| | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 346 Platinum Member (300+ posts) |  Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 346 | Patty,
You got it. AFter losing my husband to brain cancer when I was
24-and now at 56- a 2 year survivor of oral cancer myself, my motto
is "if you are not in the hospital or terminally ill or not in jail for some reason, then you can fix everything else" It sounds so crude but it is true. Now I have never been in jail yet and I hope never, but it's bound to be the same as the hospital.
Let's go fishing when we can, laugh when we can, and try to remember not to be so serious about the small stuff.
Let's try to keep reminding each other because it is HARD to
remember.
Debbie
Partial mandibulectomy and neck dissection 2/3/07. T2NOMO.
Had 14 hour operation which included reconstruction of jaw.
Reconstruction failed. Some radiation, no chemo.
| | | | | Joined: May 2008 Posts: 551 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: May 2008 Posts: 551 | Hi Partlycloudy!
It is a challenge, isn't it, moving forward. I'm now an 18-year survivor or lymphoma and an almost 1-year survivor of oral cancer. The most important thing for me is to keep looking forward. Rehashing missteps of the past, and the what-ifs that follow, are mostly pointless unless you use that exercise to make positive changes in your life. Also, I've tried to reconnect with the things that I've loved in my life - camping, bird-watching and other outdoor activities nurture my soul and feed my mind. I try to live simply, have good people in my life and focus on moving forward one step at a time.
- Margaret
Stage IV SCC lt lateral tongue, surgery 5/19/08 (partial gloss/upper neck dissection left side/radial free flap reconstruction) IMRT w/weekly Cisplatin & Erbitux 6/30/08, PEG 1 6/12/08 - out 7/14 (in abdominal wall, not stomach), PEG 2 7/23/08 - out 11/20/08, Tx done 8/18/08
Second SCC tumor, Stage 1, rt mobile tongue, removed 10/18/2016, right neck dissection 12/9/2016
Third SCC tumor, diagnosed, 4/19/2108, rt submandibular mass, HPV-, IMRT w/ weekly Cisplatin, 5/9 - 6/25/2018, PEG 3 5/31/2018
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Debbie, you just moved close to the top of my most admired list. You are a fighter and will win out with that fishing rod and reel.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 | The worrying is the hardest part. The comfort I found from this site is so amazing. I'm really happy you found this site, it is like a little (or big actually) family. The kindness and understanding of the people here brings a tear to my eye.
Along with this site, I go to a therapist to discuss my feelings and issues. That has been a huge help to me. I wish you much luck. I would also suggest keeping a close circle of supporters who know what you have been through. We all need to vent sometimes!!
Suzanne
***********
T1 SCC on right side of tongue
Age 31...27 when diagnosed
4 partial glossectomies
No chemo or radiation
Biopsy on 2/2/10-Clear
Surgery needed again...no later than April 2011
Loving life and just became a mother on 11/25/10
It's not what we CAN'T do..it's what we CAN do:)
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