Just had my surgery and was told last Wednesday that the cancer had moved from the tongue to least one lymph node as they had removed 13 during surgery. Doctor not very helpful gives falsehoods and then really let's me down. First when we met him he stated this is on the tongue only, he stated I bet you 95% that this will be the only place we will find it. Than after the report came back with it in one lymph node he states the the oncologist will probably suggest no further treatment. I now know after reading the posts that is not true. Very frustrating as I progress through this father of three married 31 years police officer for thirty years

I am so sorry. Frustation, anger, anxiety, pain. I know the many emotions and seen first hand the pain that accompanies this terrible disease. But I also know that this group is what keeps me hanging on when I feel like I have to run away -- and I'm only the caregiver! You have definitely found an incredible resource and support group!

Being a police officer -- thank you for your duty! -- you will no doubt do what needs to be done to move through this. Know that this group cares about you and never fear sharing anguish or frustration. No one here has judged me, but only encouraged me. And they have such a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help you in so many ways to deal with everything. Prayers and positive energy to you and your family!

I completely understand your frustration! Are you being treated at a cancer center? Its where you have a whole team of professionals all working together on your case. It makes it really difficult when you jump from one doctor to another and they all tell you things a little differently. Here is a list of the countries best hospitals and NCI cancer centers.

NCI Cancer Centers
US News Top Cancer Hospitals


PS .... When you have time, please add a signature. It greatly helps us to get to know you much faster when we know your history. Click on the "My Stuff" tab, on the dropdown menu click on "My Profile". Scroll to the bottom and type your info in the white box and click "Submit".

Hi DS - I just replied to your other post - it addresses your issues with your dr. Did he really only remove 13 nodes? Usually the number is higher - between 20-40. I thank you for your service as well. please get a second opinion and if they recommend rads and chemo listen to the whys it's not something we want to do but often there's a good reason. Do you know he deals of your present biopsy ? That may giv you a clue as to what you're facing. The size of your tumor and any extraneous circumstances - ECE and PNI - will all come into play... Best of luck!

I go back Wednesday, doctor wanted another week for area to heal than he suggested an oncologist but did not get his name. Been in touch with a friend how's sister works for Texas oncology center close to m work and is willing to treat me she also said wait until I find out who he recommends then call her she can at least tell me what she thinks of the recommendation. Then I just noticed the top of my tongue is brown in several spots geez what now?

Your Dr. said, 1 lymph node came back positive and also stated the Oncologist would suggest no further treatment I would run like hell.

I see your in Texas you have MD Anderson there give them a call it's one of the best Cancer Centers around.

I had 14 lymph nodes removed none were positive.

Time to step to the plate be your own advocate. You have to stay on top of this it's spreads fast.

Take care,
Connie

"Your Dr. said, 1 lymph node came back positive and also stated the Oncologist would suggest no further treatment I would run like hell.

I see your in Texas you have MD Anderson there give them a call it's one of the best Cancer Centers around. "

What Connie said. Contact MD Anderson ASAP! Whether it is one lymph node or 20 it means the cancer has moved out of the primary location. My husband ONLY had one positive lymph node. Every doctor on his "team" recommended both chemo and radiation. You can't mess around with this.

Thanks to all i will do that thanks again

Thanks scary to be treated like this from a so called professional who trained at MD Anderson

I agree with the other posters. I had 30 lymph nodes removed and only one was positive, but I had both radiation and chemo.

Go Connie!!! Run...run like you just stole something and are being chased by a police officer!!!

Me too - 40 removed 1 positive - rads and chemo. After 14 hrs of surgery. MD is a top ccc go there if you can and most importantly get the referral to the oncologist ASAP. Your dr. doesn't need another week for you to heal. Making the appointment right away is important Brcause they may not be able to fit you in immediately-and even if you are to have rads and chemo there's a lot of prep work to be done blood work, cts, mask making,etc... Plus two drs are usually nvolved in that - medical onclogist for chemo radiation oncologist for rads... And they'll bith eant to see you prior to designing a plan. It won't happen tomorrow. So the sooner the better... Good luck re the brown patches - possibly deadened skin?

Took everyones advise found an oncologist that comes highly recommended have an appointment tomorrow before I see my surgeon on the same day then I will get his referral also and see what he says. Will let everyone know thanks

I had 1 lymph node on the left side, then 4 years later 2 lymph nodes involved on the right side. Treatment for both cancer occurances was aggressive - and it needs to be. If they say things like "we'll wait and see......" or some such nonsense - what are they waiting for?? - waiting for it to be out of control??

When I had radiation the 1st time I was soooooo worried that I would never be able to have radiation again - that I would have burned that bridge. Not true anymore. Research has made many changes in protocol - and re-radiation is one of the improvements (under certain circumstances).

Find a Dr. who treats this aggressively - and you as the patient need to tell them you want them to "hit you with their best shot".

Good luck with the new Dr.

Donna

Agreed totally! Pandora well said...

Good luck today DS.

I agree as well. They told Kevin they hit him hard. When we realized his 60 IMRT were each 125gy we realized they weren't kidding.The MO also said he was hitting him hard with the chemo too, but I've seen some who have had the same regime. Hopefully it all worked! PET next Monday!

Glad to hear you have a second opinion scheduled. Its never a bad idea to hear what someone else has to say. Good luck!

I totally agree with Pandora! We both believe if we would have pushed our wishes harder the first two bouts with his Dr.s he would never have had to be faced with what we are dealing with today. However we thought they knew best. Emmett has been asked to "speak" at a dental meeting in April to stress how important it is for them to watch, act ASP and follow up with their patients even if the biopsy comes back "just irritated tissue" as Emmett's cancer started with.