Phew...CT/PET results N0M0

Suzyhok
Suzyhok Member Posts: 7
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
It is a relief to know that the SCC in my tongue has not spread! The CT/PET scan I had yesterday went quite well... The tech who looked to be about 18 turned out to be very competent. My back and shoulders were a bit sore after staying still for so long, but otherwise it was apiece of cake!

I really appreciate all the supportive responses from the group to my concerns. Fortunately the rad/onc conquer red with my ENT and said "whack it off (the cancer not the tongue LOL) and we'll mop up later if necessary." He called my particular cancer Stage 2 (it's 3.4 cm) and N0M0... Thank God! So,I see the ENT today again for his take on the results of the scan. I really like the way both of these docs are clearnotmincing words, very comfortable with answering our questions and seem to be quite knowledgable. Both have a very high reputation in Savannah. Though I like the idea of a whole body health team that the Jacksonville Mayo might provide... There certainly is a lot to be said for dealing with this at home... And not on the road... my GP is extremely supportive and my Rheumy too... So as long as I make sure they're in the loop of getting information... They are my team!

I will go in to see the ENT this afternoon with an open mind, but I must say I am relieved that the ENT and rad are on the same pages far as my treatment. Maybe I'll have a date for surgery... Soon I hope as I want to get started with the next step of this adventure!

Again... Thank y'all for your help!

Suzy

Comments

  • ditto1
    ditto1 Member Posts: 660
    #2
    JUST KNOWING SOMETHING
    Good start Suzy, I have my PET/CT scan tommorrow and likely will not know the results until Monday morning when I go to meet with the surgeon. I told my wife dittoII that I have accepted the thoart issue, I just need to know it has not spread so I have a fighting chance. Although Im trying to get my head around the fact that even if it has I guess?? I will still have a chance. So happy you have that part behind you. Good luck going forward.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #3
    WTG...
    Sounds like a good plan is being formulated.

    Best,
    John
  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #4
    I'm happy for you Suzy....crossing fingers and toes...
    and sending positive thoughts and prayers, that all works out just the way you want it to.

    p
  • Suzyhok
    Suzyhok Member Posts: 7
    #5
    phrannie51 said:

    I'm happy for you Suzy....crossing fingers and toes...
    and sending positive thoughts and prayers, that all works out just the way you want it to.

    p

    Thanks everyone!
    It's in the works... Surgery is scheduled for next Friday morning 5/4! It's all so surreal! I am a little worried, of course, What will life be like without part of my tongue? How much will be missing after surgery? Will I be able to talk somewhat normally eventually? Will I wind up needing radiation, too? I know its going to hurt, but how much? So many unknowns.. but I do know I have chosen an extremely competent, caring, careful doctor to do this and he'll do ll that he can do to help me.
  • Ingrid K
    Ingrid K Member Posts: 813
    #6
    Suzyhok said:

    Thanks everyone!
    It's in the works... Surgery is scheduled for next Friday morning 5/4! It's all so surreal! I am a little worried, of course, What will life be like without part of my tongue? How much will be missing after surgery? Will I be able to talk somewhat normally eventually? Will I wind up needing radiation, too? I know its going to hurt, but how much? So many unknowns.. but I do know I have chosen an extremely competent, caring, careful doctor to do this and he'll do ll that he can do to help me.

    don't sweat the surgery...
    Suzy, you will be fine. I lost 75% of my tongue and had a neck dissection at the same time. The surgery however was a breeze compared to the radiation. those treatments put me flat on my back. So don't worry about your surgery. If they have to take too much off the tongue, they will fashion a new tongue from tissue/muscle/artery from either your forearm or your thigh....it sounds worse than it is. The recovery from surgery was pretty quick and I started rads about 8 weeks later. I was lucky and had clear margins, so did not need chemo, but had 30 days of radiation treatments. Sounds like you have found a great medical team so you are in good hands. Keep us posted on your progress and of course ask whatever questions you may have. Someone will always respond. This group is amazing.
  • Pam M
    Pam M Member Posts: 2,196
    #7
    Phew, Indeed
    Very glad to see "N0M0". Get ready. Hope your surgery recovery is speedy and boring.

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