| | Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 4 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 4 | Well, I've never used a forum before so I hope I'm doing this right. My biopsy shows stage 1 or 2 SCC right tonsil. There doesn't seem to be any nodal involvement (from palpation of my neck), but tomorrow's pet/ct scan will determine that. Can anybody give me an idea of what I'm in for? I like the prospects for the transoral robotic surgery (just get the darn thing out of there) and I'm hoping it's been caught early enuff that I won't have to do chemo or radiation. Anyone have experience with proton therapy vs IMRT? I am a very healthy 59-year-old female NS light drinker, and I feel great. Suspect HPV, but test results not in yet. Any help and wisdom appreciated as I face the toughest fight of my life. | | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 5,264 Likes: 5 | Welcome.. There are a few HPV positive tonsil cancers here and I'm sure they'll be along. HPV related cancer has a good cure rate with chemo and rads. Hopefully it's been caught super early. I imagine a tonsillectomy will be painful but probably a quick recovery. - you should have a ct / MRI / or PET - to determine any metastacies - and you have one of the best cancer centers inthe country in your state. Md Anderson I would go there if you could. Hugs and take care.
Last edited by Cheryld; 07-05-2012 03:57 PM.
Cheryl : Irritation - 2004 BX: 6/2008 : Inflam. BX: 12/10, DX: 12/10 : SCC - LS tongue well dif. T2N1M0. 2/11 hemigloss + recon. : PND - 40 nodes - 39 clear. 3/11 - 5/11 IMRT 33 + cis x2, PEG 3/28/11 - 5/19/11 3 head, 2 chest scans - clear(fingers crossed) HPV-, No smoke, drink, or drugs, Vegan
| | | | | 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 | I would consider getting another opinion from MD Anderson. A study a few years back indicates that your cancer will have a 70% probability of testing positve for HPV. A PET would be useful to determine if there is nodal spread which would affect any Tx recommendations. Too early to discuss anything else until the nodal spread and HPV are cleared up.
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 2012 Posts: 42 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2012 Posts: 42 | Hello Texas, the tonsilectomy using the robot is about as good as it gets, given the circumstances. it took about 2weeks on pain killers, then 2 more weeks before eating, drinking, talking, was pretty good. Some subtle permanent changes in swallowing, but nothing compared to later stage situations.
Glad you caught it early, what were your symptoms?
Nov2011Tonsil Cancer Stage3 T1N1 HPV+, Non-smoker, slight drinker
Dec2011 Radical Tonsilectomy (TORS),
Jan2012 Neck Disection areas 2,3,4
Feb2012 Opinions from 5 RO's decision for No Rads/No Chemo
Jan2013 all clear at 1 year , continue regular check-ups
Jan2014 all clear at 2 years, less frequent check-ups
Jan2015 all clear at 3 years, MRI, chest x-ray, blood work all good
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