Newbie

Cleve
Cleve Member Posts: 2
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hi everyone. I'm newly diagnosed cancer in my right tonsil, and lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. PET and CT as well as scopes indicate that it has not spread. I see the Hematologist and Radiation folks at Cleveland Clinic on Wednesday. A nutritionist friend recommended Glutamine powder in water to help my throat.
Bio: 49 y/o male, married. History of smoking. Otherwise in good health. Just had a complete physical in Nov 2010 and all clear. 5'7 170lbs semi active. Feel great. Not on any meds currently.
Any advice is appreciated.
Thank you for your time.
Newbie in Cleveland.

Comments

  • osmotar
    osmotar Member Posts: 1,006
    #2
    Welcome
    I'm also a newbie since July...same thing cancer right tonsil , lymph node rt side of neck, non-smoker. Had my first chemo infusion on Aug 8th. You will find great people on here who have walked this path that is before us , a lot of knowledge, you can ask anything and always get a response..but like they will tell you it's different for each of us.

    Good luck and blessings on your journey.

    Linda in Arizona
  • osmotar
    osmotar Member Posts: 1,006
    #3
    Welcome
    I'm also a newbie since July...same thing cancer right tonsil , lymph node rt side of neck, non-smoker. Had my first chemo infusion on Aug 8th. You will find great people on here who have walked this path that is before us , a lot of knowledge, you can ask anything and always get a response..but like they will tell you it's different for each of us.

    Good luck and blessings on your journey.

    Linda in Arizona
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #4
    Hi there. I had SCC Stage 4
    Hi there. I had SCC Stage 4 unknown primary, modified neck dissection, 23 lymph nodes and salivary gland removed, peg tube placed, then 30 rads. Radiation ended 5/15/09.

    I put together a thread that has a lot of helpful information on it. Links from everything like the glutamine you mentioned to possible side effects, products to help side effects, nutrition... Etc. You might want to check it out. I keep it on the first page of our board so we always know where to find it.


    HNC  SUPERTHREAD
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #5
    Cleeeeeveland
    I knew a duck from there once...his name was Howard, ever hear of him?

    Welcome to the forum, a lot of great people here and tons of experience.

    Similar to you, I was diagnosed with STGIII SCC Right Tonsil HPV+ (non-tobacco user),one lymphnode on the same side.

    Tonsils came out first, power port installed, nine weeks of chemo in three week cycles (cisplatin, taxotere, and 5FU (pump for 5 days)). Then seven weeks of weekly chemo (carboplatin) and 35 daily rads sessions (about 15 minutes each) with the treaded mask...OH and an amifostine injection in my stomach before each.

    I didn't have a PEG (feeding tube), though about 90% on here did and they highly endorse it.

    I was diagnosed in January 2009, finished treatment in June 2009.. All scans (PET and CT) have been clean and no eveidense of disease...

    As you progress more into treatment and the regime', start asking questions and people will chime in.

    Dawn (Sweetblood) posted a link to the SuperThread...a compilation of many tips and info...great source of information.

    BTW, I was in Cleeeeveland last October visiting relatives. I'm from Mount Vernon, born in Mansfield, but have lived in Florida since the USMC back in the 70's.

    Best,
    John
  • Jimbo55
    Jimbo55 Member Posts: 590 Member
    #6
    Welcome
    Cleve,

    Welcome to the forum, it's unfortunate that you are here. Hope your treatment goes smoothly with the minimum of problems. Ditto the advice re checking out Dawn's superthread. I also used the L-Glutamine throughout my treatment, along with a baking soda/salt gargle.

    One thing I recommend would be to try and stay 'semi active' during treatment. Studies have shown that moderate exercise (walking) may improve your response to treatment, lessen the side effects, combat the fatigue that will invariably set in and can do wonders for you mentally. I tried to walk 30-45 minutes daily. I really believe it helped me both physically and mentally. I think it helps to get out in the fresh air/nature. Cheers.

    Jimbo
  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    #7
    Welcome Cleve
    Sorry you have been diagnosed with the dreaded beast. I am caregiver to my husband who was diagnosed with stage 4 BOT (base of tongue) end of May 2011. He finished treatment last Thursday. Jim had a rough time, probably because of his age, 76, and he had lost over 40 pounds before treatment. The people on this board were lifesavers for Jim and I since we had to move the week after diagnosis and had no support other than our children who looked to me to support them. Those who regularly post to this site not only provided a lot of information, but they pray for you, encourage you and let you ramble on when you need to.

    May you have an easy treatment annd full recovery.

    Blessings,
    Debbie
  • luv4lacrosse
    luv4lacrosse Member Posts: 1,410 Member
    #8
    WELCOME
    Hi Cleve, I too was diagnosed with Stage 4B SCC of Right Tonsill with METS to Nodes in neck. I will be one year post TX in Oct. and am doing fine. You will get allot of usefull information here as you continue to post.

    I agree with Jimbo about the excersise. Forcing my self to just walk a little when I was at my worst helped me to come out the other end.

    Look forward to a continued relationship here.

    Best!!

    Mike
  • fisrpotpe
    fisrpotpe Member Posts: 1,349 Member
    #9
    Welcome
    Cleve, you have started your journey in the right place. The survivors here are simply put Awesome. Welcome and we all look forward to helping you in your day battles in winning the War against Cancer. You will win!

    John
  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #10
    Hi Cleve
    Glad to have you with us, just sorry about it being for C. Sounds like you have some good advice on the Glutamine powder it is some good stuff and will help with mucus and other problems.

    PS: Welcome to the family here on CSN
    Hondo
  • nwasen
    nwasen Member Posts: 235 Member
    #11
    Welcome Cleve
    I am visiting Cleveland all the time...was just there Sunday night for the Jane Scott Memorial service at the Rock Hall. I live about 60 miles south of Cleveland.
    You are lucky to be at the Clinic. I went to the James at OSU in Columbus on the advice of my ENT. I had Stage 4 cancer of the tongue (long time smoker who had just quit the year before). Hope you have quit so you don't have to deal with that!
    this site is wonderful and you will get alot of support from everyone.
    I was diagnosed one year ago on Saturday and am doing very well. Had 35 radiation treatments and 7 chemos. My two follow ups have been NED and my appetite and taste buds are great. Very little I can't eat. Had a PEG and had it removed in July.
    Fight the beast and don't be afraid to ask for help. In treatment and on here.
    Peace
    nancy aka toughcookie

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