I had posted a few weeks ago that a PET scan indicated metastasis to my right jugular lymph node(s). Long story short, I had the R. neck dissection on 7/30. He had to remove my right jugular vein and sternocleidomastoid muscle, but otherwise I have good mobility - better than expected.

After surgery the doctor indicated to my wife that he was a bit concerned about clear margins. Apparently he removed the tumor and suspicious tissue which had connected itself to my carotid. He removed as much of the protective tissue around the carotid as he could in the area of concern. I am scheduled to see the surgeon tomorrow to review the results of the pathology from surgery.

In the mean time, my wife received a call yesterday from our local cancer treatment center (which I haven't been to in many months). They said they were calling to arrange my appointment for radiation mapping. When the poor receptionist calling realized that we had not yet spoken to the surgeon, she gasped, then nearly freaked out, then attempted to end the call. My wife asked her to please not hang up and let us know what was going on. She said they had just received orders from my surgeon to set me up for another round of radiation - and they just assumed we were already aware. I'm not quite sure how all that communication is 'supposed' to work, but probably not quite like that!

We're guessing that the surgeon's concerns about clear margins must have been validated by the pathology, but of course until we hear it from him tomorrow we really don't know what's going on, other than I'm getting my staples and drains removed by the surgeon tomorrow, and then about 2 hours later I'm meeting up with my radiation oncologist and getting mapped again for radation. I guess the 'why' and all the other questions will get answered through those appointments tomorrow.

Still kind of chewed up from the dissection (8 days ago) but other than that I'm ready to rock with the next chapter of treatment.

-Steve

Steve,

Hang in there. You sound like you have a good attitude, and that is important. Please keep us posted on the answers the docs give you.


Jess

Remember we are right here for you when and if you need us Steve. Please let us know what you find out bud.

Billy

Steve: You're so young to being going through this, but that is to your advantage. Husband had bilateral neck on July 19, in addition to mandibular removal/replacement. He is 76 and getting ready to begin 30 IMRT treatments!
We'll be praying for you as you go to your appointment tomorrow. Let us know of your progress! Lois & Buzz in NC

Steve,

What a rough day. Please let us know what you find out tomorrow, we'll be praying for you.

Steve...what an awful way to find out...there are so many people involved in our treatments that I'm surprised that this kind of thing doesn't happen more often...I just returned from 2 days of tests and am waiting for my evaluation...what was upsetting for me was the dashing of hope that this "mass" on the base of my tongue was much larger than I thought...I had a regular dental visit last Friday, cleaning, xrays and exam...the hygientist said that from what she could see, the tumor only looked as large as an almond...what good news!...I can feel back there, and I thought it was big...so after she told me that, I had high hopes that things wouldn't be so bad...now I'm dealing with what looks like will be stage IV...all I can say to you is, just hang in there...this is such a roller coaster ride, isn't it?...Katie