Just wanted to introduce myself, I am Theresa, I was diaganosed with squamous cell carcanoma (stage 2) of the tongue in May of this year. I have recently undergone, 5 weeks outer radiation, and also have had the insertion of brachytherapy catheters. I opted not to have part of my tongue removed as suggested by my ENT doctor. Instead I choose to have the brachytherapy done on Aug 26, 2003. As with any procedure, it has been a long haul towards recovery, as I am still, trying to manage the eating and nutrition aspect of the illness. I know that with patience and time I will overcome this obstacle. As of Sept. 25, 2003 the tumor on my tongue is gone. Which has given me hope. Although, I continually examine my tongue for any signs of reoccurrance. I feel that I made an informed and educated decision regarding my treatment. Anyone wanting to know more about this therapy please feel free to contact me. My Prayers and thoughts are with each and everyone of you, May God Bless.

Hi Theresa,
and welcome to the site. Not many of us have had brachytherapy so I am sure that is bound to help those coming in with that decision.

Most of us have had radiation though so we know what you're going through in that area.

I also opted for nonsurgical treatment and the radiation and chemo combination completely shrunk the tumor to obliteration within the first 3 weeks of treatment. There was no trace of it on the midpoint CT scan. It was a remarkable "before and after" comparison.

I know what you mean about checking your tongue constantly - it's the most logical place for the tonsil cancer to migrate to and they have been watching my tongue closely also. There will be some scar tissue from the radiation that will fool you, as it did me. At over 6 months out I am less worried about it and the doctors feel pretty good about a "complete response" to the treatment. I am not checking my mouth every day anymore. I do stay on top of dental care as I opted to keep ALL of my teeth.

Once again, welcome and I will add you to my prayer list also.

Hello Theresa and Gary. This is my first time to the forum. I was diagnosed with Large B cell Lymphoma and Squamous Cells on the Tongue. I did not know until recently I have both types. I need all the info you both have. I was happy to hear both of you are doing well with your treatments. This is my 2nd cycle of Chemo then on to Radiation. What exactly is brachytherapy. Never heard of it. I am interested in finding out what I can about Photodynamic therapy (light therapy). How many cycles of chemo did you have?

Hi Marge,
and welcome to the site. I will let Theresa answer the brachytherapy question.

I had 2 rounds of Cisplatin (Platinol) chemotherapy. It is a alkylating agent that enriches the oxygen in the tumor making radiation more effective.

I don't know much about Lymphoma or Photodynamic therapy so I will defer those to others also.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the most common form of head and neck cancer and is a relative of skin cancer.

Hi Marge,
Brachytherapy is an alternative way to get radiation directly to the tumor site by putting radioactive material in the form of seeds or pellets inside or close to the tumor. It is also called radiation implants, it gives a high dose of radiation to the tumor in a very short period of time. While very little goes to healthy tissues around the tumor.

In my case, the tumor was localized on the left lateral of the tongue, luckily the cancer has not effected any of the lymph nodes. I had 25 (5 weeks) treatments of outer radiation, prior to having the implants put in. The implant procedure required a weeks stay in the hospital, within a couple of hrs. of them putting the implants in they were injecting the radiation into the catheters. The catheters stayed in place for 3 days. I will be honest the removal of the implants were painful but the pain short lived. I still have some swelling of the tongue tissue but they have told me that eventually it will subside.

I also have photos of myself with the implants; If interested I can email them to you.

I had my procedure done at the The Ohio State University / James Cancer Hospital in columbus Ohio. by Dr. Subir Nag, I have included some of his references/recommended reading; which may be helpful

Nag S. High Dse RAte Bracytherapy: a Textbook. Armonk, NY: Futura Publishing Co. 1994

Nag S. Principles and Practice of Brachytherapy.Armonk, NY: Futura Publishing Co. 1997

American Brachytherapy Society, 820 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook, IL 60523 Tel: 630-368-7896

Let me know if I can be of more help. God Bless.

For those new to the site, there are two search engines, one which searches the messasge board and one which searches the main body of the site. While I realiaze that everyone wants a quick answer to their questions by posting, a search using both these tools will yield reulsts on both photo dynamic therapy and messages etc. on brachytherapy.

Hi Theresa:

I can't tell you how helpful this insight was to me especially since I am going to the med onc tomorrow. Somehow I feel the Squamous Cells are not getting addressed, especially since I just found them on the path report. I know my NHL is being addressed but possibly the SQ cells got overlooked in the process. Well anyway yes I would like you to e-mail your pichures. I believe you have a key to help me. Possibly the University of Michigan is an option for my case. My e-mail address is in profiles. Forgive me I am new to chat rooms so I think everyone else is too.

Marge:
Dx 5/16/03, diffused Large B-Cell NHL of tonsils and neck, stage II-b, 2" x 3 1/2" tumor; tonsilectomy, chop w/Rituxin, need 4 cycles on 2nd, then on to radiation
Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Staging unknown

Before you get your verbiage wrong with your doctors, squamous cells are the natural cells that make up many parts of our bodies including the soft tissues of the mouth. If you have a cancer of these cells you most likely have a squamous cell carcinoma, though there are other types. (The majority 90-95% are SCC). Cancers frequently are named first with the name of the tissue they attack, then with their unique type. If someone found squamous cells in your mouth, you would be as normal as corn in Kansas........ if they did not, I would question what planet you were from.