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Cetuximab and Radiation

Nonni1947
Nonni1947 CSN Member Posts: 8 Member
edited May 2016 in Head and Neck Cancer #1

This  is my first post, primarily because I have not found a kindred spirit on this discussion board.  On February 26, I had a cancerous (SCC)  removed from my cheek.  It was not in the parotid gland, but near the duct.  There was no evidence of a primary source  The tumor was sitting on the facial muscle, and was discreet. Three different doctors thought it was a cyst.  The fourth did a  FNB,and then ordered a CAT scan Feb.23,  diagnosed Feb. 25, removed Feb. 26.  my surgeon was phenomenal.  No injury to facial nerve or muscle.  Six weeks later I began cetuximab weekly for 6 weeks, while concurrently receiving 30 radiation treatments.   Side effects for Cetuximab: horrendous rash which eventually had to be treated by a dermatologist.  Two weeks after Cetuximab treatment has ended,  the rash is resolving.  I am having more difficulty with the side effects of the radiation.  Sore tongue, dry mouth, mucous.  I cannot tolerate the lack of taste, so my diet is protein shakes.  Nevertheless,  I would definitely do the Cetuximab, and the radiation.   Aggressive action is necessary to defeat the beast.  

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  • Nonni1947
    Nonni1947 CSN Member Posts: 8 Member
    edited May 2016 #2
    Thanks, Matt.  Waiting for

    Thanks, Matt.  Waiting for that day,

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  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt CSN Member Posts: 4,727 Member
    edited May 2016 #3
    it just takes time

     

    Nonni1947,

    Welcome to the H&N forum, where many of us have used Erbitux.

    I was stage IVa, scc, bot, 1 lymph node, hpv+ (surgery, rads & Erbitux).  Yes, the side effects of Erbitux clear up quickly, but that darn radiation is a persistent pain in the a _ _.  It took me many months for my “new normal” to include semi-normal eating.

    If you follow a similar path you will have a happy food future, which might include roasting hot dogs, like I am going to do RIGHT NOW!

    Good luck,

    Matt

     

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