Stage 4 Parotid Cancer

jeffner1234
jeffner1234 Member Posts: 5
edited March 2014 in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hi all! I have stage 4 Partid Cancer. It has spread to my hip and to my breast. The tumor in my breast was removed and did not return. Had radiation treatment on my hip, leasion is still there, but could be dead tissue. I am trying to get some information. My tumor has been removed 3 times. The last time it was removed 3 years ago,and no sign of it, however the pet scans show ativity, and of course with my tumors elswher we know its Parotid Cancer. I went to one radiation oncologist and he would not zapp my neck because their is no lesion that can be seen. On the recommendation of another Dr, he suggested I find a Dr that will. Has anyone else has any info? Also any info on the patch for pain? Or any suggestions on what to do about pain? I am still trying to work full time, but sitting for 8 hours absoluty kills me.

Comments

  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    #2
    Not familiar with this particular cancer, jeffner, so I am afraid I cannot be much help, but did not want you to think you were being ignored.

    I can tell you about the 'pain patch' if it is fentanyl. I would go for it, for sure.

    It is, I believe, a fairly powerful opiate, and therefore you want to be careful with it. I used it with great satisfaction once I came home from the hospital, my motto being "I am allergic to pain". Okay, that is ONE of my mottos :). The other is "Hope and Humor".

    But hear this: pain management is a critical aspect of your success. If you are in pain, in my experience, you are less likely to want to go on, to endure more, to do the things you must do to beat this thing. If you listen to the medical professions and take the pain meds as prescribed, you will find that you feel better (I hope) and that you have a better mindset for being the warrior you need to be to fight cancer.

    Stage 4 is a dismaying diagnosis, there is no getting around that, but on the other hand, there are lots of Stage 4 survivors hanging around this site to prove that it is not a death sentence. You are welcome to join that club and we all hope to see you there!

    Take care and best wishes.

    Joe
  • soccerfreaks
    soccerfreaks Member Posts: 2,788 Member
    #3
    Not familiar with this particular cancer, jeffner, so I am afraid I cannot be much help, but did not want you to think you were being ignored.

    I can tell you about the 'pain patch' if it is fentanyl. I would go for it, for sure.

    It is, I believe, a fairly powerful opiate, and therefore you want to be careful with it. I used it with great satisfaction once I came home from the hospital, my motto being "I am allergic to pain". Okay, that is ONE of my mottos :). The other is "Hope and Humor".

    But hear this: pain management is a critical aspect of your success. If you are in pain, in my experience, you are less likely to want to go on, to endure more, to do the things you must do to beat this thing. If you listen to the medical professions and take the pain meds as prescribed, you will find that you feel better (I hope) and that you have a better mindset for being the warrior you need to be to fight cancer.

    Stage 4 is a dismaying diagnosis, there is no getting around that, but on the other hand, there are lots of Stage 4 survivors hanging around this site to prove that it is not a death sentence. You are welcome to join that club and we all hope to see you there!

    Take care and best wishes.

    Joe
  • train-nut
    train-nut Member Posts: 101
    #4
    Hello Jeffner. Do you mean parotid? I agree with what soccerfreaks said. Also, don't hesitate to to get another opinion even if you have to go out of town. I had the patch and did well with it...no peaks and valleys, just steady relief...it's available in 4 or 5 dosages, I was able to keep it low...worked part-time through most of the treatment. A portable phone allowed me to get out of the chair and move around and still do work (the walking helped). Try to be as positive as possible as much of the time as you can; it's not always easy but it does make things easier. The best of health to you. Rich, "an ex-stage fourer"

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