My husband was first diagnosed in May of 2013; we very quickly went through chemo and radiation through August of 2013..... we had a recurrence the following March of 2014; We went through a radical neck surgery in April of 2014.... it was a very long year of recovery; with many bouts in the hospital dealing with the feeding, swallowing, speech and learning how to live again with the limitations of the surgery - he has been doing so well, we thought. We now have another lesion in the same area inside mouth. We don't know what options are available, if any ... since we have already had surgery - what other options are there??? Can we have surgery again? We are feeling broken....
Welcome to OCF. Im very sorry your husband and you have been thru so much. Its a good thing you have found our site to help you with info and support.
As far as options go, is this lesion cancerous? Has a biopsy confirmed it? We have a saying around here... "its not cancer until the biopsy says it is". Im hoping it is not cancer again but if it would be then yes, surgery should be one of the options. By itself, chemo alone is only for palliative care. Some patients are able to have radiation more than once depending on where the tumor is located and their history. this is on a case by case basis.
Ive had several round of oral cancer myself and also several biopsies where it has been negative for cancer. Seems like after going thru so much we all just assume a sore is cancer again. Ive been pleasantly surprised when the biopsy came back without another diagnosis. Even doctors cant tell just by looking if something is cancerous or something else. They can make a well-educated guess but its really just a guess until the biopsy results come back.
If your husband has been diagnosed with OC again in such a short amount of time, I would seriously consider getting at least a second opinion at a comprehensive cancer center (CCC). That is, if there is one your husband is able to go to. This disease is bad enough to go thru it once let alone what your guys have been thru.
Hang in there! There are several here who have been thru it multiple times. We understand what you both are going thru. As a caregiver, you have a difficult job. Dont forget to make time for yourself once in a while.
Best wishes!!!
Hope all turns out well and this is not a reocurence for you both. Semper-Fi Bob
Christine,
Welcome to OCF! Sorry to hear about your husbands situation.
I've had 3 additional surgeries after my first surgery and radiation. I know of others that have also. So yes he can have additional surgery and possibly RT, but that depends on his unique situation.
Has he been to his doctor yet about the lesion? His doctor should be able to do a biopsy in the office if he can access the lesion. Radiation did a lot of damage to me and I still get mouth ulcers that pop up from time to time and most of the time they were not cancer. I hope this is the case with your husband. If it does turn out to be cancer, please go for a 2nd opinion at a major cancer center.
Thank you everyone.... Your comments are very helpful ... We do have appt with our ent on Tuesday ... I anticipate yes it will have biopsy right away - and yes our thought was to get 2nd opinion from cancer center if that be the case.... Thanks again - we are trying to keep our spirits up until we know something for sure !
Do you need the list of CCCs? Let me know and I will post it for you. There are also places to help with travel and lodging if you need a hand.
Good luck next week.
Hello Christine, I also want to welcome you . I am so sorry that you are worried again, worried as to whether it is a recurrence or not. Fighting this more than once is so difficult, it's such a long road. Other people have no comprehension of what is involved. As 1 caregiver to another, you are doing a wonderful job.
We have been through our own recurrence and Salvage Surgery. Last year Kris developed a "sore" on his tongue flap. It sent that awful dreaded wave of cold over my body. I was terrified that it had reared its head again. We Had it biopsied the following day by our ENT. It turned out to be just an ulcer. So , you dont know what this is, go and get it biopsied and I hope you get the same results we got.
Thinking of you both,
Tammy
Went to dr today - his opinion is as what we suspected; however will wait for biopsy results... have mri scheduled for friday...
Thanks again for all the kind words and comments!
Chris
Just in case you want to go for a second opinion...
List of CCCs We are here for you both.
That dreaded but long awaited phone call from the dr....only to hear Biopsy confirmed cancer again.... Dr concerned it has made way to lymph nodes and in chest by the Mri- he wants pet scan to confirm his concerns. Not even sure what to think right now - hard when there are no answers - numb.... My husband is so broken it's so hard to find something positive to bring to him .....heavy heart .... Will try to keep chin up until further test and we know for sure what we are dealing with..... Will start checking cancer treatment centers today ....And tomorrow will enjoy our grandchildren and relish in the happiness they bring to us .....thank you for the blessings....
So sorry Christine. It's always chilling news to hear especially when you've both been through so much already. There are counsellors and psychologists who deal with cancer patients every day and have the skills to help us cope. I've found this sort of help invaluable because it takes the edge off the mental anguish. You probably know this already but just in case ... It was only with my fourth cancer outbreak that I sought counselling from the local Cancer Society psychologists and felt much better. Friends and family are just not equipped to help us through this trauma, especially at the time of diagnosis.
Hi there... I'm so sorry to hear the news. hopefully they will have some solid treatment options for your hubby. Hugs and blessings to you. Tell him to focus on getting through it and not allow it to steal anything more from him.