| | Joined: Sep 2016 Posts: 9 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Sep 2016 Posts: 9 | Hi all, just wanted to give an update on my husband and see if anyone has feedback or suggestions as he makes his way through this journey. He had his right hemiglossectomy with neck dissection on 11/9/16. It was a pretty large tumor, I believe the dimensions were 5x4x2 cm. He was hospitalized for 13 days, and was swallowing and eating pureed foods by the time he came home. He has a g-tube in his stomach for medications, water and tube feeding (IsoSource 1.5 cal formula). Currently eating pretty much whatever is comfortable. I track his intake on MyFitness Pal and supplement with tube feeding when necessary.
44 lymph nodes were removed, 4 were malignant. None of them had extra capsular extension, so he did not need traditional chemo. He would have been a candidate for Cetuximab but unfortunately he developed pulmonary embolisms from his forearm donor site a few weeks after surgery, and could not safely receive the treatment as a result.
Today was Day 6 of his 30 TomoTherapy sessions. It's going ok so far, but we both know the side effects will worsen. He's doing a good job with oral care (baking soda/salt water rinse every few hours and Peridex twice daily, plus brushing with a soft child's toothbrush) - no mouth sores yet. We're using a combination of Aquaphor and alcohol free aloe vera gel on the right side of his neck for skincare. February 7th should be his last session.
He'll see his surgeon for follow up within 12 weeks after radiation. He may have a debulking procedure depending on how the flap is looking.
That's about all for now, I appreciate all of the support and information from everyone in this group!!! I was lucky enough to find my way here a few days after his diagnosis. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
09/23/2016 39 year old husband dx w/SCC BOT, HPV negative, keratinizing, T4A N2B M0.
11/09/2016 Right hemiglossectomy w/neck dissection. 44 lymph nodes removed, 4 malignant. No extra capsular extension, no chemo.
11/15/2016 Received g-tube.
11/23/2016 Dx w/pulmonary embolisms both lungs.
12/27/2016 Started 30 rads (TomoTherapy). No Cetuximab due to PE's.
02/07/2017 Last day of rads.
02/25/2017 G-tube removed.
05/10/2017 1st follow up CT scan clear. Next scan 11/2017.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 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: 7 | Ask his doc if he can safely use a waterpik on its lowest setting. It may help tremendously with his dental care. Best wishes with your husbands continued treatments.
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: Sep 2016 Posts: 111 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2016 Posts: 111 | Wheeliegal -
If your husband is still able to swallow food, even pureed, then he is doing great at this stage. Keep an eye out for any aspiration as he progresses through his treatments. His ability to swallow may become compromised as the soft tissue damage from the radiation increases.
Good Luck
1997 SCC Tumor on tongue - Partial Gloss
1997 Met to Lymph
Radical Neck Dissection / 2nd Partial Gloss
6 weeks chemo and radiation
Brachytherapy
2011 Stroke
2014 Recurrence SCC at Base of Tongue / Hemi-gloss
Free Flap reconstr from thigh
PEG Tube
Radiation
Permanent Issues with speech and swallowing
2018 - Bleeding throat / mouth
2019 - Bleeding throat / mouth
2019 - 3rd diag Cancer SCC Base of mouth / jawbone
2019 - Aug remove portion of jaw / right pec det / free flap closure and tongue
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