Just had my new mask made, CT scan to plan the attack and now will begin 36 IMRT treatments to the area where my parotid gland once resided. Also my right neck area where I had radical neck disection and right tonsil surgical bed. Should be running the test run this week and will begin shortly afterward. I hate this disease, it never seems to give a break. Although I do not look forward to this time around, I am determined to beat it back and live by my terms and not its.

Hey BRM -- you've definitely been through a lot!! I can relate to doing the radiation thing twice... I had treatment 26 of 36 today here in my second round... one more infusion of chemo next week as I finish up...

I'm with you -- let's beat it back!!!!

Hello brm1949,

Best of luck on your second go around with this bastard of a diaease. You have been dealing with this a long time. Time for some good news for the both of us.
What is right parotidectomy?

Danny Boy

Dan, the removal of my right parotid gland. Its the largest salivary gland we have. Its located beside your ear. They removed the whole gland or as much as they could. You have lymph nodes running through the gland. 5 of my lymph nodes came back positive for SCC. I know your in a battle yourself and my prayers are with you that you beat this thing back again. Hang in there, its not over yet, there is always hope. I know how hard this is for you but you will rise above it. You have done it before and I know you can do it again.

You have a good attitude! That has to help.

I am curious what symptoms you had for them to look at your parotid? Do they have any suggestions about how your disease started/progressed?

Thanks

Dear brm1949

You have had such a tough journey but have such a positive attitude. You are an inspiration and I wish you the best outcome for your treatment. Please keep us posted when you can.

With love from Helen

Hi BRM,

I am in awe of your wonderful attitude while beating this beast down. You're an inspiration to me! I try to stay positive and usually I'm successful but I'd be honored if I could try to shadow your strong foot steps in overcoming this disease and everything it's been challenging us to take on. Keep up the good fight and please keep us posted as to how you're doing.

Chin up! Nancy

Mark, I actually didn't have any symtoms. They caught it on my 3 month ct scan. Then they gave me a pet/ct scan to confirm it. Since I'm suspect for stage 4 lung because of left side supraclaviclar lymph nodes positive for SCC, they scan me every 3 months. I still have no primary for a definitive dx for lung but they are more than certain its there. It just hasn't manifested itself yet. I am believeing that the chemo and radiation I got for it knocked it into oblivion. I had 1 nodule in my left lung upper apex and had it removed and gladly it came back neg. I try to keep a positive attitude but am not always able to but in time I learned to rise above it. We have no other choice. It is what it is and to give it anything other than our complete determination to defeat it is unacceptable to me.

Brm,
Try to keep positive, and remember while you are still running you are still in the race. I'm sure that you are not looking forward to the treatment to come but remember the first day they start is one day nearer the end, we are all here with prayers.. good vibes...I am waiting for my histology to come back, so I may be joining you..
Sunshine... love and hugs
Helen

brm,
I am encouraged by your outlook - as caregiver for the light of my life, I search this site for the strongest of all you awesome warriors! You and Danny are way up there
Today began Tom's second round of chemo. Why did it make me cry? We are so excited that he is responding so well - the huge lump on his neck is almost non-existent, and the smaller one is about the size of a BB! The doctor seemed please but stopped short of saying we'd only have to do 2 chemo sessions instead of the planned 3. They have moved up the start of radiation by 1 week, so we think that is a good thing.
For all of you on this site, I want to tell you that my husband, an extremely talented landscaper, has created a beautiful prayer garden for me (us!). This was done before this disease was known to us. He has planted ten new rose shrubs this week, and one of them is dedicated to all of you fighting the good fight, and helping others do the same through your dedication to this forum.
We remember all of you in our prayers every day - and feel especially close to you when we visit the garden at sunrise or at dusk. Tom still hasn't gotten to the point he feels he can enter the message board - I believe he doesn't really want to know more than he does now - but he will listen to all that I (selectively) read to him.
If I haven't said it before - Thank you ALL!
Nicki

BRM....Oh my,how brave you, are I admire your strength and courage.
May Your God Go With You.

Marica

Wife of Pete
SCC base of tongue stage IV DX 4/03 Chemo/radiation. no surgery. clear PET 08/10/04

BRM....Oh my,how brave you, are I admire your strength and courage.
May Your God Go With You.

Marica

Wife of Pete
SCC base of tongue stage IV DX 4/03 Chemo/radiation. no surgery. clear PET 08/10/04

Well, tomorrow morning I begin the first treatment. They are shooting me from 5 different angles with 180gy for 36 traetments. They are saying that this will not be as bad as my first go round with radiation. I hope they are right.

God Bless you, my prayers are with you. Love, Carol

BRM
Question where did they radiate the first time. I was told if I had a reocurrance radiation would not be an option. I stay scared something will show up and I will not have any options. You have a great attitude, GOD BLESS YOU

Joan,
My first radiation was the left supraclavicular lymph nodes and lower neck area. This time its the right side. I was told that this would be it for radiation of my head and neck. So after this I quess I'll be in the same situation as many of us already are. Praying that this gets everything thats there.

BRM,

I will be praying for you, too.

Ed