| | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 61 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | OP  Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 61 | I originally posted in the recurrence section but this may actually end up being a new cancer diagnosis. I had a lung pleura biopsy and fluid drain last Friday. Had been having some weird chest symptoms for about 6 weeks. Went to the doc 3 times or so and finally got an X-ray which led to a CT which lead to a biopsy due to fluid buildup in the right lung and pleural thickening.
Got the call today from my GP. It is indeed cancer. However she is saying it does not look like my original SCC but non small cell lung cancer. I asked her several times if it was SCC and she said no. I did since find out that squamous cell carcinoma is a type of non small cell. So I am not for sure on that yet. It has been just shy of 4 years since my original diagnosis.
Have an appt with the oncologist Friday. I am sure there will be much testing and planning to do.
I am of course beyond terrified.
Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
31 @ Dx SCC of tongue right side May 27, 2011, no tobacco, light drink
Partial gloss. and ND June 2011 - 2 jaw nodes positive ("encapsulated")
33 rads ended 10/21/11.
Dx Non small cell lung cancer 05/18/15
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 29 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 29 | I am so sorry to hear that. I do so wish you loads of treatment opportunities and options, good ones, when you next have an appt! I wish I knew of something magical to say to ease your fear. I'll be thinking of you!
Husband tongue cancer 7/01/14 (forward/right half of tongue)
43 years old at diagnosis
Partial glossectomy/node removal 7/31/14
PEG tube placed
2 mos high dose radiation
2 treatments cisplatin, 3rd was cxld due to hearing issues
cancer in both lungs, stage 4, 05/18/15
chemo port to be placed on 05/21/15
Full scan on 05/21/15
Chemo, 3-4 types (names etc coming soon) for 7 mos
4th type depends on clinical trial and if placebo or not
He is planning to defy all odds and kick this cancer!
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 61 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | OP Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2011 Posts: 61 | My best wishes to your husband as well. I am definitely a fighter and it sounds like he is as well.
Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
31 @ Dx SCC of tongue right side May 27, 2011, no tobacco, light drink
Partial gloss. and ND June 2011 - 2 jaw nodes positive ("encapsulated")
33 rads ended 10/21/11.
Dx Non small cell lung cancer 05/18/15
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 644 Likes: 1 "OCF Down Under, Kiwi" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under, Kiwi" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 644 Likes: 1 | Good luck for the appointment on Friday. Once you know your enemy and have a plan in place you might feel a bit better.
Best wishes
Maureen
1996, ovarian cancer surgery + cisplatin and taxol.
September, 2007, SCC of left lateral tongue. Excision.
October, 2009 recurrence in scar tissue, T1NOMO. Free flap surgery from left wrist - neck dissection. 63 year old New Zealander. No chemo, no RT.
February, 2014. New primary in left buccal mucosa. Marginal mandibulectomy, neck dissection, right arm free forearm flap. T1N0M0 but third occurrence and some areas of concern: RT started 8 April and finished 19 May.
| | | | | 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 | Hi there... if they are saying it's non small cell lung cancer then that's a good thing - so to speak. It is treatable with surgery and chemo that SCC doesn't respond to.
My friend's husband had tonsil cancer and ended up with lung right after he finished treatment - they were happy it wasn't mets from OC - he had it surgically removed and is doing great going on 6 or 7 years. I am unsure as to whether it was small cell or non small cell lung cancer he had but both I believe respond to chemo. small cell can be harder to treat and generally recurs - it's also usually a smoker's cancer, this is why I am leaning towards his having been non small cell as well.
While it's not good news by any means, it sounds like it's the best of bad news? I know that's no help and doesn't ease the fear or anxiety. But maybe it helps a little. Hugs and blessings to you.
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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