A couple of days ago I introduced myself on the
ACOR reflector . It was suggested to me that my story might help others on this board, so here I am!
My name is Bob. I was diagnosed on Nov. 30, 2006 with stage 3 SCC (T2 N1 M0) with a left tonsil primary. The mass was ~ 3.5cm at its widest, and the cancer had spread to the adjacent lymph node (thus the stage 3 diagnosis). I should note that I am the youngest of 3 boys, and that every male member of my family has had cancer. I had three rounds of chemo (5 drugs) for a total of 9 weeks. I then had 5 weeks "off" while I took care of dental issues... had a tooth with cracked filling capped, had all four wisdom teeth extracted (they were expected to be in the radiation field and cause problems later), and a complete dental cleaning, etc. Radiation was 35 IMRT treatments with concurrent additional (though milder) chemo. Four days out of five, I would get IV hydration and an Amifostine injection... then hike across the street to the Cancer Center for radiation. On the 5th day (I picked Thursday) I got Carboplatin and
Erbitux (but no Amifostine), then the IMRT.
Yesterday (AUG 10) was the 3 month anniversary since ending treatments, and next Wednesday (AUG 15) is my first follow-up visit (5 weeks) with my oncologist since being declared CANCER FREE.
I joined a telephone support group for HNC patients, and so far have counseled one guy with almost the exact same diagnosis.
I'll read the postings here with great interest. If I can offer something constructive, I will. Otherwise, I'll just lurk.
If anyone has questions of me, dont hesitate to ask (in the forum or via PM, as appropriate).
-Bob
