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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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Decision time - Treatment Plan for HPV + Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Hi, I’m a 61 year old man in the UK with a 3 cm tumour in one of my lymph nodes on R/H side of neck. Biopsies confirm HPV+ (P16+) metastasis. Had both tonsils removed 3 weeks ago and other biopsies done during the surgery and all back clear. Surgeon said she could not see or feel anything abnormal. Also had MRI, CT and PET…
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Skiffin16 - Farewell to CSN
Not many of us around from back in the old days (years of 2009 to present). We've definitely lost a few along the way, but some of us are still kickin it, and doing well. Unfortunatley, I received an email that all of this history is going to be lost in a month or so as they're shutting down the forum. That sure is a hard…
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Thank you all for everything
Hi all I am based in Ireland and have been lurking on this site without posting since my tonsil cancer diagnosis back in 2021 aged 48. It was so useful in the dark old days of treatment when eating was such a struggle and my mouth was such a mess (God, you just forget, don't you?), and even since, from time to time as new…
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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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I would like to chat with other Laryngectomy's ....... * not many of us out there *
Most times I feel so alone and have no one to talk to about being a total Laryngectomy .It would be nice to meet someone with same .I had vocalcord cancer and this June 9 will be my 1 yr surgery date .I have alot of anxiety attaches , which keep me homebound .I am single and use to be fairly active ...So if your out there…
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Cramps (?) on the right side of my neck 4 1/2 years post radiation for BOT Cancer
I’ve been having cramps (not sure if cramps is the right word) on the right side of my neck. If I turn my head a little down or up, it feels like a muscle cramping or locking up. I can move my head back and forth to relieve it but it’ll often ache for awhile afterwards. Sometimes while I’m at a doctor’s office it isn’t…
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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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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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So God Made a Mother: A Beautiful Mother's Day Poem-Happy Mothers Day Everyone!
I have come across this wonderful poem to share Mother's day with each and every one of you today. God's Blessings to you all. At the dawn of time, God needed someone He could trust to love His precious children. And so, God made a mother. God said, “Life will often be harsh, so I need someone with a gentle touch. Someone…
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Happy Mothers Day Celebration And Blessings to Everyone
I would like to wish everyone a Wonderful and Blessed Mother's Day. Enjoy this day and celebrate mothers everywhere because we all have one, everybody does. Go visit, send cards, or phone Mom and tell her how much she means to you and how much you love her. And for those of us whose mom has passed on, bask in the memories…
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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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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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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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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…