ANYONE HERE WITH STAGE II SCC of tongue and node??

Linda, 

I read both of your posts and it appears you are very concerned on the amount of treatment you will be receiving. That was a concern of mine when I found out by accident that I had cancer. I had Base of Tongue cancer. I did elect Surgery as I was given several options and I wanted the cancer out of me totally. 

The Surgeon felt he removed all the cancer, he and the Radiation Oncologist figured I only needed Radiation to clean up any stray cells in the area as I had a PET scan prior and it didn't show anything out of the norm. I inquired about adding Chemo and they said that they would hold that as a Back-up in the event that I had reoccurance. I can say that has not happened and my surgery was in 2004. I actually just came home now from getting my yearly scope and all is clear once again. 

Originally, I told the Surgeon to hit me with everything you have even the kitchen sink if need be, I only wanted to do this once. They said it wouldn't be necessary and they were right. At the time I was Stage 3, but after surgery I was Stage 4 because of the size of the tumor and additional involved Lymphnodes found in the Radical Neck Dissection. 

My Best to You and Everyone Here

Hi Linda

T2:N1:M0 SCC HPV16+ base of tonge.   No surgery, 3 Chemo's Cisplatin day 1,22 & 43.  35 IMRT radiation dose 70Gy.   No feeding tubes or ports.

Im 7 rads in food tastes slightly different, saliva still I had no side effects from my first Chemo just a bit tired the next day (emend anti sickness works for me). walking every day for 4 miles or more, drinking as much water as possible. Got into the habbit of constantly chewing sugar free gum.

From what I was reading on MedScape Stage I-II  surgery if possible or radiation on its own. 

Stage III-IV Chemo radiation

Radiation looks to be 66 - 74 GY for both stages

Head and neck cancer has been one of the “stars” of CRT , in that its use has significantly increased the cure rate of the disease. In treating locally advanced tumours, CRT has improved survival compared with radiation therapy alone.

I would be asking the doctors to explain the reasons for the treatment choice, the HPV+ is a big plus on the prognosis.

Good look with it when you start  I'm Just waiting for symptoms to appear but i wont complain if they are a long time in coming.

Linda C. said:

Hi Sara,

Hi Sara,

The Radiation Oncologist explained that he is following the NCCN Guidelines for Cancer of the Oropharynx.  He even gave me a two page copy of the guidelines because he knew how I felt about receiving Chemo and Radiation.  Because my primary is inoperable the guidelines say Radiation Therapy only.  He went on to explain that if this treatment didn't work I would not receive Radiation again but it would be surgery.  That means I would loose my whole tongue as well as lymph node.  MD Anderson Hospital also follows the NCCN Guidelines.   If all hospitals follow these guidelines then I just as soon stay here.

Hi sorry to hear of your challenge. My husband had a huge part of his tongue removed in 2008. It was replaced with muscle from his forearm for the tissue and muscle texture is the same. It was stave 4 salivary gland. All in all, his surgery was 11 hrs. His reconstruction was 4 then skin graph 2hrs. Took him a year to get back to 80% of self meaning, his voice was affected and had to see speech therapist for a while. He still had to undergo two rounds of chemo to catch anything that was hidden in the cells.

What was disturbing was... We were not properly prepared for the post surgery. The truth would have been nice to been told. So I caution you to tell them to give it to you straight. His ortolaryngologist was top in her field at Emory University hospital. We are grateful for the results. I wish you the best. I pray for your continued strength and endurance.

Tj