Hello to all,
Thanks for all your help. Chemo is being added to my IMRT, results of microscopic extracapsular extension on my one involved lymph node. I am feeling much better about this than I thought possible. Just glad someone is getting it right from the "new" beginning, this time at MD Anderson. My medical oncologist told me: your lymph node is not a recurrence, it had to be there before your original excisional surgery--it was just not detected early on, because it was so small. . . . I really don't blame anyone for this, it just happened.
Everything was small: my original scc on my tongue and my lymph node, but the path report was moderately well differentiated, so obviously there are some wilder types out there, maybe we don't know. But doc says those kind are mostly easier to kill.
In fact, both my RO and MO think they have a good shot at curing, in part because everything was so small. I have 30 rad and 6 chemo (cisplatin). I have lots of confidence in them. We are starting middle of next week. Still have a little edema from my neck,tongue surgery 3 weeks ago. Not too bad, though.
I have gained 5 lbs, so am now 115, I am still working to gain some more. My appetite is great, and I have good energy. We meet tomorrow to talk more about meds with radiation folks, schedule, etc. MO said she/they would be in control from the beginning with nausea issues. "It's rough, but we will get you through it." I believe!
Again, thanks. I have the names of many of your suggested meds written down. Most of all, though, it helps to know so many of you have perservered, even if it meant taking additional treatments. (also impressive to me) At school, I have a sign that has 10 suggestions for success: mostly they all begin with "Try", with variations like, "try again," "try again a little differently", and "ask someone else who's done this and try again". It applies to virtually everything in a person's life, not just school.
Yes, I know I will have side effects, some long term. I'll deal with them and get help. When I start my treatment I will post under the treatment forum.
Best to all,
Anne
