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Superthread (Read only) ~ contributed by Sweetblood22
Welcome new members! This is a read-only post that provides information about resources we, members of the head and neck cancer forum, found helpful as well as our answers to most frequently asked questions in our forum. Please feel free to send Skiffin16 a private message (PM) if you have something you think should be…
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Some tips from CSN
Welcome to the CSN! Below are some tips to help you get started following and posting on the boards. You can follow your preferred discussion board to get notifications of new topics and comments. To follow a board, navigate to your preferred board and then select the bell at the top, followed by your notification…
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Teeth problems after radiation treatment
I have been reading on line about teeth pulling after radiation treatments and am scared to death about what I am reading!. I am 40 months out of radiation treatments. One of my teeth is now at the point of needing to be extracted. Prior to the radiation treatments I requested that I have my teeth pulled knowing that there…
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Dental Problems
I am having major dental problems three years post treatment for throat cancer. Already had several crowns and several fillings. Is it true that you have to have hyperbaric oxygen treatment before having teeth removed. Any dental help I can get will be appreciated. My teeth were not very good at beginning of radiation,…
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Chyle Leak Complication
my MIL went in on the 17th to have her Thyroid n some lymph nodes removed due to Cancer. During the surgery you Thoradic Duct got damaged and caused a Chyle Leak. They tried to go in and fix it and thought they did but it still was leaking. The just did a Third procedure that took 8 hrs and still did not fix it. Has…
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Tim6003
Joined the Head & Neck Cancer Club in 2011. 15 years on, still kicking. Had a feeding tube placed in 2017, doing pretty much anything I want Just stopping in for nostalgia and to encourage all who are in this club to keep advocating for yourself, don't be shy to push for your care and what you need... and to remember,…
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56 Year old post Neck Dissection Surgery
I am 8 weeks post surgery to remove the 5cm tumor from my throat. I have in the last 3 days been able to swallow water with little aspiration. But nothing else works yet. My neck and tracheotomy site are a source of endless pain. I eat and drink through a tube mostly. I also can not speak very good yet. I was a…
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free flap reconstruction of gums
Just wondering if anyone else has had free flap reconstruction in mouth. It doesn't seem to be too common and I really would love to discuss with someone who has been through this.
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11 Years Out From Stage III BOT
UPDATE: 1-13-22 Just dropping in to say hello to all my old warrior friends and to encourage all those just beginning or not so long out of the thick of it....there is light at the end! As I posted this tonight, I whispered a prayer under my breath for you all. I teied to put a few new pics on here, but forgive my lack of…
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Sore throat return after 8 months?
anyone have a “sore when swallowing” throat appear many months after recovery from radiation and oral surgery? It coincided with a cold sore on my lip; 1st the flooor of my mouth was sore (or the sides of my tongue) as it was hard to tell. Then it moved to when swallowing only. Not sure if it’s tongue or throat. I’m two…
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Recovery from Right Tonsil Cancer
Today was my last chemo session (Cisplatin) and tomorrow is my last radiation treatment (2/4/26). I also had Stage 1 breast cancer in the beginning of 2025! When those radiation treatments ended I was so excited to ring the bell and be done. Now I feel everyone around me is disappointed that I'm not feeling celebratory,…
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The Untold Truth About Mental Health and Cancer
Welcome to our latest video where we delve into the complex and often overlooked relationship between mental health and cancer. Many individuals facing a cancer diagnosis also experience emotional and psychological challenges, which can affect their overall well-being and treatment outcomes. In this video, we explore the…
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TORS, radiation, and chemo—choices
TORS+ vs Radiation/Chemo I’ve been diagnosed with p16 (HPV)-positive oropharynx cancer, stage one (cT2N1M0 p16). I have one positive lymph node infected, a likely second positive node, and a questionable third node—all on the same side as my tumor which is at the base of my tongue. One option is the TORS route. I would…
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Thyroid Nodule 4 1/2 years post radiation. It never seems to stop.
I’m back! July 25, 2021 I was diagnosed with cancer at the base of my tongue. 31 radiation treatments took out the cancer. Of course I went thru all the after effects of the radiation, but things have been ok I guess though my main nutrition still come from smoothies. Been having a weird cramping sensation and some…
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Next Monday I get my pake put in my chest 14 days later I'll be starting chemo and radiation
Well I'm getting ready to start my chemotherapy and my radiation treatment on my throat yeah yeah I'm scared to death 5 weeks of chemo therapy and 5 weeks radiation it might not work we don't know they might have to go back in and do surgery or trying not to think about that
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Long term swallowing issues
Hi, Before I begin, I just want to offer some encouragement and hope to anyone recently diagnosed. It was my second cancer, the first being unrelated colorectal cancer. I began my NPC journey in 2011. I underwent both radiation and chemotherapy at MSKCC (highly recommended). But have been NED since. Recently, I have…
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Buccal mucosal squamous cell carcinoma
Hello there! I am a 51 year old woman who was recently diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma right buccal mucosa. Started with what I thought was a cheek bite in Decemeber. It would not heal properly, and in January at my normal dentist appointment he was concerned and sent me on for a biopsy. Got the call Feb 6th that…
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Radiation or no radiation
I just had my third surgery since May 2017. First surgery was to remove a liason on the floor of my mouth under my tongue. 2nd surgery (June 2018) was to remove my right neck lymph nodes. 3rd surgery (August 2018) was to remove my left neck lymph nodes. CT scan results were the reason for the right removal. Of 27 nodes…
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Calif. teen takes $100K national science prize
Some really amazing news about technological advancements in cancer treatment. Unfortunately, it could take at least 25 years for practical use though. Calif. teen takes $100K national science prize
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I'm part of a clinical trial
I feel I am a lucky person to have been approved to participate in a clinical trial for a less damaging radiation treatment. I had been seeking treatment with protons for that same "less damaging" reason, but due to various factors, getting insurance approval was simply taking too long. I start Tuesday. Involved Field…
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After TORS, de-intensified trial of 3 weeks rad
Hi all. Massive thanks to you who have shared your experience and helpful tips about getting through your ordeals. You have shown me what patience and strength is. I'm here for support, but also want to be a resource for anyone going through something similar, as I seem to be a kinda niche patient with this early-stage ssc…
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Beginning therapy and scared
About 11 weeks ago my spouse noticed a lump on his neck and we went to the dr and were prescribed antibiotic treatment for an "angry lymph node" .... fast forward 3 weeks when we went to the emergency room when it did not reduce in size. He has stage 3 HNSCC as well as laryngeal cancer and esophageal cancer. We just did…
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Salt & Soda Solution for Secretions
I came across the "recipe" I was given for salt and soda solution to help control secretions. Thought it may be helpful to share. :) Into 1 quart water add: 1/2 teaspoon table salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Shake or stir solution. Store at room temperature. Use every 1-3 hours - especially after eating, taking oral…
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Photodynamic Laser Treatment for Osteoradionecrosis?
Please members make note of this, it may be helpful someday to you. Although not the frontline treatment on this a fellow CSN'er, Mavish, recently posted this as an add-on and update into another posting. I think this subject and this option is important enough to share as a posting to the group and the public at large.…
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52 year old Male, Diagnosed 11/23/2022 with HPV+ p16 p40 cancer
I’m in the club no-one wants to be in as a newly diagnosed cancer patient. I’m a former smoker who quit daily 1/2 pack a day habit 19 years ago but still smoked socially up until diagnosis about 4-5 packs a year. Otherwise healthy and on no medications. My details are a mildly painful mass in my left neck just under…
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Osteoradionecrosis treatment with pentoxyphiline, clodronate, prednisolone and Vitamin E treatmene,
Hi all, I wonder if anyone tried above meds for in combination for Orn treatment? If so what was their condition before and after the treatment. I have ORN since 2018, following head and neck RT for tonsils cancer. Chris
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Sore throat still
I know there is no "normal" when it comes to cancer...but...does it seem right, to still have a sore throat after 3 months out of treatment? I do have an appt. for my first MRI on Feb.4. I am anxious, nervous, scared and all the rest:) It's not sore all of the time, and there is no rhyme or reason for when it is sore. Is…
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Wishing Everyone On CSN H&N A Happy And Wonderful 2026 New Year
Wishing everyone a Happy Happy New Year and Most Definitely a Cancer-Free Life from here on out. And my prayers are for everyone on here that you all get through any cancer situations you are in, and that this Evil Disease will never darken your door again. Feel free to comment and share greetings, stories, information,…
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Carotid body tumors need help finding specialist!
My husband is 40 years old and doctors just found 2 carotid body tumors on a ct scan, one on right side of neck and one on the left. Surgeon that requested ct scan told us today to do our research and get him to a specialist in these tumors as he is not and doesn’t know anyone around here that is. We are south of Buffalo…
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Christmas Blessings To Our Group In The CSN H&N Section 2025
I Am Wishing Everyone A Blessed And Joyous Christmas And Great Hope ForTomorrowPlease feel free to add your Christmas greetings and Well Wishes, everyone. It is once again Christmas and time for family gatherings, food, gifting others, and extending goodwill to all. This is certainly a wonderful time of the year that can…
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Immunotherapy for Squamous Cell Carcinoma, base of tongue
Brief recap: 2007, SCC left tonsil/lymph gland, minor surgery, 35 rads, 7 Cisplatin Chemo, still all clear last PET 3/2025. 2022, SCC right tonsil, TORS for tumor, RND of the neck. No chemo, 30 rads. PET 2025 shows reoccurrence near base of tongue. Surgery and radiation not an option. Waiting on appt to discuss…
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Side effects of radiation and chemo for treatment of NECK cancer.
Hey all. I am new to this forum, but I have questions. I am 7 weeks post radiation and chemo treatments for HVP small cell squama's carcinoma. I knew most of the side effects going into my treatment plan. They all sucked but I knew. I lost my taste after week 2. Needed a feeding PEG tube after week 5. The horror show had…