Hi

I'm new here and just been diagnosed with Stage IV BOT SCC. Am scheduled to begin Chemo/IMRT on June 15. Last week had a neck dissection to remove a few lymph nodes on the left side of my neck, it was then they determined the cancer is originating at BOT.

I'm from Chicago originally, but have lived in SE Asia for the past 20 years. Currently working in Cambodia and will have the treatment in Bangkok, Thailand. Fortunately there are several excellent hospitals in Thailand.

Cheers.

Jimbo, welcome to OCF. You will find lots of info here to help guide you thru your treatments. Now is the time to line up people to help you while going thru rad/chemo. You may need help with transportation, meds, daily living tasks. If you can enjoy eating, now is the time to fill up. Dont worry about gaining a few pounds, you may lose some during treatment. Best of luck with everything.

Hello Jimbo! I wonder what time it is there ! Anyway, welcome to our wonderful family! Always sorry to have new members join though. You & I are born in the same year,same month! I turned 55 on 5/10/10 ! We even had (have) the same SCC. All my trouble was on the right side of my tongue/mouth. You will overcome! I wish you tons of luck with your treatment & please continue to post. Ask any & all questions that come your way. There are soo many smart, helpful & caring people on this site!

Hi Jimbo,

Sorry you're here, but welcome!

There is another expat (British) who was recently treated in Bangkok that could probably give you some tips on the treatment in Thailand. Click here Teacher jon to view his profile and email address.

Hope everything goes well with your treatment.

Thanks for the welcome, it's appreciated. I had a FNA 2 weeks back which was negative, followed by an ND which revealed the cancer. A Pet/CT pinpointed the cancer to the BOT. I finished up with the dentist today and will get fitted for the mask next week. Kick off date for Tx is June 15. Chemo 3x and IMRT 35x.

Christine, my wife will assist with my general needs, transpo etc. She's a sweetheart, but I really feel bad for her. cause she is understandably quite upset. Our dog is not too happy either as he is back in Cambodia and we're here in Thailand. He is used to coming with me to the golf course every am and riding around on the cart while I'm working. And yes I've started to eat everything in sight, last night was lasagna and tonite was ribs, of course I couldn't pass up dessert with that.

Dianne, we're 14 hours ahead of you, about 1/2 day. Sharing the almost same B-day is cool, but sharing the same Dx not so. Thanks for the welcome.

Catherine, First what does the 'RPVC' stand for? The only acronym I can think of is Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. I read through Teacher Jon's thread, he's certainly had a difficult time of it. I will reach out to him soon. Thanks.

Jimbo, I know they have terrific medical care in Thailand. Looked into it a couple years ago when my brother needed a heart valve operation. He eventually elected to stay in florida for that, but my bags were practically packed.

Keep us posted all the way. Stupid questions is an oxymoron, so ask away.

Courage!
David2

(my situation at diagnosis was the same as yours: initial FNA negative, cancer found during the first surgery to remove that pesky "cyst"! And then the hijinks began...)

[quote=Jimbo55].
Catherine, First what does the 'RPVC' stand for? The only acronym I can think of is Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. [/quote]
Jimbo,
You are right. My husband and I were in South Korea 1973-1975 (then underdeveloped); first job after college. We worked in TB control. We backpacked through SE Asia and Europe in 1975 and spent 5 weeks in Thailand in May/June. Saigon had just fallen and it was not an era when one ventured into Cambodia. Of course, everything is very different now.

I hope your treatment goes smoothly. If you need help or have questions, you have come to the right place. People on these boards are a very caring family!

Catherine

I was a PCV in the Philippines in 1988 - 1990, forestry and have been living and working in SE Asia ever since.

Jimbo,

We spent 5 weeks in The Philippines during our travels in March/April 1975. We stayed with PCVs much of the time while there. Loved the country. At that time South Korea was considered a hardship tour (no plumbing, etc.).
Like you, there are quite a few of our fellow Korea volunteers still in SE Asia. It is an experience that remains forever.
Thank you for your service to you country.

NOW, Go Kick Cancer's Butt!!!

Well everything is in place to begin treatment next week Tuesday the 15th. I am finished with the dentist, picked up the flouride trays and was fitted for the mask yesterday. The schedule is to begin the rad treatment on the 15th and the 1st of 3 chemo treatments the following day. Any last minute advice???