| | Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 49 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP  Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 49 | Hi everyone,
I have many questions, my dad's surgery is next week, I'm happy he will have it but he is not sure he wants it, he is very affraid, he thinks he wont be able to talk. He wants to know if he can have radiation instead. We will be asking the doctor tomorrow but still... has anyone felt this way? Not wanting to go through surgery? At times I feel impatient because I wish they would have operated him yesterday, but I know it is tough
My Dad:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma,Stage 2, Right side of Tongue
Dx 7/19/10
Partial glossectomy and neck dissection 8/18/10
Reocurrence: 04/2011 Base/back of Tongue right side
Surgery: Partial glossectomy, flap 06/15/2011
Rad and Chemo finished on Sept/ Oct 2011
Recovery and assimilation. Enjoying life
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 49 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 49 | I see some people have had radiation and no surgery, is that recommendable?
My Dad:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma,Stage 2, Right side of Tongue
Dx 7/19/10
Partial glossectomy and neck dissection 8/18/10
Reocurrence: 04/2011 Base/back of Tongue right side
Surgery: Partial glossectomy, flap 06/15/2011
Rad and Chemo finished on Sept/ Oct 2011
Recovery and assimilation. Enjoying life
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,082 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,082 | Benfry
Cancer on the side of the tongue is often removed surgically. Cancer at the base of the tongue is usually treated with radiation and chemotherapy at first since surgery on the base of the tongue is traumatic. While I can still talk, I can't swallow after my base of tongue surgery.
But your Dad has surgery scheduled in less than a week. You will have to either postpone that or really hustle to get a second opinion. We usually recommend a Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) but your Dad's doctor should be able to round up a radiologist to give an opinion.
However, if your Dad's fear is his speech, if he keeps his larynx, he will be able to talk but he may very well have a speech impediment after the surgery. I do.
A recurrence does require drastic action but sorry I can't give you an answer.
Charm
65 yr Old Frack
Stage IV BOT T3N2M0 HPV 16+
2007:72GY IMRT(40) 8 ERBITUX No PEG
2008:CANCER BACK Salvage Surgery
25GY-CyberKnife(5) 3 Carboplatin
Apaghia /G button
2012: CANCER BACK -left tonsilar fossa
40GY-CyberKnife(5) 3 Carboplatin
Passed away 4-29-13
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 49 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2010 Posts: 49 | Charm,
Thank you so much for your reply . My thoughts have been all over the place today. My dad is being treated at a CCC, he has an appointment tomorrow to have the surgery procedures explained to him and sign the surgery consent. I am not able to analyze things at times. My dad would love to be able to talk too so it is great to read your post.
Benfry <3
My Dad:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma,Stage 2, Right side of Tongue
Dx 7/19/10
Partial glossectomy and neck dissection 8/18/10
Reocurrence: 04/2011 Base/back of Tongue right side
Surgery: Partial glossectomy, flap 06/15/2011
Rad and Chemo finished on Sept/ Oct 2011
Recovery and assimilation. Enjoying life
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 571 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2011 Posts: 571 | Hi Benfry! Hang in there, sweet girl! I was right, huh? You're getting sound information from some of the very best!
Keeping you, your family, and your dad in my thoughts and prayers. I hope things go well on Friday. And, I hope you and your dad get information that eases your fears. I'll be thinking about you both.
Sending a hug and kiss,
Sandy
xoxox
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.
| | |
| Forums23 Topics18,168 Posts196,927 Members13,104 | | Most Online458
Jan 16th, 2020 | | |
|
