I had right side tonsil scc with lymph nodes involved last year. Had right radical neck dissection last june. Three lymph nodes involved out of 33 that were removed. Last month had a biopsy of left lymph node come back positive for scc. The node located at base of neck near collarbone. Pet scan suggested left tonsil cancer. My ent disagreed because of were the involved lymph node was located, he thinks lung. Had the tonsil removed yesterday for biopsy, will get results friday. We are hoping to find primary there, if not than it doesn't show anywhere else and probably have very poor prognosis. has anyone had this same scenerio happen and if so how has it worked out for you. I am already prepared for the worse. Thanks for any help. This site is the best I came across since I came down with this curse.

While being prepared for the worst is good, I wouldn't 'throw in the towel' just yet. People do survive even lung cancer if caught early enough. While I haven't had what you have, I have managed to survive two different episodes of cancer, one of which was an unknown primary with metatsis to one lymph node in my neck.

Have you had a CT scans of the neck and chest and a PET scan of the entire body? I'd say 'chin up and let's go tackle this'.

Take care,
Eileen

Had ct scan with didn't show anything, pet scan suggested tonsil, had tonsillectomy yesterday.

After I get results they will plan treatment. If positve for the tonsil then they will do another neck dissection followed by radiation and chemo. If the tonsil is negative, than radiation and chemo and no surgery. No surgery because of no primary site.

THE BRAVEST SIGHT IN ALL THIS WORLD IS SOMEONE FIGHTING AGAINST THE ODDS!!

When I first started posting there was a person JetAgeHobo that had a very similar scenario where the C went from one side to the other inside of a year. I distinctly remember this case because he was posting from China. He finished both treatments and was leaving for the U.S. He always said "Hoping the second time's a charm"! I'm sure he's doing well. I hope this tidbit helped.
Wendy

Geez, I'm notorious!!!

BRM, yep I started out with SCC lateral tongue, and several lymph nodes on the left side involved. Had surgery, removing the primary on the tongue, and about 27 nodes on left side. Several showed positive, so had radiaton/chemo for left side. On 6 month checkup Pet/CT scan showed lymph node involvement on right side. Had second neck dissection/program of radiation/chemo. Finished that up last May, back to work in June, just returned from short home leave to U.S.

Follow up scan in Sept showed no residual cancer, so far so good.

Thing is, just because the cancer showed up on the opposite side, doesn't mean there has to be a second primary. This particular cancer has a tendency to move around, and some oncologists do radiation to both sides of the neck to help prevent the spread of the disease, even though only one side had involved lymph nodes. I'm not a lymphatic system anatomy expert, but from what I've read, this seems logical.

Also, even if there is involvment on the opposite side, and there's no second primary, doesn't mean a poor prognosis. Thing is to catch and get rid of the second involvement as thoroughly as possible.

Main thing is to keep positive and keep fighting.

I've been through this twice, doing well, sitting here in some God-forsaken Communist country eating McNuggets and McApple pies for lunch and slowly getting fat. Or at least to a reasonable weight.

And planning my retirement.

Keep hope and faith.
Bob S.

Well, I guess I'm headed for radiation and chemo, no primary in the tonsil. So I have an occult primary. I will see the onocoligist and rad people on Monday. Hanging in there, I will beat this with God's help and grace. Not going to let this thing steal my joy, I refuse to surrender to it. Thanks for the supportive inputs guys, one heck of a club huh?

Just came back from the onocolgist. They are going to start chemo with taxol and paraplatin on 10/27, I will see radiation specialist on 10/24. Guess I should move over to treatment board sfter this post. Not looking forward this adventure.

brm1949,

You'll do well with your new treatment and there is a whole group of people that will be here to answer questions and offer moral support when you need it. As you have read by now each person reacts differently to treatment, you will have your own individual reactions. But, from your previous post you are going into this round with a good attitude and spirit. That means a lot.

Take care and welcome to the "wonderful group of people club" That no one wanted to join, but we're glad we found it.

Dinah

Dear BRN1949,

From a fellow 1949 11/25 so a bit younger than you. I am wishing you all the best in your treatment. I am just about finished with radiation, 10 treatments left. I love your positive attitude. Keep thr faith, you can beat this, Your friend and supporter Dan