Stage III Oral Cancer under Tongue/Tumor growth under Chin

Needing Support I'am a "Newbie" here and would like to know if there are Long Term Surviors of this Cancer.   I was told I had a 30% of making it. This is my 3rd time to "ride this Monster."

Will endure 8 weeks of Radiaition Therapy (5 Days of Week) plus Chemo once a week for 8 weeks (Cisplatin, IV Port).  Could not remove my teeth,have g-tube for feeding.   Show time starts Jan 9, 2017.   Would like to hear from those who has been through "Journey."    Thank you.   May God show Mercy on me.  I bid you Peace.

Comments

  • SASH
    SASH Member Posts: 421 Member
    edited January 2017 #2
    Long Term Survivor

    I finished treatment for Stage IV tongue cancer back in 2000.  So I guess you can call me a long term survivor.  

    My treatment was a little backwards so I did 46 rounds of radiation with 10 simultaneous weekly chemos then surgery.  

    Treatments have improved over the years with more targeted radiation and drugs to help with the side effects of both radiation and chemo.  Having the port will help save your veins and the tube will help with getting nutrition and calories in when it is hard to eat/swallow.  But swallow as much and as long as possible to help preserve this function for after treatments.

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    welcome

    The Gander,

    I am 4y 10m out from stage IVA, scc, bot, 1 lymph node, hpv+ (surgery, rads & Erbitux).

    The treatment and side effects test you, but it is very doable, one day at a time.

    Drink lots of water, swallow often and stay well nourished.

    Matt

  • swopoe
    swopoe Member Posts: 492
    edited January 2017 #4
    My husband had 6 weeks of

    My husband had 6 weeks of rads and cisplatin with a PEG and a port. He made it through and I am praying you do as well. Sending you all my best wishes and strength to beat this beast. 

  • The Gander
    The Gander Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2017 #5
    Thank you all for replying,

    Thank you all for replying, this gives me "hope" that I will do well.    Not saying there won't be valleys and dips.  I  truly know this "Journey" is day to day, Love is Un-  conditional and I know "not to beat myself up."   I bid you Peace.   I will be posting in the coming Weeks (as time and Energy allows).

  • MarineE5
    MarineE5 Member Posts: 1,034 Member
    Echo what the others stated

    Gander, long story made short, I went thru treatments in 2004 and finished my treatments, 12 yrs ago today. As you mentioned, the road will be bumpy at times, but you can do this. 

    Semper Fi Marine

    My Best to You and Everyone Here