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tamvonk Offline OP
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It grieves me so much to write this.
Kris has had a reocurrence of his BOT tumour. There is no spread on CT - a local reocurrence at BOT only
We saw the Head and Neck team @ Auckland hospital today.
He is scheduled to have a total glossectomy/Laryngectomy and Trans flap with permanent tracheostomy.
I'm so scared. Can anyone help me with what to expect?
How as a caregiver/wife can I make this as easy as possible for Kris? What will life be like afterwards for him?
What "aids" for communication would be best?
I'm absolutely gutted.
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!
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That's terrifying - I'm so sorry! That's a lot of surgery for a local recurrence! I guess they want to make absolutely sure they get it all. There are a couple of people here who've had total glossectomies - I'm sure they'll pop in to help. I Know you have a great team... However there was a fellow here training with my dr, last year - he learned a surgical technique that was pioneered by my dr that allows a real time view of the cancer as they're cutting. That way they are pretty certain that have got it all... Mind you they can't see on a cellular level, but if here's follow up chemo and rads it will take care of that most likely!!! His name Is dr gundulac (awesome young dr. And to be chosen to work and learn from my surgeon, he's got to be a top dr. Himself.) Anyway he left Toronto and is back in Australia - where? I have no clue but maybe he could help. Regardless good luck! And I'm saying prayers for you both.


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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Im so sorry your husband is facing a recurrence! There are a few others who have gone thru this. Cheek posts by Miss Kate who has had a total glossectomy. There is another site which can help called webwhisperers. I met a few people from that site when I was working on the TRUTH commercial. There have been some recent advances with doctors (I think in Italy) growing a new windpipe for a cancer patient. The article was on the OCF newsfeed. Best wishes with everything!


Christine
SCC 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 smile
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Tammy,

I'm so sorry for what you and your husband are experiencing. I wish I had some advice to offer, but just know that we are here for you when you need support. I hope that you find some answers in reaching out to the folks on this forum who have gone through total glossectomies.

Take good care,
Kerri


37 y/o fem at Dx (23 wks preg @ dx on 3/16/11)
SCC L oral tongue (no risk factors)
L partial gloss/MND 3/28/11 @ 25 wks preg
T1-2N0M0; no rads/chemo
Tonsillectomy on 8/6/12 +SCC L tonsil T2-3N1M0 (HPV-)
Treated with 35 rads/7 carbo & taxol (Rx ended 10/31/12), but many hospitalizations d/t complications from rx.
Various scans since rx ended are NED!
Part of genetic study for rare cancers @ MGH.
44 years old now...I wasn't sure I would make it! Hoping for 40 more!
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I am so sorry to hear this. We were facing this with Ken and it is so scary. I don't know if you have an iPad but we got one for Ken and bought an app ( kind if expensive around $200) but it was going to let him type by picking words if would speak for him. I think it was called proloquo2go.
I wish you strength and peace through this latest chapter.

Take care,Jill


Jill..CG to Ken, age 43,mom of 1yr old girl.
DIAG:12/9/10 SCC BOT T4N0M0 HPV+
START:1/3/11 IMRT dailyX35 and 7 chemo
END:2/23/11 PEG IN:1/15/11 Out:4/26/11
CT/MRI 4/25/11-marked improvement CT 6/11 new spots
BX 6/23-cancer present
Total Glossectomy sched 7/20/11
7/19/11 Ken's suffering ended
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Tammy

If you do a search for posts by PeteD, you will find informative threads regarding a total glossectomy, plus useful tools helping with communication/speech issues following those procedures.

Best wishes to you and Kris during this difficult time.

Karen


46 yrs:
Apr 07-SCC 80% entire tongue removed,T4N1M0
Neck/D,Jaw Split, Trache 2 ops,PEG 3.5yrs
30 x rad,6 x Cisplatin,
30 x HBO
Apr'08- flap Recon + ORN Mandibulectomy
(hip bone to reconstruct jaw)
Oct'08 1 Plate out-jaw
Mar'09 Debulk flap
Sep'09/Jan&Nov'10/Feb&Jun'11/Jan&Jul'12/Oct'13/April'14-More surgery
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Tammy, I have felt the indescribable terror you are feeling...I'm so sorry. The most useful tool to have on hand directly following the surgery is a board that will allow him to write on using just his finger. We used the Boogie Board sold by Brookstone. We also used a squeak toy in the hospital so he could get my attention....that is what finally allowed me to rest. Once healed Jim was able to use an electro larynx although he preferred the Boogie Board and iPad-we used the Speak-It app. I would be happy to answer questions you have - I know had a ton of them myself!

Last edited by Gerri; 02-24-2012 06:18 PM.

CG to sp age 53
4/10 BOT IVb
6/10 Ttl Gloss Lrngectmy L Mndbltmy 5+ Nodes
7/10 Cispl & Rad
1/11 recur lung mets
2/11 Clin Tr Erb Carb 5FU last 5/11
7/11 Tumor growth began wkly Bleo, Taxol, Carbo
10/28/11 Hospice; Passed 11/7/11
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,024
tamvonk Offline OP
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Thankyou for the replies.
I'm slowly coming to terms with this and know I have to be strong for Kris -but boy is it hard.
I bought him an Ipad today so will look for the speak it apps and get him to master it all before surgery. I will look for the boogie board - probably online as don't know where to begin looking over here.
One day at a time again. I can't look too far ahead as it terrifies me.
Our lovely boys are back at uni and that's where I want them to be - to finish their degrees. I'm pained at the worry and distress they must be feeling too.
Thankyou all you lovely people,
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!
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You have the strength to do this - you have no idea how glad I was it was me with the cancer, I knew I could handle it - emotionally it would have been far worse for it to have been a family member - I cannot imagine what your going through... But together you will get through it - I had three in university but two of them were living at home at the time. We always told them we were doing what ever we could to beat it, there is always a chance of recurrence, and they know this so we told hem to go on and live their lives. They did we kept them informed but it wasn't to forefront of our lives. It's good they are away that way you can focus on the healing process etc... Good luck an many blessings to you. Also don't stop looking to the future - but do live for the now, remember even without cancer - none of us is guaranteed a tomorrow...hugs

Last edited by Cheryld; 02-25-2012 07:59 AM.

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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Tammy, my thoughts are with you and Kris. Even for me it's hard to imagine what you're going through. I believe Dr. I. Brook, who posts here and is an MD who had a laryngectomy if memory serves, could be a good resource. Believe that's his screen name (with or without spaces).

All the best to you both from up here.


David 2
SCC of occult origin 1/09 (age 55)| Stage III TXN1M0 | HPV 16+, non-smoker, moderate drinker | Modified radical neck dissection 3/09 | 31 days IMRT finished 6/09 | Hit 14 years all clear in 6/23 | Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome kicked in a few years after treatment and has been progressing since | Prostate cancer diagnosis 10/18
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I forgot to mention a key communication method Jim used...texting. He didn't text until after his surgery but quickly became as good as a teenager. That allowed him to keep in touch with our kids who were in college too. Hang in there, it really is manageable. Even though he didnt speak I feel like our communication was strong after his surgery. I'm sure you'll find it to be the same.


CG to sp age 53
4/10 BOT IVb
6/10 Ttl Gloss Lrngectmy L Mndbltmy 5+ Nodes
7/10 Cispl & Rad
1/11 recur lung mets
2/11 Clin Tr Erb Carb 5FU last 5/11
7/11 Tumor growth began wkly Bleo, Taxol, Carbo
10/28/11 Hospice; Passed 11/7/11
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Dear Tammy,
These all sound like great suggestions and I'm sure you'll find out which ones work best for the both of you.

As Cheryl previously said and I have expressed the same sentiment...if one of us in our family had to have cancer, I'm glad it was me, because I didn't think I would ever be strong enough to be a caregiver. I have always been an emotional weakling, in my opinion. I remember saying that to my counselor...that I didn't think I could manage things well if the roles were reversed and she said, "You'd surprise yourself.". I think she was right, because when I think back to some of the most challenging times in my life, and there have been quite a few, I did handle things, but with lots of tears. I cry at the drop of a hat, but I also am easily amused!

I guess I shouldn't equate being outwardly emotional with being weak, just one who "wears her heart on her sleeve". You can and will do this. You will stick by and put one foot in front of the other. So will your husband. It will most likely be the most difficult thing either of you will have to experience, but eventually, you will adapt to what has become a "new normal". I realize this is all easier said than done...isn't that how life goes?!

Again, I wish for you and your husband to find the strength to face each day and new challenge. Peace to you, both.

xoxo,
Kerri


37 y/o fem at Dx (23 wks preg @ dx on 3/16/11)
SCC L oral tongue (no risk factors)
L partial gloss/MND 3/28/11 @ 25 wks preg
T1-2N0M0; no rads/chemo
Tonsillectomy on 8/6/12 +SCC L tonsil T2-3N1M0 (HPV-)
Treated with 35 rads/7 carbo & taxol (Rx ended 10/31/12), but many hospitalizations d/t complications from rx.
Various scans since rx ended are NED!
Part of genetic study for rare cancers @ MGH.
44 years old now...I wasn't sure I would make it! Hoping for 40 more!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,024
tamvonk Offline OP
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Thank you all for the encouragement. Kris is having his surgery Thursday 8th. We are having it done in the private system as I am not prepared to wait until end of April for a slot in the free public system. We do have some insurance so will manage with family's help. Kris will transfer back to the public system after 48 hours for the specialist services e.g. Swallowing/ speech therapy that he will need. This is huge salvage surgery, very scary. But, I do know we will get through this. I can't look to far ahead. Will always now be terrified for another reoccurence.
Are there any long term survivors of this surgery out there.
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 2009
Posts: 875
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Tammy and Kris:

I marked my calendar to say a special pray for Kris on the 8th. I hope that will end his recurrences and he has a speedy recovery. Let us know how he does. You are not alone in worrying about recurrences, but hopefully that will never happen again.
julieann


Julieann
Nov 2007 SCC on right tonsil following tonsillectomy. Was smoker, QUIT. (Stage IV T2 N2b) 7 weeks radiation one day/wk chemo (carboplatin and 5-FU). Allergic to Taxol; PEG in, lost 30 lbs. TX completed January 2008. PEG out mid- 2008. PET/CT 1/17/2011;2/3/12 NEGATIVE for cancer smile
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Hi Tammy- Will be praying for the best possible outcome for your Kris. Please feel free to send me a message if you'd like.

KATE


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

Finished all treatments May 25 2007
Surviving!!!
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Hi Tammy there are survivors out there - I'm sure one will be along... Isn't Mr Ebert one? Hugs - sorry you are both going hough this. will definitely say a prayer on the 8th - and so glad you are having h surgery on your own terms, waiting until April would be a lot to ask of anyone!


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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tamvonk Offline OP
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Hi All,
Right at this moment kris is 6 hours into his mammoth surgery.
We had a long discussion with the 2 surgeons who are performing the surgery yesterday. They were very positive and stressed that his CT shows the tumor to be localized at the BOT again with no spread in either the head/ neck or to the lungs. They reiterated that they would not offer us this surgery if they thought he would not be a long term survivor. The surgery is so extensive as they need to ensure that all traces of the tumor are gone and that they have very clear margins.
They were very confident that kris will eat again and he will definitely speak again. Speech will take about 12 months as they do not insert the speaking valve until 6 months post surgery. They say he will be able to hold phone conversations. I'm so thrilled. Life won't be so bad after all. Yes, this is definitely life changing, but we will get there.
May this be the last time we ever have to front up to this dreadful disease.
Thank you , thank you for all the advice and encouragement,
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
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Tammy, Im wishing you and Kris all the very best with this surgery! I know you must be on pins and needles the whole time. Its a long road but it will be well worth it in the end. It sounds like Kris has excellent doctors caring for him with such a great prognosis.

Please keep us posted as to the progress. Best wishes!!!!


Christine
SCC 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 smile
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 123
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Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers today and every day going forward through this journey! Please keep us posted.

Jill


Jill..CG to Ken, age 43,mom of 1yr old girl.
DIAG:12/9/10 SCC BOT T4N0M0 HPV+
START:1/3/11 IMRT dailyX35 and 7 chemo
END:2/23/11 PEG IN:1/15/11 Out:4/26/11
CT/MRI 4/25/11-marked improvement CT 6/11 new spots
BX 6/23-cancer present
Total Glossectomy sched 7/20/11
7/19/11 Ken's suffering ended
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Prayers everything goes well for you and kris! Hugs and good thought coming your way.


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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tamvonk Offline OP
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Hello,
Kris is doing great. He is off the ventilator and breathing by himself.
His face looks normal just slighty swollen. The graft in his mouth , well, itis healthy and continues to have a good blood supply. Guess that will take a week or two to settle and look less swollen.
The surgeon told me that they sent tissue samples from where his original tumor was and there is no sign of cancer, all margins are clear. So the good news is that this was a small local reoccurrence. Guess we are still waiting for the nodes to be looked at - they did bilateral. Neck dissection too.
I am feeling much more positive.
Thought I do realize we are still at the beginning of this phase of treatment.
Love to you all,
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: Dec 2010
Posts: 5,260
Likes: 3
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Awesome so glad things are getting better! Take care!


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
Joined: Oct 2011
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Good to hear he's doing well. You are doing great too!! Thanks for keeping in touch with us!!
Kathy


Kathy wife/caregiver to:
Kevin age:53
Dx 7/15/11
HPV16+ SCC Stage IV BOT/R
Non smoker, casual drinker
7/27/11 Cistplatin, taxotere,5FU 2/3week sessions, followed by IMRT 125cgy x 60 (2x daily) w/Erbitux weekly. Last rad 10/26/11. Last Erbitux 10/27/11
PEG placed 9/1/11 Removed 11/8/11
Clear PET 10/12 and 10/13 and ct in 6/14
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tamvonk Offline OP
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Hi,
Kris has been back to the operating room tonight. The surgeons suspected a number of leaks from his suture sites in his throat. There were a few leaks but all are sorted now - I hope.
The surgeon did mention that at the time of surgery they did remark on how damaged all his tissues were from last years radiation and chemo - again the gift that keeps on giving.
So, hope it will be at least 2 steps forward now before we take another back.
I' let you all know.
Cheers,
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: Oct 2011
Posts: 805
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Oh no. Hopefully they got it worked out.
How long do you think you'll be there?


Kathy wife/caregiver to:
Kevin age:53
Dx 7/15/11
HPV16+ SCC Stage IV BOT/R
Non smoker, casual drinker
7/27/11 Cistplatin, taxotere,5FU 2/3week sessions, followed by IMRT 125cgy x 60 (2x daily) w/Erbitux weekly. Last rad 10/26/11. Last Erbitux 10/27/11
PEG placed 9/1/11 Removed 11/8/11
Clear PET 10/12 and 10/13 and ct in 6/14
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