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#99609 07-16-2009 02:20 PM
Joined: Jul 2009
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NancH Offline OP
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My husband Steve with advanced tongue cancer is scheduled for a procedure Monday...intrathecal device which will allow meds thru spinal fluid...any thoughts? anyone have knowledge of this? Steve wants quality with last months of life
Thanks Nancy


nancyh caregiver to steve dx 2005, x3 recurrence...no further tx would be tolerated. Had radiation twice with chemo added the second round...cancer widespread throughout oral cavity.
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HI Nancy -
I don't think I have ever read about that procedure in here, but I know someone will chime in. Are you at Mayo? My husband and I are from Winona, originally, now living in Florida. I am sorry you have had to relive this over and over, and I pray that this treatment will help him in any way possible. JaneP


Husband: 3 SCC gum and cheek cancers 2002, 2005, 2006: surgery only. Scans clear after removal of small, well differentiated, non-invasive cancers. No radiation. 4th SCC lip diagnosed 4/13/07 - in situ, removed in biopsy. More lip removed 2/8/08 - dysplasia. 2 Biopsies 3/17/09 no cancer (lichenoids)
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Yes, the place where I work has a number of patients w/chronic pain who have pain pumps implanted. Typically these are used for intractable back pain, etc (non-cancer) but they can be used for people who have cancer-related pain who still have some time and may do better with meds that are delivered into the intrathecal space (in the spine). Side effects tend to be much lower b/c the dosing can be so much lower with more consistent effect. The med is typically programmed for a constant rate so the blood levels don't rise and fall as they do with oral meds. Best of luck to you with that if it's something you decide to do. If I can answer more questions, just ask.


GM, for John who has SCC Rt tonsil with 3+ nodes, Stage T1 N2b MX; surgery 04/09; Rad X 33 completed 7/14/09...f/u imaging and scopes looking good as of Feb 2011

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