Hi everyone. I am new here. I am 38 years old and I was just diagnosed with stage one laryngeal cancer. So far, the news has been good and that we caught it very early. I think I am opting to go with surgery. The surgeon feels that I/we have a good chance of going in and doing a partial laryngectomy and getting the cancer out. (I hope he isn't giving me false hope on that??) Anyway, I would love to connect with someone that has the same diagnosis and has had the surgery and/or radiation. Is it really possible to just have surgery or am I being naive? Would be a disappointment to endure the surgery and *still* have to do radiation as well. I guess that's what makes these decisions so hard. I am worried what my voice will be like and what other complications, if any from either surgery and/or radiation. Any advice, suggestions, shared experiences will be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much and God Bless.

Hi,
Welcome, but sorry you have to be here. As far as what to do, if you trust your Dr., go with what he/she says. Hopefully you have someone that is experienced with this type of cancer. If they say do the radiation, don't doubt them. This is your life and if down the road something happens, you will kick yourself for not going all out the first time.
There is a wealth of knowledge, experience and support in these forums. Keep in touch.
Kathy

Hi there welcome - I have to agree with kp5 - I had a tumor in my tongue - it was stage 2 - surgery is the primary treat,ENT and I could breath a little bit easier knowing that they remover the bulk of it. Surgery won't get any microscopic cancer so sometimes rad and chemo are used as a follow up treatment, to mop up any possible left overs so if the dr say do it - I would. Welcome... And good luck on the surgery.

Welcome to OCF. The best advice I can give you is to seriously think this over and get a second or even a third opinion before making your choice. Surgeons cut, thats their job so of course they will recommend surgery. Radiation oncologists do radiation so thats what they will recommend. Best thing to do is go to a cancer center where you will have a whole team discuss your individual case and give you a combined decision of how to best treat your condition. There are some here who have only had surgery and others who only have done radiation. Each treatment has its own set of upsides and down with neither being completely easy to do. Its very hard to figure out which path to take, talk it all over with your family or those closest to you.

Best wishes with everything you are facing!

Hey there Annie -Stage I - good job catching it early but so sorry to hear of this diagnosis. On this forum, we can't tell you what to do just hopefully share our experiences and let those feed your knowledge base so that you ask great questions of your team and feel right about the decisions that you make. You live in a major metro area so access to services will not be a barrier - that's a very good thing!
I too was 38 at the time of my diagnosis - I had tongue cancer - had it removed surgically along with some lymph nodes - the radiation oncologist did not recommend rads at that time. When it was found a year later in tissue in my neck then I had another surgery and chemo/radiation. The way it was explained to me was that the chemo rads were the "big guns" and they kind of wanted to save it for later if needed. So it's been a 2 year course for me. I am fortunate that I have recovered very well and I am comfortable with the treatment choices that I made.

In regard to complications and voice changes - that is something that your ENT/Surgeon should definitely be able to address. Sometimes you just have to ask very specifically!
Take good care - let me know if you feel like chatting!

Hi,
Basically I am echoing others' thoughts: make sure you are getting other opinions besides the one. If you are at a large center, the surgeon should present this to the department in some way & the radiologist & others will have their own ideas. Then they present it to you as to what needs to be done. I would want someone who had performed surgery on a lot of laryneges! (had to look up the plural of larynx) Your medical care is everything here. And you have most of the control in that area. Glad you caught it early, that is always good. There are people on this board who can write in about larynx surgery.
Best,
Anne

These are 2 links to videos addressing laryngeal cancer. I am feel very fortunate to say that this is my surgical oncologist. I hope this information is helpful to you and others. Dr. Deschler always says, first thing is to save your life, second is funtion, and third is cosmetics. Best of luck, Annie. Stick around these forums. We all help one another.

http://www.insidermedicine.com/arch...chusetts_Eye_and_Ear_Infirmary_3175.aspx


http://www.insidermedicine.com/arch...stSurgery_Voice_Reconstruction_2953.aspx

Hey Annie,

I am 38 too. Was diagnosed at 33 with tongue cancer. I had a full glossectomy , neck dissection - then radiation and chemo. The side effects are intense from radiation and chemo but they were manageable and go away for the most part....
I am 5 years out and spicey food and alcohol are hard for me but I can do them in moderation. They tend to burn but it keeps improving. Those are the only permanent ones for me. I've figured out which foods work for me and which things are foods of the past (spicey salsa- jalepeno.. cayenne). My neck is also stiff but that is mainly form the neck dissection.

Personally, I am thankful I threw the book at this as I will never have that "what if?" feeling. I did everything in my power to get rid of it from day one.

My dad is Patholoigst with many years experience studying cancer. said to me that with cancer the first chance you get to kill all the cancer cells is the best chance you will ever have.

SCC is not a type of cancer that is completely curable with chemo. Surgery and radiation or all 3 can cure it so that you will never have to think about it again.

Take Care and best of luck with your upcoming surgery. Will be praying for a 100% successful surgery and recovery for you!!
I hope you don't have to have radiation. If they recommend it you must do it. You will get through it. You are tough and strong!

KATE

Kerri, thanks so much for the links. Very helpful.

Thank you everyone!!!! I really appreciate your comments and hearing your 'success' stories! God Bless you all - you are my inspirations. I will be having surgery Feb. 1st. Thanks again.