Ive had 2 recurrences. I was diagnosed June 2007, then again April 2008, and the third time June 2009. The first recurrence I had an awful feeling. I just knew what looked like a cancer sore almost exactly where my original tumor was that it would turn out to be cancerous. It was a hunch. I did not feel sick at all. The second recurrence I had never felt better. I went on a 25 mile bike ride with my son and then was told I had Stage IV OC. I was told to get my affairs in order.

A recurrence is just like any other time a person gets cancer. They same symptoms would be for the first diagnosis or a recurrence. You have the HPV+ on your side. HPV+ patients usually respond better the radiation and have better odds against it coming back. With it being so quick, it seems to me (of course Im not a doctor) like the radiation did not completely kill the cancer. Im sure you are worried and when facing a possible recurrence the mind will automatically go to "what if". Do your very best to stay busy to keep your mind off the possibility of being sick again.

When I first was told I may be having another recurrence in 2009, I decided right then and there I was not about to waste any time worrying. I pushed myself to stay busy and to go out and do all kinds of activities with my children. I realized how much time was wasted by worrying what the test results would be. Worrying will never change a test result so I went out and enjoyed myself. Its not easy to make yourself so busy you cant worry but I got pretty good at it.

If and that is IF this would be a recurrence for you then please dont panic. You are already ahead of the game by knowing the medical jargon. When will you get the results? If it is a recurrence please get a second opinion at another cancer center.

Best wishes!

Last edited by ChristineB; 02-20-2012 06:33 PM.

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