#59699 12-12-2006 07:23 AM | Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 77 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | OP  Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 77 | 6 weeks out of tx for SCC BOT Stage 3/4. Had 42 radiation & 3 cisplatin. Had my first post-tx scan on Friday.
Just got back from meeting with my surgeon. He said the CT looked pretty good. There is still lymph node enlargement on the right side. There is also mild enlargement near the original tumor site. e'd like to do a selective neck dissection for the right side nodes. While he's got me out, he'll biopsy the original site.
I think this all makes sense, but is there anything I should consider/ask about?
Clint
Age 46; SCC BOT T3N1M0l dx 9/06
Cisplatin x3; radiation x42
Completed tx 10/31; Selective neck dissection 12/06
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#59700 12-12-2006 07:34 AM | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 12 Member | | Member
Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 12 | David had a hot spot on the PET scan 6 weeks post treatment. The nurse kept assuring us not to be alarmed...btu that the doc would need to biospy it to be ont he safe side. Since rads continue to work for 4-6 weeks (or more) after treatment, it is not unusual for a hot spot to show up on a PET scan at 6 weeks. He had the biopsy and it was clean...btu while they ahd him out, they went ahead and scoped his throat since he was complaining about not being able to swallow very well. I was havig to cut his pilsl in quarter and they were still stickign in his throat (these pills were the size of an aspirin, so a quarter fo a pill was TINY!) Sure enough, it turned out taht the scar tissue from the rads and tumor had pushed backwards from his larynx and caused his esophgus to collapse. They were able to dilate his esophagus and now, 16 months later, he hasn't had another problem.
Anyway, I don't know if this will help you any, but I thought maybe hearing that someone else had some anomalies post treatment that turned out to be benign might make you feel a little better.
Marcie
CG spouse 54 yo male dx Sq cell CA larynx Stage 4 RADPLAT therapy started 6/05 Intra-arterial Cisplatin x4-RT x35. Treatment completed 7/05. FU PET scan and CT scan with hot spot. Biopsy of hot spot 9/05 clean. No recurrences as of 12/06.
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#59701 12-12-2006 05:42 PM | Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 77 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | OP Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 77 | I appreciate it. I've seen so many "I'm cancer free!" posts & I was hoping to add mine. Guess there's more work to do...
Age 46; SCC BOT T3N1M0l dx 9/06
Cisplatin x3; radiation x42
Completed tx 10/31; Selective neck dissection 12/06
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#59702 12-13-2006 02:41 AM | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 248 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 248 | Clint, I know that there is nothing I can say to put your mind at ease but I just wanted to let you know that I also had a lymph node that never shrank and I always seem to have mild or minimal mucosal changes on all my sacns since. The only reassurance I can offer is that was over 7 yrs ago.
Best wishes,
Mark D.
Mark D. Stage 3 Nasopharynx dx10/99 T2N3M0 40xrad 2x Cisplatin 5FU. acute leuk 1998.
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#59703 12-14-2006 03:36 AM | Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 109 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 109 | Clint, I had almost the same results you have. I finished the end of Sept. and had my CT and they have found a lymph node that is still enlarged too. I go in on the 28th for a ultra sound then if they see concern in it, they will do a needle biopsy! So i do know how you feel, but i have also been told not to worry to much about it, ( yea, like that is going to happen, after being through this) All we can do, is hope...other than the enlargement, i am feeling better and better everyday, I just cant wait to be "normal" again  | | |
#59704 12-14-2006 03:37 AM | Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 109 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 109 | Best of Luck to you, let me know how it went, and i will let you know what they say about mine too! | | |
#59705 12-14-2006 05:47 AM | Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 77 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | OP Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 77 | We discussed the needle biopsy, but he said that he would recommend the surgery regardless, so I decided to skip it. I'm mre worried about the biopsy of the original tumor. It'll be good to know, but I'm scared to death that it will come back positive. I don't even know what they'd do then.
Age 46; SCC BOT T3N1M0l dx 9/06
Cisplatin x3; radiation x42
Completed tx 10/31; Selective neck dissection 12/06
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#59706 12-14-2006 10:59 AM | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 624 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 624 | As several folks have said it is not at all unusual for something "suspicious" to show up on a first scan. Especially one done only six weeks out of treatment, the usual recommendation now is 3 months for a first PET/CT, to reduce (but not eliminate) the risk of false positives.
We asked our ENT what he would do if Barry's PET/CT showed something suspicious. He said, he would order an MRI of the area, then wait a month and do another PET/CT and see what changes had taken place. If it still looked suspicious, then surgery or biopsy might be in order, depending on location.
Fortunately Barry's PET/CT showed nothing that was not obviously inflammation from the treatment. His second scan, which they do at Hopkins at 6 months, showed that all this had resolved and there was no sign of the cancer.
Gail
CG to husband Barry, dx. 7/21/05, age 66, SCC rgt. tonsil, BOT, 2 nodes (stg. IV), HPV+, tonsillectomy, 7x carboplatin, 35x tomoTherapy IMRT w/ Ethyol @ Johns Hopkins, thru treatment 9/28/05, HPV vaccine trial 12/06-present. Looking good!
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#59707 12-15-2006 03:45 AM | Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 109 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 109 | Clint, I was talking to my Rad. Doc yesterday, and she said the Rad. can continue working in your body as long as 8 weeks, so try not to worry and "think positive" take one day at a time, that is all we can do! | | |
#59708 12-16-2006 11:08 AM | Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 32 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2006 Posts: 32 | my first two post treatment scans showed the same as yours. I also had some residual nodes...my DRs wanted to do a limited dissection and biopsy. I was feeling better and better every day and felt it was more likely scar tissue and residual swelling than anything else. So I opted to wait and see a little longer. I'm now 5 mos post Tx and the nodes are gone and I feel great. I have PET/CT scheduled for jan 8th but am confident it will be clear. My Drs supported my decision to not let them do the dissection, and now confirm that it was a good choice. Everyone is different, of coure, but this is my expereince for whatever its worth.
dw | | |
#59709 12-19-2006 07:38 AM | Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 77 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | OP Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 77 | Hi,
Had the biopsy & surgery yesterday. The biopsy of the original tumor site was negativce - a huge relief. The ND was done. I guess I'll get the pathology reports sometime next week.
Clint
Age 46; SCC BOT T3N1M0l dx 9/06
Cisplatin x3; radiation x42
Completed tx 10/31; Selective neck dissection 12/06
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#59710 12-19-2006 08:14 AM | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Clint,
Surgery yesterday and posting today...that's great. We all hope the nodes are negative. Keep us posted.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
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#59711 12-19-2006 10:21 AM | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 493 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 493 | Too True very impressive, great news about the original sight and I pray the same will come for the nodes.
Tim Stoj
60 yr old. Dx Jun 06 with BOT Stage IV. Neck dissesction on 19 Jun 06. Started Tx on 21 Aug 06/completed 33 IMRTs and 3 CT (2 Cisplat & 1 Carboplat) on 5 Oct 06.
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#59712 12-19-2006 12:24 PM | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 248 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 248 | Half way there Clint, Very happy for you!
Mark D.
Mark D. Stage 3 Nasopharynx dx10/99 T2N3M0 40xrad 2x Cisplatin 5FU. acute leuk 1998.
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#59713 12-19-2006 02:11 PM | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 160 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 160 | I just wanted to post and let you know I'm thinking of you. Good news about the original site. You'll be in my prayers that nothing is found in the nodes. Take care of yourself and I'm wishing you a strong recovery. Keep us posted.
Dx3/20/06 SCC,BOT,1N Tx:5cycles Carbo/Taxol, Rad:35x, brachytherapy:6x, completed 7/24/06
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#59714 12-19-2006 02:27 PM | Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 109 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 109 | Clint, GREAT NEWS!!! That really makes me happy for you, and im praying for the other half to be negative too! Let us know, now just sit back and get well. Life is good ! | | |
#59715 12-20-2006 04:47 AM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | Good news, Clint. Fingers crossed about the nodes....Nelie
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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#59716 12-22-2006 10:58 AM | Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 77 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | OP Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 77 | Final pathology results are in. No living cancer cells in any node or sample! Merry Christmas to me! And thanks to y'all for the information & support!
Clint
Age 46; SCC BOT T3N1M0l dx 9/06
Cisplatin x3; radiation x42
Completed tx 10/31; Selective neck dissection 12/06
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#59717 12-22-2006 12:08 PM | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 493 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 493 | Great News.........MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Tim Stoj
60 yr old. Dx Jun 06 with BOT Stage IV. Neck dissesction on 19 Jun 06. Started Tx on 21 Aug 06/completed 33 IMRTs and 3 CT (2 Cisplat & 1 Carboplat) on 5 Oct 06.
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#59718 12-22-2006 12:55 PM | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 49 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 49 |
Dx June 2004 stage III right tonsil 1 node involved, 70 radiation tx completed 08/20/04, no chemo or surgery, 32 years old and 26 weeks pregnant at dx and tx. & non-smoker and non-drinker
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#59719 12-22-2006 01:07 PM | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Boy you found out quick. That's great news and it traveled fast.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
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#59720 12-22-2006 01:16 PM | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 160 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 160 | So glad to hear the good news... Have a very Merry Christmas!!!
Dx3/20/06 SCC,BOT,1N Tx:5cycles Carbo/Taxol, Rad:35x, brachytherapy:6x, completed 7/24/06
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#59721 12-22-2006 07:21 PM | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 378 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 378 | Hey Clint, that's a wonderful Christmas present. Here's looking forward to a better 2007 for all of us. Regards JoAnne
JoAnne - Caregiver to husband, cancer rt. tonsil, mets to soft palate, BOT, 7 lymph nodes - T3N2BM0, stage 4. Robotic assisted surgery, radical neck dissection 2/06; 30 IMTX treatments and 4 cycles of cisplatin completed June 06.
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#59722 12-23-2006 04:23 AM | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 583 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 583 | Merry Christmas!!
So happy about your good news. I am sure it makes your Christmas really Bright this year.
Take care,
Diane
2004 SCC R.tip 1/4 tongue Oct. 2005 R. Neck SCC cancer/Chemo Cisplatin 2x/8wks. Rad. Removed Jugular vein, Lymph gland & some neck muscle. TX finished 1/20/06... B.Cancer 3/29/07 Finished 6/07 Bi-op 7/15/09 SCC in-situ, laser surgery removed from 1st. sight. Right jaw replacement 11/3/14. 9 yrs cancer free as of Jan. 2015
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#59723 12-23-2006 10:07 AM | Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 325 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 325 | Such good news!!!. What a great present for the holidays! Heal fast, and may your New Year be Joyful and Cancer free.
Andrea
SCC L lat tongue,Dx 9/15/05 T1N0MX L MND and L lateral hemiglossectomy 10/03/05. Recurrence 11/15/06 2nd surgery 12/04/06 hemiglossectomy 3rd surgery 01/15/07 tonsillectomy Radiation 01/25/07 to 03/08/07 3-D/CRT X 30
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#59724 12-23-2006 11:52 AM | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | Clint what wonderful news to begin the New Year with! Congratulations. Nelie
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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