Her we go…

LongArms
LongArms CSN Member Posts: 5 *
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

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  • LongArms
    LongArms CSN Member Posts: 5 *
    #2

    New to the forum and format, so I apologize for my sloppy title and premature posting.

    After a month or so of imaging and diagnostics I was diagnosed with HPV+ SCC. I have one lymph node involved but unable to find primary source.

    I’ve left Wyoming and am being treated at UCSF by Dr. Patrick Ha. As of now the plan is to do a bilateral tonsillectomy and lingual tonsillectomy Friday morning. After recovery from that, chemo and radiation.

    Im a pretty healthy and active 49 year old male. 6’2 and 190lbs. Some alcohol use, never a smoker except for a year of divorce (sigh).

    I’m a hunting guide, shooting instructor, photographer, competitive long range shooter… etc. my wife like to say aim a professional Boy Scout!

    I’m pretty damn nervous, and know I’m up against the fight of my life… just here to learn about other experiences, get some support, and to lean on and be leaned on by others. I know already I’m apart of a very special group of people here and look forward to battling this together….

  • Vagabond37
    Vagabond37 CSN Member Posts: 7 Member
    #3

    Hello,

    Your diagnosis and plan are parallel to mine. I was diagnosed a year ago and completed treatments (including surgery) in April. Was active prior and am fighting to stay that way. My primary activities were hiking, biking, and kayaking. It’s an uphill climb and your attitude is right for it. The radiation took a pretty big toll on my body and the surgery sort of compounded it. Sooo gone from the previous activities to rehab and working to get back to the level I was. The biggest challenge has been eating and getting enough nutrition. Lost about 70 lbs but that’s because I refused a feeding tube. Most people don’t and not getting it can disrupt your treatment. I took that as a challenge and won - at the cost of the weight loss. Tough battle but if you keep that attitude you’ll beat it. It’s not a short journey - so buckle up! Good luck!

    Lloyd

  • Logan51
    Logan51 CSN Member Posts: 488 Member
    #4

    Sorry to hear you've joined the club. I'm over 16 years out to the good for NSC, unknown Primary.

    The surgery should help in regards to the amount of C & R you get, and you will survive this- we all survive the first bout with treatment: reason to maintain a Positive attitude and reduce the stress. Your body will be dealing with enough negatives, and not letting your mind get in the way to complicate it further does help.

    Think of a question- write it down so you won't forget to ask. Keep your Drs. informed on how you are physically doing- they won't know unless you tell them, so they can help with prescriptions.

  • LongArms
    LongArms CSN Member Posts: 5 *
    #5
    https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724398#Comment_1724398

    Thanks Lloyd! I’m already having some issues swallowing, though doc doesn’t think it’s related to the cancer… so I’m very open to the feeding tube, as I don’t have 70lbs to give!! lol. You sound like a tough **** and look forward to chatting more…

  • LongArms
    LongArms CSN Member Posts: 5 *
    #6

    I think keeping my positive outlook is going to be my biggest challenge… I’m kind of an anxiety prone person and the outdoors are my primary medicine for that and to have this season and the people I usually interject and work with is going to be really hard. I’m especially confident in my ability to encourage, coach and motivate other through difficult situations, I’ve just never been great at doing it for myself… I guess there is no better time than to learn now!

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