Everything was going great after my initial surgery in August 2014, but then in April I started experiencing sharp pains in my ears at random intervals (this was one of my symptoms from the first bout with cancer). I went in for a check-up, but there were no obvious signs of cancer. About a week later I noticed an inflammed lymph node in my neck on the opposite side from where my tongue cancer had been. After a CT scan, fine needle biopsy, and PET/CT scan it was determined to likely be cancerous. I had another neck dissection on the opposite side as previously done, they removed 29 lymph nodes including the cancerous one. It was the only one that was cancerous, but there was evidence that it was starting to spread. Doctor said he would put me at about a Stage III this time.
Got my PEG tube placed 2 weeks ago. Some complications with it. I had some hematoma and now have a lot of pain around it. It continues to weep/seep so the skin around it was getting quite irritated. Just bought some moisture barrier lotion to help with that. My doctor said it didn't look infected, but he put me on some antibiotics for the next two weeks anyway. I've tried slogging through all of the questions on the forum, but didn't find anything on issues with the PEG tube and pain. Any suggestions are appreciated as it continues to feel like someone is jabbing a knife into my side. Most disappointed since was hoping to be able to be more active before my treatments wear on me. And am worried since wounds tend to heal less during treatments.
Monday I will start my chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Going to do three big doses of Cisplatin, one ever 21 days. And about 7 weeks of radiation to the mouth and neck.
I know everyone reacts differently, but my biggest question is how active were all of you able to stay towards the end and right after your treatments? I am supposed to be adjunct teaching this Fall semester (which starts during the last 2 weeks of my treatments) and I'm concerned that talking and fatigue may become an issue. Luckily, my classes are lab classes so I would only need to talk for less than 30 minutes each class, 3 classes total all on the same day. Were most of you able to continue to work and talk with others? How was your stamina and energy levels at the end and few weeks after treatments? Another concern of mine is that the University I teach at is located 2.5 hours from home - so that is 5 hours of driving, and 6 hours of teaching. It is only one day a week, but please be honest if you think I am being too ambitious.
