| | Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 2 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 2 | Hi there! I am new to this board; first diagnosed with carcinoma in situ in 2008, but have since had 4 surgeries to date for cancer on my tongue. They were all highly invasive cancer but no chemo & no radiation yet. Last surgery was this past April 2014; previous was July 2013, where they removed a large tumor. I haven't lost much of my tongue yet; all on the lower right side, but I am now going back on Wed to see my oncologist because I noticed the same dry/scratchy feeling & some small white spots on the LEFT side of my tongue now. I am expecting the worst: that it is now spreading, despite our attempts to 'dig it out' over the last 6 years. I am also having deep inner ear pain on my right side that no one can seem to identify; next step is an MRI next month (after my current ear infection goes away) to see what's going on in there. They said chemo & radiation would be a last resort because it's so devastating to the area, but I'm really getting tired of the surgeries frown
I am also getting sick alot becuase my immune system cannot keep up with all of this and cold germs/sinus issues. any suggestions on how to boost the immune system? I am taking probioics, green tea, zinc & vit c supplements. Thanks! Kim
Surgery #1 - 10/08 - SCC - R side tongue Stage I, age 32
Surgery #2 - 03/09 - SCC - recurring R side tongue Stage I, clean margins, age 33
BaCC - 01/12 - R side tongue - benign
Surgery #3 - 07/13 - SCC - recurring R side tongue, Stage 2 tumor removed, clean margins, age 37
Surgery #4 - 04/14 - squamous mucosa with focal moderate to severe dysplasia - recurring R side tongue, clean margins, age 38
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 | Kim, welcome to OCF! My suggestion would be to gather all your medical records and go to a major comprehensive cancer center (CCC) for at the very least a second opinion. Hopefully you have one of the country's top facilities not too far from your location. Seems to me that you have been dealing with this for a long time, its time for a change and get a fresh set of eyes and opinions on your situation. If you need the CCC list let me know and I will post it.
As far as boosting your immune system, check with your family doc and see what they would advise. This can be especially important as some supplements may not agree with treatments. For me, Im constantly washing my hands and using hand sanitizer. Avoiding crowded places, getting the flu and pneumonia shots can help too.
ChristineSCC 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  | | |
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