Skin Tearing

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Bowing
Bowing Member Posts: 14
edited August 2019 in Head and Neck Cancer #1

Has anyone had an infection(they think it originates from some 'dead bone' area of my chin) in their face after radiation?  I am on antibiotics for the infection but one area of my skin that was swolen and had a sore underneath the skin has split right through to the mouth.  It started as a pin prick and is now a horizontal split about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.  My ENT said that he cannot stitch it as the stitching will not work because the skin is 'dead'.  So now i have a 'mini' lip below my real one.  Tuesday he is going to take a biopsy of the small lump left beside the 'hole' to see if it is the cancer returning (squamous cell).  I will then be having a CT scan the week after so my ENT can see where the dead bone is and come up with a plan to remove it and put in bone from the leg.  This hole is a big worry for me.  will I need plastic surgery to fix it?   I am terrified to think of what will happen next.

            Love to all of you going through this horrible voyage.  I cannot believe how strong you all are.

 

Comments

  • wbcgaruss
    wbcgaruss Member Posts: 2,275 Member
    #2
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    Bowing You Are Facing

     

    Some added problems here from your treatment. So far you are doing all you can taking antibiotics till you see your ENT and get it biopsied. Hopefully, it is not cancer but all to do with the infection. Not that it will lower your concern factor in this situation but certainly more cancer would be more difficult. Is there also a topical salve to put on it that is antibiotic I would ask if there is then you are fighting it two ways. I would keep it covered also to keep any dirt and germs out. I am putting you on my prayer list and praying it is not cancer and for you to stay strong through this situation. I don’t know exactly what to say here there is a good bit going on but trust in your ENT. Take one step at a time. I think I would call your ENT and tell him you would like to move the process as fast as possible. With an open area now I would think he could maybe speed things up and have the CT scan sooner. Let them know you are very concerned and make an extra appointment and go in if need be. You will get through this others have had a section of jawbone replaced and it worked out fine. A fella in our local support group had it done. but it will surely add to your recovery time. As I said I am praying for you-stay strong-Trust in God’s healing and trust in your Docs.

  • LitlCJdoll
    LitlCJdoll Member Posts: 245 Member
    edited September 2019 #3
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    Hi Bowing,

    Hi Bowing,

    I indeed hope it's due to radiation damage alone-- although you will still have to go through surgery, likely, to repair it.

    I have had cancer in lower lip Twice. It spread from my primary tongue tumor, and the PNI.

    Also, the new Primary I had this year, was floor of mouth just inside lower lip and it grew large & invaded my reconstructed tongue flap!  I have had So many surgeries in just 2 years. All of them have been invasive SqCC 

    I hope strongly that the Path report comes back clear for you.

     

    LitlCJdoll

  • Bowing
    Bowing Member Posts: 14
    #4
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    More Cancer

    Well, I got the results of my biopsy and CT last week and it seems that my cancer is back. 

    I now have a tumour on the opposite side of my neck in a lymph node and the 'infection or ulcer' in my mouth and skin seems to be cancer as well.  I can't believe it!!  So soon.  My ENT has set up an operation for October to do a neck dissection AND a bone graft from my leg to my chin bone to replace the 'dead' bone from the radation.  He will also have a plastic surgeon there to make me look 'normal' again. 

    I am terrified of the trecheotomy (sp?) and feeding tube that the specialist says I will have to have for a time right after the operation.  Hard to even talk about it.  When the game show host Alex Trebek talked about the overwhelming saddness that he somtimes feels I know exactly what he meant.  

    Again, to everyone fighting this horrible disease, stay strong and God bless you.

     

  • Sabrina23
    Sabrina23 Member Posts: 103 Member
    #5
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    You have my prayers

    You have my prayers Bowing for going thru this difficult time.  I am so sorry to hear your cancer is back.  May God give you strength and peace and let the operation be a great success.  I know the track tube and feeding tube are scary but I pray they will be temporary to help you heal completely so you can be NED for good!  I pray for all on this forum for NED outcomes and to be free of cancers. God Bless All! 

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    edited September 2019 #6
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    with a little more research.

     

     

     

     

    Bowing,

    You asked a question which does come up occasionally, but not often enough to generate a lot of the information that you seek.

    Your particular area of the problem may be different from some of the H&N members who have traversed the reconstruction surgery path, but I assume some of the preliminary steps are similar. I have listed a few H&N members for you to see.  If you go to and look at the Roll Call 2019, you can read their stories and see if it helps you.  Some of these members are still active and if you drop them a Private Message (maybe) they could help you.

    CajunEagle, Meinken, Mikemetz. Jackflash22, Vetorama and Vicky1

     

    Matt

     

  • ERomanO
    ERomanO Member Posts: 317 Member
    #7
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    Sorry to read that you have

    Sorry to read that you have to battle the beast once again. Prayers to you, and to your medical team to bring this to an end and give you a life of NED resports!

  • Bowing
    Bowing Member Posts: 14
    edited September 2019 #8
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    Thank-you

    Thank-you so much for your encouragement and words of help.  I find it difficult to come to terms with it all sometimes.  I read of what some of you are going through and sometimes feel as if I am 'complaining' if I ask for advice.  At the same time it is very uplifting to see your strength and determination to survive and live life the best you can.   Am seeing the surgeon this afternoon and have a mile long list of questions about the surgery.  

    Love to all of you,

    Linda

  • armana
    armana Member Posts: 97 Member
    #9
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    Bowing said:

    Thank-you

    Thank-you so much for your encouragement and words of help.  I find it difficult to come to terms with it all sometimes.  I read of what some of you are going through and sometimes feel as if I am 'complaining' if I ask for advice.  At the same time it is very uplifting to see your strength and determination to survive and live life the best you can.   Am seeing the surgeon this afternoon and have a mile long list of questions about the surgery.  

    Love to all of you,

    Linda

    You will be in my prayers

    I am so sorry you have go through this again in such a short time. I read you profile and it looks like you have been through a lot in less than a year.

    Please keep us posted with your situation. This is a great place for information and support from great folks who sincerely empathize with you.

    Arman

  • ProustLover
    ProustLover Member Posts: 120 Member
    edited September 2019 #10
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    armana said:

    You will be in my prayers

    I am so sorry you have go through this again in such a short time. I read you profile and it looks like you have been through a lot in less than a year.

    Please keep us posted with your situation. This is a great place for information and support from great folks who sincerely empathize with you.

    Arman

    Right now I'm thinking of

    Right now I'm thinking of Suez39, Bowing, and LitlCJdoll - how much you're going through, but still with the spirit to reach out and connect.  This in itself is inspiring.  The example of strength and courage makes a huge difference to others facing the same.  I don't consider it "venting"....it's just sharing the truth, and I thank you for sharing.   

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