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Modified radical neck dissection issues for an athlete
I had cancer in my thyroid and neck and had a thyroidectomy and modified lateral neck dissection on Sept 6, 2011. He removed 59 lymph nodes and 4 of them had cancer. I am a triathlete and was training for an Ironman that took place this past weekend. I didn't do the race because of many issues I am having recovering from…
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Giving-up
Do you ever feel like giving up? Sometimes I know that I do when the side effects just keep coming and it seems like there is no hope in site. Today I realize something that I guess I had forgotten and that is how much I love my Caregiver Wife. For some reason I was just thinking about the past and ever turn I made my…
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Treatment is done!!!
Thank you everyone for all of your help and encouragement. After the Trans Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS), neck dissection, and 30 radiation treatments, I am sitting back and waiting for the radiation to finish its work. Today was my last radiation treatment. The biggest decision of the day was, keep the mask, or let them…
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Seond Opinion from Sloan Kettering in Baskin Ridge
Hello all, so after my mom's surgury for tongue cancer (0.5 cm in greatest dimension) we went for a second opinion at Sloan Kettering in Baskin Ridge. Doctor confirmed that all margins are clear and that he agrees that mom does not need chemo and that the treatment that she had for the first cancer in her tonsil was…
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PET Scan Clear!
I finished treatment in August of 2010, this week I had my "1 year" post treatment PET scan. I got the results today and it was all clear! It was a full body scan and not a trace of cancer anywhere. I wish all of you could have seen my wifes face. I don't post much, my wife, "noelles mom" usually does it but this one I had…
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Cruelty to animals
@ to BP to help the gas shortage. Well the time came for my first normal BM in over a year and I proudly sat my butt on the throne, a smile on my face looking forward to my greatest achievement. Now I need to digress a bit. I must sat that I have the most wonderful cat ever. He is solid black and actually acts like a dog…
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Techniques for coughing out mucus
I know this sounds rather flaky! But has anyone perfected the technique of effectively coughing out mucus without too much pain/discomfort? I managed to get a blob of thick green mucus the size of an avocado stone out last night. But nearly coughed my insides out. I would leave it inside if I could but it's impeding my…
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Question about eye problem
My neck dissection was on the left half of my neck. I read the surgical notes which are available to any patient at your hospital. He "sacrificed" my spinal accessory nerve during the surgery. That has led to many issues but the one I have a question about is my left eye. Two things. One: the eyelid has been slightly…
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HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!
I want to wish all of those who have served a Happy Veteran's Day. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Myka
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HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY!
Thank you to all of those who have served. Myka
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mouth dryness
Andy is 5 months out from radiation and lots of things are better in regard to radiation side effects. Lately though, he has really been suffering with terribly dry mouth during the night and upon awakening. We have a humidifier by his bed, he has Biotene spray by his bed, he's on Salogen, and of course, has water next to…
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Hole in cartilage of nose
My hubby just discovered this today! It has to be from radiation. Anyone else have this?? Thanks, Tammy
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Where'd my mullet go? Will it grow back?
Just kidding, I think I had a mullet once in my life and that was years ago in high school. So I took a shower today and to my dismay, my hair was falling out. They said I wouldn't lose my hair with chemo and at first I thought they were wrong, but then I realized it was coming from a patch on the backside of my left…
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MRI or CT Scan
My husband has been having CT Scans for his checkups since he was first diagnosed in 2010. He is seeing new Doctors and they are having him take MRI. What is the difference. Is one better than other? Vsudd
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Too early to put up Christmas lights?
Funny Costco had Christmas stuff out way before Halloween was even approaching. Anyway, I get chemo next Wed, and rads are progressing so I'm gonna put them up in the next few days while I know I can and feel like it. In Canada, our Thanksgiving is in October, so there are no holidays now until Xmas. I guess my question…
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Chiropractor
Good Morning Everyone-Has anyone had radiation for kneck cancer and gone to a chiropractor since they completed treatment. I was a big fan before I got C for kneck pain and severe tinnitus but have not gone back since I completed treatment 02/11. My oncologist wasnt thrilled with the idea of going and discouraged me. I…
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Big day Monday
Next week is a big week, especially Monday. PET is at 10:30 am followed by ENT visit to check the knot under Jim's tongue. Wednesday is the radiologist for PET results and Friday is final message therapy for neck lyphaderma. Pray for Jim to rest tonight. He says the nights are worse because he wakes up with dry mouth and…
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Wonder if I'm that weak or can others share similar stories
Love this site don't post very often but read and cry and learn everyday. BOT 3 and 35 with peg tube now 7 weeks out of last radiation and I still can't eat. I see others that did this without a peg and I am even now brought to my knees with pain when I try to swallow most foods. I can swallow fine everything works fine it…
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Trying something new
I have been tube feeding for over a year using Ensure. While I have been keeping my weight around 158 I wasn't gaining and I have been tired all of the time. I didn't want to bother my wife with trying to fix special blends because I thought it would be too much trouble. However she finally insisted I try blending foods so…
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To Dilate or not to Dilate?
Hi Everyone - my husband Sam and I are new to this site. He was diagnosed with Stage 4 Throat cancer in May; had a growth surgically removed that was just above his vocal chords and had some in his lymph nodes - no surgery there. He finished with his chemo and 37 RAD treatments 2 month ago and although his spirits are…
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Teeth
Finally, I have my full set of false teeth in my mouth. had the remainder of them surgically removed a few weeks ago. Had to complete my second round of HBO, Oral surgeon that removed the teeth said the gums had healed well. Aspen Dental docs fitted the teeth and now it's all go. Feels really strange though having my mouth…
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Is this normal? 2 parts
Wondering what you think about this... 1. I'm 11 rads in and now the left back side of my tongue is sore which makes sense because the bulk of the IMRT is focused on my L lymph and tonsil area. However, I woke up this morning and it feels like something is in my throat every time I swallow. It feels lower down my throat.…
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Twitchy Lips and Earlobe Lumps
Yes..I know it sounds like a punk band from the 70's but... does anyone else have these (very minor I will admit, but would like to get rid of) issues and knows how to make them go away. 1. Twitchy Lips My lips feel like they are vibrating or twitching almost all of the time. 2. Ear Lobe Lumps I cannot put earrings in my…
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Week 2
Week 2 of rads starts this evening @ 7:30, so far feeling good and eating well, all though I expect from everything I have read on this site that can change on any day. Linda
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Sleeping all the time
I have a question for those of you who have used the pain patch. Did you sleep a lot? Dad is on his 7th patch and all he wants to do is sleep. The oncologist said it would make him sleepy, but I worry that he is sleeping to much. His tumor has already responed to the chemo and the doctor says it feels much smaller. But, it…
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mucus????
How long does the mucus problun last?? I have it bad when I get up It takes a hour to get It up then it is all through the day. I have took a head cold with draining??? Has anyone goy amy sugestions ???? Wishing everyone well. Robert
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Second Round
I have been off of the pill chemo for two weeks now and I have to start taking it again today. I have been able to enjoy some good food and an occasional beer since my mouth/tongue soreness have pretty much gone. I suppose some or all of that will start to come back soon now that I am on another four week course of the…
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Extranodal extension/extracapsular spread? No radiation?
My husband (now known as FrankenBob since the incision of his neck dissection a few weeks ago looked slightly worse than Frankenstein's neck) had extranodal extension in one of the cancerous lymph nodes. Another node positive but contained. Cancerous lymph nodes are bad enough, but the extranodal extension (AKA…
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Vaccinating boys with Gardasil
Just thought I'd let you all know, I took my two sons (13 and 16) in to be vaccinated for HPV. I had some interesting expereinces: first the nurse in reception was surpised to see boys on the schedule for Gardasil vaccines. She inquired as to why I was vaccinating my sons. I told her something she obviously did not…
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hello people any Divers
here. Did you have any trouble returning. Did you fill in your medical truthfully the truth now I will be able to tell LOL I am nt telling my body the onco said because they could not put a PEG in I will be fighting weight loss and low energy for the next 12 months. I am not telling my body because this is where I plan to…