| | Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 2 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 2 | Introducing myself - Dad was very recently diagnosed SCC Stage 4. Currently undergoing additional scans and won't know treatment plan or what the future holds until next week. Very overwhelmed and very worried. So glad I found this site and forum. Any advice for this phase of the journey would be much appreciated!
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Daughter/CG to Dad Age 74
SCC Stage 4, Tongue, Jaw, Mouth Floor, 3 Lymph Nodes
Dx 11/15/2015
| | | | | 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 | You have come to the right place. You'll find lots of information and support here.
Once there is a treatment plan you will all feel much better. You are in an awful limbo now.
One thing we always recommend is to eat, to enjoy food until the surgery or radiation makes eating more problematic for a while.
I know how hard it is and wish you all the best. If you could add to your signature by describing the location of the cancer, people will be able to give you more targetted advice.
Best wishes
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: 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 | Welcome to OCF, Lynn! Im glad you have found our group, we will help both you and your father. I know how scary it can be in the beginning, especially not knowing what to expect.
One of the most important things to focus on is what is within your control.... the daily intake. Every single day push to get a minimum of 2500 calories and 48-64 oz of water. If your father can take in more, like 3000 or even 3500 calories it can only help. I cant stress enough how vital the intake is to making this easier on your father. Begin now to ensure your father eats all his favorite foods now before any treatments. His sense of taste and ability to swallow will probably be affected making eating very difficult. If your father is on the slim side, gaining a few pounds from eating all the favorites would be a good idea.
Anyone who offers to help, take their contact info and tell them when the time comes you will let them know how they can help. People want to help but most dont know what they can do.
Hang in there.
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: Nov 2015 Posts: 2 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Nov 2015 Posts: 2 | Thanks for the welcome and the advice! Updated signature and will continue to as things progress. We will definitely focus on the eating/nutrition based on your experience and advice. He is already limited to soft foods only currently.
Last edited by Lynn H; 11-30-2015 06:34 AM.
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Daughter/CG to Dad Age 74
SCC Stage 4, Tongue, Jaw, Mouth Floor, 3 Lymph Nodes
Dx 11/15/2015
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 756 Likes: 1 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 756 Likes: 1 | Lynn,
Welcome to OCF, and very sorry to hear about your father.
I agree eating all he can now. Since he is already limited to soft foods, consider using a blender and making him protein shakes.
If possible, get a 2nd opinion at a major cancer center. Where he is treated does make a difference. I found it helpful to record the conversations with my doctors so I could review it again. Not all doctors all will allow this, so ask if you can record the discussion. Make a list of questions to ask and don't hesitate to post questions here on the OCF forum.
Wishing your father the best!
Susan
SCC R-Lateral tongue, T1N0M0
Age 47 at Dx, non-smoker, casual drinker, HPV-
Surgery: June 2005
RT: Feb-Apr 2006
HBOT: 45 in 2008; 30 in 2013; 30 in 2022 -> Total 105!
Recurrence/Surgeries: Jan & Apr 2010
Biopsy 2/2011: Moderate dysplasia
Surgery 4/2011: Mild dysplasia
Dental issues: 2013-2022 (ORN)
| | | | | 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 | This might help with eating... List of Easy to Eat Foods
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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