Hello Everyone,
My name is Beth. I've been recently diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. I was informed after 1st biopsy that it was cancer. Had a second biopsy done by the surgeon and it came back not cancer.
I had a superficial parotidectomy and 3 lymph nodes removed.
The pathology came back on that and it was Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma. The lymph nodes were fine but I'm told that there is only a 5-10% chance of it in the lymph nodes as this cancer travels the nerves.
I have to have 5-6 weeks of radiation starting in a couple weeks and am really nervous about it.
Both of my parents have cancer but both in different areas and not a head or neck cancer. So they are unable to tell me what it will be like other than to say they both agree they were very tired.
I have been reading online (I know, not always the best idea)that I could very well lose teeth, a great deal of weight by being unable to swallow due to throat/mouth pain and maybe my hair? Stiffening of the neck?
Is there anyone with ACC that I can talk to about this?
Any info or advice you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Happy & Healthy New Year To You All!