Hi all,
Kris had a PET scan early July which showed that the tumour at the base of his tongue had responded very well to treatment and was no longer an issue. There was however ongoing activity in 1 lymph node and there was still quite a large lump in his neck. He had a level 2-4 Right Neck dissection 2 weeks ago from which he has recovered very well.
We saw the ENT surgeon yesterday. All the nodes are negative for cancer. The mass in his neck was a necrotic node post radiation and chemo . YIPPEE
The Doc even told Kris he was cured - though I know one cant say this until 5 years post treatment .
Yay the benefits of being HPV positive.
We had a discussion on HPV initiated by me. The Dr said that we were the first patient /spouse that he had ever had this discussion with. Hopefully he will now have more.
I talked to him and the NP about this wonderful website (OCF) and how much it has helped us through this journey. I asked them to please give it to all other oral cancer patients they see. Im sure that the team will do this,- I bought it up on their computer to show them. We also discussed spreading awareness of oral cancer and public education, and I told them that we would be willing to participate in any forum they organised.
Prior to Kris's diagnosis I knew nothing about oral cancers (I am an ICU/CCU Nurse)and we do need to spread the word and educate. I tell anyone who will listen to me.
Thankyou thankyou to all of you. You have all inspired us and helped me enormously to care for Kris through this journey.
I am not leaving this site, I logon most days to follow everyones progress as well to inform myself.
Now we are onto monthly followups and scoping down the nose for routine surveillance for the next 12 months.
Love and hope to you all,
Tammy