-
New caregiver here - looking for some encouragement and advice!
Hi all - my name is Michaelene and my husband, Michael (yes, we are Michael and Michaelene), just got diagnosed with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (right lymph node). Only symptom was a swollen lymph node, but the biopsy has confirmed it. He did a contrast CT scan yesterday and they don't see any other tumors and…
-
Anyone use medical marijuana?
Two years after my surgery for BOT HPV-related tongue cancer, and a full neck dissection/took 63 nodes, I'm dealing with chronic neck discomfort. Been examined thoroughly by my ENT, surgeon and radiation oncologist, had a CAT scan and multiple larngoscopies, no one's been able to ID any malignant cause of the…
-
LitlCJdoll (Crystal) An Honored and Dear Member Has Passed.
Obituary Link Below-There is a short tribute video below the obituary-very nice- It is with great sorrow that I bring this news to the Head & Neck group. LitlCJdoll (Crystal) has passed on September 12, 2022 She was a true warrior in her battle with cancer and a staunch supporter of others here on the forum. She had…
-
Would appreciate info from the experienced
I'm 73, had TORS for a new SCC right tonsil in May of 2022 along with radical neck dissection for carotid ligations. Did "OK" in the weeks following TORS then had 30 IMRT's in July/Aug. I have to mention too that I was diagnosed in 2007 w/SCC left tonsil and lymph nodes resulting in CISPLATIN weekly chemo concurrent with…
-
Post Tx Follow up schedule / PET vs CT / too many doc's & different opinions.
This is a bit complicated. I received my rad & chemo at Peace Health - St. Joe's in Bellingham Wa. I am followed by a surgeon at a 2nd place in Bellingham, Wa. (had my Tors / neck surgery in Seattle with a different surgeon). Finished treatments in early Dec 2021. PET in early April was NED & CT done yesterday was NED. My…
-
Been a while
Haven’t visited for a while but need some suggestions. I can’t seem to gain weight….due to my head and neck radiation my esophagus is about the size of a drinking straw. Im at about 155 and just can’t seem to increase my weight. I’ve had a total of 13 EGD procedures with basically no improvement I have difficulty…
-
mask for radiation...?
Ive read many people referring to a mask used for radiation. Is that used for all types of Cancers diagnoses or only specific ones? Certain types of radiation also? Mom has unknown primary, to my understanding they most likely are going to radiate " all over" in common head and neck locations. thanks, just wondering trying…
-
What A Difference a Day Makes-New Situation
I had a sore neck on the same side as previous lymph cancer August 30th. I let it go about 5 days and it got better but didn't go away. Knowing my past cancer history I didn't wait any longer. I had an upcoming ENT appointment and I made it sooner. I Asked if I should get a scan before the appointment. They set me up with…
-
HPV- SCC spread to lungs
2018 I had a SCC tumor on the base of my tounge. No sugery just radiation and chemo. June scans, and last week biopsy came back positive in both sides of my lungs. I have no symptoms yet. Looking for guidance/hope, and info to base decision making on. I do not always take what the oncologist says as gospel. Thanks
-
Feeding tube discharge
My husband had a cap come off the Lopez Vale today, which happens from time to time, usually the discharge is the color of formula but today was brown. He hadn't had his breakfast yet, was taking meds with a red bull. I'm just concerned because I haven't noticed brown contents from the tube before. He has a low grade…
-
mucoepidermoid carcinoma
I am looking for surviors of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary gland(low grade)
-
SCC, HPV 16+, right lymph node, primary source unknown
Hi all- Wanted to give a quick update on my husband’s dx. Unfortunately, they have not been able to find the primary source. ENT is recommending putting my husband under and looking for spots to biopsy in his mouth + right side tonsillectomy if she can’t find any other potential source. Obviously, I understand the benefit…
-
Ear pain after tongue biopsy?
Hello. I had a tongue biopsy a little over a week ago. I still have a fair amount of pain and fullness in my ear (same side as biopsy). I wake up at night with a stabbing pain in my ear. During the day, it's mostly a dull ache right next to my ear, where my jaw starts. The oral surgeon suggests I go back to a soft diet and…
-
New here, seeking advice, questions to ask for treatment approach, question on surgery
My husband was diagnosed 22nd of December, 2021 with HPV+ SCC the right tonsil, Stage Il. Additional history…presumed cT2 N1 MO SCC of right tonsil, HPV+, P16. He completed 33 rounds of radiation along with 7 chemo on 4/5/2022. His MRI on 5/27 came back clear. 6/16 CAT Scan showed positive lymph nodes and…
-
maxillectomy with obturator recon
Hello, I have had a lot of excisions for SCC inside my mouth. I also have had a SCC tumor removed in my lower jaw 10 years ago. I have not had to had radiation nor chemo. I now have been diagnosed with Invasive Well-Differentiated SCC in my upper back jaw and an "inferior posterior maxillectomy with obturator recon" has…
-
Obturator
I am hoping someone sees this post, since it looks like a couple of my posts have not been answered lately. Does anyone have an obturator? My temporary one was placed during surgery and I am told that when my mouth is healed enough, my prosthodontist will take a mold for another, and so on, until I am ready for a more…
-
Benecalorie Food and Protein Enhancer
Hi all, I have several packs of Nestle Benecalorie I won't use. I am willing to ship them to anyone in need.
-
Back of throat - squamous cell cancer
I was six years clean from Stage IV cancer of the larynx and 2 lymph nodes. Had 33 radiation and 7 chemo with feeding tube and chemo port and had been fine - no issues. I just received diagnosis on a punch biopsy from the back wall of my oropharynx for squamous cell carcinoma and am awaiting a PET scan. Had covid about 7…
-
Osteoporosis treatment following radiation for throat cancer
I'm hoping that someone has some information, thoughts or suggestions for Osteoporosis treatment following radiation from base of skull to collar bones. 5 years ago I had squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, was treated with cetuximab and 33 cycles of proton radiation. Fast forward to now, and I've just been…
-
Help Needed - Vomitting
Hi all, My husband is in week 5 of radiation and completed round 2 of chemo last week. Since chemo last week he has been taken over by nausea and throws up almost everything he eats. He doesn't have a sore throat and has not had problems swallowing. We initially thought the nausea/vomitting was caused by thick saliva. He…
-
Hearing Loss & Tinnitus - caused by Cisplatin - now hesitent to do last round of chemo
Hi, My husband, Joe, has 6 more days of radiation and 1 more chemo (Cisplatin 100mcg/m2) to go. He has developed all of the typical side affects posted here and hopefully can get through the rest of treatment and onto recovery. (I'm very nervous about us managing all of the side affects post-recovery, but we did managed…
-
Permanent Denture using implants
I just found this out as it happened to me on Saturday, January 25. My permanent lower denture came out. This was held in place by 4 screws that went into posts implanted into my lower jaw. With time, these screws can become weak based upon eating and possibly griding teeth while sleeping. On Saturday, my entire lower…
-
Feeling Cold
Those of you who have been through treatment: What's with this feeling cold all the time. Bob(my husband) is 5 months out - all is well, but he is always complaining about being cold. Anyone else out there feeling "chilly" when no one else is????? Just wondering?
-
G tube question
Yesterday, I had the G tube placed in my stomach. The pain is tolerable today with the help of Tylenol. My question is about feeling like I need to burp but can't. Is that a normal symptom? I feel the pressure and I just can't burp to get it out. I also feel nauseous at times when I'm up moving around. Will this go away on…
-
Waiting to find out treatments
Yesterday, I had the radiation mask made for me. It wasn't as bad as I had pictured it to be. Today, I had an MRI. Monday, I have the G tube put in. Tuesday, I have some dental work being done. It just seems like so much happening that it's hard to keep organized. If I didn't have a calendar and notebook in my purse, I…
-
72 yr old facing TORS tonsilar procedure......HELP!!
15 yr survivor of SCC left tonsil/lymph nodes. Had 35 IMRT and 7 Cisplatin chemo in 2007. NED until this week. Just had a biopsy for a sore throat and the results are not good. SCC again but in the base of where the right tonsil was. Waiting for PET appt. Have appt with Oncologist and TORS Surgeon scheduled for next week…
-
To sleep with the G tube
I'm getting the G tube put in on Monday the 15th. I'm concerned about sleeping. I am a stomach sleeper, which I'm sure that probably won't be possible. I can side sleep but then I usually end up on the stomach. Sleeping positions? Is there any tips on being comfortable and getting restful sleep with the g tube? I already…
-
Right side tonsil cancer spread to 2 right lymph nodes
Hi there, I have been reading all the current discussions, and I wasn't sure whether to start a new one or piggy back one that has already been started (which I felt weird about). So here I am. I am 52 years old and discovered a lump in my neck in mid June. Fast forward to today-I have had 2 ultrasounds, a biopsy of the…
-
Sharing The Beauty Of Summer
It's that time of year again, about the peak of things growing for the summer. About 1 more month of push till September, then things start showing summer wear and start phasing out. Enjoy the blessings of the beauty of God's creation. Take care, God Bless everyone
-
Scared - Not Sure I Belong Here
Hi Everyone, I’m going to preface this by saying that my husband is in the process of testing/ scans and we have not received results beyond physical exam and ultrasound. I have a lot of questions and am in need of some support. That said, if this is not an appropriate place for me to be please let me know. My 38 year old…