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#13786 01-16-2003 07:35 PM
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3
David C Offline OP
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3
I've been reading some of the postings on this forum over the past couple of weeks and have been encouraged buy what I have read. Both good and not so good.

My journey started in mid Nov. o2 just at my 56th birthday. Infact on my birthday I was in seeing an ENT doc and being booked over to have a fine needle aspiration done on a 3x2 cm lump on my neck. Five days after my 56th birthday I was told I had a squamous cell carcinoma in my right lymph gland and they needed to find the primary site. Two weeks later a new ENT found a 2.5cm patch on the base of my tongue. And everytime I see a new doc they all ask 'Were you a smoker?". Answer, NO! Yes I did experiment when I was in my late teens but I was never a continuous smoker. The doc's just say, 'It's the luck of the draw' Well this is one lottery I would have been very happy to pass on.

As you all have been through it it comes as quite a kick to the chest when they say the big 'C' word. Life starts to take on a whole new meaning. My perspective on life is going through some re-aligning.

So for Christmas I got my 33 day plan for Rad and two four day cycles of Chemo. Consisting of 140mg of Carboplatin each day plus a 96 hour drip of 5FU by way of a wear around pump.
This has all now just started at the beginning of this week. So far so good. I have been fortunate not to have any nausea or other side effects so far. But it is only the first week. I'm sure the best is yet to come.

I've got my mask to crawl into everyday will they send those burning, healing rays after those nasty little cells. Then I head up to the Chemo ward for my daily dose. I've been able to drive myself back and forth but I have a great neighbourhood support group willing and waiting to drive when needed. My support group has been fantastic. People I never thought had many thoughts for me have been coming from all places to lend support. Through them and other friends I'm in several prayer groups around the world. I truly believe in the power of prayer. I just have to look at my first week for the effects.

I think I'm running on a bit now but I'm sure most of you have had the same emotions wound up inside and this forum is a great safe place to let it out.

My Rad DR. gave me a reality check when he said I had a 50/50 chance of surviving the year. I'd rather say that I had a 50% chance of this thing coming back in a year. when you think of it well all have a 50/50 chance of being alive at the end of the year. So what's the difference - I just happen to know what could get me. ( and it most likely won't be a Mack truck)

It's time fo rme to sign off. I'd just like to say thanks to all the brave ones who have gone before me and have put their journey stories here for us newbies to get inspiration from.

Best regards, David

#13787 01-16-2003 08:01 PM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 29
Contributing Member (25+ posts)
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 29
Welcome Dave to this forum I am a caregiver and my husband has been done with treatment since September I do not post much but I read everything on this site daily and it helps me get through the day. I wish you luck on your treatments and have to say that this is the place to come with your questions as time goes on. It is wonderful that this site exists because sometimes you need to vent and sometimes it is hard to understand what the meaning of everything is a doctor tells you and these survivors has helped me every step of the way by just reading the things that is going on with there treatments. Our prayers are with you and your family.


bobbie jensen
#13788 01-17-2003 02:08 AM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,552
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Posts: 3,552
Hi David,

Welcome to the group. I know just how you feel. I am 55 and was diagnosed in Nov. with a stage III tonsil SCC and I'm starting treatment on the 28th. My Doc gave me slightly less odds than you but I don't think the numbers are that important. They have no bearing on current health, age or habits. They're giving me cisplatin every 3 weeks and 40 zaps on a IMRT LINAC.

Just take it one day at a time - Many blessings and miracles have come my way and people I barely know want to help. Our prayers are with you...


Gary Allsebrook
***********************************
Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
________________________________________________________
"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
#13789 01-17-2003 03:16 AM
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David,

Glad you found the board and the many helpful people that are here. Especially while you are going through your treatment. There are many things the doctor's will forget to mention about side effects, or not mention until you have already worried about it.

You have people here that have tried and done different things to alleviate some of the pain and discomfort. So ask away as thing scome up.

You have a great attitude going, keep it up. And in response to your statistic comments, I couldn't agree more. They are only numbers.

As I read the other day from a survivor:
"cancer is a word; not a sentence"

Take care,
Dinah

#13790 01-17-2003 03:57 AM
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 642
"Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 642
Welcome David,
You and I have a few things in common. I am 55, only smoked a little as a teen, had base of tongue tumor and neck nodes and was treated by radiation with small amount of chemo. First of all, I am a little offended by your Doctor telling you that you only have 50% chance of living one year. Usual stats are 50% for 5 years. If you read old posts still available on this site, especially knowledgable ones by our fearless leader, Brian Hill, you will learn a lot about mortality and stats. First of all, those of us who are non smokers have better stats than long time smokers. Secondly one does not know how those stats are skewed towards old people or people with other ailments.
So, keep the faith, and don't believe everything you hear.
Regarding the radiation..it can get tough after a few weeks of treatment. My worst time was hanging around the house after the treatment ended. That is when I found this board and it was so helpful to me. I hope that you find it as helpful to you.

Danny G.


Stage IV Base of Tongue SCC
Diagnosed July 1, 2002, chemo and radiation treatments completed beginning of Sept/02.

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