 
#17839 06-30-2005 01:18 PM | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 349 Likes: 2 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | OP  Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 349 Likes: 2 | I made it!
Got out of surgery last night, after 7 hours!
I look like Frankenstein, but oh well.
Clean margin on primary of 1mm. (Right tonsil)
Two nodes involved, encapsulated.
Waiting on path results.
Face is numb on right side, right ear and shoulder is numb.
No problem lifting arm over head.
Smile is cockeyed, but oh well.
THANK YOU for all the prayers and well wishes!!
Love, Michael
Michael | 53 | SCC | Right Tonsil | Dx'd: 06-10-05 | STAGE IV, T3N2bM0 | 3 Nodes R Side | MRND & Tonsillectomy 06/29/05 Dr Fee/Stanford | 8 wks Rad/Chemo startd August 15th @ MSKCC, NY | Tx Ended: 09-27-05 | Cancer free at 16+ Yrs | After-Effects of Tx: Thyroid function is 0, ok salivary function, tinnitus, some scars, neck/face asymmetry, gastric reflux. 2017 dysphagia, L Carotid stent / 2019, R Carotid occluded not eligible for stent.2022 dental issues, possible ORN, memory/recall challenges.
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#17840 06-30-2005 01:41 PM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 58 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 58 | Dude!!! You're back and better than ever! (The Frankenstein thing is really pretty effective for getting people to shut up -- 35 staples here!)
So glad you are back and sounding upbeat. Defeated? I think NOT!
:-)
Tim
SCC Right Tonsil, T2N1M0, Dx 12/04, Tx 40 radiation (180 rad), 8 Chemo (carbo), Tx ended 3/15/05, Selective neck dissection 5/24/05, 22 nodes, 4 levels, no evidence of metastatic malignancy!!! :-)
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#17841 06-30-2005 01:44 PM | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 528 "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 528 | What wonderful news, Michael. You have done well - you won't look like Frankenstein for long.Big smiles for you today. Love and light from Helen
RHTonsil SCC Stage IV tx completed May 03
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#17842 06-30-2005 02:03 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 | Congratulations, Michael.
Frankenstein will go away.
Clean margins are a very good thing.
Be prepared to stay numb. I'm almost 3 months post surgery and still numb in my ear and face (no shoulder numbness, however). Doc said the numb area will probably get smaller, but it may not go away completely. I think this is a small price to pay for health. I don't even notice it any more, unless something brushes against it.
I still have problems lifting my arm over my head, so you're one "up" on me. No pun intended.
Keep a positive attitude and before you know it, you'll be amazed how time flies.
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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#17843 06-30-2005 02:06 PM | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 837 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 837 | Michael,
It's great to hear from you so soon! The cockeyed smile thing sounds familiar, but you can still smile - right?
Hang in there and keep up the fight.
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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#17844 06-30-2005 02:47 PM | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 117 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 117 | Michael,
Congratulations! I had a cockeyed smile too -- it hung around for about 5 months but I woke up one day and I almost fell over when I brushed my teeth because my lip worked! Just like that. You'll also be surprised at how fast your neck scar calms down.
Good job. Feel better.
Hugs, Barb
SCC tongue, stage I (T1N0M0), partial glossectomy and modified neck dissection 7/1/03
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#17845 06-30-2005 03:33 PM | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 497 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: May 2005 Posts: 497 | Good to see you back and sounding cheerful and energetic already. I want some of your meds. LOL
Blessings and healing,
Barbara~
[i]"The artist, a traveler on this earth, leaves behind imperishable traces of his being." -Fran
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#17846 06-30-2005 06:14 PM | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1 Member | | Member
Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1 | Michael and Seth, I have been trying to call all day. I am so glad to see a post and will not ring the phone and wake you up when you are getting some rest. I hope that you got my letter at Stanford today. I have you in my prayers and constantly think of you. I am so glad to hear of the good margins. Follow the regime and know that you have those who will give you support of whatever kind is needed. Hugs and kisses to you and your parents, Barbara & Tom | | |
#17847 06-30-2005 10:57 PM | Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 146 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2004 Posts: 146 | Welcome back, Michael. We knew you could do it! Sounds like surgery went well and your attitude will take you a long way in fighting this beast. Keep up your fighting spirit and my thoughts are with you, Seth and your family.
Hugs, Nancy
Stage IV oral cancer (tongue), T3N2, total glossectomy with right and left modified neck dissection 7/03, rad /chemo ended 11/03
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#17848 07-01-2005 02:41 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 80 Senior Member (75+ posts) | | Senior Member (75+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 80 | Wow! I can't believe you're on and posting so soon. You ARE tough and will work through this! My smile is cockeyed as well, but it helps me with my Sylvester Stalone impersonation.. Adriannnnnn.... :-)
So happy to hear you are doing well. I had thought about you so many times over the past few days.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Jennifer
Jennifer
Stage II (T2N0M0) SCC diag 4/21/05; partial glossectomy & selective neck dissection (good margins and lymyph nodes negative), jaw split, 1/3 of tongue removed, free flap from left forearm - 5/23/05; 42 years old at diagnosis
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