#21095 09-23-2006 02:27 PM | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) |  OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,912 Likes: 52 | UCLA is a comprehensive cancer treatment center, a teaching institution, as well as a respected research facility. Take a look at the resources page of the main site, and there is a link to UCLA there where you can explore the facility and services they provide.
The Vice Chancellor of the UCLA Medical System, Dr. Callander, who was the head and neck surgeon that did my neck dissection when he was chief of medicine at MDACC, is on the OCF science advisory board. Dr. Wong who is the saliva diagnostics pioneer for early detection of oral cancer and other diseases, is also there and on the OCF science advisory board, representing the field of molecular biology.
I might add that I am like Gary in that my intraoral disease was treated with radiation and not surgery, and the only surgery I had was my ND. I was in the hospital 3 days for the dissection and came back a week or so later to have the staples out. I did not get a second opinion, but went directly to one of the best CCC's in the world, MDACC in Houston. I had a tumor board review of all my scans and was reexamined physically by all the members of the board who then came up with a joint decision on my treatment plan. I am now 8 years out and doing well.
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
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#21096 09-25-2006 12:35 AM | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 13 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 13 | Thanks Brian-
I am feeling really good about UCLA.
This website is wonderful - thank you so much.
10/2006 SCC of tongue, 2cm+ (T2)No node involvement or metastases; Resection approx. 1/3 of tongue, free flap reconstruction and MRND (lymph nodes removed) on 10-11. No cancer in lymph nodes - No further treatment recommended at this time. 3.5 years cancer free.
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#21097 10-05-2006 12:03 PM | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 13 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 13 | Hello Everyone. I have been to UCLA and will have surgery on 10-11 there. My MRI of head and neck didn't show any lymph node involvement, so at this time my Dx is T2 with no nodes and no metastases.
I have been reading posts and learning - even while I was on my cruise once in a while. I got back to LA last Friday after an overnight flight and had my appt at UCLA that afternoon and ended up staying over the weekend so I could have my MRI on Monday and see another Dr. on Tuesday.(plastic surgeon for tongue reconstruction)
I'm going to start a new Topic about what's happening.
Thanks for being here!
Rhonda
10/2006 SCC of tongue, 2cm+ (T2)No node involvement or metastases; Resection approx. 1/3 of tongue, free flap reconstruction and MRND (lymph nodes removed) on 10-11. No cancer in lymph nodes - No further treatment recommended at this time. 3.5 years cancer free.
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#21098 10-05-2006 12:09 PM | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 137 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: May 2006 Posts: 137 | Dr. S at UCLA did my nd. I don't think I could have had a better surgeon.
dx 2/13/06. modified radical neck dissection 3/9/06 multiple biopsies of upper airway and direct laryngoscopy. 1 of 47 lymph nodes positive for metastatic undifferentiated carcinoma (lymphoepithelioma). Unknown primary. Finished radiation 5/24/06.
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#21099 10-05-2006 12:14 PM | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 13 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 13 | Riley,
This is too amazing! Dr. S is doing my surgery, and has brought in Dr. B to do the reconstruction. I feel really good about both of them, and am thrilled to hear your recommendation.
AND - I live in Grover Beach!
I'm in the process of writing the full explanation as a new topic. - will be there soon!
Rhonda
10/2006 SCC of tongue, 2cm+ (T2)No node involvement or metastases; Resection approx. 1/3 of tongue, free flap reconstruction and MRND (lymph nodes removed) on 10-11. No cancer in lymph nodes - No further treatment recommended at this time. 3.5 years cancer free.
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