Hey everyone, hope all is well and enjoying life to the max!
I'm Ida, glad that my partner recommended me to this forum, its very informative and useful.

Just to share my previous and recent stories, last year I was having a severe painful tongue on right side and then i went to ENT. The oncosurgery did a biopsy and from there it all started...

I was diagnosed with TC last year stage 1 and have gone through IMRT 35 times. CT scan on Nov2011 and oncologist confirmed that im a cancer free that time.

Last week im having a pain at the same spot, not sure what it is something is wrong with the nerve. When i examine, feel theres a bump at the same spot base tongue.. the pain is not that harsh but im really curious and i was freaked out.. the white patches came back. Theres a thin line spotted again!

So i met my oncologist. He advised me to perform CT scan next month and to do Chemotheraphy 6 shots. EIther the results is negative or positive its a procedure to make sure the cancer wont come back..im not actually confident about that.

Then yesterday i met my Oncosurgery. The thin line is actually candida and has been removed. He did biopsy to my new lump at my tongue just to check whats going on and what the heck is it.

*fyi, i have 2 doctors (1 is oncologist from Cancer hospital and another 1 is ENT oncosurgery who diagnosed me and manage my pain, we become close friend already). Both of them knows each other.

Now im waiting for the biopsy results now but i am prepared for the worst. Im nervous.
Wish me luck.

Ida

good luck.

It sounds like you have faith in your docs and they are very proactive. It also sounds like you are in good spirits which goes a long way towards recovery.

The idea of doing chemotherapy after the IMRT sounds a little unconventional to me but I am not a doctor. The one thing I suggest though, is wait for the biopsy to make any final decision about chemo. Chemo is no picnic, and I would hate to think you underwent such treatment if the lump you have found was just scar tissue.

My Alex also had treatment a bit outside the standard treatment and it has worked very well which just goes to show that everyone is different and it is good to question the doctors to understand their reasoning, but dangerous to try and second guess them.

Karen
PS No doubt DavidCPA will be around soon to tell you to get the original lump (the cancerous one) tested for HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) You had a base of tongue (BOT) tumour, are very young, and don't smoke (and I assume your don't chew tobacco or betel nut or similar), so this might mean you have a tumour that responds well to treatment and has a better prognosis than some other cancers

Hi Ida , can you clarify? It sounds to me like you have oral tongue cancer (had) but the use of base of tongue is confusing as this is not visible to the human eye, do you mean under your tongue or down your throat. I too would question the chemo because on this type of cancer chemo is normally used in conjunction with radiation, to enhance the radiation. Take care and try not to worry...

This is the person I am giving CG to (Ida)... welcome dear! This place is full of information, warm people that makes u feel at ease..
Remember we are in this together and your not alone!..

Ida, welcome to OCF! Hope your biopsy turns out to be only scar tissue bothering you. I know its a scary time waiting for test results. Try to stay busy to keep your mind off the worries. You have been thru this once already, thats enough! Ive done it 3 times and sure hate to see anyone else go thru it at all. Please keep us posted! Best wishes!

Thanks Christine!.. I am happy that I found this group and it really makes me at ease.

How cool! patient and caregiver both on the forum! That is so great! Most of us are one half of a pair with either the caregiver or the patient being active on the forum whilst the "other half" relies on the first person to find and share the information. I thought my situation was relatively unusual as we are both here, but only one of us (me) "talks" whilst the other "lurks".

Welcome to both of you

Karen

Oh well not a good leap day at all for both of us...results came in as a recurrence!....I'm just too devastated right now...breaking down into pieces....

I'm soooo sorry. There really are no words we can say except we will pray for thorough tx and a great outcome. Keep us updated on what's happening.
Kevin has his first PET and Scope March 12th and 15th. He was diagnosed the first time at the same time as you.
Try to keep your positive attitude once the shock wears off.
Kathy

Oh Ida and Al - I'm so sorry to hear about the recurrence! I know you must be so devastated - but try to hang in there. At least the doctors did not waste any time recognizing the need for a biopsy and then getting it done. That makes it a lot easier to be able to do something about it and start fighting. Have the doctors said anything about recommended steps to take? Lots of people here have had recurrences and I'm sure they will be along to share with you some of their own experiences for a good outcome.