#1667 09-07-2003 08:07 AM | Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 24 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 24 | I have re-entered college and have an assignment for an informative paper. I want to do it in on the connection between alcohol and oral cancer. For our family, this connection was a surprise. We knew smoking of course was a factor, but we did not know how much my Dads drinking contributed. And having the docs tell us that even though he has been sober for 12 years, the damage had been done!
So my question is for how many of you did alcohol play a part. I am not going to use names or even any of the information, I am just trying to get a feel for what is out there and if you are comfortable contributing to my thoughts on this I would appreciate your info. This is a basic paper for an English 101...it's not like it's something that will ever see light of day anywhere other than a professor's desk. But it has to be something I have experienced and I would like to shed a little light on this subject.
Thanks for any comments in advance!!
Tabitha :p | | |
#1668 09-07-2003 08:22 AM | Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 20 Member | | Member
Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 20 | Hi Tabitha,
My stepfather just finished treatment a year ago for throat cancer. It was very advanced when they found it, but he is in remission right now. He had 7 weeks of radiation. He still smokes heavily and is a binge drinker, although he hadn't had a drink in 15 years until my mother died of lung cancer this past January. He was and still is an alcoholic and I definitely think this has added to his being likely to get this disease. With the heavy smoking its a deadly combination.
Take care and best wishes to you and family.
Mich4 | | |
#1669 09-07-2003 02:12 PM | Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 7 Member | | Member
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 7 | Tabitha,
I am 51 year old female , never smoked drink only socially and rarely < one or two drinks per week. I was diagnosed with SCC in the L tonsil 12/11/02. Had a radical nect dissection due to the metastatic nodes 2. No one can really give me an answer as to why but i have talked to other survivors that never smoked or drank to excess. Interesting isn't it. Kathy | | |
#1670 09-07-2003 02:29 PM | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 541 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 541 | Hi Tabitha, I have never drunk or smoked in my whole life. I have a healthy life habit and there is no family history of oral caner, either. Maybe a 'draw of luck'(sigh!)that I came across such a devil in my mid 40s.In Hong Kong, tonsil cancer is a very rare type of cancer and that is one reason why my family doctor and two ENT specialists misdiagnosed me as ordinary tonsillitis.
Karen stage 4 tonsil cancer diagnosed in 9/01.
Karen stage 4B (T3N3M0)tonsil cancer diagnosed in 9/2001.Concurrent chemo-radiation treatment ( XRT x 48 /Cisplatin x 4) ended in 12/01. Have been in remission ever since.
| | |
#1671 09-07-2003 05:47 PM | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,140 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,140 Likes: 1 | Tabitha, I had one glass of wine, usually red, just about every evening for the better part of twenty years, and no other alcohol. And for the record, the glass was just a normal small wine glass. This is supposed to be heart healthy behavior and it must work because I have no heart problems (grin). Have since discontinued that practice, though. Hope your paper goes well. | | |
#1672 09-07-2003 06:02 PM | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 458 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 458 | Ok, have to admit that most likely, alcohol and smoking played a BIG part in my getting SCC of the tongue.
Smoked cigarettes for many years, about 2 packs a day. Also every so often would smoke a pipe, or cigars. Drank only beer, maybe the occasional tequila shot or shot of JD, but normally at least 2 or so beers a night, maybe more on weekends.
I think what really triggered this off, or the last straw at least was just before the onset of problems I had the habit of settling down in the hot tub after dinner, enjoying a nice cigar and a couple or beers or glasses of wine.
Doh, not so smart an idea, looking back.
Bob
SCC Tongue, stage IV diagnosed Sept, 2002, 1st radical neck dissection left side in Sept, followed by RAD/Chemo. Discovered spread to right side nodes March 2003, second radical neck dissection April, followed by more RAD/Chemo.
| | |
#1673 09-07-2003 07:08 PM | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | Hi Tabitha,
I only smoked for 5 years and quit in 1976. I did smoke pot daily until 1986 and was a periodic binge drinker until 1995. Did they play a role - I don't know but I do have my suspicions. I was, however, exposed to second hand smoke for many years in the clubs (I am a musician) before California banned it. Since I am adopted, I can't trace a genetic link. I think my cancer was environmentally caused.
Gary Allsebrook
***********************************
Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
________________________________________________________
"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
| | |
#1674 09-08-2003 03:03 PM | Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 24 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 24 | Well thanks you guys for being willing to give me your feedback! I only knew my Dads story, so it is interesting to hear other lifestyles and if alcohol/smoking was a factor. My Dad was an alcoholic for 20+ years (in recovery for 12) and smoked 2 packs per day for 30+ (1/2 a pack/day now). I did check statistics and studies from this board and other sources and I am hoping to put together something that is as informational and truthful as possible.
Keep up the fight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tabitha | | |
#1675 09-08-2003 06:01 PM | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 | I am pretty sure it's the hot tub that does it.
Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
| | |
#1676 09-09-2003 10:28 AM | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,140 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,140 Likes: 1 | By golly, Mark, I think you're onto something there!  | | |
| Forums23 Topics18,168 Posts196,927 Members13,104 | | Most Online458
Jan 16th, 2020 | | |
|
