Recurrant tongue cancer

3xacharm
3xacharm Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
My husband was diagnosed with T4 Squamous Cell Carninorma on the tongue in February this year. They removed 40% of his tongue and about 2 dozens of lymph nodes from his neck. Since there was one lymph node that had cancer cells, they did the radiation (IMRT) treatment in July. We just found out that the cancer is back on the same spot on the tongue, and also there are some tumors around the nerves. Sounds like only option he has is chemo. But last time we talked to his oncologist, chemo doesn't work too good for this type of cancer. If he has to have a surgery again, they will have to remove the whole tongue plus voice box. That means he will never be able to eat or speak. My husband had Hodgkins' Desease about 10 years ago. He did the radiation back then. It came back in 2 years, so he had the chemo. He can't have any more radiation since the dosage is maxed out. Does anybody have a similar situation or experience? Please help! Any response would be appreciated. Thank you!

Comments

  • tools
    tools Member Posts: 2
    #2
    I too have a recurrant togune cancer, and was told the same thing about removal of the entire organ. I am now going to the va for treatment which may only end up being pain management. I was also told that chemo was not very effective with this type of cancer as it does not tap into the blood supply as agressivly as other cancers. I go this week for a pet scan and will meet with the oncologists wendsday and, if I find out that they have another choice that sounds reasonable I will be sure to pass it on. So believe me when I tell you I understand how you and your loved one feel.My message is the one just before yours on this site.I am now on duragesic,every 48 hours instead of 72, celebrex 200mg twice a day as well as tylenol # 4 for the break through pain. As of this wendsday they are going to put me on oxycodne and oxyconton so that there will be more of a chance to regulate the meds as duragesic is very hard to regulate being such a long term med. I will pass on anything I come along and hope you will too as we are in the same position. The most important thing I believe I have going for me is my deep belief in god and that does help me get through this a little better. Even with all you have to deal with right now I hope you and your loved one can still enjoy the holidays togather as I plan to do with my friends and family. Please keep in touch.
  • 3xacharm
    3xacharm Member Posts: 2
    #3
    tools said:

    I too have a recurrant togune cancer, and was told the same thing about removal of the entire organ. I am now going to the va for treatment which may only end up being pain management. I was also told that chemo was not very effective with this type of cancer as it does not tap into the blood supply as agressivly as other cancers. I go this week for a pet scan and will meet with the oncologists wendsday and, if I find out that they have another choice that sounds reasonable I will be sure to pass it on. So believe me when I tell you I understand how you and your loved one feel.My message is the one just before yours on this site.I am now on duragesic,every 48 hours instead of 72, celebrex 200mg twice a day as well as tylenol # 4 for the break through pain. As of this wendsday they are going to put me on oxycodne and oxyconton so that there will be more of a chance to regulate the meds as duragesic is very hard to regulate being such a long term med. I will pass on anything I come along and hope you will too as we are in the same position. The most important thing I believe I have going for me is my deep belief in god and that does help me get through this a little better. Even with all you have to deal with right now I hope you and your loved one can still enjoy the holidays togather as I plan to do with my friends and family. Please keep in touch.

    Thank you for your reply, tools. My husband and I met with the ENT doctor this morning and we were basically told there is nothing they can do. Apparently, this cancer is very aggresive and was growing even during the radiation treatment. Now it's extended from his toungue all the way to his jaw bone. It's inoperable. The doc gave him several months. But we've not given up yet. We will see our oncologist next week and see what he will say. My husband has been in such severe pain for almost a year now. He's been taking oxycodone, Nortriptyline, and ibuprofen to relieve his pain. I know it's very hard and my heart goes out to you. Please hang in there.
  • kiren
    kiren Member Posts: 40 Member
    #4
    I was just reading your message and I realized that just like your husband I also had Hodgkins 6years back and was treated with chem and radiation to chest area. Now four months before I developed tongue cancer stage 1 and had some surgery. I was just curious could there be a relation between hodgkins and tongue cancer? Good luck to you and your husband.

Discussion Boards