Update from ENT

hwt
hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Swelling in cheek from cellulitus is gone but still have a fistula draining. Diflucan and anti-biotics atleast a month. He said sometimes when that infection gets involved with the titanium it can be a bear to clear up. I'm seeing an infectious disease doctor for it. Now that inflamation was down he was able to do another scope and both vocal cords were working!!!!  I saw a speech therapist but felt that was kind of a bust. I'll give it one more try. He still feels eating difficulties maybe due to inflamation, since cellulitus was yeast based, it likely traveled down throat. I was only able to do tiny sips of water and can now get a good gulp. Day to day on mashed potatoes and the like.  He thinks there may have been some damage to 12th nerve during last radiation but not certain. Taking all the medicine and trying to get in enough calories to avoid a g-tube. Two good things, the fibula that he thought was dead remains viable and both vocal cords are working :-) Next PET will be in a month at Mayo. I hope eating like I could 2 months ago becomes a reality for me again and after that, I'd like to be able to speak as clearly as I did 2 months ago. For today, I'm happy that I can take a gulp of water unlike a few days ago when it was tiny sips.

Comments

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    #2
    candi, i'm sorry you continue

    candi, i'm sorry you continue to have problems.  you've had so many, its really time for you to catch a break.  congrats on vocal cords both working!!  that is a really big thing!  i hope you are able to avoid the tube.  i'm glad the fistula is viable and I'm praying it will heal without any more  medical intervention.  also praying that you are soon able to eat and talk again like you were 2 months ago.  i know personally how big a deal that it.  espceially to be able to talk.  keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.  keep us posted on how you are doing.

    God bless you,

    dj

  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #3
    positives !

    Oh my dear you have been through so much.  You did come out of this with a few positives though thank heavens !  Wow I had no idea that this type of infection could result from a (yeast based) beginning.  Something to store in my rolidex (brain) for future reference.  Will be sending only positives for your next scan in a month.  And I'm so happy to hear things are improving even if just a bit for now.  Hugs sent !  Katie       

  • patricke
    patricke Member Posts: 570 Member
    #4
    IMPROVING

    I'm glad to hear that your conditions are improving little by little.  I hope that you are soon infection free, and back to doing the things that you were doing 2 months ago, that would be great indeed.  Sending you all the best wishes, and mojo for it to happen.

    PATRICK

  • polystone2014
    polystone2014 Member Posts: 59
    #5
    good news

    it is getting improvement. It is at least a good news. Hope you continue to improve and feel better.God bless you!

  • Duggie88
    Duggie88 Member Posts: 760 Member
    #6
    hwt

    Back in my basketball days I had a coach who use to kick the crap out of us. He use to say no pain no gain. I am hoping your gain is just around the corner. Heal on.

          Jeff

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    #7
    update

    Candi,

    You know we celebrate the small victories around here.

    Keep getting better.

    Matt

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #8
    Focus on the good news.

    Stay focused on the good news, you have been through wat too much. You might want to take por-biotics be cause of the antibotics kill the good bacteria as well as the bad. I was told to take the 4 billion ones when I have to get on antibotics for my lungs.  Good mojo and prayers for you.

    wmc

  • TracyLynn72
    TracyLynn72 Member Posts: 839
    #9
    prayers

    coming your way!  You are truly amazing with your strength and positive attitude.  You're such a warrior!  ((HUGS)) my friend!  You've got this! 

  • Goyca
    Goyca Member Posts: 220
    #10
    I hope u eat and speak as

    I hope u eat and speak as much as u want real soon.

     

    good luck ,stay positive :)

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #11
    PEG

    PEG

    Don’t be afraid to get a PEG if you need it, I know it’s not the best thing but if it can help you, do it. Remember I live on one every day and it’s became my best friend, I just hate when it leaks. Oh well I am sure there are a lot worse things in this world then a leaking PEG tube. As you know I have problems with the Vagus nerve but would not drought that there is also damage on the Cranial never as well.

     

    Keep it in prayer

    Tim Hondo

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #12
    At least there are improvements....

    and because things are getting better....I think you're going to be eating and talking better as each week goes by.  Sending prayers and positive thoughts on the upcoming scan. 

    p

  • CherieLW
    CherieLW Member Posts: 472
    #13
    So good to see you on here!

    So good to see you on here!  I've wondered how you have been, but I  know I'm guilty of being a no show the past months.  Hoping things improve quickly! Sorry to hear that you have had some pretty unpleasant things to go through on top of cancer :( 

     

    Praying for you always!


    Cherie

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