Introduction
Hi everyone, I'm new here. I have cancer of the parotid gland. I was diagnosed after my surgery. They thought it was benign due to negative results of biopsy. I am glad this discussion board exists as I feel alone a bit. I'm starting radiation next week for six weeks. My name is Shirley and I'm thankful that you're all here.
Comments
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Sorry to hear this news Shirley
I finished my radiation last Friday. Write some of the suggestions down and ask your doctor what kind if pain meds and washes will be prescribed.
Once you get in the doctors office you may forget. I started having difficulty after the 10th treatment but some folks don't seem to be as bad. My radiation was focused on my mouth and neck for five weeks and just my tongue for one week and that's where the real pain started for me.
If you are able to have metal removed from your teeth it's a good idea. Eat as much as you can now and enjoy those bites. I hope you are a lucky one and your pain is little. Positive thoughts. Good luck. We are all here for you!
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Welcome to H&N group
Welcome to the group, but sorry you need to be here. We have had members with the same, so I hope they chime in. Theirs was a several months ago and don't check in daily. It is a rough road you're going down and it affects everyone different. Many have really no issues, and some have a rough time. All have gotten through it and you will as well. You will need to drink water to stay hydrated and keep swallowing, as it will help the throat and recovery. With radiation, your mouth will get dry.
I do recommend reading the "Superthread_Read only" which is at the top of the posts. It can answer questions you don't even have yet. Just take it one day at a time, and always keep your doctors informed with really everything, pain if you get any or anxiety, dry mouth, etc. They need for you to be very honest and let them know so they can keep you doing great. If you have questions for the doctor please write them down and leave space for the answers. Don't read from it just hand it to the doctor. He might answer the first one and you can go blank. It can be a lot to take in, and mine wrote the answer in as he explained then. Oh, always have someone to go with you, two sets of ears helps.Bill
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Hi thank you for yourJosephwc said:Sorry to hear this news Shirley
I finished my radiation last Friday. Write some of the suggestions down and ask your doctor what kind if pain meds and washes will be prescribed.
Once you get in the doctors office you may forget. I started having difficulty after the 10th treatment but some folks don't seem to be as bad. My radiation was focused on my mouth and neck for five weeks and just my tongue for one week and that's where the real pain started for me.
If you are able to have metal removed from your teeth it's a good idea. Eat as much as you can now and enjoy those bites. I hope you are a lucky one and your pain is little. Positive thoughts. Good luck. We are all here for you!
Hi thank you for your suggestions and support.
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Thank you for the info andwmc said:Welcome to H&N group
Welcome to the group, but sorry you need to be here. We have had members with the same, so I hope they chime in. Theirs was a several months ago and don't check in daily. It is a rough road you're going down and it affects everyone different. Many have really no issues, and some have a rough time. All have gotten through it and you will as well. You will need to drink water to stay hydrated and keep swallowing, as it will help the throat and recovery. With radiation, your mouth will get dry.
I do recommend reading the "Superthread_Read only" which is at the top of the posts. It can answer questions you don't even have yet. Just take it one day at a time, and always keep your doctors informed with really everything, pain if you get any or anxiety, dry mouth, etc. They need for you to be very honest and let them know so they can keep you doing great. If you have questions for the doctor please write them down and leave space for the answers. Don't read from it just hand it to the doctor. He might answer the first one and you can go blank. It can be a lot to take in, and mine wrote the answer in as he explained then. Oh, always have someone to go with you, two sets of ears helps.Bill
Thank you for the info and support.
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Hey Shirley!
I'm new here too! My first chemo (cisplatin - 3 cycles 3 weeks apart) will be June 21 and Radiation starts June 27 (7 weeks 5 days a week). Joanne
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Hi Shirley...
Sorry you have to join this particular club but it is a great, supportive, caring group. I know you're scared (who wouldn't be?) but we'll keep you company, give you a shoulder to cry on and see you through this journey. Keep us updated and we'll all be pulling for you.
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Hi Shirley
I'm sorry that you have to be in the group, but glad that you have found us. This is a great place for support, questions, suggestions and a safe place to vent. There are several "new" people on the message board here - they'll be your bus mates as you travel down the treatment path. Please know that we are all rooting for you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
My husband had nasopharyngeal cancer, and at one point my daughter was worked up for parotid gland problems, which thankfully turned out to be a chronic inflammation problem. I don't think I could have managed two H&N CAs at one time.
Keep us posted. Best advice is seek out the best docs and treatments you can - places which have a tumor board where a team works on your diagnosis and treatment is preferable. Also try to start eating and drinking now before radiation starts because it can do a number on your swallowing.
Barbara
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Welcome
Hi Shirley,
Welcome to the H&N forum, sorry you are here, but maybe we can help.
The best and easiest advice I got from the forum was to drink lots of water and swallow often
As your temporary routine gets set you will not feel so confused and overloaded.
Best of luck,
Matt
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Parotid
Today I ran into a friend of mine who had parotid gland cancer about three years ago. He gave me support when my BOT cancer was diagnosed shortly after he finished treatment. I would like to pass the support on to you. Radiation treatment is not easy, but there are ways to manage any side effects you may get. The people on this site will have suggestions and support for you any time you need it.
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Welcome!
Wow, I haven't been here for awhile and it's amazing that there are so many new members here now. I'm not familiar with your type of cancer, but no matter - no two individual's cancer journeys are the same even if they share the same diagnosis. I was the primary caregiver for my husband who had stage IV tonsil cancer, HPV+. He had a particularly rough time with treatment and I can honestly say it was the hardest thing we've ever done. The good news is that you do get through it. This site is a wonderful place to come and vent or get support, so come back as often as you need to.
Take care!
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Hi Joanne Sorry you have toRottiesMom said:Hey Shirley!
I'm new here too! My first chemo (cisplatin - 3 cycles 3 weeks apart) will be June 21 and Radiation starts June 27 (7 weeks 5 days a week). Joanne
Hi Joanne Sorry you have to be here. Good Luck with your treatmeant. Thanks for your contact.
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Thank you for your supportSusanUES said:Hi Shirley...
Sorry you have to join this particular club but it is a great, supportive, caring group. I know you're scared (who wouldn't be?) but we'll keep you company, give you a shoulder to cry on and see you through this journey. Keep us updated and we'll all be pulling for you.
Thank you for your support
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Thank you Barbara for yourBarbaraek said:Hi Shirley
I'm sorry that you have to be in the group, but glad that you have found us. This is a great place for support, questions, suggestions and a safe place to vent. There are several "new" people on the message board here - they'll be your bus mates as you travel down the treatment path. Please know that we are all rooting for you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
My husband had nasopharyngeal cancer, and at one point my daughter was worked up for parotid gland problems, which thankfully turned out to be a chronic inflammation problem. I don't think I could have managed two H&N CAs at one time.
Keep us posted. Best advice is seek out the best docs and treatments you can - places which have a tumor board where a team works on your diagnosis and treatment is preferable. Also try to start eating and drinking now before radiation starts because it can do a number on your swallowing.
Barbara
Thank you Barbara for your helpful information. Much appreciated.
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Thanks Matt. I'll rememberCivilMatt said:Welcome
Hi Shirley,
Welcome to the H&N forum, sorry you are here, but maybe we can help.
The best and easiest advice I got from the forum was to drink lots of water and swallow often
As your temporary routine gets set you will not feel so confused and overloaded.
Best of luck,
Matt
Thanks Matt. I'll remember that one.
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Thank you.MrsBD said:Parotid
Today I ran into a friend of mine who had parotid gland cancer about three years ago. He gave me support when my BOT cancer was diagnosed shortly after he finished treatment. I would like to pass the support on to you. Radiation treatment is not easy, but there are ways to manage any side effects you may get. The people on this site will have suggestions and support for you any time you need it.
Thank you.
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Thank you for your welcomethe_wife said:Welcome!
Wow, I haven't been here for awhile and it's amazing that there are so many new members here now. I'm not familiar with your type of cancer, but no matter - no two individual's cancer journeys are the same even if they share the same diagnosis. I was the primary caregiver for my husband who had stage IV tonsil cancer, HPV+. He had a particularly rough time with treatment and I can honestly say it was the hardest thing we've ever done. The good news is that you do get through it. This site is a wonderful place to come and vent or get support, so come back as often as you need to.
Take care!
Thank you for your welcome and support
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Hi Shirely. I too am new
Hi Shirely. I too am new here. Stage IVA Tonsil Cancer. Surgery in April and 13 of 33 rads completed and 3 of 6 Cisplatin chemo infusions completed. This has been a wonderful site to pick up helpful hints and share information.
As with everyone else here, I hope all goes well for you.
Freddie
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