| | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP  Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Sadly, Liza has contacted me with the following news....
My cancer has come back again in my remaining nodes near, my parotid gland, under, my chin and also under my skin. My skin around my neck is all red and lumpy. They are going to treat me first with 3 months, of chemo in the hope the tumors,will shrink and stop them spreading further. If it works they will then radiate me. My odds ares very slim now but I am not losing hope. I have not posted, on OCF as I am in hospital waiting for a port to be inserted tomorrow. I am scared and feel so devastated but I have to keep on praying for a miracle. Please keep me in your prayers.
How can I not think about dying when.this is happens so fast? My odds are, not good but I keep thinking of people who are still here despite being in the last stages of this,illness. Because mine has infiltrated under, my skin, makes, it a worse prognosis. It is hard, red and sore...everyday it us getting tighter. All I pay for is, that God will heal me but also that he will give me strength and the ability to withstand intense chemo and that the chemo works to stop the cancer from growing any further.i think its a combination of 3 drugs, one of them being Cisplatin...didn't hear what the others were. the MO will come and see, me today. Can you please ask others to pray for me too.
I promised Liza I would post this and ask for everyone to pray for her.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: May 2008 Posts: 551 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: May 2008 Posts: 551 | Prayers sent, Christine. Many prayers.
- Margaret
Stage IV SCC lt lateral tongue, surgery 5/19/08 (partial gloss/upper neck dissection left side/radial free flap reconstruction) IMRT w/weekly Cisplatin & Erbitux 6/30/08, PEG 1 6/12/08 - out 7/14 (in abdominal wall, not stomach), PEG 2 7/23/08 - out 11/20/08, Tx done 8/18/08
Second SCC tumor, Stage 1, rt mobile tongue, removed 10/18/2016, right neck dissection 12/9/2016
Third SCC tumor, diagnosed, 4/19/2108, rt submandibular mass, HPV-, IMRT w/ weekly Cisplatin, 5/9 - 6/25/2018, PEG 3 5/31/2018
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 | mine too. Love you Liza
Eric
Last edited by EricS; 03-24-2011 08:18 PM.
Young Frack, SCC T4N2M0, Cisplatin,35+ rads,ND, RT Mandiblectomy w fibular free flap, facial paralysis, "He who has a "why" to live can bear with almost any "how"." -Nietzche "WARNING" PG-13 due to Sarcasm & WAY too much attitude, interact at your own risk.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 756 Likes: 1 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 756 Likes: 1 | Liza, sending my prayers your way also.
Susan
SCC R-Lateral tongue, T1N0M0
Age 47 at Dx, non-smoker, casual drinker, HPV-
Surgery: June 2005
RT: Feb-Apr 2006
HBOT: 45 in 2008; 30 in 2013; 30 in 2022 -> Total 105!
Recurrence/Surgeries: Jan & Apr 2010
Biopsy 2/2011: Moderate dysplasia
Surgery 4/2011: Mild dysplasia
Dental issues: 2013-2022 (ORN)
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 307 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 307 | I'm sending lots of positive vibes and prayers for you Liza!
Hugs,
Shelley
Caregiver to husband Ron. Throat Cancer. Finished 35 radiation treatments on 11/21/04. 8/2/11 small lesion on lower gum, laser Procedure to remove. 3/6/12 Doc. removed another lesion on outside of his neck. Did a skin graft from his chest to replace the skin on his neck. Went to Heaven on 6/24/12.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 528 "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 528 | Dear Liza, I am upset about your news. I know you will deal with it with that deep resilience you have and the love and support of your family and many friends. I will be watching the board for news and thinking of you as you begin your chemo. With lots of love from Helen
RHTonsil SCC Stage IV tx completed May 03
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 | Dear Liza
I am so very sorry to read the news posted by Christine.
Will also be watching for your posts as you go through the chemo.
Wish you lived closer...Sending you much love and hugs.
Gabriele
History Leukoplakia bx 8/2006 SCC floor mouth T3N0M0- Verrucous Carcinoma.
14 hour 0p SCC-Right ND/excision/marginal mandibulectomy 9/2006, 4 teeth removed, flap from wrist, trach-ng 6 days- no chemo/rad.
6 ops and debulking (flap/tongue join) + bx's 2006-2012.
bx Jan 2012 Hyperkeratosis-Epithelial Dysplasia
24cm GIST tumour removed 8/2013. Indefinite Oral Chemo.
1/31/16 passed away peacefully surrounded by family
| | | | | Joined: May 2009 Posts: 1,412 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: May 2009 Posts: 1,412 | Liza, I hate reading this. My prayers are with you.
Angelia
31 at Dx.
DX: 4/30/09, 10/21/09 SCC on floor of mouth,
T1NOMO, T2N1M0
TX: 39 IMRT, 8 cisplatin 11/30/09
PET/CT: 11/03/09: Lymph node involvement
PEG/PORT: 11/09
TX end: 02/01/10
PET Scan: 04/05/10 clear
PEG Out: 06/21/10
Biopsy: 12/23/10: fibrosis
HBO: 01/04/11 - ORN
Baby girl born 11-30-12
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 | Please pass along that I am sending many prayers for her. Her OCF family is her for her through ALL steps of this path and please let her know that.
Donna
Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 79 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 79 | Oh, Liza, I am so sorry to hear this. You're in my heart my sweet friend with lots of love, thoughts and prayers for you!
Cathi
57 when diagnosed. Heavy smoker. Social drinker. Diagnosed 7/9/09 with tonsil, tongue & neck cancer. Chemo induction (Cisplatin, 5FU & Taxotere) & 35 radiation tx + 7 Carboplatin.
Head and neck CAT scan on 1/15/10 shows no cancer.
1/27/12 First PET/CAT scans in 2 years - All clear!!
recurrence mid-2015
OCF supporter and avid OCF CO and NJ walk attendee with worldwide friends
*** 1-7-16 passed away unexpectedly ***
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 493 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 493 | Thoughts and prayers coming your way!
Female, nonsmoker, 70, diag. 5/09 after tongue biopsy: stage IV. Left hemi-gloss. and left selec. neck disec. 30 lymph nodes removed May 20. Over 7 weeks daily rads. with three chemo. PEG removed 12/4/09 Am eating mostly soft foods. Back to work 11/09 Retired 4/1/11. 7 clear scans! Port out 9/11. 2/13. It's back: base of tongue, very invasive
surgery involving lifestyle changes. 2/14: Now speaking w/Passey-Muir valve. Considering a swallow study. Grateful to be alive.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 875 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 875 | Liza:
My heartfelt prayers are with you now and will stay with you during your treatment and afterwards. Know that we all love and care for you.
julieann
Julieann Nov 2007 SCC on right tonsil following tonsillectomy. Was smoker, QUIT. (Stage IV T2 N2b) 7 weeks radiation one day/wk chemo (carboplatin and 5-FU). Allergic to Taxol; PEG in, lost 30 lbs. TX completed January 2008. PEG out mid- 2008. PET/CT 1/17/2011;2/3/12 NEGATIVE for cancer | | | | | Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 63 "OCF Down Under" Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 63 | Thank you guys for your love, support and prayers. I am absolutely terrified and never imagined how vicious this cancer is. My while world has,been turned upside down. Trying to remain hopeful in the face of bad odds is the hardest thing I have had to do. But my focus, is, on my son who is 12 and I cannot bear the thought of, him being without a mother. All I can pay for is a miracle, as my doctors are not offering me any great odds even with treatment. Please continue to pray for me....i need this more than ever. Love and hugs xx
SCC of the Buccal Mucosa (R cheek)- T1N0M0.10 hour Surgery on 27/9/10 involving resection with freeflap from radial forearm..clear margins. Neck dissection..negative nodes.Trachy, NGT, no rad or chemo needed at the time. Neck lump positive for SCC..again! MND 14/2/11. Waiting to have chemo and rads
| | | | | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 132 "OCF Down Under" Senior Member (100+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: May 2007 Posts: 132 | Dear Liza,
I saw on Facebook that you were in hospital but had no idea that your situation had changed so dramatically. You are such a lovely, caring person. When I first got OC I was told I was pretty much hit by a sniper's bullet - that there was no rhyme or reason for it (apart perhaps for genetics). The more I see people like yourself suffer horrendously with this disease the more random it appears.
My prayers and thoughts are with you and I hope that the chemotherapy is able to work some magic so that you can proceed with the radiation.
I am still reeling at this news.
Love to you and your family.
Sue G
55 y/o
SCC LL Tongue 3/27/07
Part. mandibulectomy 9/2/07
Left ND 5/12/08
RT/Chemo
Rec LL Tongue 07/09
Part gloss 8/5 & 8/25
Surg 10/28/09 re mets to R neck & L jaw
RT & Chemo finished 12/22/09
PEG fitted 05/06/10
L buccal SCC 10/10
freeflap (forearm)surgery 2/28/11 L buccal and gingiva
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 571 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 571 | Liza, my sweet friend, gather strength from all the love that is flowing in through thoughts and prayers! Prayers are being sent from friends and friends of friends. I pray for St. Jude and the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede on your behalf and enable the chemotherapy to eliminate all the tumors and restore you to health. I will keep sending prayers. Love you! xoxoxox <3
Ex-spouse MISDIAGNOSED with SCC-HN IVa 12/10. Tonsils out 1/11. 4 teeth out 2/11. TX Erbitux x2, IMRT x2 2/11. 2nd opinion-benign BCC-NOT CANCER 3/11. TX stopped 3/11. New doctors 4/11. ENT agrees with 2nd opinion 5/11. ENT scoped him-all clear 7/11. Ordered MRI anyway. MRI 8/22/11 Result-all clear.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 453 "OCF Down Under" Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 453 | Liza, I haven't been on ocf for a little bit so missed Christine's post on your behalf. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Never, ever give up. Sending love from NSW xxx
Wife to Steve 43. DX 5 May 09. T4N2MO SCC tongue, floor of mouth, lymph nodes & jaw bone
No surgery
Teeth removed 06/07/2009
radiation 13/07/2009 x 7wks
chemo 15/07/2009 x 3 Cisplatin
last TX 28/08/2009
25/11/2009 PET-lymph node activity.
08/01/2010 CT Scan-ALL CLEAR
03/03/2010-Peg removed
01/2013 left side of Jaw removed and replaced with pectoral flap.
23/12/2020 scan show lesion in tongue
01/2021 SCC stage 3 base of tongue diagnosed
01/03/2021 chemotherapy started.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 | Well Liza and I have been in contact via Facebook Yesterday- she told me that it is in her glands, skin and muscle. She's still in the hospital. - she's had chemo, not feeling great, and of course scared. I'm sure she will check in again soon. But my prayers are with her and I have told her and would like to reiterate again here. She can do this... Odds and percentages are just a number. It doesn't mean they will be her outcome. She's strong, and can and will beat this.
Much love and many prayers to you Liza... Miracles are people who've heard the odds but decided not to believe.
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 528 "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 528 | Dear Liza, I think of you every day and send you love and positive energy. I know I am one of many around the world who are wishing you well. Lots of love from Helen
RHTonsil SCC Stage IV tx completed May 03
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 316 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 316 | Dear Liza, It was great to have those chats on the phone and I'm sorry that I didn't get to visit when I was in Perth last week. I hope you're feeling somewhat better, you're such a positive person.
I also hope that all the construction going on around the hospital isn't too noisy:-)! (For those who don't know, the hospital is being re-built and will be named after Professor Fiona Stanley, the world's burns expert). Will give you a call soon.
Love,
Merrie Brooks
End of Radiation - the "Ides of March" 2004 :-)
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 291 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 291 | Dear Liza,
My sister-in-law, the quilter, made me a quilt while I was in treatment, using a "Hope" theme, the word "hope repeated throughout, some lovely colors. I look at it and see hope that never ends. All of us can retain hope for something, no matter what. Liza, I've been thinking and praying about you. I hope the chemo stops the cancer in its tracks. I have heard of people with seemingly hopeless cancers who have have experienced an improvement after experimental treatment.
I hope for you the best, too.
Anne
SCC tongue 9/2010, excised w/clear margins:8 X 4 mm, 1 mm deep
Neck Met, 10/2010, 1 cm lymph node; 12/21/'10: Neck Diss 30 nodes, 29 clear, micro ECE node, part tongue gloss, no residual scc
IMRT & 6 cisplatin 1/20/11-2/28/11 at MDA
GIST tumor sarcoma, removed 9/2011, no chemo needed
Clear on both counts as of Fall, 2021
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 63 "OCF Down Under" Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 63 | THank you everyone for you well wishes. I have finished round 1 of chemo..so far the swelling around my jaw and neck seems to have gone down..my oncologist seemed pleased anyway!! My hair is starting to fall and apart from heartburn I am coping well..even cleaned the house today and jumped on the rebound trampoline for a good 20 mins!! I am eating well...trying to gain kilos that I lost ready for round 2 starting on the 18th of April. I must have the record for recurrences...twice in a matter of weeks! God willing, the chemo will shrink the tumours enough for radiation to then do its job. My neck already looks like its been burnt!
Although my prognosis is not good, I am just happy to feel human again after the first round of chemo. It's great to be be back home with my family and loved ones...their support and prayers along with the many who are praying for me around the world lifts my spirits up. Each day is a gift and I am just happy to open my eyes every morning and see another new day! And I know many people who have been given just a limited amount of time to live, but have defied the odds to do so my faith and hope is still alive.
You guys have been wonderful..thank you for your prayers....I really apprecaite it. xx
SCC of the Buccal Mucosa (R cheek)- T1N0M0.10 hour Surgery on 27/9/10 involving resection with freeflap from radial forearm..clear margins. Neck dissection..negative nodes.Trachy, NGT, no rad or chemo needed at the time. Neck lump positive for SCC..again! MND 14/2/11. Waiting to have chemo and rads
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 528 "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 528 | Wow, welcome home Liza. You are amazing - cleaning and exercising! Talk about tough. Mentally and physically. Glad you are able to eat now and enjoy being with your family. No doubt you will be stronger for your next chemo treatments. Well done, with love from Helen
RHTonsil SCC Stage IV tx completed May 03
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OP Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Liza, thats wonderful that you are finally home. Please do not overdo it and wear yourself out. So glad to read that you are doing so well. I wish you all the best with this hurdle you must get over. (((HUGS)))) and prayers being sent your way!!!!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | | | | Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 453 "OCF Down Under" Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2009 Posts: 453 | Glad to hear that you are home and eating. Eat as much as you can between chemo's. We managed to put onto steve what he would lose each chemo, between chemo's so it kept him going. You will get through this ok, your a tough Aussie woman. Prognosis isn't always right either remember. It's just a stat. Steve is a constant reminder of that. Going by the doctor's he shouldn't be here, but here he is Take care my lovely friend. Sending lots of love across the country.
Wife to Steve 43. DX 5 May 09. T4N2MO SCC tongue, floor of mouth, lymph nodes & jaw bone
No surgery
Teeth removed 06/07/2009
radiation 13/07/2009 x 7wks
chemo 15/07/2009 x 3 Cisplatin
last TX 28/08/2009
25/11/2009 PET-lymph node activity.
08/01/2010 CT Scan-ALL CLEAR
03/03/2010-Peg removed
01/2013 left side of Jaw removed and replaced with pectoral flap.
23/12/2020 scan show lesion in tongue
01/2021 SCC stage 3 base of tongue diagnosed
01/03/2021 chemotherapy started.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 291 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 291 | Liza,
Sounds to me like you are doing wonderfully at home. That's so great!
We are all on your side.
Anne
SCC tongue 9/2010, excised w/clear margins:8 X 4 mm, 1 mm deep
Neck Met, 10/2010, 1 cm lymph node; 12/21/'10: Neck Diss 30 nodes, 29 clear, micro ECE node, part tongue gloss, no residual scc
IMRT & 6 cisplatin 1/20/11-2/28/11 at MDA
GIST tumor sarcoma, removed 9/2011, no chemo needed
Clear on both counts as of Fall, 2021
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 | Hi Liza,
Have been out of action these last couple of days or would have posted sooner.
I am so glad that you are home being active and trying to gain weight.
Above all it is great that you are back with family, friends and loved ones which has be the very best medicine.
Continue to enjoy the next 9 days before round 2.
Think about you all the time and wishing you continued strength to fight this dreadful desease.
Love and hugs
Gabriele xxx
History Leukoplakia bx 8/2006 SCC floor mouth T3N0M0- Verrucous Carcinoma.
14 hour 0p SCC-Right ND/excision/marginal mandibulectomy 9/2006, 4 teeth removed, flap from wrist, trach-ng 6 days- no chemo/rad.
6 ops and debulking (flap/tongue join) + bx's 2006-2012.
bx Jan 2012 Hyperkeratosis-Epithelial Dysplasia
24cm GIST tumour removed 8/2013. Indefinite Oral Chemo.
1/31/16 passed away peacefully surrounded by family
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