So, almost three years since the end of my treatment for SCC of the tonsil in Canada, I've just learned I have not so much a recurrence as a metastasis. Yep, same cancer (genotyped) has appeared on the inside edge of my left lung (lymph system, very close to my aorta) and I start chemo here in London tomorrow, all of 13 days since diagnosis. Cisplatin one night then 4 days of 5FU. Three 3-week cycles, then some radiation to polish it off, if all goes well. They'll keep me in the hospital for each 5-day drip.

I'm over the scared stage. This treatment is not expected to be as hard as last time. I have the best of care at a world-class cancer hospital (The Royal Marsden), gold-plated private medical insurance (on top of what the NHS offers), excellent support of family, friends and colleagues.

It's an instant Stage 4c due to the metastasis, is incredibly rare to the point that they don't really have viable statistics to refer to, and means I'll be in 'monitoring' for the rest of my life until they figure something new out. On the plus side, since it is the same cancer and has been most of three years from treatment, all indications are that it should be a 'soft' cancer, and responsive to treatment.

Not pretending this is going to be a walk in the park, but I think I know what I'm in for, and it almost cannot possibly be as hard as last time, down to location and treatment plan (chemo-based with radiation polish and targeting my chest rather than my face/throat, rather than radiation-based with chemo enhancement, targeting my face and throat!).

Looking back, I had a little pinchy pain 'deep in my left pecktoral muscle' some time late in 2012, which went away, then early in the new year this came back and got worse the next day, and sort of moved to the back of my shoulder. That was odd, and I couldn't really explain it, so saw my GP, who diagnosed likely viral pleurisy, which would run its course in 4-6 weeks. I also happened to see my Oncologist, who only because he could, and out of an excess of caution, ordered up a CT scan. Well, the CT scan showed a 'suspicious shadow' in my left lung, and the only thing for it was a needle biopsy of my left lung through my ribs (that was interesting), and a week later I learned that it is in fact a return of my original cancer, this being very very rare indeed, but not much of a doubt about it. Lucky me!

I actually feel fine at the moment, physical symptoms have in fact settled down to a minor ache in there if I take a deep breath, which if I didn't know what it was, wouldn't be causing me much concern. I may sing a different tune in a few weeks, and early summer is likely to be the worst, but only time will tell.

Emotionally I'm over the scared stage, the only difficult part is having to tell someone and seeing their reaction (that's very emotional). But for myself, oh well, lets get 'er done!

Be well, everybody!

-Seth

Seth, Im very sorry you are going thru this!!! Its bad enough doing it once but twice is just horrible!

Do your best to think positive and stay busy to keep your mind from worrying too much. At least you already know the medical jargon and all that goes along with being a cancer patient. Its much easier getting thru this again when you already have your medical team in place.

Best wishes with everything!!!

HI, Seth,

I wish you the best with your treatment. You have a great attitude [quote][/quote]But for myself, oh well, lets get 'er done!
[quote][/quote]

Your post illustrates the importance of when in doubt, check it out. Good thing you are so proactive in your own healthcare. Hang in there!

Anita

Hugs - and so sorry - so glad they have a plan in place. Fingers crossed and prayers being said.

Thanks guys n gals. I'm feeling good. No dread. No fear. Maybe I'm a fool, but I'll take it while it lasts!

Amazing!! I know you are having a hard time considering yourself "lucky" but it sounds like this was caught at a very early stage. I have a friend who had a very similar story to yours - sore muscle, etc - got a chest xray and they found cancer. He is doing great now - and that was many years ago. I realize that is not the same as your situation - metasisis vs new cancer - but I am praying for similar outcomes.

Forget statistics. They don't count as the only statistic that matters is what happens to YOU.

Keep us posted on how this is going.

Hugs

Donna

Hope all goes well and best wishes for a speedy recovery!!Semper-Fi Bob

Love your attitude! Best of luck and keep us updated.

Seth

Damn, yet another member of the Damn, I've got cancer again club.
It's not fair that you have to deal with this, but it's clear you will. You have beat cancer before and you will do it again
Keep the Faith
Charm

Thanks everybody. I'm nearing the end of day two of round one. Cisplatin the first evening followed by now most of a 24-hour bag of 5FU. Nice room, good food, can't complain. Had a bit of nausea in the morning, quickly and effectively medicated away. I could say I feel as if I have a slight hangover, maybe. No other side effects to speak of (yet).

So! Not so bad so far.

-Seth