#28555 02-03-2007 12:42 PM | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 2 Member | OP Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 2 | Hello. I'm a 38 year old femal thyroid cancer survivor. I had a total thyroidectomy 4 years ago, with the cancer spreading to my neck muscles and larynx, but after 2 RAI treatments and numerous scans, etc., have been told that the cancer is gone (it had luckily not grown to my lymph nodes at all, thanks to a great doctor who recognized my advanced symptoms even if I was oblivious.) What this all has taught me is to not ignore symptoms (I had extreme jaw pain for months prior to my CA diagnosis, but thought it was "just" TMJ so wouldn't see a doctor for it). Well, today after lunch I though I had food in my cheek and when it wouldn't stop feeling that way, I looked in the rearview mirror at the inside of my cheek and was horrified to find a dark red spot, an irregular shape, that I had never noticed before. How long should I wait to see if it goes away before calling my doctor? I am going on vacation on Wednesday and will be away for weeks, and don't want to put it off if it might make a difference. Does anyone know if thyroid cancer survivors are more likely to have other oral cancers?
Any thoughts might make me feel better. Naturally I'm freaking a bit. Thanks. | | |
#28556 02-03-2007 01:14 PM | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,128 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,128 | When in doubt, see the Doc -- Even bad news is better than worrying about it, and if you worry about it, you'll ruin your vacation -- Doc might take one look and pronounce you well -- It's not cancer until it's biopsied!
Age 67 1/2 Ventral Tongue SCC T2N0M0G1 10/05 Anterior Tongue SCC T2N0M0G2 6/08 Base of Tongue SCC T2N0M0G2 12/08 Three partial glossectomy (10/05,11/05,6/08), PEG, 37 XRT 66.6 Gy 1/06 Neck dissection, trach, PEG & forearm free flap (6/08) Total glossectomy, trach, PEG & thigh free flap (12/08) On August 21, 2010 at 9:20 am, Pete went off to play with the ratties in the sky.
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#28557 02-03-2007 04:28 PM | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 493 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | Platinum Member (300+ posts) Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 493 | I have to agree with Pete. There is no way you enjoy your vacation while you are worried about that spot. I would try to be seen ASAP, even if you have to delay your trip I think it would be worth it.
Tim Stoj 60 yr old. Dx Jun 06 with BOT Stage IV. Neck dissesction on 19 Jun 06. Started Tx on 21 Aug 06/completed 33 IMRTs and 3 CT (2 Cisplat & 1 Carboplat) on 5 Oct 06.
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#28558 02-04-2007 05:09 AM | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 2 Member | OP Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 2 | Thanks. The good news is that I work at a hospital and see doctors every day. I can at least open my mouth and point it out to one of them and see what they think. After a good night's sleep I am feeling much better about the whole thing, though. As I am sure you all know, after cancer, you tend to get paranoid about a hang nail. But I will get it checked. | | |
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