ROLL CALL 2016 - UPDATE 3/1/16 CLOSED, SEE UPDATE

CivilMatt
CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
edited June 2016 in Head and Neck Cancer #1

 

 

 ROLL CALL 2016

 

Roll Call is dedicated to the memory of HAWVET (JOHNNY) who’s curiosity to know and to share a little bit about members of the Head and Neck Form inspired him to start and run this thread (2008 thru 2014).  Thank You.

 

First off, please feel free to Enroll (name, town, state, dx) or Check-In whenever you see the ROLL CALL thread.  I will update periodically throughout the year.  Also, if you see edits which deserve attention please let me know and if I missed you, I am sorry. 

 

With the first update of ROLL CALL 2016 we have had (as of March 1, 2016) 190 members who enrolled since 2008.  There has been 40 members either checking in or enrolled during January and February. I have highlighted the check in members in red which leaves a number of MIA’s I am still hoping will check in.  As always the ROLL CALL thread is completely voluntary and just for the enjoyment and information it provides.

 

MEMBERS

 

 Adventurebob, Marin County, California, joined forum June 2010, enrolled August 21, 2010. DX’d NPC, stage IV with mets to lots of bone. in May 2010. Checked in January 20, 2011. MIA in 2012, checked back in March 2013. Lots of chemo/radiation in 2010, more in August 2011 for bone mets in right hip, more chemo/radiation Sep 2012-Jan2013. Married in bottom of Grand Canyon October 9, 2012 and now doing well.

AJW1966, outside Annapolis, Maryland, joined forum November 2012, enrolled March 7, 2013, DX’d August 12, 2012 w/SCC left side HNC. Treatment completed November 30 and still have difficulties with after effects, but slowly improving.

Akotke, Alabama, joined forum March 2011, enrolled August 12, 2011. DX’d Stage IV, right tonsil in November 2010. Was MIA until checked back in February 12, 2013. Still NED, working full time and attending school for Nuclear Medicine. Still w/constant pain from radical neck dissection, dry mouth and some trouble swallowing.

AndrewP16nose (Andrew) New Zealand.   Enrolled July 19, 2015, Diagnosed Sept 2014. Invasive SCC nasal septum extending into maxilla. Incomplete excision Oct 2014. Radio and chemo for 35 days. PET scan April 2015- NED. Facial reconstruction surgery with fibula free flap June 2015. Recovering prior to tidy up surgeries. 

Arndog64, state unk, joined forum March 2011, enrolled husband in April 18, 2011. DX’d left tongue base tumor w/lymph node invasion on January 28, 2011. After MIA, reported back on February 5, 2013. Husband doing well but still has throat pain and teeth starting to deteriorate.

Avisemi (Majose)  caregiver.  Washington, DC. Enrolled July 15, 2015.  My husband Dmitri was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma stage 3 or 4 depending on doc on Sept 2014.  Finished treatment in Feb this year. First post treatment scans were NED. Next ones are next month.  Pone of the favorite tips I learned here: "if Jeff can do it, Dmitri can do it"

Backachedp, Minnesota, joined forum October 2009, enrolled July 24-2010. Husband Bob DX’d unk on September 29, 2009. NED May 23, 2010. MIA in 2012 and checked back in March 13, 2013. Was doing OK but with swallowing problems. Having lung issues due to aspiration.. Dr recommending feeding tube.Chked back June 22, 2013. Surgery on May 20 and swallowing/coughing gotten worse. Also have back problems. God bless and saying a prayer for him.

Barbaraek (Barbara, caregiver to husband Boris, age 55). Joined Sep 4, 2015.   Diagnosed 5/26/15, NPC stage IVa T4N1M0, 35 radiation tx with 2 concurrent Cisplatin, currently attempting adjuvant chemo Cisplatin + 5FU. Finished treatment September 2015 - was only able to tolerate one round of adjuvant chemotherapy. Great news was NED on October 2015 PET scan. Will now receive regular scans.

BartT, Staten Island, NY, joined 03-2013, enrolled 12-31-2013, DX’d 03-2012 w/tongue cancer. Hemiglossectomy, radiation & chemo. All clear at time of enrollment and back to 100% on activities and life style, but with minor but annoying side effects.

Bebo12249  Enrolled Oct 29, 2015 SCC HPV+ of the tonsil with positive lymph nodes July 2015. Tonsillectomy followed by seven weeks rads and Cisplatin. Completed treatment on 10-22-15. Thanks to everyone for their comments, support and knowledge.

Billie67, Torrance, California, joined forum July 2012, enrolled October 24, 2012. DX’d stage IV laryngeal SCC with few lymph nodes. PET/CT NED on September 28, 2012. Checked in January 3, 2013. Updated 01-01-2013

Bjohn, Chicago, Illinois, joined forum October 2011, enrolled January 22, 2013. Husband DX’d w/olfactory neuroblastoma in May 2011. Recurrence in neck in May 2012. Good response and feeling well at time of enrollment. Updated 01/22/2013

Boardwalkgirl, Indiana, joined forum June 2012, enrolled February 10, 2013, DX’d April 26, 2012 with SCC in lymph node on side of neck. Treatment completed and clear PET scan on October 27, 2012, Still struggling with lack of saliva and taste buds.

Bunnymom, Chicago, IL  checking in May 22, 20114 Tongue cancer. Starting chemo & rads June 8th. 12 week treatment plan. Thanks to everyone for their support!

CajunEagle, (Larry), Louisiana, 2009, joined forum October 2009, enrolled February 3, 2010, DX’d Stage 4, left tonsilar cancer in 2009. Enrolled on February 3, 2010. Reported back in March 7, 2013 and still doing well. Checked in January 6, 2013.  Checking in Jan 14, 2014 and doing quite well. Thanks to all.  Checking in Aug 17, 2015  After 6 years post treatment………I’m still around.  Thank you. Checking in Jan 2, 2016,  Coming up on my 7th year since dx and treatment for stage 4 Left Tonsillar cancer.  Doing well in that regard.  Underwent 3 full-blown surgeries for intermediate Melanoma on my right ear (between lobe and sideburn) in February, 2015.  After reconstruction of ear area, all is well except for numbness in that ear area.  Currently undergoing 30 dives of Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment for removal of a molar on my left lower side.  20 prior to extraction, and 10 after.  Extraction was 8 days ago with absolutely no pain, and I have only 3 dives remaining.  All this due to radiation from 7 years ago.  Each session of HBO has a duration of two hours per day.  Takes one heck of a commitment.

 

Carolinagal4, Apex, North Carolina.  Enrolled July 26, 2015  diagnosed stage 4 SCC of the tongue (side of tongue) with lymph node involvement in April 2015. Finishing up 35 radiation treatments with concurrent chemo (Cisplatin) now--one more week to go!  The cancer has shrunk considerably so far and I am hopeful that it will continue to shrink (if so, I may avoid surgery).  This site has so much great info and people on it--I feel lucky to have found it!  thanks so much to everyone who takes the time to reply--You make a difference!  Checking in Jan 18, 2016, Unfortunately, PET scan revealed that my cancer was the aggressive type that had grown back.  I had sub-total glossectomy and selective neck dissection in November 2015. Currently dealing with dry mouth, sore throat--hopefully these will be temporary. Since I lost my entire oral tongue (the part that moves) and was only left with the base of tongue, I have very limited mobility with the flap that replaced my tongue (from my arm).  Some days, I can speak well enough to be understood although it always sounds like I have a mouth full of something, other days my voice is so hoarse that I can barely make a sound--this seems to be related to the dry mouth and sore throat issues.  I have not been able to resume eating and survive on a peg tube.  I am also having difficulty drinking, although this seems to be improving and I am in swallow therapy. I do have lymphedema in neck and massage is helping.

Catfish_58, Waco, TX, joined forum February 2013, enrolled July 30, 2013. DX’d SCC left tonsil, HPV+ Stage III.  33rads and 7 weekly chemo's of Cisplatin,Started treatment in 2-25-2013. Treatment completed April 20, 2013 and scheduled for PET on July 31st.  Am 9 months post now, Saliva very little ,taste almost back to normal.  Check in Jan 13, 2014

Catluver96 (Viki) Jan 15, 2014, Diagnosed July 2012. Tongue cancer stage 3. Radical neck dissection. 1/3 of tongue removed. Skin graft from thigh for side of tongue. Chemo (Cisplatin) and 33 rads started October 1, 2012 finished November 15, 2012.  Doing well. Eating good, have most of taste back. Read forum often. Best wishes to all.

CathyHorner, Johnson City, TN, joined 11-2013, enrolled 12-29-2013. DX’d Stage III, Laryngeal cancer in June 2013. Clear pet scan in 11-2013. Need trache for breathing and difficulty speaking.

CherieLW, Lancaster, Ohio, joined forum May 2010, enrolled dad (Steve) on June 4, 2013. DX’d cancer of sinus w/one affected lymph node. Undergoing treatment at time of enrollment.

Christmas, California, joined forum May 2005, enrolled July 8, 2008. DX’d NPC Nasopharyngeal in 2004. had been absent but back in. Last check in July 14, 2013 and life has beeen good. Dealing w/problems and completed 10 years from DX.  Checking in May 21, 2014 Sorry I missed the roll call.  I have been very busy with work.  Lots of demands and deadlines requiring 12 hour days.  Can't complain except that I don't have much time for anything else.  Good news to share - I have a new grandson who is now four month old.  Unfortunately, he lives a six hour drive away.  It's been nearly eleven years since my diagnosis.  I feel very fortunate.  Very minor complaint - dry mouth an issue because people have difficulty understanding my speech.  Still no other meds aside from a low dosage of synthroid.  Lots of infections - eye, bladder.  Lots of dental problems.  Other than that life is GOOD!  Just getting older.

Chucka21, Vine Grive, Kentucky, joined forum April 2013, enrolled May 21, 2013. DX’d February 21, 2013 w/SCC unknown primary. Modified neck dissection March 5, 2013. Tonsillectomy April 14, 2013. Undergoing radiation at time of enrollment.

cid817,  Fredericksburg, Virginia Enrolled July 24, 2015 Husband was diagnosed August 2013 – SCC of epiglottis with 2 lymph nodes, Stage 4b - HPV negative.  Completed treatment end of November 2013 – 35 rads, weekly cisplatin (6 total), no surgery.  Did our research and 3 consults before treatment.  Walter Reed suggested surgery to remove epiglottis along with the tumor and put in a temporary trach tube, then chemo and rads.  Was told that the rads would destroy epiglottis and that is why they would remove it.  Local ENT suggested chemo and rads, no surgery.  Local radiologist was furious that we were told rads would destroy epiglottis; said they were trying to save it, not destroy it.  Went with local ENT, radiologist and oncologist.  Were shocked with the differing opinions of treatment!  Here we are, almost 2 years later, NED.  Second PET scan will be in November.  Issues with dry mouth and taste, some swallowing/slight choking issues, occasional flair ups of the radiation site.  Every day is a gift.

CivilMatt (Matt) Albany, Oregon, enrolled October 22, 2012. DX December 23, 2011 w/Stage Iva, SCC, BOT, HPV+ & l lymph node on left side of neck (surgery, radiation & Erbitux).  660 days post, lost 43 lbs, gained 20 lbs, saliva, dry mouth and taste challenged.  I am on the standard H&N plan seeking maximum recovery.   I see life differently now, wonder and tragedy are but a heartbeat away.  My H&N friends help keep me grounded.  You are all special in your own way.  Time is precious.  Checked in January 19, 2013. Check in January 12, 2014,  Check in July 13, 2015.  Checking in Jan 1. 2016  All is nice in my new-normal world, eating is a cautious and very enjoyable.   Trying very hard to maintain a strong immune system.  Lots to do

CLRRN (Mike) partner Chris, Maryland, joined forum June 2010, enrolled July 13, 2010. Reporting for partner Mike. DX’d SCC left tonsillar basloid. Checked in August 7, 2011. MIA and checked back in June 3, 2013. Reported good news…some ailments but NED.  Checking in Jan 8, 2016, I joined when my partner Mike was dx w/Stage 4 SCC tonsil in 2010. He remaind NED and doing great. He had all his teeth extracted (what he had left) in 2014 and got full dentures. Aside from his hoarseness and has no complaints.  Forever grateful to everyone for the support to me and all the helpful hints/suggestions to allow me to be a better caretaker.

Connieprice1 (Connie & Homer) Enrolled Nov 8, 2015 Connie Price Stage IV BOT with 2 lymph nodes involved HPV+  Completed Chemo & 35 Radiation treatment 4/2011. So far so good! Please add Connie to survivor list. I was sorry to read that some of my good friends had not survived. Some I communicated with directly and some I always read their posts. To: Barefoot Bob, Delnative (Jim), Jim and I (survived by Debbie), luv4lacrosse (Mike), To be Golden, Wolfen (Ron) and Charlie Trinks (survived by Jan) May you All Rest in Peace and that Heaven is Everything we dream it to be. To Everyone that has lost a loved one here, I pray for the caretakers and families.

Corleone, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, joine forum July 2012, enrolled February 1, 2013. DX’d NPC Stage III on June 14, 2012. Treatment completed December 1, 2012. Check-in July 10, 2015 Toronto, ON, Canada joined forum 21-July-2012.  Diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, stage III, on 14-Jun-2012 ,Last checkup May 2015, complete remission.   Corleone: I made Cancer an offer it can’t refuse

Crazymom (Ann)  Checking in Sep 8, 2015 I had left tonsil and two left lymph notes.  I have been cancer free for 3.5 years.  I am doing well and enjoying life.

Cureitall66 (Cris & Kreg), Michigan, joined 12-2012 enrolled loved one on October 23, 2012. DX’d on August 21, 2012 w/Stage IV, SCC, BOT, HPV=, 1 lymph node n left side of nect.   </spa

Comments

  • Barbaraek
    Barbaraek Member Posts: 626
    Checking in....

    Husband Boris age 56 diagnosed with NPC stage IV in May 2015 and treated with 35 radiation sessions and 2 rounds Cisplatin. NED as of 1/15/16, next scan will be in April 2016. Still struggling with dry mouth, dry eyes and moderate hearing loss (corrected with hearing aids). Finally off all pain meds, working on weaning off the PEG tube and making slow but sure progress. Looking forward to many more personal encounters with NED.

  • swopoe
    swopoe Member Posts: 492
    Check In

    caregiver to husband, Ethan, age 41. Hometown- Houston, TX. Diagnosed with oral tongue cancer (stage 1) in October 2015. Surgery (hemiglossectomy and selective neck dissection) November 2015. 30 radiation treatments and 6 rounds of cisplatin from December 2015-January 2016. 1st post treatment scan (MRI) on Feb. 23, 2016 all clear. Praying for future clear scans. 

  • irishlass258
    irishlass258 Member Posts: 16
    New member

    hometown Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania My husband, Harry, age 67 was diagnosed with base of neck and left lymph node in December, 2016. It is unique because it is not SCC fut large cell neuroendecrine caricoma. He has completed 3 cycles of chemo and 15 radiation treatment. The chemoplatum caused bad kidney function and he was in hospital for 4 days. His treatment was ehanged to chemoplatum and etopiside. He has a feeding tube but so far has not needed it. However food tastes bland. he also had a half way CT scan thata shows the mass is shrinking, so that's good news. We are hoping for the best.Thanks so much for this forum because it does make things easier.

  • MGC
    MGC Member Posts: 72 Member
    Check in 2016

    Happy St Patty's Day

    Still kicking. 6 years out and doing well. Could always be better but could always be worse.

    When I joined 6 years ago i was always looking for people who had been here a long time. Happy to say that I am now one of them;-)

    Tons of changes to life this experience brings but this site and the people on it make it better. Thank You.

     

    Mark

  • janetluvsron
    janetluvsron Member Posts: 116
    check in 2016

    hello

    ron first joined spring of 2013 left tonsil cancer stage 3, 2 nodes

    did 8 weeks weekly cistplatin and 8 weeks radiation

    lost 40 pounds, lost appetite and taste, no hearing loss. no feeding tube. back to 99%

    1/25/16 on routine annual visit they decided to do a ct scan of neck, it luckily picked up his upper right lobe, which showed tumor.

    now new cancer in right upper lobe, had right upper lobectomy with clear margins on 3/4/16 but pathology came back 1 positive lymph node.

    starting chemo in two weeks for four months.

    both cancers have been squamous cell.

  • rush1958
    rush1958 Member Posts: 223 Member
    2010 Alumni

    Just checking in for 2016. Still hanging in there.

    Rush

  • catfish_58
    catfish_58 Member Posts: 138 Member
    checking in 05/20/2016

    just checking in and doing pretty good, Thanks to all members of CSN for the words of encouragement and all info.

  • squiggyrn
    squiggyrn Member Posts: 10
    Michael for Saint clair

    Michael from Saint clair shores michigan I am 4 years out of treatment form stage 3 tounge cancer, I am happy to be alive. It has given me a new look on dealing with my patient after being one myself I am a ER nurse  and am able to still work as one. squiggyrn@gmail.com

  • stevenpepe
    stevenpepe Member Posts: 234
    New member

    Steven Pepe from Wappingers Falls, NY. Squamous Celll Carcinoma of the left tongue, with 1 lymph node metastasis. Diagnosed February 23rd, 2016, surgery, April 1st on tongue and neck, then 33 radiation treatments. Five more to go at this writing.

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    edited June 2016 #11
    2016 update...

    Had a recurrance in October, 2015 in nodes by my collarbone.  Modified radical neck dissection Nov. 13, 2015....another 25 rounds of radiation ending Feb. 10th, 2016.....PET scan in May showed clear....NED :)!!!

    p

  • tomb247
    tomb247 Member Posts: 54
    edited June 2016 #12
    UPDATE

    tomb247  Enrolled July 23, 2015, Diagnosed January 2015, SCC Tonsil and Base Tounge. Stage3 N 0 HPV+.  6 Weeks IMRT 7 Fields.Treatment finished March 3rd 2015. 1 year CT scan in April and PE by ENT and Onc Doc and NED. Now 15 months post and will visit ENT in a few months. Onc Doc will see me at 2 year mark for scan. Saliva is better about half what it used to be. Taste still off a bit but overall. Breathing In, Breathing Our and Moving On. Take care and Peace to all of you.

  • cardoza33
    cardoza33 Member Posts: 81
    New

    Tony  California.  Age 45.  Diagnosed Nov. 23, 2015 w/ SCC Tonsil stage 4. 2 cisplatin and 6 weeks of rads.  Finished treatment Feb. 3, 16.  May I had first NED scan. Feeling good.  Eating is a chore, ringing in my ears and some nerve issues, but otherwise feeling good and happy.