| Joined: Mar 2020 Posts: 3 Member | OP Member Joined: Mar 2020 Posts: 3 | FNG (friggin' new guy) here. I am post-op for SCC in the right tonsil. Tumor (stage 2, borderline stage 3) was removed by laser with good, but small margins and a neck dissection was also performed. 2 lymph nodes showed microscopic traces of cancer. I was hoping to avoid radiation, but the ENT is now recommending it.....awaiting his referral to a radiation oncologist. I am on the fence as to radiation, so I am going to wander over to the treatment forum for some insight. Cheers!
Last edited by chutist747; 03-28-2020 07:43 AM.
| | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 6 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: 6 | Welcome to OCF, chutist747! Sorry you have a need for our group! At the same time, its a very good thing you found us to help get you thru some upcoming difficult days. As a group of patients and caregivers, we have a different viewpoint than medical professionals, we've experienced oral cancer (OC) first hand.
Best wishes with your continued recovery.
Hang in there! 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: Feb 2015 Posts: 133 Likes: 7 Senior Member (100+ posts) | Senior Member (100+ posts) Joined: Feb 2015 Posts: 133 Likes: 7 | Anything short of clean margins needs to be eliminated-that's my view of things.
If you look at the websites for some of the major cancer institutions I think you'll find a way to get an on-line second opinion. I believe I posted one in the general category for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. If you can't find it or need more send me a private message.
SCC stage 1 Nov. '03, SCC stage 2 (clear mrg, no rad, no chemo) RND, Feb. '15 SCC stage 1, lower gum Mar '23
TLC356
| | | | Joined: Jan 2020 Posts: 51 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | Supporting Member (50+ posts) Joined: Jan 2020 Posts: 51 | I sympathize with you. Started radiation following my surgery, and I too was desperately hoping to avoid radiation, which comes with nasty side effects. But the doctors would not have recommended it if they felt it would not significantly reduce your odds of recurrence. And I think it’s the same situation for you. It only takes one stray cancer cell to start multiplying and then you have have a recurrence, which means maybe another surgery and then definitely radiation. Recurrence is the worst possible outcome, worse than radiation. I would take the advice of the doctor.
Stage 3 cancer of right side of tongue Tumor: t2. Lymph nose spread Partial glossectomy and neck dissection (2/12/20) Never smoker Completed six weeks of radiation on 5/6/20
| | | | Joined: Jan 2020 Posts: 51 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | Supporting Member (50+ posts) Joined: Jan 2020 Posts: 51 | I should add that I’m in radiation currently
Stage 3 cancer of right side of tongue Tumor: t2. Lymph nose spread Partial glossectomy and neck dissection (2/12/20) Never smoker Completed six weeks of radiation on 5/6/20
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