| | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 711 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) |  "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 711 | Laurtie, let my add my welcome to the forum. As I understand it, the main thing about HPV (and I did not get tested) is that if it is the cause there is less likely to be recurrance. I know Davidcpa will correct me if I'm wrong. So, a non-smoking, non-drinking country musician, isn't that an oxymoron?
David R. 65 yr old male non-smoker, light drinker, stage 3 or 4, depending on which doc you ask, scc rt. tonsil, 2 nodes, 7 weeks radiation and chemo. No surgery. Teatment ended 3/20/08. PET scan 8/08 showed no cancer.
And now, as of oct, 2010, caregiver to wife, Linda, with breast cancer.
May, 2013, Linda diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. Enuf already.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Laurie, The best way to start learning about HPV is clicking on " HPV" in any of the posts, yours included. Everytimne HPV is put in a post, it becomes a link to information on this web site. This site is the best place for any information you need. There are also two search areas. The one at the top right of this page is to search for other posts related to a topic you are researching. There is also a search engine on the home page.
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Studies have indicated that HPV+ SCC responds better to existing Tx and (therefore) has less chance of recurrence. Some doctors use this to put off a ND until post Tx IF the Tx didn't work. I doubt that would have made a difference in your H's recommendation due to his nodal involvement and it's spread. There are talks of studies with HPV+ patients to lower the radiation dose to ultimately arrive at the lowest dose that kills the cancer therefore reducing the side effects. None have started as of yet though so most, if not all, doctors still go with the 70 to 72 Gys spread over 7 weeks and in nodal involvement, chemo is almost always added. If he's already been tested let us know when the results come back.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 20 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 20 | Thank you so much for the welcome, David! Your comment about country musicians cracked me up! I told my hubby, and he chuckled too. But yes, it's true that he doesn't smoke or drink. I appreciate the info on HPV. I've been curious to hear my hubby's results, but I guess I'll have to wait until his next appt. on Feb. 5th. I am so happy to see that you are cancer free as of 8/08! How wonderful! I hope you are feeling good and that all is well. Thanks again, Laurie
Laurie
Wife (48) to Roy (52): He is a non-smoker, non-drinker, computer business owner, country musician, Dx 11/15/09 Stg IV SCC of right tonsil, T2N2bM0, had ND and tonsillectomy 1/8/10, Port 3/11/10, Peg 3/16/10, Erbitux, 33 IMRT, finished treatment 5/5/10
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 20 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 20 | Thank you Jerry and Davidcpa! I can't tell you how wonderful it is to hear from "veterans" of this fight. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge with me, and for welcoming me into this forum. May you be richly blessed for it!
Laurie
Laurie
Wife (48) to Roy (52): He is a non-smoker, non-drinker, computer business owner, country musician, Dx 11/15/09 Stg IV SCC of right tonsil, T2N2bM0, had ND and tonsillectomy 1/8/10, Port 3/11/10, Peg 3/16/10, Erbitux, 33 IMRT, finished treatment 5/5/10
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 20 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 20 | Hi David,
One more quick question: What does "70 Gy" mean on your signature line?
Thanks!
L
Laurie
Wife (48) to Roy (52): He is a non-smoker, non-drinker, computer business owner, country musician, Dx 11/15/09 Stg IV SCC of right tonsil, T2N2bM0, had ND and tonsillectomy 1/8/10, Port 3/11/10, Peg 3/16/10, Erbitux, 33 IMRT, finished treatment 5/5/10
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 1,844 | Laurie,
A gy is a "gray" or the unit measurement of radiation.
Young Frack, SCC T4N2M0, Cisplatin,35+ rads,ND, RT Mandiblectomy w fibular free flap, facial paralysis, "He who has a "why" to live can bear with almost any "how"." -Nietzche "WARNING" PG-13 due to Sarcasm & WAY too much attitude, interact at your own risk.
| | |
| Forums23 Topics18,267 Posts197,181 Members13,364 | | Most Online1,788
Jan 23rd, 2025 | | |
|
