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Joined: Apr 2005
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Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
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Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)

Joined: Apr 2005
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I guess there must be something to the fact that my 1,000th post should fall on my 3rd anniversary as a survivor. In some ways it's hard to believe that it's been 3 years and in other ways it seems like it's been 10 years.

In the past 3 years I have made many friends here and unfortunately, have lost a few, too. I am so thankful that I have learned so much from my family here and that it has made me a better person and a better dentist. Some of these things I should have learned in dental school. Others should have been taught in continuing education courses. I know that my interaction with so many courageous people has helped me to become a more senstitive and caring individual.

There have been times that the sadness of someone's situation has compelled me to stay away from the forum for a few days. But each time I knew I had to come back. That's what this place does to me.

So tomorrow I go for my annual chest x-ray which I know will be clear and I'll continue to come back here everyday and hope and pray that in some small way, I may be able to make someone's experiences a little easier.

Thanks for "listening".

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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That's quite a landmark Jerry. And what a valuable member of the community you have become. I do not know what you were like before your cancer. But it is clear that since you have been part of this family, you have been a companion/member with qualities that most of us only aspire to. You help not just from the realm of your clinical experience but from the heart. You work beyond those individual assists to better the survival and reach of the foundation, and through it, countless people you will never know. We have all gained from your CHOICE to stay connected to something painful in your past. And I am sure I am only one of many, who wish to thank you for that choice you made, and all that you do.


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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Jerry,

Way to go and I hope you reach 2000 real soon.


David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
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Jerry,
I am so happy for you!
Words fail me right at the moment. I hope that you know how much my family and I have come to care about the friend we have come to know. Thank you for all your support and love.
Love,
Donna


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.
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Congrats on your three year anniversary from another three year survivor, Jerry. You have been such a valuable contributor here, I can't imagine what the place would be like without you (but I know what you mean about sometimes the sadness getting to you). May you have many many more anniversaries to go-both in terms of survivorship and in terms of your time here.

Nelie


SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
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Good going Jerry and I hope to see you here in another time when you are posting your 50,000th. I bet youtr are a good Dentist.


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
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Congratulations Jerry! Hope to follow in your survivor footsteps.

smile

Last edited by misskate; 04-07-2008 11:42 AM.

Tongue Cancer T2 N0 M0 /
Total Glossectomy Due to Location of Tumor

Finished all treatments May 25 2007
Surviving!!!
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Jerry:

That sure is alot of help you have given everyone here. Thank you very very much!!!!!



Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile
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Jerry,

You are truly a champion. Your advice is always so well considered. Good luck next in the Walk, I will be sending you my pledge and picture.
Malka


SCC stage II Partial mandibulectomy w. neck dissection- July 2005. Renal cancer w. partial nephrectomy-Jan 2004. Breast cancer discovered in routine mammogram. Successful lumpectomy, sentinal nodes clear, RT only-2008 Reconstruction of mandible w fibula free flap-Jan 09. TORS removal of begnin pappiloma from esophagus-2010. Masectomy,rt breast 2013.
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Thanks everyone for your kind words. I plan on being around for quite some time. After I retire, I'll have so much time on my hands, some of you might want to shut me up. (Don't worry, there's still some time left).

David's goal of 2,000 may happen, but Jim, that's a tall order.

Christine, good luck next Wednesday. We'll all be pulling for you.

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"
Joined: Mar 2007
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Jerry.. congratulations to a wonderful guy. I think Brian said it all for all of us.

If the next Vegas reunion ever comes to fruition I hope to meet you there!

my 2cents worth has been sent for your walk!
Take Care
Marica


Caregiver to husband (Pete) Stage IV Base of Tongue. Dx 04 2003 Chemo/Radiation no surgery.. doing great!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 46
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Jerry,

Allow me to congratulate you on the 1000 th post and three years of survivorship. I know that there are a lot of great people here are OCF and you are most diffently one of them. You took the time from your day to call me (long distance at that)to put my mind at ease the other day. I can not tell you how nice that was. I hope someday I can return the favor.

Thanks,

John


Stage 4A SSC Left Tonsil, back of tongue and Lymph nodes on left side. Tonsil removed, Chemo and Radiation treatments completed on June 26, 2008.
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Jerry you are a true inspiration!!
You, like many others who come to this site have helped many more with your information and advice. I have told you on many occasions how you inspire me. I look up to you as a friend, colleague and gentleman.
I hope your retirement treats you well.
Congrats on the three year milestone! I look forward to watching you make many more years.
If you get bored you should head to Nova Scotia and I'll introduce you to a beautiful salmon fishing spot that you will never want to leave.
All the best!!
Cheers my friend.
Mike


Dentist since 1995, 12 year Cancer Survivor, Father, Husband, Thankful to so many who supported me on my journey so far, and more than happy to comfort a friend.
Live, Laugh, Love & Learn.
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Marica, thanks for the sponsorship and I hope that you and I and many others get to meet someday.

John, good luck and I'm happy that I was able to help.

Mike, I love salmon and you may regret the invite. But, intil then, we'll try again for a ski trip next winter.

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"
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 735
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Jerry

Congrats on Three years !! And I to am glad that you always chose to come back .. I also know the need to walk away !! You are a caring and compasionate individual, and I am sure your wisdom and concern benefit everyone here !! I know they did me !


Sharlee
35 year old Female Non smoker, very occasional alcohol ..Scc T1N0M0,partial glossectomy and left neck disection ,2/9/07 No rad deemed ness. 4/16 tonsillectomy ..Trimengenial Neuralga due to surgery
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Thanks Shar,

I hope you are feeling well and that your daughter's dental problems are a thing of the past.

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"
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 528
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Congratulations Jerry. As others have said, you give so much of yourself and your special skills to this community and that is very much appreciated. I'm so pleased that you are well, love from Helen


RHTonsil SCC Stage IV tx completed May 03
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