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#148317 04-15-2012 09:57 AM
Joined: Apr 2012
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Posts: 2
hello I'm new. Pre-therapy wanting to meet others who have been through this throat cancer because although I have been to all the doctors and websites there are many fears about coming out the other side. I have a trach and g-tube and although I am in a side of the healthcare field, I am overwhelmed. So how do I get started in the wwebsite to learn how to deal with it and know there is life after.

me.shirl #148318 04-15-2012 10:03 AM
Joined: Jun 2007
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Welcome to OCF Shirley! You will find a wealth of info here and also on the main OCF pages. You will also gain valuable support as you go thru this. We are like your long lost relatives who have come to give you a hand.

It can be very overwhelming just starting out! So many appointment5s an dthings to prepare for. Do your best to eat as much as you can now. Dont worry about gaining weight, you will probably lose it during treatments.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have. Good luck!!!


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
ChristineB #148322 04-15-2012 10:29 AM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,671
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Shirley - Glad you found us here! It's the best place to be for all the latest information. As you go through the main pages of OCF you might start with "Diagnosis" at:
http://oralcancerfoundation.org/diagnosis/index.htm

You will get ideas on the kinds of questions you want to ask of your doctors or for anyone here. So just make a list. It also help when you see the doctor if you can bring someone with you to help you remember what was said or what kind of instructions were given. There IS a life after cancer! My son is more than 5 years cancer-free and doing better than ever! Come here often and let us know what's happening with you!


Anne-Marie
CG to son, Paul (age 33, non-smoker) SCC Stage 2, Surgery 9/21/06, 1/6 tongue Rt.side removed, +48 lymph nodes neck. IMRTx28 completed 12/19/06. CT scan 7/8/10 Cancer-free! ("spot" on lung from scar tissue related to Pneumonia.)



ChristineB #148323 04-15-2012 10:31 AM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 711
"Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
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Posts: 711
Welcome Shirl. Well, you kind of already answered your own question as you are now started on this website. There are several more specific threads for specific answers but your off to good start. If you put some info about yourself in the signature box on your profile, people will be able to help with the issues you are facing. You have a big battle ahead and support from people who have been there is of great value. Best of luck.


David R. 65 yr old male non-smoker, light drinker, stage 3 or 4, depending on which doc you ask, scc rt. tonsil, 2 nodes, 7 weeks radiation and chemo. No surgery. Teatment ended 3/20/08. PET scan 8/08 showed no cancer.
And now, as of oct, 2010, caregiver to wife, Linda, with breast cancer.
May, 2013, Linda diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Enuf already.
Deejer47 #148331 04-15-2012 04:39 PM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,406
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Posts: 1,406
Shirl, I know things are extremely hard for you right now. It's a lot to take in, and stuff the medical people are telling you can seem confusing at times. Once you've spent a bit more time exploring OCF I think many of your questions will find answers. I hope that we can help reassure you that you'll get through this!

You've got a new family here and we're ready to help.



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
Deejer47 #148332 04-15-2012 04:39 PM
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 805
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 805
Hi Shirley,
We have all been there. Either on the caregiver side or as the patient so you are in good company. We really "get it" and when you need to vent, and you will, vent away. When you have fears, concerns, questions, we are here. We truly are a family and you will find love and support on these forums. When you have a question or concern, try to find the appropriate forum to post it in. That way you may get quicker and more specific answers.
Hang in there and know you are not alone.
Blessings,
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
KP5 #148349 04-15-2012 06:42 PM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5,260
Likes: 3
"OCF Canuck"
Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
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Hi there and welcome, we're here to listen to rants, and share and give advice. I know it's scary and overwhelming but there are many amazing peoplel here all of whom have experienced something of what you're going through... Tell us some more about yourself... Hugs! You'll get through it..


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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