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Somehow We Hold On
Hello folks. I recently came across a song that had me thinking about my cancer experiences and some unbelievably tough times I had endured now and then. I also have in my mind the many members on here I have seen go through some of the toughest things you can imagine. There are some amazing triumphs that the folks on here…
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Lymph Node Involvement? Should I Ask for a Scan?
On April 4, I went for a routine cleaning at the dentist. They found a white patch that looked concerning. Had a biopsy on April 14. On May 4, results came back as advanced dysplasia/pre-cancerous (no margins in sample). So, they sent me to onc. I just had the first appt on May 31. They looked at it, checked my lymph nodes…
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leukoplakia
I am a 7 1/2 year survivor of Tonsillar cancer positive for the HPV virus. I finished 6 weeks of radiation and have been cancer-free ever since. The only side effect of the treatment is some dry mouth which is very manageable. I decided to get an appointment with my ENT just to follow up and he noticed a couple of white…
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After Radiation and Chemo
Hello, I have just joined the group, five years ago I had squamus cell carcinoma on my tongue and had about 20% of it removed surgically after which the cancer was gone. Five years later I developed a new spot above the original area that was cancerous as well and this time I had 43 radiation treatments and five chemo…
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New to CSN Throat Cancer stage IV
I very recently discovered that I am faced with Stage IV throat cancer. The origin site will be further explored later this week. Based on what I have read there are two basic options for treatment, chemo or neck dissection followed by radiology. If I go with the neck dissection does the radiation alone kill the cancer in…
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Dang the Rad damage
NPC w/concurrent C&R, 68 Gys to bottom half of throat, 60 to top half, and 56 above the chin back in early 2009. First came the aspiration and discovery of Rad damage to the esophagus as the cause, and have been FT-dependent since 8/2019. Car accident just before my 14th Birthday= crushed windpipe @ larynx got me 23 Ops.…
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Memorial Day-We Honor Our Fallen
It is Memorial Day once again and we enjoy the freedom and blessings of living in a free country with many blessings. At the same moment, we need to be sure we all take the time to remember our fallen soldiers who gave their last great measure for their country and for free men and women everywhere. Take time today to…
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Tongue / Flap swelling one year after full glossectomy
I had a full glossectomy on April 21 last year followed by chemo and radiation treatments in June and part of July. My surgeons told me the swelling would go down in 6 to 8 months so I remained optimistic and vigilant with my recovery. Everything appeared to be going as planned and by September, the swelling was coming…
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Basal Cell-Squamous Cell-Forehead Flap
Hello H&N folks. I found an interesting video to share that I happened on, believe it or not, looking at different pill crushers. Anyway, this relates to the fact that she had squamous cell on top of basal cell, which many of us have had but not together. I will let the video speak for itself. It has over 4 million views.…
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New to the club here..Larynx Cancer.
Hey all, My name is Stephanie, you can call me Steph as well. I'm 46 years old. I have T2N0M0 - P16 SCC (HPV+) Located on my true left vocal cord. The cancer was I am sure at T1 when this all began, but due to delays - well, here we go. Tis life! I was a smoker, quit about 10 years ago - perhaps longer... I quit with…
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Fistula/hole in back of mouth
Hello Everyone, I am new to the group, having been checking in routinely for the past couple of months. This is my first post/comment. I had surgery to remove an invasive tumor of the left buccal mucosa last October, which resulted in a partial maxillectomy and free flap reconstruction. The surgery was follwed up by 30 rad…
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Help? Laser-Assisted Periodontal Regeneration With the LANAP Protocol
Has anyone had LANAP for gum disease? I’m having a procedure tomorrow and could use some help. My radiation oncologist has said that HBOT is required for extraction or surgery on the bone. This procedure addresses periodontal gum tissue disease. No extraction or bone surgery with this procedure I’m wondering if anyone out…
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Ligation of carotid artery branches during TORS tonsillectomy and base of tongue disection
I am being scheduled for a TORS procedure relative to the base of what used to be my right tonsil. A recent biopsy found Squamous Cell Carcinoma, HPV16 Positive. PET and CT scans indicate no metastisis. Oncologist rated T-1 M-0 N-O This is my second tonsilar cancer. My left tonsil was found to be malignant back in 2007.…
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NED since 2007 with new Squamous Cell Carcinoma HNC opposite side
Thankfully there is a ton of info here. Can someone help me navigate to the "latest and greatest" advice for upcoming IMRT? I had 35 treatments to the left tonsil area in 2007 and it looks like I am going to have to have another 35 to the right tonsil area now, 15 years later. Given the likely advances in technology and…
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Scanxiety Over--The Results Are In
Scanxiety Over--The Results Are In I am not only posting my latest update as informative and celebratory but as a positive message to all those in treatment and out of treatment and to all my fellow brothers and sisters of the H&N cancer experience that there is an end to treatment, though it seems far away at times there…
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Happy Mothers Day to Everyone
Wishing everyone a wonderful and happy and Blessed Mother's Day. If your mother is still with you tell her today and every day how much you love her and give her a big hug. If for some reason you are not in a good relationship with your mother today is the day to change your heart and the situation and reach out to mom and…
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In Hospice care
Hello CSN This is an update....on March 18th I had my 2nd Radiotherapy Mask made in preparation for twice daily super high dose Radiotherapy, to the same areas plus more , as I had radiated in 2018. But by the evening of the 23rd, I was admitted to the Cancer Center hospital, dehydrated,getting Lactated Ringers solution to…
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Spring Renewal Blessings and Flowers
Hello, all you good folks. It is always nice to take a little break from the subject of cancer and celebrate the blessings around us. I just want to celebrate spring and warmer weather with you with a couple of pictures of some local flowers and plants What was not long ago this-- Is now this--- It's amazing to me how…
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Had my first post Tx PET and it was clear - why don't I feel better about it?
SqCC HPV + (primary base of tongue, 1 lymph node in neck) Stage 1. Tors in August, completed chemo in late Nov & rads in early Dec. Got though it w/out a PEG and lost 30 lbs. Am doing PT for my right arm and overall conditioning. I'm now able to lift my arm straight up from the prior 90 degrees. Went for a 2 mile walk…
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I’m a cancer survivor. Now what?
This is from Merck, I had a video downloaded and was searching where it came from and found it. Just want to share it with you guys for whatever you get out of it. There is a short moving video on this page, at least to me about being a survivor. One of the ladies commented how friends and family that know you are done…
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Cannabis warning
Hello, just ran across this info. might be worth taking note. https://futurism.com/neoscope/research-thc-accelerates-growth-tumors
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Hyperthyroidism
I tested a bit high on my TSH, 3rd Gen numbers, at my last test. It is my understanding they want to get another blood draw for a (4th Gen?) test. Does anyone on here deal with the symptoms of Hyperthyroidism, or take meds for it? I'm probably jumping the gun, as this was my first high test ... but I wanted to be…
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Wishing Everyone A Happy And Blessed Easter
Hello, fellow Surthrivers of the CSN H&N group. I would just like to wish everyone a Blessed and Happy Easter and that we will continue to be Blessed with many NED's and Clear Scans ahead. He is risen! ... Today, we remember Jesus' sacrifice and give thanks for what he brought to our world. Wishing you a Blessed and Holy…
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OZZYMANDIBLE
Has anyone saw/heard any update from this lady? I think the last thing I read from her was that she was having a recurrence Prayers for all.. Jerry
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OZZYMANDIBLE
Has anyone heard from this lady? I think the last post I saw from her was that she had a recurrence. Prayers for all Jerry
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Does Medicare cover HBOT?
Hi all, I may be facing a tooth extraction (not sure yet). Rad onc said I’ll need 20 dives of HBOT prior to the extraction and 10 after. Tooth had 65 grays. Does anyone know if Medicare covers hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Also, for those out there who’ve had HBOT prior & after extractions, love to hear about your experience…
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Embracing death, coming clean about the cause, and other thoughts
During my cancer treatment, the whole time I was very positive and quite upbeat. I still am today although I have been humbled by this experience and the big word that keeps broadcasting across my mind is the word SOFT. I've always been an intense person, type A, division 1 athlete, all about accolades and more accolades.…
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Metastatic prostate cancer
How long before taste might return after radiation to my neck for C2 PC?
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Looking for guidance
Hi everyone my name is Michael (content removed by CSN staff), I am from a small city in upstate New York and was recently diagnosed with a squamous cell on my tongue. Yesterday was my first visit with an ENT specialist at Upstate Cancer Center. I am looking for any guidance from anyone that has battled this type of cancer…
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Surgery or not?! Tonsil Cancer
I have HP16 tonsil cancer and have yet to do my PET scan, but my ENT is thinking surgery will be an option. I am not particularly opposed to surgery but read about some risks with it. If offered surgery as an option, should I take it (not sure if it is TORS) Is surgery riskier than just radiation and chemo? Would surgery…