Olfactory Neuroblastoma

heidster1984 · March 2012

Hello, my name is Heidi. While I myself do not have cancer, my father was recently diagnosed with having an olfactory neuroblastoma last week. I would like to talk with anyone who either is a survivor or knows someone who has been diagnosed with this cancer. I'm daddy's little girl, and this diagnosis has been really difficult for me.

On February 4, 2012 he was rushed to the hospital because he wasn't acting like himself, and he kept falling down and couldn't pick himself back up. My dad is only 55, and that is not like himself at all. He had a CT scan and they found the tumor, which they say was the size of an orange. He then had a frontal craniotomy the next day, February 5, 2012. Surgery went well, and my dad did awsome with recovery. He was discharged from the hospital 5 days after surgery, which i thought was a little soon, but he has continued to do great. He has physical, occupational, and speech therapy twice a week, and is set to start radiation in the next week.

I just would like to talk with anyone who has been diagnosed with this cancer, or know someone who has. Anyone who has survival stories would be helpful. I'm really scared, and imagining life without my dad is unbearable.

Skiffin16 · March 2012

Welcome Heidi
I'm sure everything is overwhelming at the moment....

I just want to try and calm you a little and welcome you to the forum.

While I have no expreience with the type of cancer you describe. I did have STGIII SCC Tonsil Cancer, and I know I was just as anxious and scared as you.

The people here are awesom, and offer tons of knowledge and experience, thoughts, prayers and humor.

We do have a SuperThread that also offers tons of great info..compiled by a forum member Dawn (Sweetblood22 and he best buddy Nizzy), contributions from many of us.

SuperThread

Someone I'm sure will chime in to your specific questions regarding Olfactory Neuroblastoma.

Technology and facilities are excellent these days. We have a huge rate of success for many types of cancers, that at one time didn't provide such great success.

Again, welcome and know that you have many survivors in different stages of treatment and recovery, and many, many care givers as you.

Best,
John

longtermsurvivor · March 2012

Hello Heidster
This is a rare tumor, as you know. Also called esthesioneuroblastoma, there are others who have been to the boards with this malignancy. There are a number of threads regarding this, usually posted as you have in the title, or the other term. You can find them if you scroll through the first handful of threads below this.

Others will eventually show up and post to this thread who have first hand experience, but it may take awhile because I don't think any of them post here every day. Sorry you have to be here. Tell your dad to continue the fight!

Pat

dlygoblue · March 2012

Olfactory Neuroblastoma
Heidi,
My name is David and I'm brand new to this network. I was diagnosed in May 2011 with Olfactory Neuroblastoma. I had a 14 hour surgery in June, followed by 6 weeks of radiation and Chemo. I'm still going back to the doctor(s) every month for monitoring, follow-up inspections, PET scans, and MRI's. As you see for yourself, your dad is going through some dramatic physical changes becasue of all these procedures, and they're taking a toll on his body. He needs you to be strong as well, becuase he's fighting for you. My 2 daughters and son will attest to that. I'll be happy to talk to you more about this if you'd like. And my 18-yr old daughter can share her insight with you as well.

chrismarler4 · May 2012

dlygoblue said:
Olfactory Neuroblastoma
Heidi,
My name is David and I'm brand new to this network. I was diagnosed in May 2011 with Olfactory Neuroblastoma. I had a 14 hour surgery in June, followed by 6 weeks of radiation and Chemo. I'm still going back to the doctor(s) every month for monitoring, follow-up inspections, PET scans, and MRI's. As you see for yourself, your dad is going through some dramatic physical changes becasue of all these procedures, and they're taking a toll on his body. He needs you to be strong as well, becuase he's fighting for you. My 2 daughters and son will attest to that. I'll be happy to talk to you more about this if you'd like. And my 18-yr old daughter can share her insight with you as well.

Hello
Chris Marler here.

I read your thread. Today I was diagnosed with stage 2 Olfactory Neuroblastoma (stage 2 pending MRI on the 30th). I know its rare and not a lot of info on the net. I see that you had surgery but at what stage was your cancer that prompted a 14hr surgery? I am soooo scared of surgery. I read about IMRT; is this something you tried? Maybe it wasn't available in 2011.

Does anyone know anyone that has used the IMRT?

Thanks,
Chris

phrannie51 · May 2012

chrismarler4 said:
Hello
Chris Marler here.

I read your thread. Today I was diagnosed with stage 2 Olfactory Neuroblastoma (stage 2 pending MRI on the 30th). I know its rare and not a lot of info on the net. I see that you had surgery but at what stage was your cancer that prompted a 14hr surgery? I am soooo scared of surgery. I read about IMRT; is this something you tried? Maybe it wasn't available in 2011.

Does anyone know anyone that has used the IMRT?

Thanks,
Chris

Hi Chris....
Welcome to the board, tho I'm sorry we're meeting under these circumstances.

IMRT stands for intensity-modulated radiation therapy, and is the type of radiation most of us have had for our head and neck cancers. I believe it zaps the cancer while doing less damange to good tissue...and that is why it is preferred for HNC.

p

Skiffin16 · May 2012

chrismarler4 said:
Hello
Chris Marler here.

I read your thread. Today I was diagnosed with stage 2 Olfactory Neuroblastoma (stage 2 pending MRI on the 30th). I know its rare and not a lot of info on the net. I see that you had surgery but at what stage was your cancer that prompted a 14hr surgery? I am soooo scared of surgery. I read about IMRT; is this something you tried? Maybe it wasn't available in 2011.

Does anyone know anyone that has used the IMRT?

Thanks,
Chris

Welcome Chris...
IMRT has been around for quite awhile... Actually I think they are enhacing it, and using other methods of delivery as well.

I was STGIII SCC HPV+ Tonsils and a lymphnode, Dx January 2009, finished Tx Jun 2009...all clear to date.

As P51 mentioned, many here that had radiation had IMRT... Some of the newer survivors, have had updated methods of radiation treatment if I remember that correctly.

Anyways, don't fear it, or try not...just understand it, and realize that treatment is your best shot of a long eventful life..."After Cancer".

Here's a link to the SuperThread, tons of very useful information... I believe it also has a section on IMRT and Radiation in general;

SUPERTHREAD

A thread started and compiled by Sweetblood22 (Dawn), consisting of many great links, posts, recommendations, and communications from many of the survivors here.

Best,
John

Dpack · July 2012

dlygoblue said:
Olfactory Neuroblastoma
Heidi,
My name is David and I'm brand new to this network. I was diagnosed in May 2011 with Olfactory Neuroblastoma. I had a 14 hour surgery in June, followed by 6 weeks of radiation and Chemo. I'm still going back to the doctor(s) every month for monitoring, follow-up inspections, PET scans, and MRI's. As you see for yourself, your dad is going through some dramatic physical changes becasue of all these procedures, and they're taking a toll on his body. He needs you to be strong as well, becuase he's fighting for you. My 2 daughters and son will attest to that. I'll be happy to talk to you more about this if you'd like. And my 18-yr old daughter can share her insight with you as well.

Hello David,
I broke a front
Hello David,

I broke a front tooth in April of this year and had a CT scan. My first dentist said I needed an implant so I went for a second opinion. The second dentist found a large mass in my sinus. After surgery through an ENT and a three week waiting period, the results came back as an olfactory neuroblastoma. I have gone through a second surgery and am now waiting to start 6 weeks of chemo and radiation to my sinus area as well as neck (doctor called it elective radiation to ensure). Needless to say I am scared of the "unknown" and wondered if you could give me some idea of what you went through and whether this was the same treatments you. Many thanks,

Dwight

dlygoblue · July 2012

Dpack said:
Hello David,
I broke a front
Hello David,

I broke a front tooth in April of this year and had a CT scan. My first dentist said I needed an implant so I went for a second opinion. The second dentist found a large mass in my sinus. After surgery through an ENT and a three week waiting period, the results came back as an olfactory neuroblastoma. I have gone through a second surgery and am now waiting to start 6 weeks of chemo and radiation to my sinus area as well as neck (doctor called it elective radiation to ensure). Needless to say I am scared of the "unknown" and wondered if you could give me some idea of what you went through and whether this was the same treatments you. Many thanks,

Dwight

Olfactory Neuroblastoma
Hi Dwight,
I'm happy to help. First, what you've been through, and what you will go through, is not easy. But don't be scared. This is a terrible illness, but a treaable illness. The treatment just scuks (pardon my French). After biopsies and confirmation I had cancer, I had a 14-hr surgery to retract an extensive cancerous tumor, and then a neck discection to remove a few lymph nodes (this is normal). Then 6 weeks of radiation and chemo (Cisplatin). Had to have a feeding tube put in after radiation treatments becuase they burned my throat so bad that I couldn't eat. Ask your doctor about this, and any other types of comfort medications he can give you (Miracle Mouth Wash, pain patch, hydrocodone, cream for your neck, etc.). I'll be very frank, you're goning to go through hell, but you can do it. Keep a schedule and take your meds as directed, especailly pain meds. Get yourself a network of caregivers. The more support you have, the better. I'm hapy to offer additional advice or detailed info as you need. I'm saying a prayer for you now.
David

dwr9b1 · August 2012

Skiffin16 said:
Welcome Heidi
I'm sure everything is overwhelming at the moment....

I just want to try and calm you a little and welcome you to the forum.

While I have no expreience with the type of cancer you describe. I did have STGIII SCC Tonsil Cancer, and I know I was just as anxious and scared as you.

The people here are awesom, and offer tons of knowledge and experience, thoughts, prayers and humor.

We do have a SuperThread that also offers tons of great info..compiled by a forum member Dawn (Sweetblood22 and he best buddy Nizzy), contributions from many of us.

SuperThread

Someone I'm sure will chime in to your specific questions regarding Olfactory Neuroblastoma.

Technology and facilities are excellent these days. We have a huge rate of success for many types of cancers, that at one time didn't provide such great success.

Again, welcome and know that you have many survivors in different stages of treatment and recovery, and many, many care givers as you.

Best,
John

ONB
Hello. My name is Ray. I am posting to you as you seem to have the most posts. I am newly diagnosed with Olfactory Neuroblastoma and am scheduled for surgery on Aug 31st with followup radiation treatments (6 weeks, 30 treatments. Kinda wondering why there is so little I can find on this form of cancer. Also wondering if any of you folks have been exposed to wood dust or concrete dust or have worked at a home improvement store? Anyway, any words on what to expect in coming months would be appreciated. Thanks

olivia46 · August 2012

Another esthesioneuroblastoma patient
Hi Heidi:

I just replied to Ray, hope that is useful to you too. I can also be reached at olivia46ch@gmail.com.

Olivia

olivia46 · August 2012

dwr9b1 said:
ONB
Hello. My name is Ray. I am posting to you as you seem to have the most posts. I am newly diagnosed with Olfactory Neuroblastoma and am scheduled for surgery on Aug 31st with followup radiation treatments (6 weeks, 30 treatments. Kinda wondering why there is so little I can find on this form of cancer. Also wondering if any of you folks have been exposed to wood dust or concrete dust or have worked at a home improvement store? Anyway, any words on what to expect in coming months would be appreciated. Thanks

Olfactory neuroblastoma: surgery and radiation treatment
I was diagnosed with olfactory neuroblastoma stage II, had operation October 2011, and completed radiation treatment in late February 2012. I got a lot of support from this forum and would like to help others at my best. The whole process was not pleasant, however, it was manageable. I thought the radiation treatment was harder than the operation.
I had transnal surgery (the tumor removal went through your nasal cavity instead of cutting through your scalp),there was no outside wound. However, I lost sense of smell and taste, which might or might not come back after surgery or radiation treatment. Started to have some taste and sense of smell around X'mas 2011.
It was due to a bit slower wound healing that my IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy (supposed to give you less damage to the healty tissues)was started in January 2012.
Doctor warned me that radiation treatment would make you feel worse day after day not like after operation you felt better day by day. I kept daily treatment record to ask questions during weekly meet with doc took down answers. I found it was helpful for me as a patient and for doc too. Medications were provided for nausea and pain of throat (radiation was for sinus and neck) Aquaphor was used to moisturize skin in radiation area. A& D ointment was recommended to treat some sunburn like lesion on skin.
Ginger tea and Ginseng tea seem to help nausea relief, I did check with doc to take them.
My diet was almost completaely changed. Now the texture of food was the most important. I used blender to chop meat and vegetables. Mashed potato, congee, softly cooked noodles,fruit smoothies, ice creams, jellos and puddings were helpful.
I was instructed to do nasal irrigation with gentamycin twice a day after operation and continued until July. I'm still doing nasal irrigation but without antibiotiacs.
There are short term and long term side effects after radiation treatment, it depends on individuals. Recently I found Dr. Brook's site http://dribrook.blogspot.com/p/radiation-side-effects.html is helpful. He is a doc-turned throat cancer patient.
I can also be reached at olivia46ch@gmail.com.
Cancer treatment is a long journey, however, it is manageable and you become more appreciative of common daily life.
Wish you good luck.

Olivia

olivia46 · August 2012

chrismarler4 said:
Hello
Chris Marler here.

I read your thread. Today I was diagnosed with stage 2 Olfactory Neuroblastoma (stage 2 pending MRI on the 30th). I know its rare and not a lot of info on the net. I see that you had surgery but at what stage was your cancer that prompted a 14hr surgery? I am soooo scared of surgery. I read about IMRT; is this something you tried? Maybe it wasn't available in 2011.

Does anyone know anyone that has used the IMRT?

Thanks,
Chris

Hi Chris:
I was diagnosed
Hi Chris:

I was diagnosed with stage II olfactory neuroblastoma last August. Had surgery October 2011 and completed radiation treatment late Feb 2012. I just responded to Ray, that might partially answer your quesstion.

Wish you the beset.

olivia

dlygoblue · August 2012

olivia46 said:
Olfactory neuroblastoma: surgery and radiation treatment
I was diagnosed with olfactory neuroblastoma stage II, had operation October 2011, and completed radiation treatment in late February 2012. I got a lot of support from this forum and would like to help others at my best. The whole process was not pleasant, however, it was manageable. I thought the radiation treatment was harder than the operation.
I had transnal surgery (the tumor removal went through your nasal cavity instead of cutting through your scalp),there was no outside wound. However, I lost sense of smell and taste, which might or might not come back after surgery or radiation treatment. Started to have some taste and sense of smell around X'mas 2011.
It was due to a bit slower wound healing that my IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy (supposed to give you less damage to the healty tissues)was started in January 2012.
Doctor warned me that radiation treatment would make you feel worse day after day not like after operation you felt better day by day. I kept daily treatment record to ask questions during weekly meet with doc took down answers. I found it was helpful for me as a patient and for doc too. Medications were provided for nausea and pain of throat (radiation was for sinus and neck) Aquaphor was used to moisturize skin in radiation area. A& D ointment was recommended to treat some sunburn like lesion on skin.
Ginger tea and Ginseng tea seem to help nausea relief, I did check with doc to take them.
My diet was almost completaely changed. Now the texture of food was the most important. I used blender to chop meat and vegetables. Mashed potato, congee, softly cooked noodles,fruit smoothies, ice creams, jellos and puddings were helpful.
I was instructed to do nasal irrigation with gentamycin twice a day after operation and continued until July. I'm still doing nasal irrigation but without antibiotiacs.
There are short term and long term side effects after radiation treatment, it depends on individuals. Recently I found Dr. Brook's site http://dribrook.blogspot.com/p/radiation-side-effects.html is helpful. He is a doc-turned throat cancer patient.
I can also be reached at olivia46ch@gmail.com.
Cancer treatment is a long journey, however, it is manageable and you become more appreciative of common daily life.
Wish you good luck.

Olivia

Olfactory neuroblastoma: surgery and radiation treatment
Ray,
Olivia's posting is excellent. This is a long process, and not very fun. But you will manage, and make it through this. You don't find many sites, or much info on this disease because it is a rare, concentrated form of cancer. This group, though, is well-informed, and a wealth of good information because we have gone through this experience. Use this group to get answers and advice when you need it.
As for your treatment, make sure you have a team of caregivers (family and frineds), make a schedule of your appointments and medicines, and take your meds as scheduled (not just when you feel you need them). It will make a difference.
David

dwr9b1 · August 2012

dlygoblue said:
Olfactory neuroblastoma: surgery and radiation treatment
Ray,
Olivia's posting is excellent. This is a long process, and not very fun. But you will manage, and make it through this. You don't find many sites, or much info on this disease because it is a rare, concentrated form of cancer. This group, though, is well-informed, and a wealth of good information because we have gone through this experience. Use this group to get answers and advice when you need it.
As for your treatment, make sure you have a team of caregivers (family and frineds), make a schedule of your appointments and medicines, and take your meds as scheduled (not just when you feel you need them). It will make a difference.
David

David,
Thanks for sharing your experience and wisdom on this process. I am scheduled for surgery in the morning 8-31 @ 7 AM in Dallas. My surgeons (Dr. Batra and Dr.Barnett)appear to be straightforward about the procedures and what to expect. I have a stage III tumor on the right side and expecting about a week stay in the hospital, then 30 radiation treatments over 6 weeks. To say that I am somewhat apprehensive would be an understatement. I am thankful that I found this site and hopefully, I will be able to share my experience with others who contact this insidious disease. Thanks again for your candor and knowledge in understanding this road I am starting down. David, do you now, or have you ever worked at a home improvement store like Lowe's or Home Depot? I can't help wondering if repeated exposure to wood or concrete dust hasn't have some impact on my sinuses.
Ray

DougNTexas · January 2013

Hi

Last week I had surgery to remove a polyp that had my sinus blocked. They told me today it was cancerous. I go back in wednesday. Looks like I am starting down this road. Glad I found this place.

phrannie51 · January 2013

DougNTexas said:
Hi
Last week I had surgery to remove a polyp that had my sinus blocked. They told me today it was cancerous. I go back in wednesday. Looks like I am starting down this road. Glad I found this place.

Doug....

If you start a new thread, I think you'll get more responses....this one is kind of old.

Sorry you are having to join this club nobody wants to belong to.

p

Skiffin16 · January 2013

DougNTexas said:
Hi
Last week I had surgery to remove a polyp that had my sinus blocked. They told me today it was cancerous. I go back in wednesday. Looks like I am starting down this road. Glad I found this place.

Welcome Doug...

Again, like Phrannie says, sorry you're here, but welcome and we'll try to help you with information as best we can... Many awesome people here and tons of experience.

The first thread on this forum is the SuperThread..it has tons of info compiled and put to a post by many here on this forum.

Also, like Phrannie said.., if you start a new thread, you'll get tons of support.

Best ~ John

DougNTexas · January 2013

Skiffin16 said:
Welcome Doug...
Again, like Phrannie says, sorry you're here, but welcome and we'll try to help you with information as best we can... Many awesome people here and tons of experience.

The first thread on this forum is the SuperThread..it has tons of info compiled and put to a post by many here on this forum.

Also, like Phrannie said.., if you start a new thread, you'll get tons of support.

Best ~ John

Thanks. Just reading here helped

Gives me an idea what I am facing. Right now I have a good idea what to talk to the Dr. about Wednesday from reading here.

DougNTexas · January 2013

phrannie51 said:
Doug....
If you start a new thread, I think you'll get more responses....this one is kind of old.

Sorry you are having to join this club nobody wants to belong to.

p

Hi

How do I add Ya'll as friends?

desi7290 · February 2013

Dear All,
My husband was

Dear All,

My husband was diagnosed with Stage II Olfactory Neuroblastoma in November. The doctors said that it was in very early stages and localized to the top part of the sinus. He was operated in December and it was removed through the nostril, he had to lie flat for 2 days but considering all he was back to normal after a week. He lost his sense of smell and taste and altough the doctor said that i should not have effected his senses and it should return he still has not gotten it back. He has done a neck ultrasound soon after and it was clear and now he did a kidney test, another CT Scan and various blood tests, we should have the results of those this week. In the third week of Februrary he will start his chemo/radiation treatment with one dose of chemo at the beginning of the week and radiation for the rest for a total of six weeks. Then it will be a serious of routine checks to ensure it wont come back. I am doing my best to support him through all of this as in the country where we live this treatment is not possible so we had to fly away from home to come for treatment. its not easy being away from everyone for both of us but we are hoping for the best. We are both in our mid thirties so all this came as a very big shock to us and took a toll on both our lives. I found this site today and it helps to hear that you have gone through this and can now look back at it all.

Olfactory Neuroblastoma

Comments

Discussion Boards