#45076 06-27-2005 02:23 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 50 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | OP  Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 50 | My husband Doug is about 3 weeks status post radiation for stage IV SCC of tongue with bilateral neck metastasis. He has a follow up appt with the otolaryngologist on July 1st. He has done remarkably well during treatment. I am concerned however because the burns from the radiation to the face have disappeared, his neck on the left especially and below the chin are extremely hard. I know that further treatment is needed to assess effectiveness of twice daily radiation and chemo, but I am concerned. Is this a frequent occurence? How can you tell if it is lymphadema or tissue changes versus cancer remaining? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks to all.
Sincerely,
Virginia
Caregiver to husband Doug SCC base of tongue T4N2cM0
Virginia
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#45077 06-27-2005 05:07 AM | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 | Hello Virginia, the sensation of a "hard" neck is common after neck dissection. Partly it is because of scar tissue, partly radiation effects and partly because alot of the softer tissue and fat is removed during the dissection. Over time this gets somewhat better and as some fatty tissue is put back there by nature. Also, the skin sometimes "sticks" to the underlying tissues and that feels different, this too gets better with time.
By all means if you feel the need to have this checked out then do so for peace of mind.
Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
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#45078 06-27-2005 06:23 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 50 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | OP Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 50 | He hasn't had a neck dissection. This is a possibility that he may face in the future. He just finished radiation and chemo about 3 weeks ago and I am just concerned because his neck and underneath the chin are very hard to the touch. I guess we'll just have to wait to see what the doctors tell us. I just wanted to find out if it could be due to the radiation or is it probably still residual tumor. He was told that he had extensive disease in the neck so I just wanted to see if it could be something else other than the cancer.
Virginia
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#45079 06-27-2005 08:57 AM | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 | My apologies for assuming that he had the surgery already Virginia, radiation will cause some of this too. Hey if you are worried call and have it checked. That is why those professionals are there. Don't feel like you shouldn't bother them. Bother them all you need.
Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
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#45080 06-28-2005 04:16 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 50 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | OP Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 50 | Thank you so much Mark. Doug's appointment is July 1st so I guess he'll ask then. You know it's funny. I was nervous prior to treatment for him and now after treatment. I felt at peace while he was receiving treatment. I have to let go of these doubting negative thoughts because they drive me crazy. I just have to enjoy each moment we have together. Sometimes it's so hard to do that. Anyway, thanks again.
Sincerely,
Virginia
Virginia
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#45081 06-28-2005 04:48 AM | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 | I hope his appointment goes well. I know how the negative thoughts creep in. We sometimes forget how those thoughts turn into outwardly visable changes. If you two have been toghther for a while you know what I mean. Our negative thoughts turn into our partners negative thoughts (or turn into anger or depression or whatever). I have said it here many times the hardest thing about cancer is staying on top of your mind. Whether patient or caregiver this is tough.
Please let us know how his checkup goes.
Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
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#45082 06-28-2005 11:44 AM | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 50 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | OP Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 50 | Thank you Mark, I will.
Sincerely,
Virginia
Virginia
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#45083 07-07-2005 05:43 PM | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 349 Likes: 2 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 349 Likes: 2 | Hello Virginia:
How did the July 1st appointment go for your husband Doug.
Any word on the hardness you felt?
Michael | 53 | SCC | Right Tonsil | Dx'd: 06-10-05 | STAGE IV, T3N2bM0 | 3 Nodes R Side | MRND & Tonsillectomy 06/29/05 Dr Fee/Stanford | 8 wks Rad/Chemo startd August 15th @ MSKCC, NY | Tx Ended: 09-27-05 | Cancer free at 16+ Yrs | After-Effects of Tx: Thyroid function is 0, ok salivary function, tinnitus, some scars, neck/face asymmetry, gastric reflux. 2017 dysphagia, L Carotid stent / 2019, R Carotid occluded not eligible for stent.2022 dental issues, possible ORN, memory/recall challenges.
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