| | Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 47 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP  Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 47 | Hi there, Thanks so much for asking about my surgery. Well, 3 weeks have passed and I am coming along. The first flap failed so they had to do another surgery. So 12 hours of surgery and 12 days in the hospital. Docs say I am talking well but I am pretty self conscious but then again I still have a bunch of stitches in my mouth. I have a bunch of scars - trach scar, drain scar, graph from my arm, and a graph from each thigh. Hopefully these will heal sooner than later. Next step is radiation. I have my consult in 2 weeks. Good news was that nodes were negative and margins were clear. It was not HPV (which I knew but it was confirmed). No idea why I have gotten this 3 times - I still think stress is a big factor. I am nervous about radiation but look forward to getting it over with and moving on! How is everyone else doing?
Last edited by curly; 09-03-2012 10:22 AM.
Stage 1 tongue carcinoma in 1999 and again in 2001, removed surgically. Stage II tongue carcinoma in 2012, surgery, neck dissection, flap from forearm, trach (removed in hospital before leaving). Finished 30 rad tx on 11/28/12.
Jessica, age 38
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | You sound pretty upbeat. My only problem is from being strapped down while in a come for a few days. I guess I was a wild child. LOL
It has my legs a mess and that was my only bldy part that wasn't scarred. From the OC I am doing Ok.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 47 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 47 | I have to be upbeat - I am really not to be honest but making myself is the only way I can get through this. Glad you are doing ok from the OC EzJim. Sorry for all you have gone through, wishing you much good health.
Stage 1 tongue carcinoma in 1999 and again in 2001, removed surgically. Stage II tongue carcinoma in 2012, surgery, neck dissection, flap from forearm, trach (removed in hospital before leaving). Finished 30 rad tx on 11/28/12.
Jessica, age 38
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Thanks curly. One day I have to slow down and read before I post. King of typos. You will do great curly. You have that I can do it in you.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 177 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 177 | Hi Curly, Sorry to hear that you had trouble with the flap. Thats was and is a fear that I have. So glad you are doing better!! Make sure to not get to wrapped up in the "time it takes to heal" stuff. It will take as long as it takes, and just about when you think you are are as good as it's going to get, it will continue to get better!
Take Care
Wendy
46yrs@ DX 9/16/09 T1N0 SCC of leftlat tongue, poorly differentiated.Partial glosectomy 10/01/09 & 10/16/09 & 11/10/09 60-70% tongue removed, Radical fff, 38 nodes-clear, no rads/chemo. 3 petscans-clear
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 47 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 47 | Thanks Wendy. Today was my first day back at work and I was so tired I left early. I have not even started radiation yet. This is such a long road, I just wish I had a fast forward button.
Stage 1 tongue carcinoma in 1999 and again in 2001, removed surgically. Stage II tongue carcinoma in 2012, surgery, neck dissection, flap from forearm, trach (removed in hospital before leaving). Finished 30 rad tx on 11/28/12.
Jessica, age 38
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,082 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 3,082 | Curly
Just saw your blog post. Technically we are not supposed to respond to them (or else it's just another thread, and not a blog at all), so I'm posting here.
Hang in there. Radiation is not so bad in that it is "painless" during the TX. The side effects are not so nice but since this is your first round, you should bounce back.
I just had my third radiation mask fitted last week. I've kept the first two as souvenirs.
I keep telling myself: Third time's the charm so let's hope that is true for both of us
Keep the Faith
Charm
PS. Actual wording on blog forum
[quote]Here you can keep a running narrative of your CANCER experiences, frustrations, thoughts, fears, successes and failures and more. Each of these is a running narrative, expressing the thoughts of a member, that are not to be replied to by others. This is an eay way to keep multiple family members and friends updated as you go through treatment if you like. Just give them the forum url address and they can check up on you here. [/quote]
Last edited by Charm2017; 09-09-2012 03:05 PM. Reason: added PS
65 yr Old Frack
Stage IV BOT T3N2M0 HPV 16+
2007:72GY IMRT(40) 8 ERBITUX No PEG
2008:CANCER BACK Salvage Surgery
25GY-CyberKnife(5) 3 Carboplatin
Apaghia /G button
2012: CANCER BACK -left tonsilar fossa
40GY-CyberKnife(5) 3 Carboplatin
Passed away 4-29-13
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 47 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2012 Posts: 47 | Thanks Charm. I believe the third time is the charm for you and you will be victorious. Please keep me posted on how you are doing.
Stage 1 tongue carcinoma in 1999 and again in 2001, removed surgically. Stage II tongue carcinoma in 2012, surgery, neck dissection, flap from forearm, trach (removed in hospital before leaving). Finished 30 rad tx on 11/28/12.
Jessica, age 38
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