| | Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 27 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP  Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 27 | hi, new here not real sure how to start.Here goes I'm 43 male chewed snuff most of my life,back in about march I seen my gums pulling away from my tooth got scared and hoped it would go away,but it didn't.So around sept. went to get checked after lymph node begain to swell.Got sent to oral surgeon,he seen bad root canal and was draining so pull tooth.Had no other real signs of oral cancer,the swelling on lymph node wouldn't go down so was sent for ct scan,just came back as a enlarged lymph node.I was sent to a e,n,t doctor he looked around and put me on clindamycin.In two weeks the swelling got red and infected,was sent to get drained.After surgery said every looked good didn't see any cancer,but sent out a bio,and that came back as squamous cell cancer.Today is Tuesday have all me test tomorrow to see how bad things are.Kinda scared,and not sure if its a good thing he didn't see any cancer or not
just found out I have squamous cell cancer 11/11/14
stage 4 lower right jaw bone 11/21/14
stage 2 lymph node 11/21/14
surgery 12/30/14 16 hour. Removed lower right jaw. All lymph nodes from right side of neck,and checked some on left side. The margins all came back clear. Radiation and chemo next
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Welcome to OCF! Im very sorry to read about your diagnosis! At least you are in the right place to get info and support to help you thru the upcoming months. It can be a long road but stick with us and we will help you get thru everything.
If you havent already done so, please do your very best to quit using tobacco right away. Why make things worse? I know its not easy but you can do it!
You will have many tests and doctor appointments before you know what your treatment plan will be. Until then, think about heading to a major comprehensive cancer center (CCC) for at least a second opinion. Also eat all your favorites now. Your ability to eat and sense of taste will probably be compromised for a while so eat now, especially if you are on the slim side its time to bulk up.
If any of your friends and relatives offer their assistance, write down their name and contact info and tell them when the time comes you need a hand you will contact them. I believe people are good and want to help but often they dont know how. Some who werent too close will become your new BFFs while others will fade into the woodwork as its too much for them to handle.
Feel free to ask questions. We are in your corner.
Best wishes!
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 286 "OCF Down Under" Gold Member (200+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2014 Posts: 286 | Welcome to OCF. Its a scary time, mainly because you don't knkw what to be scared of. Don't look too far ahead, and stop Googling, you'll just scare yourself. When the results come in of what you have, what stage, whether you are HPV positive, and what the planned treatment is, you'll have a better idea what you're facing. We're not doctors and every cancer journey is different, but many of us have been over the same bumps. Let us know how you're doing and we'll help in any way we can.
Cheers, Dave (OzMojo) 19Feb2014 Diagnosed T2N2bM0 P16+ve SCC Tonsil. 31Mar2014 2 Cisplatin, 70gy over 7 weeks (completed 16May2014) 11August2014 PET/CT clear. 17July2019 5 years NED.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 27 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 27 | yes google is a scary place to be.I have stopped googling,just hate the unknown.Dont if a good thing or not but I don't have any of the signs of oral cancer even after having teeth pulled my mouth has healed fine just makes me kinda hopeful but little more scared that it could be from other parts of the body
just found out I have squamous cell cancer 11/11/14
stage 4 lower right jaw bone 11/21/14
stage 2 lymph node 11/21/14
surgery 12/30/14 16 hour. Removed lower right jaw. All lymph nodes from right side of neck,and checked some on left side. The margins all came back clear. Radiation and chemo next
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,293 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2013 Posts: 1,293 Likes: 1 | Welcome to OCF! Sorry to hear about the biopsy results. I have heard of them missing cancer but never heard of a biopsy finding cancer cells and that being incorrect.
Because you can not see it has no bearing on whether you have it or not. If the biopsy found cancer cells in the you nodes have it.
So you need treatment - surgery or radiation are the only sure ways to kill cancer. Chemo can help reduce cancer and kill some microscopic cells but it is not considered a curative therapy.
You will be facing more tests and treatment planning sessions. The main thing is you want to face this and get it fixed so hang in there! Stay off Google and read everything here as it is solid and accurate information.
Good luck!
Don
Don Male, 57 - Great health except C Dec '12 DX: BOT SCC T2N2bMx, Stage 4a, HPV+, multiple nodes 1 tooth out Jan '13 2nd tooth out Tumor Board -induction TPF (3 cycles), seq CRT 4-6/2013 CRT 70gr 2x35, weekly carbo150 ended 5/29,6/4 All the details, join at http://beatdown.cognacom.com | | | | | Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 236 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2014 Posts: 236 | Wasamason
Make sure you do follow up with this. I'm not trying to scare you but even though you don't feel anything doesn't mean its not there. My mother had dental work done and it wasn't found either. It was Ear pain that brought her to a ENT specialist and it was detected then. On my mother it started in the rear left jaw.
Its best to attack this in the earliest stage possible. Make an appointment with a "Head & Neck" Oncologist for a second Opinion.
Good Luck
Heidi
Last edited by sweetpe1; 11-18-2014 09:41 AM.
Sweetpe
Caregiver
RE:My Mother
Age 70
Non Smoker
SCC 3/4/2014 Left rear jaw
Mandiblctmy 3/25/2014
35RAD Completed on 06/03/2014
MRI 9/3/2014
25mm lobulated recurrence left mandible/floor of mouth carcinoma
9/23/14 Salvage Surgery
MET(s)
9/23/14 Salvage Surgery Not Successful
Chemo Recommended
1st Round of Cisplatin Chemo Started 10/20/14
Cisplatin stopped 11/20/14. Side affects to bad.
Chemo started again 1/22/15 Carbo/Docetaxel
Passed Away April 22,2015
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 27 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 27 | yes I have pet scan cat scan and mri all going on tomorrow wed 19th ,but have to wait till Friday to see the Dr to go over next step.From what I hear kinda glad im close to Pittsburgh near the Hillman center,the ent Dr im seeing is tied in with them.Should be in good hands
just found out I have squamous cell cancer 11/11/14
stage 4 lower right jaw bone 11/21/14
stage 2 lymph node 11/21/14
surgery 12/30/14 16 hour. Removed lower right jaw. All lymph nodes from right side of neck,and checked some on left side. The margins all came back clear. Radiation and chemo next
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,606 Likes: 2 | Good luck on the scans and remaining diagnostic/staging work as your treatment plan is being developed. It sounds like you are pleased with the care team and that's a huge part of the journey.
Things will start moving fast. Fasten your seat belt.
SCC Stage IV, BOT, T2N2bM0
Cisplatin/5FU x 3, 40 days radiation
Diagnosis 07/21/03 tx completed 10/08/03
Post Radiation Lower Motor Neuron Syndrome 3/08.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis 01/11
Cervical Myelitis 09/12
Thoracic Paraplegia 10/12
Dysautonomia 11/12
Hospice care 09/12-01/13.
COPD 01/14
Intermittent CHF 6/15
Feeding tube NPO 03/16
VFI 12/2016
ORN 12/2017
Cardiac Event 06/2018
Bilateral VFI 01/2021
Thoracotomy Bilobectomy 01/2022
Bilateral VFI 05/2022
Total Laryngectomy 01/2023
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 27 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | OP Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2014 Posts: 27 | pleased yes I guess so,never put my life is someones hands like this.Getting ready to leave for a fun day of scans,I'm sure everyone of you guys felt this feeling of not wanting to know but knowing you have to find out how bad or good things are.I just want to say thanks haven't been on here before but the little I have is helping me,just from reading,and these little chats..THANK YOU!!
just found out I have squamous cell cancer 11/11/14
stage 4 lower right jaw bone 11/21/14
stage 2 lymph node 11/21/14
surgery 12/30/14 16 hour. Removed lower right jaw. All lymph nodes from right side of neck,and checked some on left side. The margins all came back clear. Radiation and chemo next
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Good luck today!
We are in your corner, on your team so feel free to ask questions. We will always do our best to help you.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | |
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