I was never the best at monitoring my health, mainly because I was too concerned about others. Since all of the others are now gone from my life, it was time to think about me. In the past ten years, I've mainly had a couple of bouts with kidney stones, and some dental problems. In April, I started some statin's for my cholesterol, and got some antibiotics for a sore throat. At the end of July, my cholesterol had dropped by 50 points, and all my labs showed that everything was good. Unfortunately, the sore throat did not respond to the antibiotics. Had a CT w/contrast on 8/7 - noted possibly malignant mass on left tonsil. ENT consult (scope and biopsy) on 8/14 - results on 8/21 - tumor board on 8/22 - diagnosis and treatment plan on 8/26 - Stage 2 P16+ SCC left tonsil and base of tongue. No surgery recommendations.
Since that time, I have seen speech pathology (swallow clinic), had a PET scan (no metastasizing), seen Dental / Oral Surgeon, Chemo Oncology, and Radio Oncology. Meeting with Dietitian today, and Gastro for a PEG next week. This Wednesday, the 18th, I get all of my teeth extracted (I got some immediate dentures to maintain some kind of semblance to normalcy - might have questions about these after treatment actually starts.)
Treatment that has been recommended includes 7 weeks RAD, and 3 CHEM. Don't know the dosages of anything right now.
All of my treatment is occurring through the cancer center at the Dallas V.A. Hospital.
I've read quite a number of posts on this forum already. Helped me to decide to get the PEG - don't want it, but... The realities brought up in some of the posts has caused me some difficulties also.
My treatment center is 38 miles from my home. I hate the drive now, and I still feel pretty healthy, but I live by myself, and have no family. I try not to impose on friends. I have no one to act as a caregiver, no support mechanisms in place. I'm not concerned about this week or next, but I am worried about weeks 5 - 7 of RAD. It's been so unnerving that I've been having anxiety attacks.