Hi everyone.
I recently had surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the neck with half of the tumor being removed,(the half that was wrapped around my external carotid artery). The other half was left as it was not feasible to remove it via surgery due to the location of it. It is embedded in a nerve bundle so radiation and chemo has been ordered. My petscan was normal six weeks ago which is reassuring. My oncologists tell me that we have caught it in time.
I've heard "horror" stories about the side effects of head/neck radiation. Has anyone here had any experience with IMRT radiation to the neck? If you give me some insight about what to expect relative to the side effects I would be most appreciative. Also what things you did or what the dr prescribed for them would be helpful.

Thank you very much

Dear Pepper, I am just starting my Chemo and Radiation on Monday. But I have been on this site reading and searching just the things you are asking about. You will have great support here and just start reading the forums and searching the sites. You will have so much information, but what I have found is that everyone reacts differently to treatments. You have found the right place.

Hi Pepper, and welcome to OCF from your fellow-North Carolinians in Montgomery County! If you will 'click' on my username (emmylou1951) you will be allowed to read every question and answer I've posted these past few months. You will find a miriad of information just by reading these, as well as others here who have recent personal experience with IMRT to the neck.
Buzz' surgeon is Chris Sullivan at Baptist in Winston. (see 'signature' line for more info) Where are you treating?
You've come to the right place! OCF has truly been a life saver for many of us!

Lois & Buzz (in Troy, NC)

Pepper,

Welcome!!
If I can be of any help on your journey just let me know.

Mike

Thank you very much for responding to my concerns.
When I was diagnosed, my onconolgist told me that we can kill the cancer but unfortunately they have to hurt me to do it.

Having overcome colon cancer 8 yrs ago, I am confident that with God's help and venues such as this and the support I have from my many friends,
I will kill this insidiuous demon.

If I can help anyone with just a shoulder please let me know. The fraternity we have as cancer survivors and presently patients need to maintain
the oft quoted concept of "being positive". The research I have done and the docotrs with I have spoken, tells me that there is significant efficacy and correlation between postive attitude and the immune system.

Thank you for listening to a 56 yr old man who just wants to live to experience the joys of becomming a grandfather. Grandfather........never thought I heard me say that. Feels like yesterday literally that I was in college and was marrying my college sweetheart.

Take care everyone and let me know if can help anyone

Onward and Upward

Pepper

Please forgive my typing errors. I was never known to have mastered the eye/hand coordination.

Welcome, Pepper: To answer your question about the "horrors" of radiation, I would start with the statment that while there are many side effects that are fairly universal, there are many people who only experience one or two of those. [Does it sound like I am answering a question in a Presidential debate?] . Truth is, you can read and be prepared for the worst [so you won't be caught by surprise] and you may be pleasantly surprised to tolerate the IMRT fairly well. I think it is just as important for the person who will be your "helpmate" or primary caregiver during IMRT to be equally prepared to be able to spot trouble, be on the same wave length as you as to what is going on,know enough "jargon" to talk to your Docs and nurses, and know where to get support when needed. The chemo is likely to be an issue to deal with as well. What chemo will you have? Are you going to attempt to continue working during tx.? How many tx's will you have? Have you discussed getting a PEG? Let us know more about your program and your start dates. And remember, you can research just about anything here. Good Luck. Amy in the Ozarks

So glad you found us, Pepper - There is so much wonderful help and information available here from people who have been through what you are experiencing. And it really does help to be prepared for what may come your way. Just knowing what to expect goes a long way towards helping you to feel in control and to know that you can get thru it. Stay with us and let us know what's happening.

It is nice to meet you Amy and Anne-Marie.
I am having cisplatin(3 cycle) with the radiation 5 days a week for 7 weeks. I'm going to try and work during my treatment period. I had a peg placed two weeks ago so that is already there before i start the treatments.
I begin today, 11/26/07 with my treatments. To say that I am anxious and apprehensive is truly an understatement.
Thank you so much for your responses and I look forward very much to communicating here with all of you very nice people.
Bill

Hi Bill

Keeping working is a very positive way to approach your treatment period,but let your body tell you when to rest as well. Some people are very very lucky and mange to work through a good deal of the treatment,some are not so lucky and find the effort of working too much for them,as their side effects are very disabling.Just take it day at a time Bill and i hope it all goes well.

liz