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#24394 09-27-2007 07:02 AM
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Hi. My name is Joe. I am a 62 y o male diagnosed with stage IV squamous cell carcinoma base tongue cancer. Had the radical surgery to remove 2/3 of my tongue and all the lymph nodes on the left side of my neck. They removed tissue from my chest to reconstruct and reconnect the tongue base. Had chemo treatments prior to surgery and radiation treatments during and after surgery.
Had feeding tube inserted during surgery.
It has been a long and hard journey, but this January will mark my 5th year of no cancer. Except for some lymphoma that I contacted this past year. Had chemo for it also and it looks as though the treatments have worked for that also.
If anyone needs help with questions please feel free to contact me.

#24395 09-27-2007 10:38 AM
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Welcome Joe from another 62 year old survivor.

Congratulations as you approach your 5 year anniversary. I just love to see long term survivors join us to give support and hope to those that are just starting out.

It sounds like you have been through some very tough times, but your attitude and success show what perseverance can accomplish. If you keep checking back here, you will certainly be a great source of information for many.

Jerry


Jerry

Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.

"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
#24396 09-27-2007 10:56 AM
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Jerry,
Thanks! With the proper support from family and friends, one can endure. I also give a great amount of credit to an outstanding oncologist, Dr. Schuller from OSU James Cancer hospital. Plus, I belive God has been on my side as well.
I will be here often, and will help others as much as I can.

#24397 09-27-2007 02:29 PM
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Jerry, I had Dr Ozer for an oncologist at James Cancer Center. I know you had the best . I'll be following your posts. Have a great day. Jim


Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
#24398 09-28-2007 02:07 AM
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I also had Dr. Ozer at the James -- great to see another patient with great results! Welcome to the boards.


Jeff
SCC Right BOT Dx 3/28/2007
T2N2a M0G1,Stage IVa
Bilateral Neck Dissection 4/11/2007
39 x IMRT, 8 x Cisplatin Ended 7/11/07
Complete response to treatment so far!!
#24399 09-28-2007 03:59 AM
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Wecome to the forum, Joe.
If you don't mind my asking - is the lymphoma seen as possibly resulting from the radiation you received?

Anita


Husband Dx 12/02 Stage 4 Tonsil Cancer T1N2bM0; surgery, radiation, chemo 1/03 - 4/03.
#24400 09-28-2007 02:40 PM
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Yes Joe, I am interested in the answer to Anita's question as well. I live in Dublin Ohio as well. I am curious.. what are your significant obstacles at 5 years out? dry mouth? taste sensation? speech? My father is only a little over a year out and I am trying to anticipate what is to come.......Thanks Kim


Caregiver to Father:Stage III unknown primary; modified left side neck dissection 2/2006; 8 wk trmts of Erbitux 3/2006 with-37 radition treatments; 11.2010; biopsy of base of tongue results questionable. 9.2013 tumor on left side of tongue; squamous cell cancer. 10.2.2013 Hemiglossectomy(1/2 tongue removed) with reconstruct tongue using left thigh tissue;surgery included IORT.
25 additional IMRT radiation trtmts & 5 wks/chemo. Carbo & Taxol combo.NPO;100% PEG depend;aspiration pneumonia 3/2014
#24401 09-29-2007 06:17 AM
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Hi Joe,
Congrats and thanks for sharing! I too amd interested in Anita's question.
Can't wait to share your story with mom!


Donna
CG to Mom, dx 4/25/07 with tongue cancer,T3N0,tx began 7/6/07, 31 tx's of IMRT, 8 cycles of Erbitux. Brachytherapy, surgery, left neck dissection and temp trach placed all on 9/17/07, trach removed 10/17/07. ORN of jaw, late effect of radiation symptoms. **lost my beautiful mother on 5/5/11.
#24402 09-29-2007 11:16 AM
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Anita,
Interesting question regarding lymphoma and radiation. Do not have the answer to that. I will inquire with Dr Lin when I see him next after my next CT scan. I contracted the lymphoma 4 years after the initial cancer diagnosis and radical surgery and radiation. But, I will find out.
Kim,
Got your e-mail. Will respond soon on that. Speech is slurred, but if I slow down when I talk I can be understood quite well. I am still on a liquid diet, using blender to mix all kinds of things. I progressed daily taking larger and larger amounts. At first swallowing was difficult, but today I have little problems. Get down on myself some, but have progressed with that as well. Depression was a problem for a while, but I try to think and act on as though nothing has happened to me. I know, sounds strange, but to me it is the only way to go. THINK POSITIVE, ACT POSITIVE, BE POSITIVE.

#24403 09-29-2007 11:22 AM
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Anita,
Talked with my wife and she said that the radiation could have been a contributing factor to the lymphoma. But nothing confirmed yet, but I will e-mail Dr lin and ask.

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