| | Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 5 "OCF Kiwi Down Under" Member | OP  "OCF Kiwi Down Under" Member
Joined: Apr 2012 Posts: 5 | Hi, my name is Liz. I'm married to Eric. In 2010, just two weeks after my beloved Father died, Eric was diagnosed with oral cancer. It was a shock - he'd always been so well. Thankfully it was caught relatively early and surgery was performed within 8 weeks of diagnosis. Living with the aftermath - 6 weeks of radiotherapy followed - and the newcomer in our relationship - the obturator (prosthesis)- can be stressful, so finding others who understand from both our perspectives will be a huge help. We feel like we've been set adrift in a boat with one oar and only part of the map - and that the compass isn't quite correct! So, as I need, and as Eric needs, we'll come here and talk to you. Thank you for being here. (I'm a friend of the late Ross Yates, but another of his friends directed me to this forum)
Liz
CG to husband. Dx Sept 2010 SCC L maxilla. Tx Nov 2010 - maxillectomy, L selective neck dissection, levels 1 - 3.
6 wks radiation 30 sessions, Jan - Mar 2011.
Occasional drinker, non-smoker.
Together we are determined to overcome this beast and defeat it.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 | Hi and welcome to OCF Liz,
Ross was also a friend of mine both here and on Facebook and we are all saddened at his recent passing.
I am so sorry that you lost your dear father not long ago and are now facing the oral cancer diagnosis and treatment of your husband.
No wonder you are somewhat shell shocked!
I am sure there are lots of people here who are able to help with your questions.
Your friend was right to point you in direction of this forum. You will find it invaluable.
Gabriele
History Leukoplakia bx 8/2006 SCC floor mouth T3N0M0- Verrucous Carcinoma.
14 hour 0p SCC-Right ND/excision/marginal mandibulectomy 9/2006, 4 teeth removed, flap from wrist, trach-ng 6 days- no chemo/rad.
6 ops and debulking (flap/tongue join) + bx's 2006-2012.
bx Jan 2012 Hyperkeratosis-Epithelial Dysplasia
24cm GIST tumour removed 8/2013. Indefinite Oral Chemo.
1/31/16 passed away peacefully surrounded by family
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,024 "OCF Kiwi Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Kiwi Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,024 | Hi Liz,
We are in whangarei and travel to Auckland for treatments.
There certainly isn't much information out there .
I'm sure you and Eric will find this site and all the members here extremely helpful, knowledgable and compassionate.
Tammy
Caregiver/advocate to Husband Kris age 59@ diagnosis
DX Dec '10 SCC BOT T4aN2bM0 HPV+ve.Cisplatin x3 35 IMRT.
PET 6/11 clear.
R) level 2-4 neck dissection 8/1/11 to remove residual node - necrotic with NED
Feb '12 Ca back.. 3/8/12 total glossectomy/laryngectomy/bilat neck dissection/partial pharyngectomy etc. clear margins. All nodes negative for disease. PEG in.
March 2017 - 5 years disease free. Woohoo!
| | | | | 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 | Welcome to OCF, Liz! You will find all the support and info to help ease your mind. This site is the best with page after page of important info not just here on the forum but also on the main pages.
Wishing you the best with your husands continued recovery.
PS... Im the one who directed you here. May Ross rest in peace. He wll be missed.
Last edited by ChristineB; 04-14-2012 01:39 AM.
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: May 2010 Posts: 638 "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: May 2010 Posts: 638 | [quote] We feel like we've been set adrift in a boat with one oar and only part of the map - and that the compass isn't quite correct! So, as I need, and as Eric needs, we'll come here and talk to you. Thank you for being here.[/quote]
Hi Liz
Alex and I felt exactly the same way. I described it as "cut loose" but your descriptor is perfect!!
This forum will allow you to ask all your questions, so when you return for your check ups you can ask the doctors for help with all sorts of issues, with the knowledge that your issues are not peculiar, are completely normal and need to be addressed.
Karen
PS Very sorry about your friend Ross and hope you are bearing up ok
Karen Love of Life to Alex T4N2M0 SCC Tonsil, BOT, R lymph nodes Dx March 2010 51yrs. Unresectable. HPV+ve Tx Chemo x 3+1 cycles(cisplatin,docetaxel,5FU)- complete May 31 Chemoradiation (IMRTx35 + weekly cisplatin) Finish Aug 27 Return to work 2 years on 3 years out Aug 27 2013 NED Still underweight
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 | Hi there!!! Welcome and there are a few orburator wearers here... They'll be along... Congrats on getting through treatment! We're here whatever your needs - and Ross... RIP... 
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
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