#71185 03-08-2008 02:35 AM | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 Senior Member (100+ posts) | OP  Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 | I think I may be freaking out but as I have just finished my radiation treatments in November I didn't think this was possible. I found a small mass on my gum yesterday. It looks just like what I had before. Please tell me it is not possible for the cancer to show up again this fast. I mean I know I am going to the onocologist Monday but I am totally stressing. I need to hear from my friends here that have gone through all this junk as well. I will keep up here after I see the onocolgist to let you know what he says. But what I want to know is has anyone had a reacurrance (no spell check here sorry) this fast????
49 years young 9/2007 Squamous Cell Carcinoma 33 rad treatments. One year later, 9/17/2008 50 years old through the Grace of God. last check up all clear. Living life as it comes to me.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 | Unfortunately the answer to that is yes,a few have.Sometimes radiotherapy doesn't quite mop everything up,sometimes surgery margins aren't quite as clear as hoped,sometimes post treatment scans pick up a spread or recurrance.Sometimes doctors hope that only one or two of the available three options will work.Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't.Annoying isn't it realising that it is an imperfect science? So how do you cope?
Firstly yell and scream,then ask questions,listen to the advice and move on to the next stage of treatment.I see from your signature that you didn't have surgery or chemo,which is quite unusual,(though i think some people have only had one sort of treatment )and maybe if this is a recurrance you will have to have a different treatment but don't despair just see what the doctors say on monday then come back and talk it over with us
good luck liz
Last edited by Cookey; 03-08-2008 06:21 AM.
Liz in the UK
Husband Robin aged 44 years Dx 8th Dec 2006 poorly differentiated SCC tongue with met to neck T1N2cM0 Surgery and Radiation.Finished TX April 2007
Recurrence June/07 died July 29th/07.
Never take your eye off the ball, it may just smack you in the mouth.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 706 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 706 | My husband's cancer came back or should I say reared it's ugly head about 3 months post surgery. He was having chemo and radiation at the time and a positive node popped out in his neck. It almost seemed like overnight. They waited until the treatment was finished and removed it. Clear margins aren't always clear. I wish the doctors would have told us that instead of "we got it all". Sending prayers your way, Sue
cg to husband, 48 Stage 1V head and neck SCC. First surgery 9/07. Radiation and several rounds of chemo followed. Mets to chest and lungs. "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." Went home to God on February 22, 2009.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | Leprekaun, I'm so sorry you are probably hearing the answer you didn't want to hear. And I'm glad you are seeing your doctor Monday. But also try to remember today it isn't cancer until they say it is. Just two weeks ago I was completely stressed out before seeing my ENT because I had this tiny lump on the outside of my jaw that could be felt under the skin. At first I thought it was some kind of zit but it didn't go away then I got worried. But he told me not to worry--that it didn't feel like it would if it was cancer, and I just had a followup MRI which alaso shows everything being OK. I've also had breast cancer recurrence scares in the last couple of years--to the extent they did another biopsy to be sure. It is SO hard when you have something like that and are worried it's the worst and you just don't know.
So anyway, I can imagine from my own experience how you are feeling, you are in my thoughts, and I will come here hoping to read good news (but will also be there for you if it's bad news)tomorrow.
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"
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 67 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 67 | Oh Leprekaun i couldnt believe it when i read this, i do agree with Nelie it isnt cancer until it is, i feel for you, i found a lump under my chin a few days ago it was so scarey turns out it was a blocked node and has sorted its self out but it is scarey.
praying hard for you its just a lump....sending love Debz
Age 40 Diagnosed with stage 4 SCC tongue, sept 07 started 35 radiation treatments and 3 chemo Had my first follow up PET - got the all clear 17th April 2008.
26th Had my PEG tube removed...eating almost everything. Was hard but learned to eat without saliva, it's so good to chew and swallow food!
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | OP Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 | Thank you all for your support. I Am concerned to the max but as you said, it ain't cancer til the Dr says its cancer. I will see him in the morning so cross your fingers that he says to stop sweating it!!!
49 years young 9/2007 Squamous Cell Carcinoma 33 rad treatments. One year later, 9/17/2008 50 years old through the Grace of God. last check up all clear. Living life as it comes to me.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 64 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 64 | hi guys well how is everone. my cancer is back as i thought now i have to have a larengrtomy .im at a stage three .went to new dr in kansas city just finished my txs in aug chemo and rad. im so scared please help me get through this
Lolita - Stage 1, no node involvement, no distant mets. 6 weeks of radiation plus 6 chemo treatments, one each week.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 | Oh lolita i am so sorry.This is devastating news for you.
Lets hope the surgery does it for you and we will all be here to help you through
love liz
Liz in the UK
Husband Robin aged 44 years Dx 8th Dec 2006 poorly differentiated SCC tongue with met to neck T1N2cM0 Surgery and Radiation.Finished TX April 2007
Recurrence June/07 died July 29th/07.
Never take your eye off the ball, it may just smack you in the mouth.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 211 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 211 | I am so sorry to hear about your recurrence, Lolita. That is the devastating news that we all dread. We will be here to help you get through this.
love, Sophie
Sophie T.
CG to husband: SCC Stage 4, T4, N1, M0; non-smoker and very light social drinker; HPV+
induction chemo begun 7/07; chemo/radiation ended 10/10, first cat scan clear; scan on 5/9/08 clear, scan on 10/08 clear; scan 1/09 clear; scan 1/10 clear; passed away July 2, 2016
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | OP Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 | Hello, I told you I would report what happened today. So here goes. I called my Rda Dr and told them that I insist that something has to be done about checking the lum on my throat and the spot on my gum. I told them I just finished the 33 rad treatments and that I think I have every right to be paranoid and I need a piece of mind. If they can't see me then send me to some one who will. Point blank I have to know!! If it is cancer again I need to know if it isn't I have to know. I am getting to the point that if I don't get ansewrs now I will simply give up and let the state bury me so lets get this balll on the roll. Sounds mean I know but cancer runs so deeply in my family they have to understand the paranoia that I am going throuhg. So as I learn more I will post it. Thanks for your support I do love this web site because I don't have to be strong and hide my fears and woes from my family here. Its comforting talking to people in my same oat. Even though I realize most have a rougher line to follow then mine you are all wonderful. Thanks you so much, Brenda
49 years young 9/2007 Squamous Cell Carcinoma 33 rad treatments. One year later, 9/17/2008 50 years old through the Grace of God. last check up all clear. Living life as it comes to me.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | lolita, I am so sorry about your news. We'll be here to provide what ever support we can through the cyber-world. Do you have a good real life caretaker or team of caretakers? Other than here, where are you finding emotional support for yourself to help you get through this next round?
Lep I completely understand your need to know somehting as soon as possible. You didn't say in your post--did you get an appointment? When is it?
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"
| | | | | 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 | You gotta do what's best for you cause you're number one and there's a great distance before you get to number 2 when it comes to your well being. The old greasy wheel theory.
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.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 510 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 510 | Lolita....so sorry to hear your news; please know we are thinking of you and hoping for the very best outcome; Keep us posted as to your plan of care...
Brenda: Just know that there are many of us here who care about you..Let us know what's going on as soon as you can....
Lois & Buzz in NC
Last edited by emmylou1951; 03-11-2008 05:30 PM.
CG to 77 y/o hubby;SCC Alveolar Ridge; Wake Forest Baptist Hosp surgery: 07/19/07; bi mod radical resection/jaw replacement;
T2 N2-B M0 Stage IV-A
28 IMRT +
6 Paclitaxel/Carboplatin
Getting stronger every day!
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | OP Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 | Hi, how to start. Depression sank in about a week ago. Tears and fustration won't stop. When I first asked if the cancer could come back so fast I really was not expecting to hear yes. I went through two bouts of strong antibiotics and steroinds guess what the lump is still there. I went today to see my rad. Dr and the first word out of his mouth was "damn". He said its cancer. Wow. He said its cancer until its proved wrong. I go for a needle biopsy Wednseday the 19th. He said that if it comes back positive the next step is surgery. I won't know the facts until about two weeks to three weeks. He thinks strongly it will come back positive. So here is where I am. I told him I didnot want to do a cat scan because we already know there is something there. I also told him that a MRI will only show more what is there but a biopsy will tell us WHAT is there. Was I wrong? Believe it or not I am not stressing now. I was before I went to see him but now I am finally doing something. Scared yup. I am but not worried. I saw a sign on my way to the Dr's office that simply said "Trust God" and I said "I DO" So soon as I learn more I will post and let you know what is going on. thanks, Brenda
49 years young 9/2007 Squamous Cell Carcinoma 33 rad treatments. One year later, 9/17/2008 50 years old through the Grace of God. last check up all clear. Living life as it comes to me.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 | Lolita,
I am so sorry to read your latest report. I send you my prayers for strength and courage.
Brenda,
I admire your reaction to the Dr. and hope that you have a stress free time as you await the biopsy and results.
Praying for you
PS - i enjoy reading your food posts - I remember sheppard's pie with ground lamb - a very rare treat.
Praying for both of you,
Malka
SCC stage II Partial mandibulectomy w. neck dissection- July 2005. Renal cancer w. partial nephrectomy-Jan 2004. Breast cancer discovered in routine mammogram. Successful lumpectomy, sentinal nodes clear, RT only-2008 Reconstruction of mandible w fibula free flap-Jan 09. TORS removal of begnin pappiloma from esophagus-2010. Masectomy,rt breast 2013.
Support OCF
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | OP Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 | Malka, Thanks for your support. I have never tried lamb. I am not sure if I ever even saw it in out grocery stores here in Columbus, Ga. However always trying something new so I will give it a sot if I can find it. Brenda
49 years young 9/2007 Squamous Cell Carcinoma 33 rad treatments. One year later, 9/17/2008 50 years old through the Grace of God. last check up all clear. Living life as it comes to me.
| | | | | 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 | Brenda,
Lets all hope for the best. I, like most that didn't have surgery up front, were told that I may have to have after rads so lets hope this is more of a routine clean up procedure.
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.
| | | | | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | You probably should have had the cat scan or MRI so they know the extent of WHAT is there, especially if the doctor wanted one. Fine needle biospys aren't always accurate because they can miss the spot that has cancer. I would have prefered a surgical biopsy if that was available. That way you also would have had the results immediately.
Have they given you a treatment plan if the results come back postive? I found it easier to cope once I knew what was going to happen and had time to digest it. You CAN do this.
Take care,
Eileen
----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | Brenda, I'm very sorry the doc thinks it's cancer--I am sure that is not what you wanted to hear (but I'm glad you finally got in to see him). I agree with Eileen in that I think if the doc wanted a CT or MRI it's advisable to go along with that. Aside from what Eileen said about needle biopsies not always being accurate, if it does come back as cancer from the biopsy, they will have to do those other tests before they do surgery anyway. So waiting on those tests until the biopsy comes back may just add a delay in treatment--which, if I were you, I would not want. I'd want them cutting it out ASAP if it turns out to be cancer.
In the meantime, I am glad you are feeling calmer. We will all be here for you no matter what happens here. You're in my prayers.
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"
| | | | | 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 | Brenda: There are many of us who have been through this twice, and we know you have the resolve to get through this, after which you will get on with you life. I'm happy you got to see your doctor quickly so at least you will definitively know. I agree with the others that you should revisit the idea of MRI/CAT scan - all information is welcomed and nothing is better than an informed physician!
We're here for you. One step at a time - you can do this.
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: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | OP Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 148 | Doc said the next step would be surgery. I am ok with some of it but it all depends on what they have to say. I don't know how far I will go at this point. I watched my dad and my baby brother go through cancer and I don't know if I am strong enough to endure what they went through. I don't know if I can put my family through it aain. I am ok either way. If it sounds like I am signing off on it I guess I am. HOWEVER I was on my way to work and the thought came to my head out of no where that I was stressing too much that its not going to be cancer again and I will be ok so I am not sweating it anymore. No one will know the results but me. Weel all of you will. Thanks, Brenda
49 years young 9/2007 Squamous Cell Carcinoma 33 rad treatments. One year later, 9/17/2008 50 years old through the Grace of God. last check up all clear. Living life as it comes to me.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 |
Brenda:
Im so sorry to hear your news. Its amazing how fast cancer can come back. I would not have thought it was possible that quickly. My fingers are crossed for your results to be good. Please keep giving updates. I will keep you in my prayers.
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: Dec 2007 Posts: 46 "OCF Down Under" Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 46 | Dearest Brenda, you have been such an amazing strength and support to me when I was first diagnosed and while I was at my scaredest (is that a word?...ok then, 'fraidycat-est')just want to let you know I am sending a Prayer up for you tonight...so they'll be are coming from this side of Earth too! Stay strong...you are...be you. Its your turn to be pamperered even if just by soothing words, and I hope and pray and believe in the best for your results to be treatable and make that MINOR treatable! I also wish we all lived closer. More sense is spoken on this Forum than on any other forum about any topic! (Must mean only the most intelligent people get Cancer!)  My love and my thoughts are with you tonight. Bless you, Lyn (from Oz) XXXXX
Tongue Cancer SCC Removal of 2/3 of right side tongue, neck disection-34 lymph nodes removed. flap for new tongue made from left wrist in 2007. Now (mid 2011) speech has been back to normal since early 2009, and Im back working as a singer. So far so good!
2016... Still cancer free! Yay.
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