#28531 01-20-2007 05:33 PM | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 11 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 11 | A sincere thank you to all of you who so generously share your experience and knowledge with those of us fortunate enough to find you. I had my first appointment with RO yesterday and went in feeling fairly well informed. As a matter of fact, I do think the RO was a little impressed (and pleased), at just how much I did know. At one point, my good friend that accompanied me to take notes, asked in a moment of levity, "What do you need me for? You already know all this stuff." Next week comes the MO, PET/CT scan, Dentist, Social worker (I am without a network of local caregivers), GI guy for PEG, and more that I sure I'm forgetting. So, while my journey is just beginning, I feel much more empowered because I'm better informed. I'm not as frightened because I have some idea of what to expect. I am much more optimistic because, while I realize this will be the toughest thing I've ever had to do, I know I can get through this. As I said in another post, I know I will not be the one driving this train, but I will NOT be run over by it! And Andrea, one of my chief goals is to maintain your level of humor throughout. 
SCC, Right tonsillar fossa, T4N2M0, Dx 1/12/07
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#28532 01-20-2007 05:44 PM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,676 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,676 | Way to go JB! You are on the road to recovery right now.Just remember, your "local caregivers" are right here. And here's to your sense of humor making us all smile and cheer. Amy
CGtoJohn:SCC Flr of Mouth.Dx 3\05. Surg.4\05.T3NOMO.IMRTx30. Recur Dx 1\06.Surg 2\06. Chemo: 4 Cycles of Carbo\Taxol:on Erbitux for 7 mo. Lost our battle 2-23-07- But not the will to fight this disease
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#28533 01-20-2007 06:06 PM | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 583 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 583 | Wow Jellybean !! You are in such a good frame of mind going into this. I wish I would have had all that before I went into treatment. Good for you!! I think Amy is right you are on your way to recovery before you even start treatment. I pray everything will go easy for you. Your cheer leaders are all here for you.  Take Care, Diane
2004 SCC R.tip 1/4 tongue Oct. 2005 R. Neck SCC cancer/Chemo Cisplatin 2x/8wks. Rad. Removed Jugular vein, Lymph gland & some neck muscle. TX finished 1/20/06... B.Cancer 3/29/07 Finished 6/07 Bi-op 7/15/09 SCC in-situ, laser surgery removed from 1st. sight. Right jaw replacement 11/3/14. 9 yrs cancer free as of Jan. 2015
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#28534 01-20-2007 10:57 PM | Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 325 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 325 | Jellybean, you'll do just FINE. Remember, "just fine" is a state of mind!! There are plenty of people here and in the parallel universe outside the computer screen who will be your staunchest supporters through all the fun(and maybe not so much fun) times ahead. Draw on their strength!!
Andrea
SCC L lat tongue,Dx 9/15/05 T1N0MX L MND and L lateral hemiglossectomy 10/03/05. Recurrence 11/15/06 2nd surgery 12/04/06 hemiglossectomy 3rd surgery 01/15/07 tonsillectomy Radiation 01/25/07 to 03/08/07 3-D/CRT X 30
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#28535 01-21-2007 01:33 AM | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 248 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 248 | JB, We all could use an injection of your attitude. I also wish you all the luck in the world as you embark on this diffcult treatment. But as far as having Andrea's sense of humor that might be your most difficult challenge to face. She's pretty good.
Alwaya,
Mark D.
Mark D. Stage 3 Nasopharynx dx10/99 T2N3M0 40xrad 2x Cisplatin 5FU. acute leuk 1998.
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#28536 01-21-2007 02:02 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Hi JB,
I love your attitude and want to wish you good luck. You have been fortunate to have found this site so early in your journey. I expect that you will become a great advice giver yourself, as you progress through treatment and after.
And, do me favor. The next time you drive by Vandenberg AFB, give a wave for me. I spent 2 great years there providing dental care to those stationed there, right after dental school. Marilyn & I always loved spending part of our weekends in beautiful Santa Barbara.
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"
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#28537 01-21-2007 07:48 AM | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 207 Platinum Member (200+ posts) | | Platinum Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 207 | Hi jellybean,
Keep us posted. I wish i could have found this site prior to my treatment. You're in for a fight, but with your attitude, you'll do well.
We ar ehere for you. Keep us posted and and good luck.
Steve
SCC, base of tongue, 2 lymph nodes, stage 3/4. 35 X's IMRT radiation, chemo: Cisplatin x 2, 5FU x2, & Taxol x2. Hooray, after 3 years I'm in still in remission.
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