tiredness hit. Will the nausea from chemo get better or worse as treatment goes? Hope everyone has a good weekend.

      I read the posts today and am putting everyone in my prayers tonight. I hope everyone gets there prayers answered!!!

  • avisemi
    avisemi Member Posts: 172
    #9
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    Welcome to the place we

    Welcome to the place we rather not have to welcome new folks.  Hope your treatments go well!!  keep us posted.  We are here for you 

  • Carolinagal4
    Carolinagal4 Member Posts: 22
    #10
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    avisemi said:

    Welcome to the place we

    Welcome to the place we rather not have to welcome new folks.  Hope your treatments go well!!  keep us posted.  We are here for you 

    Anti-nausea meds

    Dave--I wanted to offer some feedback on your question about the nausea from the chemo meds.  Make sure that you tell your oncologist what you are experiencing. I had a lot of nausea in the beginning and they were able to change the anti-nausea meds and the timing of when to take those meds and it made a world of difference! I suffered through the first week and just waited for my regular appointment to give that feedback and my oncologist fussed at me and said that I should have reached out sooner.

    and good luck on your treatments!

  • Tragic-king
    Tragic-king Member Posts: 12
    #11
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    Carolinagal4 said:

    Anti-nausea meds

    Dave--I wanted to offer some feedback on your question about the nausea from the chemo meds.  Make sure that you tell your oncologist what you are experiencing. I had a lot of nausea in the beginning and they were able to change the anti-nausea meds and the timing of when to take those meds and it made a world of difference! I suffered through the first week and just waited for my regular appointment to give that feedback and my oncologist fussed at me and said that I should have reached out sooner.

    and good luck on your treatments!

    I found the second round of

    I found the second round of chemo to be tougher than the first, both lasting over a week long.  I also was a bit too macho on the drugs, stopping too early in taking them which led to lots of problems on the second round.  I will not make that mistake this time.

    best of luck, I found the first 3weeks of radiation to go pretty well, but these last couple of weeks are not as easy and my confidence fell.  My family and friends have helped a lot in keeping me up beat and looking to the future.

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