#17405 04-20-2005 05:29 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 3 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 3 | It is good to be able to share experiences on a site such as this as I don't know nayone who has had this kind of cancer. I was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer of the upper jaw in March - this came as something of a shock as I had been being treated for an impacted wisdom tooth on which i had been blaming all my symptoms. Also I associated mouth cancer with smokers and I have never smoked! I had the tumour removed on 18th March ( along with part of my jaw )and I will begin a course of radiotherapy early next month. So far everything has gone well and I am told I have made an excellent recovery. I have an obdurator in my mouth to cover the hole which the surgery left. I am getting more used to it but it is still uncomfortable at times and I hate taking it out as I am then unable to speak and I feel really helpless. It also gets me down that I can only eat mashed and pureed food and some of it tends to come back up my nose which is pretty disgusting! I am feeling apprehensive about the radio as i have read a lot about the unpleasant side effects.
I would love to hear from anyone who has undergone similar surgery
Maggie
maggie
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#17406 04-20-2005 04:06 PM | Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,627 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,627 | Bringing this to the top so it doesn't get lost.
SCC Left Mandible. Jaw replaced with bone from leg. Neck disection, 37 radiation treatments. Recurrence 8-28-07, stage 2, tongue. One third of tongue removed 10-4-07. 5-23-08 chemo started for tumor behind swallowing passage, Our good friend and much loved OCF member Minnie has been lost to the disease (RIP 10-29-08). We will all miss her greatly.
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#17407 04-20-2005 04:11 PM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Dear Maggie,
I am also a new member having just joined this morning, too. Although my squamous cell was located on my tongue, I also have no risk factors. No smoking or drinking. I was fortunate that I do not need radiation. As a dentist I am surprised that the obturator is not preventing the food from going into your nose. Have you mentioned this to the dentist? You don't mention where the radiation is to be. Is it the tumor site or your nodes? Did anyone mention the likelihood of decreased salivation to you? Good luck and keep writing, it helps.
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
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#17408 04-21-2005 04:43 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 25 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 25 | Welcome to our world, Maggie. Sorry you have to go through this but I'm sure you can find some help and support here. I have. Edd | | |
#17409 04-21-2005 07:51 AM | Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 108 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 108 | Hi Maggie; How smart you are to get information from real sources early on. I think you will find a wealth of answers at this site...I'm still reading each time I come.
Your radiation experience will definitely be in relation to the area they are treating. Did you have any node involvement?
I look forward to hearing more of your story. Speedy recovery,
Fran
SCC Base of tongue diag. April 04 Stage IV, mets to rt. neck multiple nodes 35 rads+8 boosts First recurrence Jan05. Rt.rad neck dissection Feb02/05. Recurred with bone mets in neck July 05.
Committed to survival with dignity.
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