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#195815 03-04-2018 07:48 AM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 67
Likes: 1
Supporting Member (50+ posts)
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Supporting Member (50+ posts)

Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 67
Likes: 1
One of the things that is the most difficult through the process is dealing with the unknown. A sore throat, a swollen node, any new condition or just dealing with an uncertain future. I missed the days of worrying about little inconsequential things.

For me, I had seen people who talked out all of their problems with others. That method of relief wasn't in line with my personality. If I had a concern I told no one until after I had been to the doctor and gotten results back. I didn't want to concern anyone. Probably not the best approach. I kept myself busy with work and tired with exercise.

I was just curious how everybody managed the stress and anxiety.


Oropharyngeal Cancer, SCC, HPV 16+, stage IV T1N2b age 45
Started in my tonsils and spread to my lymph nodes
Cisplatin x3 with concurrent daily radiation treatments started 10/22/13 finished 12/6/2013
GulfCoast #195817 03-04-2018 08:26 AM
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 346
Likes: 3
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Platinum Member (300+ posts)

Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 346
Likes: 3
Managed? You mean we were supposed to manage?

I cried. I tried not to throw up (side effect of panic disorder, but not good for oral cancer patients). I did a lot of crafting for my miniatures. I neglected housework.

Come to think of it, still doing a lot of that...


Surgery 5/31/13
Tongue lesion, right side
SCC, HPV+, poorly differentiated
T1N0 based on biopsy and scan
Selective neck dissection 8/27/13, clear nodes
12/2/13 follow-up with concerns
12/3/13 biopsy, surgery, cancer returned
1/8/14 Port installed
PEG installed
Chemo and rads
2/14/14 halfway through carboplatin/taxotere and rads
March '14, Tx done, port out w/ complications, PEG out in June
2017: probable trigeminal neuralgia
Fall 2017: HBOT
Jan 18: oral surgery
GulfCoast #195818 03-04-2018 03:29 PM
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
Contributing Member (25+ posts)
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Contributing Member (25+ posts)

Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
It was rough for me at first...had to pinch myself. 35 Rad treatments and 6 chemo. My attitude was I am going to beat this thing. I got a feeding tube and chemo port. I went from 260 to 197 at my low weight point. That all happened a year ago. Cancer free now with very aggressive post treatment! A good support group is great! Attitude is everything!

GulfCoast #196160 04-15-2018 10:33 AM
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 18
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 18
Cougardad62,

Curious to know what you mean by aggressive post treatment. Rehab etc? Other anti-cancer strategies?


Jay


--2003 SCC Left lateral tongue
T-I
Partial Glossectomy
--2015 SCC Left lateral tongue
T-II N-0 M-0
Partial Glossectomy SND
--1/30/18 SCC T-IV N-0 M-0
Segmental Mandibulectomy, Partial Glossectomy,
Fibular Free Flap (failed)
Emergency flap surgery (partial success)
Leech therapy (partial success)
M.I. in hospital 2 90% blockages
2 stents inserted
--3/2/18 Pec Flap
RAD IMRT 35 (in progress)
Chemo 7 doses Cisplatin (in progress)

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