| Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 31 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 31 | Anybody ever have a negative biopsy after oral cacner treatment? Just one. I suspect we have a recurrence, I really do> But I would very much like to think for the week we have to wait for the biopsy that some people have gotten some good news.
It doesn't look like it did last time but it's not getting better so I agree it's time to biopsy, I really do> And I think that it probably is cancer, a sore that isn't going away over a period of time.
But it was really the first time I was seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, or embracing the new normal or whatever and I'd like another week where I can still think that this could possibly be something else.
Caregiver to mom Chris, symptoms started 12/18/13. Biopsy 1/18/14, Diagnosed t2n2 2/3 2014. 3x Carboplatin and Taxotere finished 4/21/14. Chemo/Rads 8 erbitux 36 rads began 5/12/2014. End 6/20/2014. Pnuemonia 6/23/2014. 1 month in hospital 3 in rehab. PEt NED 11/8/2014, T3 recurrence DX 3/4/2015. Hemiglossectomy/mandiblectomy 4/27/2015. 30 rads end 07/24/2015. 4 years NED.
| | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 | I'm sorry you are having to wait a week. That almsot seems inhumane. Rather than spend a week trying to convince yourself one way or another, how about just stepping back and spending some good, quality time enjoying life? One thing is for certain, until you get the results that may be cancer, you know nothing right now. It's a good time of the year, especially around Texas. Spend some time making family memories.
Best wishes for good results on the biopsy.
SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0 Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03 Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08. Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11 Cervical Myelitis 09/12 Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12 Dysautonomia 11/12 Hospice care 09/12-01/13. COPD 01/14 Intermittent CHF 6/15 Feeding tube NPO 03/16 VFI 12/2016 ORN 12/2017 Cardiac Event 06/2018 Bilateral VFI 01/2021 Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022 Bilateral VFI 05/2022 Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
| | | | Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 31 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 31 | I agree heartily with your advice. I'm just having trouble getting out of my head long enough to follow it. Tomorrow is Saturday though and I hope that will provide more distraction.
Caregiver to mom Chris, symptoms started 12/18/13. Biopsy 1/18/14, Diagnosed t2n2 2/3 2014. 3x Carboplatin and Taxotere finished 4/21/14. Chemo/Rads 8 erbitux 36 rads began 5/12/2014. End 6/20/2014. Pnuemonia 6/23/2014. 1 month in hospital 3 in rehab. PEt NED 11/8/2014, T3 recurrence DX 3/4/2015. Hemiglossectomy/mandiblectomy 4/27/2015. 30 rads end 07/24/2015. 4 years NED.
| | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 | I hear you. It sounds easy on paper. Last week I drove from Dallasmto Galveston to meet up with a long term survivor from her that lives in Canada. I drove back the same day. It was a little rougher than I thought but well worth it. I hope you find some calmness in the stormy seas. Hang in there.
SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0 Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03 Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08. Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11 Cervical Myelitis 09/12 Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12 Dysautonomia 11/12 Hospice care 09/12-01/13. COPD 01/14 Intermittent CHF 6/15 Feeding tube NPO 03/16 VFI 12/2016 ORN 12/2017 Cardiac Event 06/2018 Bilateral VFI 01/2021 Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022 Bilateral VFI 05/2022 Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
| | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,291 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,291 Likes: 1 | First, the results are usually prepared in a couple days. You can press to get a copy early, that is a personal decision. You can expect some pushback but you have strong position to get access as the patient.
About 8 months post treatment is pretty early to see recurrence but can start about now but not likely.
Take Ed's advice and really try to put your mind elsewhere and enjoy what life and living have to offer every day. A day spent worrying about a report is one less filled with experiencing the wonders of today.
Lastly, chant the saying it ain't cancer until proven.
Hang in there, the results will appear soon. don
Don Male, 57 - Great health except C Dec '12 DX: BOT SCC T2N2bMx, Stage 4a, HPV+, multiple nodes 1 tooth out Jan '13 2nd tooth out Tumor Board -induction TPF (3 cycles), seq CRT 4-6/2013 CRT 70gr 2x35, weekly carbo150 ended 5/29,6/4 All the details, join at http://beatdown.cognacom.com | | | | 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 | Ive had several biopsies that were negative.
Remember, healing is compromised after radiation. Everything in the area will take at least twice as long as it had pre-rads.
Its going to be a long week. Waiting is the worst!
Please keep us posted. 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 | | | | Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 31 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 31 | It isn't results I'm waiting for. It's the actual biopsy. Because of blood thinners we have to wait a week.
Results is a terrifying time but it's short and at least you think that there are people doing things. The wait to find out if there is anything? That's UGH.
It's just passive time where nobody anywhere is working on this.
But we went to the farmers market, went shopping for new towels, had mani pedis and generally had a good weekend? Also the pain is down some which I'm not trying to read too much into, but at least is making the waiting less unpleasant.
My sisters are coming in a couple of days, a previously arranged trip and that will be good to keep everybody distracted as well. In the home stretch now. Kind of.
I will definitely report back and thanks for the chin up wishes. They help, really.
And while a recurrence is never good I think I'd rather it be found in March than in May's pet scan, all things being equal.
Caregiver to mom Chris, symptoms started 12/18/13. Biopsy 1/18/14, Diagnosed t2n2 2/3 2014. 3x Carboplatin and Taxotere finished 4/21/14. Chemo/Rads 8 erbitux 36 rads began 5/12/2014. End 6/20/2014. Pnuemonia 6/23/2014. 1 month in hospital 3 in rehab. PEt NED 11/8/2014, T3 recurrence DX 3/4/2015. Hemiglossectomy/mandiblectomy 4/27/2015. 30 rads end 07/24/2015. 4 years NED.
| | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 | Bring it on home, bwb. I'm glad time is being filled with good things and the love of family! I am hoping for nothing but good news for you and your family.
SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0 Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03 Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08. Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11 Cervical Myelitis 09/12 Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12 Dysautonomia 11/12 Hospice care 09/12-01/13. COPD 01/14 Intermittent CHF 6/15 Feeding tube NPO 03/16 VFI 12/2016 ORN 12/2017 Cardiac Event 06/2018 Bilateral VFI 01/2021 Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022 Bilateral VFI 05/2022 Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
| | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 | In answer to your question yes it does happen. Sometimes particularly after rads there will be a sore that takes forever to heal. Your mouth is Very sensitive at this point and healing is compromised. I had one on my tongue that was exceptionally painful it was rubbing against a molar. I had the molar filed down and it healed - then I had another from where the radiation came in contact with my tongue (entry point?) and it took forever to heal. They were going to biopsy it - I became super diligent about cleaning and apply the cortaid my ENT had prescribed and it went away (but took a month and a lot of coaxing.
hugs.
Sometimes a sore is just a sore.
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: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,024 "OCF Kiwi Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | "OCF Kiwi Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,024 | Kris had a negative biopsy last year. Turned out to be just an ulcer from where a tooth was causing pressure on the flap. Oracort paste cleared it up nicely. Hope you get good news for your Mum too. 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: Jan 2014 Posts: 31 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 31 | Well, it's official. Recurrence. That sucks. I mean it really sucks. Well differentiated but PNI involvement to add to the suck.
I suspect we had PNI involvemnt last time, too, which is why we're here.
But there you go. Staging, then a plan.
Caregiver to mom Chris, symptoms started 12/18/13. Biopsy 1/18/14, Diagnosed t2n2 2/3 2014. 3x Carboplatin and Taxotere finished 4/21/14. Chemo/Rads 8 erbitux 36 rads began 5/12/2014. End 6/20/2014. Pnuemonia 6/23/2014. 1 month in hospital 3 in rehab. PEt NED 11/8/2014, T3 recurrence DX 3/4/2015. Hemiglossectomy/mandiblectomy 4/27/2015. 30 rads end 07/24/2015. 4 years NED.
| | | | 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 | Im so sorry to hear the biopsy came back as a recurrence. Ive been down that road and I know all the mix of emotions you must be going thru.
Just remember, this time around you are so much smarter than before. You understand more about this awful disease. The medical team is already on board. Not that any of this makes it easier to accept the bad news but at least you arent starting at square one.
Hang in there! We are here for you. 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 | | | | Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 31 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts) Joined: Jan 2014 Posts: 31 | Yes, Christine. I am totally with you on that. We are much, much smarter and well informed. I know mistakes we made last time and don't intend to make again (although I'm sure I'll find new mistakes to make). I think she's in better shape physically starting treatment this time and hopefully that helps a little with the grind, too. Won't get staging back for another day or two but her surgeon was pretty optimistic about the whole thing at the time of the biopsy.
Caregiver to mom Chris, symptoms started 12/18/13. Biopsy 1/18/14, Diagnosed t2n2 2/3 2014. 3x Carboplatin and Taxotere finished 4/21/14. Chemo/Rads 8 erbitux 36 rads began 5/12/2014. End 6/20/2014. Pnuemonia 6/23/2014. 1 month in hospital 3 in rehab. PEt NED 11/8/2014, T3 recurrence DX 3/4/2015. Hemiglossectomy/mandiblectomy 4/27/2015. 30 rads end 07/24/2015. 4 years NED.
| | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,291 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,291 Likes: 1 | Sorry to hear the bad report. As you say, you are a lot more experienced this time around and that will help make the process more familiar.
Don Male, 57 - Great health except C Dec '12 DX: BOT SCC T2N2bMx, Stage 4a, HPV+, multiple nodes 1 tooth out Jan '13 2nd tooth out Tumor Board -induction TPF (3 cycles), seq CRT 4-6/2013 CRT 70gr 2x35, weekly carbo150 ended 5/29,6/4 All the details, join at http://beatdown.cognacom.com | | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,024 "OCF Kiwi Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | "OCF Kiwi Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 1,024 | I'm thinking of you and your Mum. We too have been down the recurrence road. I was terrified. Kris had his recurrence 10 months post rads and chemo. Most recurrences ocur within the first 12 months. I'm not sure where your Mums tumor is, so can't guess on what surgery they will offer. My advice is to treat this aggressively. If the surgery sounds outlandish, do it. I have seen a few on this board who have refused surgery due to what they quote as too severe quality of life effects. Not 1 is still around to post. Kris had very drastic surgery and here he is , alive and well 3 years later. Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers. 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 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,260 Likes: 3 | sorry about the recurrence - push them to move quickly - hugs..
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: Aug 2011 Posts: 596 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) Joined: Aug 2011 Posts: 596 | Recurrence is so unfair. So is to get this dz in the first place. I'm very sorry that you have to be in this dreaded situation, however, I am happy to hear that the team is optimistic. Here's to kicking cancer to the curb once and for all!
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 2014 Posts: 79 "OCF across the pond" Supporting Member (50+ posts) | "OCF across the pond" Supporting Member (50+ posts) Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 79 | Hi I was sorry to hear of the re occurrence, reminded me of what I'm currently facing , your not alone and never will be in this forum, support is plentiful . I have a little white thing under my tongue for about 3 months , the dentist hoped it would have gone by now but it hasn't . So it's being removed within the next week and a biopsy . So it's back to feeling stressed and sick with worry ! Take care
Di 47 none smoker / drinker
T4 SCC left tonsil 1 Cistplatin,30 RAD finished treatment on 4/12/2013 Trismus First MRI scan appears clear TX NG tube 9 weeks acute vommiting, syringe driver 9weeks 2 month checks | | |
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