#39591 01-20-2006 06:54 AM | Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) |  Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | If Michael Jackson can do it - YOU can do it. I heard that Jacko has his own personal HBO chamber.
Don't be embarassed about asking for anti-anxiety meds. Most of us do and it'll help you sleep through it. Some have said it's a little chilly in there so you may want to ask for a blanket.
In many ways MRI's are worse. They're solid for one and make weird and loud noises during the scan. You'll get used to it - I sleep through those too. Plus you can't watch movies. (Ask for ear plugs if you ever get one).
Gary Allsebrook
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Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
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"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
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#39592 01-20-2006 06:29 PM | Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,627 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,627 | I just found out today that I will need 10 more "dives" after my remaining lower teeth are removed in approx. 2 weeks. I'm kind of looking forward to the relaxation and down time in the "tube"! My facility has the clear chambers that Gary mentioned.
Minnie
SCC Left Mandible. Jaw replaced with bone from leg. Neck disection, 37 radiation treatments. Recurrence 8-28-07, stage 2, tongue. One third of tongue removed 10-4-07. 5-23-08 chemo started for tumor behind swallowing passage, Our good friend and much loved OCF member Minnie has been lost to the disease (RIP 10-29-08). We will all miss her greatly.
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#39593 01-20-2006 06:46 PM | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,140 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,140 Likes: 1 | Oh yes, John, DO ask for extra blankets. I must have whined loud enough for Gary to remember. I just about froze that first dive but was too stubborn to ask to be taken up for that reason. I know you will be fine. By the end, I had figured a way I could turn myself end to end and freak out the nurses, but they never left me alone long enough to do it. You can wear glasses, but no jewelry, lotions or potions, perfume or aftershave, or makeup (probably doesn't apply to you) and no hair gel or oil. You will take all your clothes off and put on hospital gown and pants that have been washed in special detergent. All this gets to be routine too. By the end of the first week, you will be a pro. I just remembered that I also had the option of listening to the radio, or the television, not just play movies. If you get involved in a thriller, you will forget all about where you are. | | |
#39594 01-21-2006 04:42 AM | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 105 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | OP Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 105 | I was hoping to start on Monday, but it seems to be delayed while they wait for approval from my insurance company.
I was told that I can wear clothes in the tube as long as they are all cotton. If not I'll have to wear a very fashionable hospital gown.
I was told about not having any aftershave, hair gel, etc. I was told that I could have no deodorant on due to the perfume in it. I'll have to warn my co-workers to stay at least 10 ft. from me. They may want to stay even further back!
John
SCC base of tongue. Diagnosed as stage IV, Sept. '04. Partial glossectomy, Radical neck dissection left side, 37 Radiation sessions, Chemo x 7 weeks. Finished treatments January '05. Cancer surivor!
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#39595 01-24-2006 04:02 AM | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 105 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | OP Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 105 | I got the call I've been waiting for.The Oxygen Therapy Dept. at UPMC Presby just called to tell me that my insurance has been approved and I begin the treatments tomorrow morning.
I'll post afterwards to let yunz guys (Pittsburghese) know how it went.
John
SCC base of tongue. Diagnosed as stage IV, Sept. '04. Partial glossectomy, Radical neck dissection left side, 37 Radiation sessions, Chemo x 7 weeks. Finished treatments January '05. Cancer surivor!
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#39596 01-25-2006 07:33 AM | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 105 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | OP Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 105 | Hey all,
I made through my first 'dive". Had a little trouble getting one of my ears to pop, but other than that no problem! I did take a mild sedative prior to the treatment. The two hours went by before I knew it. I didn't even get to finish watching the movie I picked out. One down and 29 to go.
I'll have 20 dives and then have the dental work done that I need. Then I'll have another 10 dives.
Be good guys. You're the best.
John
SCC base of tongue. Diagnosed as stage IV, Sept. '04. Partial glossectomy, Radical neck dissection left side, 37 Radiation sessions, Chemo x 7 weeks. Finished treatments January '05. Cancer surivor!
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#39597 01-25-2006 03:57 PM | Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,627 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,627 | Good for you John, glad to hear it went well for you. Gotta find either hour long cable shows or movies that are short............or you always end up missing the ending!!
Minnie
SCC Left Mandible. Jaw replaced with bone from leg. Neck disection, 37 radiation treatments. Recurrence 8-28-07, stage 2, tongue. One third of tongue removed 10-4-07. 5-23-08 chemo started for tumor behind swallowing passage, Our good friend and much loved OCF member Minnie has been lost to the disease (RIP 10-29-08). We will all miss her greatly.
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#39598 02-16-2006 03:58 PM | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 105 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | OP Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 105 | Hey all,
I haven't posted for a while now. Computer crashed and we just got it back from the "computer doctor".
I've completed 12 dives so far. Had to put them on hold for a few days because I caught a terrible cold. Had real difficulty getting my ears to regulate, so the Doc told me to take a few days off. He was concerned that I'd damage my ear drums if we pushed it.
I have an appointment with my ENT on Monday. We will discuss the prospects of having dental work done. So far the results are promising. This fistula that I have is really closing up quite nicely. I'm very optimistic that these treatments will do the trick.
John
SCC base of tongue. Diagnosed as stage IV, Sept. '04. Partial glossectomy, Radical neck dissection left side, 37 Radiation sessions, Chemo x 7 weeks. Finished treatments January '05. Cancer surivor!
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#39599 02-17-2006 05:41 PM | Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,627 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 1,627 | Hi John,
You should be optimistic that this treatment will aid in having your dental work done. I had a tooth extracted after my HBO treatment and I healed and tolerated it as I would have before radiation.
Glad to hear all is going pretty smooth.
SCC Left Mandible. Jaw replaced with bone from leg. Neck disection, 37 radiation treatments. Recurrence 8-28-07, stage 2, tongue. One third of tongue removed 10-4-07. 5-23-08 chemo started for tumor behind swallowing passage, Our good friend and much loved OCF member Minnie has been lost to the disease (RIP 10-29-08). We will all miss her greatly.
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#39600 02-18-2006 10:22 AM | Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 105 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | OP Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2005 Posts: 105 | Minnea,
Things are going so well that I've actually been able to walk around without a bandage over the fistula. It has dried up and stopped draining. I'm taking all of this as a good sign.
I'm eagerly anticipating my visit with my ENT on Monday. I haven't seen him few months. I recently graduated to visiting every three months.
What a long strange trip it's been! Oh the stories I'll be able to tell my grandkids.
Continued good health to all of you.
John
SCC base of tongue. Diagnosed as stage IV, Sept. '04. Partial glossectomy, Radical neck dissection left side, 37 Radiation sessions, Chemo x 7 weeks. Finished treatments January '05. Cancer surivor!
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