new here

AJW1966
AJW1966 Member Posts: 68
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hi, im Alan and i have been reading a lot of these messages over the past week and finally decided to join. Lots of wonderful advice and encouragement.
I need all i can get.
I'm stage 3 SCC base of tongue, only one tennis ball size node, none others affected but no primary was found. Tomorrow is #15 rad treatment with 15 more to go. No chemo.
Currently nauseous, fatigue, slight rad burns to both sides of neck, stiffening of the neck, saliva down to about half, dry throat, slight mucosa, few sores in mouth, tastes are about 50% gone. I know everyone reacts differently to rads but is this relatively normal at the half way mark? I'm afraid of what lies at ahead.
«1

Comments

  • blackswampboy
    blackswampboy Member Posts: 341
    #2
    welcome!
    sounds about right. you're halfway there, you'll make it!
    rads are no picnic, but you'll have some great war stories to tell after you come out on the other side.
    hope you've got your provisions lined up: magic mouthwash, baking soda/salt solution, silver sulfadiazine for the burns...
  • Tim6003
    Tim6003 Member Posts: 1,514 Member
    #3
    blackswampboy said:

    welcome!
    sounds about right. you're halfway there, you'll make it!
    rads are no picnic, but you'll have some great war stories to tell after you come out on the other side.
    hope you've got your provisions lined up: magic mouthwash, baking soda/salt solution, silver sulfadiazine for the burns...

    Sounds normal to me ...
    but I do have a question(s) if I may? I was stage III base of tongue SCC HPV+ with one lymph node invovled.

    You said your node was the size of a "tennis ball" ...that's well over 4cm is it not? But you also said "base of tongue SCC" ...but no primary was found? Maybe I'm tired and just reading it wrong.

    My base of tongue tumor was about 2cm across, that was my primary..and my lymph node was just under 3cm across. No chemo either?

    Looks like you are half-way through...that's great ...and yes, again, you sound like you are right where most would be. Hang tough my friend ....

    Best,

    Tim
  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #4
    Welcome Alan!!!
    You sound like you right on track to me. Rads didn't make me nauseous, but by half way thru I had the burned neck, dry throat, no taste buds...but no mouth sores either.

    Congrats at being at the half way mark...that was a BIG deal to me.

    p
  • AJW1966
    AJW1966 Member Posts: 68
    #5
    Tim6003 said:

    Sounds normal to me ...
    but I do have a question(s) if I may? I was stage III base of tongue SCC HPV+ with one lymph node invovled.

    You said your node was the size of a "tennis ball" ...that's well over 4cm is it not? But you also said "base of tongue SCC" ...but no primary was found? Maybe I'm tired and just reading it wrong.

    My base of tongue tumor was about 2cm across, that was my primary..and my lymph node was just under 3cm across. No chemo either?

    Looks like you are half-way through...that's great ...and yes, again, you sound like you are right where most would be. Hang tough my friend ....

    Best,

    Tim

    Hi Tim, thanks for the
    Hi Tim, thanks for the reply. I have the same diagnosis as you did "stage III base of tongue SCC HPV+ with one lymph node invovled."
    The Dr's felt that it originated from base of tongue so that's what they're officially calling it even though no primary was found there after several biopsies, only the one node and yes HPV+ which came as a shock to me. Never knew i had HPV. The node was approx 5.5 x 3.5 x 2 which roles it into stage 3 category.
    The tumor board met and decided against chemo because there was no evidence of further spread.
    Hope it makes sense.
  • AJW1966
    AJW1966 Member Posts: 68
    #6
    blackswampboy said:

    welcome!
    sounds about right. you're halfway there, you'll make it!
    rads are no picnic, but you'll have some great war stories to tell after you come out on the other side.
    hope you've got your provisions lined up: magic mouthwash, baking soda/salt solution, silver sulfadiazine for the burns...

    Thank you for the
    Thank you for the welcome.
    I'm currently using MuGuard and seems to be keeping the sores at bay but i will try the baking soda/salt solution. Also what is silver sulfadiazine? Never heard of it.
    I started using Calendula Cream from day one. Seems to work so far.
  • AJW1966
    AJW1966 Member Posts: 68
    #7
    phrannie51 said:

    Welcome Alan!!!
    You sound like you right on track to me. Rads didn't make me nauseous, but by half way thru I had the burned neck, dry throat, no taste buds...but no mouth sores either.

    Congrats at being at the half way mark...that was a BIG deal to me.

    p

    Thank you, glad to be
    Thank you, glad to be hear.
    I've read so many wonderful replies to others that i felt this was the right place for me
    : )
  • blackswampboy
    blackswampboy Member Posts: 341
    #8
    AJW1966 said:

    Thank you for the
    Thank you for the welcome.
    I'm currently using MuGuard and seems to be keeping the sores at bay but i will try the baking soda/salt solution. Also what is silver sulfadiazine? Never heard of it.
    I started using Calendula Cream from day one. Seems to work so far.

    silver sulfadiazine
    silver sulfadiazine is a prescription anti-bacterial cream for burns.
    if your burns aren't second-degree, you might not need it. knock on wood!
    my burn was kinda big and ugly, and the SS helped a lot.
    best,
    douglas
  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #9
    phrannie51 said:

    Welcome Alan!!!
    You sound like you right on track to me. Rads didn't make me nauseous, but by half way thru I had the burned neck, dry throat, no taste buds...but no mouth sores either.

    Congrats at being at the half way mark...that was a BIG deal to me.

    p

    I used Mugard, too...and had very
    good luck with it during radiation. I also used the soda/salt mixture. It was only during the last 3 chemo's that Mugard couldn't keep up with the mouth sores...and I used L-Glutamine and the salt/soda mix exclusively, since they were the only things that didn't sting.

    You sound like you're doing pretty darn good...so far!! Are they going to give you chemo after the rads??

    p
  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #10
    half way
    Hi AJW1966,

    Yep, you sound halfway normal to me. I loved the Magic Mouth Wash for throat and mouth pain, it also helped me fall asleep. For the neck burn, blackswampboy hit the ball out of the park with the recommendation of the Silver Sulfadiazine Cream, great, great stuff. The neck burn was the worst pain of treatments for me and the SS made it all go away.

    So welcome aboard it sounds like you are doing fine.

    Best,

    Matt
  • ToBeGolden
    ToBeGolden Member Posts: 695
    #11
    Welcome Aboard
    our fun-filled cruise. My cancer was confined to the larynx so my radiation/chemo experience is a bit different. Nevertheless, you will get good advice from others on the board. Rick.
  • AJW1966
    AJW1966 Member Posts: 68
    #12
    phrannie51 said:

    I used Mugard, too...and had very
    good luck with it during radiation. I also used the soda/salt mixture. It was only during the last 3 chemo's that Mugard couldn't keep up with the mouth sores...and I used L-Glutamine and the salt/soda mix exclusively, since they were the only things that didn't sting.

    You sound like you're doing pretty darn good...so far!! Are they going to give you chemo after the rads??

    p

    Hi phrannie51. Dr's tell me
    Hi phrannie51. Dr's tell me chemo will be not be involved at all.
    What is the best ratio for salt/baking soda and how often should it be done?
  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #13
    Welcome !
    Hello Allan !
    We have different dx's....but wanted to welcome you aboard. There are alot of wonderful people with great info. for any questions you may have. Again welcome ! Katie (ACC H/N)
  • AJW1966
    AJW1966 Member Posts: 68
    #14
    katenorwood said:

    Welcome !
    Hello Allan !
    We have different dx's....but wanted to welcome you aboard. There are alot of wonderful people with great info. for any questions you may have. Again welcome ! Katie (ACC H/N)

    Thank you Katie!
    My
    Thank you Katie!
    My experiences here so far have been great! lots of great advice...warm welcomes.
  • Tonsil Dad
    Tonsil Dad Member Posts: 488
    #15
    AJW1966 said:

    Thank you Katie!
    My
    Thank you Katie!
    My experiences here so far have been great! lots of great advice...warm welcomes.

    Welcome.
    Welcome to our little piece of the internet, its the club that
    no one wants to be in but you will be sure glad you found it.
    I finished 33 rads only ( no chemo or surgery ) for ..
    High Stage II Tonsil . HPV+.
    I'm almost 7 months post treatment and doing good, no meds
    or pain management. I'm eating pretty much anything even though
    the taste and saliva are not quite there yet but other than that I'm
    doing what I did before the big C. I'm working, I go out for drinks
    with the guys, travel, its the same as before ( almost ).
    There is life after cancer all be it a "new normal " it gives hope to
    the newbee's that they will get to the other side.

    Ps, I never really got mouth sores or mucus or a burned neck
    but I did use, mugard, and aloe, and salt/baking soda. (Magic mouthwash didn't
    work for me )
    I also took a natural product for my immune system all through
    treatment and even to this day and will continue.

    God bless
    Tonsil dad,

    Dan.
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #16
    Welcome...
    Like you mentioned, everyone is different...

    For me somewhere around where you are, I plateaued out...didn't really get any worse, nor better until a few weeks after finishing rads.

    Welcome...

    Here is a link to the SuperThread, excellent infomation and contributions.

    SuperThread

    Best,
    John
  • luvofmylif
    luvofmylif Member Posts: 344
    #17
    Tonsil Dad said:

    Welcome.
    Welcome to our little piece of the internet, its the club that
    no one wants to be in but you will be sure glad you found it.
    I finished 33 rads only ( no chemo or surgery ) for ..
    High Stage II Tonsil . HPV+.
    I'm almost 7 months post treatment and doing good, no meds
    or pain management. I'm eating pretty much anything even though
    the taste and saliva are not quite there yet but other than that I'm
    doing what I did before the big C. I'm working, I go out for drinks
    with the guys, travel, its the same as before ( almost ).
    There is life after cancer all be it a "new normal " it gives hope to
    the newbee's that they will get to the other side.

    Ps, I never really got mouth sores or mucus or a burned neck
    but I did use, mugard, and aloe, and salt/baking soda. (Magic mouthwash didn't
    work for me )
    I also took a natural product for my immune system all through
    treatment and even to this day and will continue.

    God bless
    Tonsil dad,

    Dan.

    My husband is presently
    My husband is presently going thru treatment for Stage IV tonsil/BOT cancer. He just finished his 17 th radiation out of thirty and 2nd of three Cisplatin. Honestly it has not been too bad until this week.

    Everyone on this site is so knowledgeable and helpful. They also care about their fellow warriors. I am hoping and praying for you and all on this site for success as you battle this disease. It's hard but like everyone tells me one day at a time. Fear is my biggest enemy and my mind wanders to bad places sometimes. But, everyone on here gives me courage, inspiration and hope and that is priceless.

    Stay focused on the prize which is beating this and continuing to live your life one day at a time.

    Joan
  • AJW1966
    AJW1966 Member Posts: 68
    #18
    Tonsil Dad said:

    Welcome.
    Welcome to our little piece of the internet, its the club that
    no one wants to be in but you will be sure glad you found it.
    I finished 33 rads only ( no chemo or surgery ) for ..
    High Stage II Tonsil . HPV+.
    I'm almost 7 months post treatment and doing good, no meds
    or pain management. I'm eating pretty much anything even though
    the taste and saliva are not quite there yet but other than that I'm
    doing what I did before the big C. I'm working, I go out for drinks
    with the guys, travel, its the same as before ( almost ).
    There is life after cancer all be it a "new normal " it gives hope to
    the newbee's that they will get to the other side.

    Ps, I never really got mouth sores or mucus or a burned neck
    but I did use, mugard, and aloe, and salt/baking soda. (Magic mouthwash didn't
    work for me )
    I also took a natural product for my immune system all through
    treatment and even to this day and will continue.

    God bless
    Tonsil dad,

    Dan.

    Thanks Dan!
    I too do believe in life after cancer but it's getting to the end of treatment that i am already struggling with. Today marks the halfway point. I know that how i feel now is a mere preview of what's coming and i'm afraid.
    Thank you for your statement, it is encouraging.
    And God Bless you too....all of you.
  • AJW1966
    AJW1966 Member Posts: 68
    #19
    Skiffin16 said:

    Welcome...
    Like you mentioned, everyone is different...

    For me somewhere around where you are, I plateaued out...didn't really get any worse, nor better until a few weeks after finishing rads.

    Welcome...

    Here is a link to the SuperThread, excellent infomation and contributions.

    SuperThread

    Best,
    John

    Hi John
    Wow! I can only pray that i have peaked with the effects of rads.
    What's your secret? : )
    Thanks for the welcome!

    Alan
  • George_Baltimore
    George_Baltimore Member Posts: 303
    #20
    Tonsil Dad said:

    Welcome.
    Welcome to our little piece of the internet, its the club that
    no one wants to be in but you will be sure glad you found it.
    I finished 33 rads only ( no chemo or surgery ) for ..
    High Stage II Tonsil . HPV+.
    I'm almost 7 months post treatment and doing good, no meds
    or pain management. I'm eating pretty much anything even though
    the taste and saliva are not quite there yet but other than that I'm
    doing what I did before the big C. I'm working, I go out for drinks
    with the guys, travel, its the same as before ( almost ).
    There is life after cancer all be it a "new normal " it gives hope to
    the newbee's that they will get to the other side.

    Ps, I never really got mouth sores or mucus or a burned neck
    but I did use, mugard, and aloe, and salt/baking soda. (Magic mouthwash didn't
    work for me )
    I also took a natural product for my immune system all through
    treatment and even to this day and will continue.

    God bless
    Tonsil dad,

    Dan.

    Wrong diagnosis
    Hi Alan,
    When I was originally diagnosed, they thought it was a benign papilloma. Imagine my surprise when they came back and told me that what I really had was a very aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the BOT. I would imagine they have some good basis for thinking that your
    primary is BOT. That being said, all the things you said are quite natural. My treatment was in 2004 but I vividly remember thinking after my 11th rad treatment that I can't take any more. I came very, very close to telling them to stop and just let me die. I was doing chemo at the time also. Just hang in there and you will get through the treatments. I'm going on my 9th year of remission now. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you it's been a bed of roses. If you've read some of my other posts you'll know that radiation might cause problems later. You can overcome them. Good luck to you and, once again, hang in there.
  • AJW1966
    AJW1966 Member Posts: 68
    #21
    George_Baltimore said:

    Wrong diagnosis
    Hi Alan,
    When I was originally diagnosed, they thought it was a benign papilloma. Imagine my surprise when they came back and told me that what I really had was a very aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the BOT. I would imagine they have some good basis for thinking that your
    primary is BOT. That being said, all the things you said are quite natural. My treatment was in 2004 but I vividly remember thinking after my 11th rad treatment that I can't take any more. I came very, very close to telling them to stop and just let me die. I was doing chemo at the time also. Just hang in there and you will get through the treatments. I'm going on my 9th year of remission now. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you it's been a bed of roses. If you've read some of my other posts you'll know that radiation might cause problems later. You can overcome them. Good luck to you and, once again, hang in there.

    Thanks George
    I too was originally misdiagnosed. Tests came back negative from needle aspiration and it was ruled "cystic mass". Thank God i decided to have it removed. Found it was cancer from the frozen biopsy while i was in surgery.
    Today is half way point. 15 more to go and i already feel like saying "stop..i'm done!".
    But with the advice given on this site about how to manage certain effects is helping me a lot.
    Thank you again!

    Alan

Discussion Boards