#17532 05-19-2005 02:08 PM | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 4 Member | OP  Member
Joined: May 2005 Posts: 4 | Hello!
I am so impressed with this website! I only wish I had known about it when I was diagnosed and going through treatment( My what a scary and life altering experience!)
I was diagnosed in May 2002 with SCC of my epiglottis stage 2 at the age of 38. No nodes were involved(Thank God). No surgery,but an intense 7 weeks of radiation. Had it not been for nursing my Dad through his SCC of the tongue not 2 years before, I probably would not have sought medical help when I did. I thank the Lord every day that I went with my gut feeling and had it looked at. I am proud to say I am a 2 year and 9 month cancer survivor! Other than the nasty long term effects of the radiation,dry mouth,altered sense of taste,muscle spasms and who can forget those good ole fluoride trays I wear at night, I feel better now than I have in a long time!
If there is anyway I can help someone out there,Please let me do so! I was so misinformed about the REAL side effects of radiation.I sometimes think if I had known what to truly expect going into it( peg tube,weight loss,dehydration,so many other things) I wouldn't have been so scared........and then again maybe not, who knows.I would just rather have known more than the fact I would have a sore throat.Again I want to say what a remakable website. The Best of Luck to those going through treatment and to the ones who have already been!
Darla Townsend
Darla Townsend
dx 2002 SCC epiglottis/stage 2/ IMRT 7 weeks /cancer free 2 yrs 9 mos
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#17533 05-19-2005 02:20 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 | Welcome to the group. Congratulations on your 2 years 9 months.
You will see that it won't take long for you to offer your assistance to someone. Unfortunately, there are a lot of members going through what you did and more keep finding us. Just keep checking the boards.
Jerry
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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#17534 05-19-2005 02:42 PM | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | Hi Darla and welcome! You've already helped people here just by letting them know that you can survive this dreadful disease.
I have to be honest though - I don't do the flouride trays anywhere near as often as I used to. I do go to a hygenist every 3 months for cleaning.
I'm right behind you with 2 years & 2 months.
Gary Allsebrook
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Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
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"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
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#17535 05-19-2005 02:46 PM | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 837 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 837 | Darla,
I'm glad you found the site, even if it wasn't in time to help you get through your treatment. I'm curious about your fluoride trays, since you mentioned "wearing" them at night -- how long do you leave them in? I never heard of any requirement to leave them in longer than 5-10 minutes at a time.
Cathy
Tongue SCC (T2M0N0), poorly differentiated, diagnosed 3/89, partial glossectomy and neck dissection 4/89, radiation from early June to late August 1989
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#17536 05-19-2005 03:38 PM | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 4 Member | | OP Member
Joined: May 2005 Posts: 4 | Gary I must be honest too I haven't been doing the fluoride as much as I should either and know am having some dental work because of that. I will now wear them faithfully every night!
Cathy I only wear them for 5- 10 minutes it just seems longer I guess because i hate wearing them.
Congrats to you, Gary and Jerry on your recovery. Yes it is a very dreadful disease but it can be overcome!
Darla Townsend
dx 2002 SCC epiglottis/stage 2/ IMRT 7 weeks /cancer free 2 yrs 9 mos
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