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#109880 01-05-2010 04:20 PM
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Hi, I am new to this forum,and i have a question about symptoms of recurrence.I am a 40 yo male, I was diagnosed in aug. of 08 with stage 4 scc unknown primary mestasis to right nodes. treatment was 35 radiation treatments to both sides of my neck and 3 rounds of cisplatin though I could only handle 2 rounds. no neck disection just had 1 node removed for biopsy.First ct scan looked ok according to the docs. While doing all this I took leave from my job, then later my job let me go "due to the economic downturn". My wife also lost her job, so we could not afford insurance any more. I am currently
trying to get veterans health benefits, but havent heard back from them yet. My question is this, what if any are the symptoms of recurrence, I have a lump just above the collarbone about 4 inches below where i found the first lump. Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for your replies.


Stage 4a scc finished treatment Nov. 08 last scan 05/09 clear
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It's not anything until the Dr.'s say it is. Get it checked out - Stay in touch with us and let us know! We're here to help!!


Caregiver to Husband 50 yrs.young-non smoker/non-drinker; Stage IV - all treatments stopped August 2009
Lost the battle November 23, 2010
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Changes you detect lumps and bumps are signs. A sense of fullness when you swallow is another I've been told but this doesn't neccesarily men you have recurrance. Only a Dr./biopsy/scan can tell you for sure.

I think you should see a Dr. to make sure you are OK. Have you tried getting Medicaid? I'm sorry I don't know how that all works.

Hoping this is nothing. K


Tongue Cancer T2 N0 M0 /
Total Glossectomy Due to Location of Tumor

Finished all treatments May 25 2007
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Hopefully it's nothing but I would definitely get it checked out. Remember that radiation is the gift that keeps on giving....my husband Ron just had a biopsy on a lesion in his throat that had been bugging him and the Doctor was concerned. Turns out it is a fungal infection. So your lump could be any number of things. Keep us updated OK?

Shelley


Caregiver to husband Ron. Throat Cancer. Finished 35 radiation treatments on 11/21/04. 8/2/11 small lesion on lower gum, laser Procedure to remove. 3/6/12 Doc. removed another lesion on outside of his neck. Did a skin graft from his chest to replace the skin on his neck. Went to Heaven on 6/24/12.
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Contact your Social Security Office or your local hospital--they should be able to point you in the right direction in order to get benefits.

Last edited by Ray1971; 01-07-2010 09:21 PM.

7-16-08 age 37@Dx, T3N0M0 SCC 4.778cm tumor, left side of oral tongue, non smoker, casual drinker, I am the 4th in my family to have H&N cancer
8-13-08 left neck dissection and 40% of tongue removed, submandibular salivary gland & 14 nodes clean, no chemo, IMRTx35
11-4-08 Recovering & feeling better
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thank you for the replies. Just found out that i am approved by the Veterans Admin. for health benefits, now just waiting for them to call me with an appointment. Man that takes a load off my mind.

Joe


Stage 4a scc finished treatment Nov. 08 last scan 05/09 clear
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That is great news Joe! I'm glad hat you have a resource and some financial support. Praying for you to come through this.


Tongue Cancer T2 N0 M0 /
Total Glossectomy Due to Location of Tumor

Finished all treatments May 25 2007
Surviving!!!
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Joe, good to hear.

Like you financial woes hit my family when I could no longer work due to treatment and the surgeries and complications etc...my wife lost her job two months after I went down. I qualified for social security and we had several local avenues for help. There's always a way.

good luck, post when you need to vent

Eric


Young Frack, SCC T4N2M0, Cisplatin,35+ rads,ND, RT Mandiblectomy w fibular free flap, facial paralysis, "He who has a "why" to live can bear with almost any "how"." -Nietzche "WARNING" PG-13 due to Sarcasm & WAY too much attitude, interact at your own risk.
EricS #110523 01-17-2010 06:17 AM
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Joe

Glad to hear you were approved for VA. You have earned it and deserve it. Your initial visit will probably be indoctrination; fill out paperwork, they'll ask questions, do an EKG and take blood. That was my experience anyway. After that you'll be assigned a Primary Care Doctor. The Primary Care Doctor will be the one to set up appointments with other Docs, tests, blood work, etc. There are a lot more Vets signing up for medical benefits due to the economy so there will be waiting times for appointments. Unfortunately the old adage "hurry up and wait" applies.

I don't know where you live but make sure there is a VA HOSPITAL near you and not just a Clinic. There's just a Clinic here and the hospital is about an hour away. It doesn't sound far but my van sounds like it'll take off into space!

Do check into area hospitals with regards to financial assistance. It's done on a sliding scale and some do provide "charity" care. Don't be afraid to ask, sometimes you have to swallow your "pride" to get the help you need.

From my understanding the VA is an entity upon itself and any and all benefits you get can not be used against you in the "civilian" world.

Best of luck from a fellow veteran.

Linda



CG/Carol 57;SCC Stage IV L Tonsil T4N2bM0 12/2009
Recur 7/2010 - 2cm mass Invasive SCC L Floor Lower Jaw
Surgery 8/10 - Trach,ND,p. mandibulectomy,pec flap
ypT4aN0 HG Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
2nd Recur 1/18/11 - Tumor lower left lip
Surgery 2/9/11 - Canceled - Inoperable
3/29/11 - Died




ElCee #110525 01-17-2010 06:57 AM
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Hi linda,

Thanks for the lowdown, I was wondering how the VA works. I live about 40 min. from the Kansas City VA hospital so its not too bad just another 10 mins from the hospital i was initially treated at. I was in the military so I know what "hurry up and wait means".

Joe


Stage 4a scc finished treatment Nov. 08 last scan 05/09 clear
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Hi Joe,

I'm really glad to hear that you now have cover, that must be a huge relief for you and your family. From my experience always get new lumps and bumps, lesions and unusual head and earaches checked out and the earlier the better.
I've always had mine checked, mostly with results that I didn't want but many, many here have good (negative) results for what were often concerning symptoms. Hopefully you will be in this group!

Sue


55 y/o
SCC LL Tongue 3/27/07
Part. mandibulectomy 9/2/07
Left ND 5/12/08
RT/Chemo
Rec LL Tongue 07/09
Part gloss 8/5 & 8/25
Surg 10/28/09 re mets to R neck & L jaw
RT & Chemo finished 12/22/09
PEG fitted 05/06/10
L buccal SCC 10/10
freeflap (forearm)surgery 2/28/11 L buccal and gingiva
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