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| | Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 69 Likes: 1 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | OP  Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2013 Posts: 69 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
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2013 Posts: 346 Likes: 3 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | 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
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2017 Posts: 41 Likes: 1 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | 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! | | | | | Joined: Mar 2018 Posts: 18 Member | | Member
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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