#5603 06-25-2005 05:57 AM | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 6 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 6 | Hi all~
I am new here. I am having a needle biopsy of my left Jugulodigastric node which is 1 cm in size. The "lump" is hard and non-tender. Although the size is perhaps "unusual" it in not considered "abnormal." (These are my assumptions based on what I can decipher from my ENT's words, research on the internet and my MRI report.) I have taken a week of antibiotics and that has not changed the node at all.
My biopsy is on Monday (6/27) and I want to be ready to move on it if the results are not good. I have good insurance and want to find a very good surgeon if I need to have surgery/treatment. Do any of you have any links that you recommend that provides any info on Dr's besides just their education and certification? (info such as feedback from patients, any formal complaints, lawsuits, etc.)
Thanks so much!
~wen
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#5604 06-25-2005 11:24 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 | There's always the Castle book (AKA "America's Top Doctors") which lists the top 500 doctors in the US. You should be able to find a decent head & neck surgeon in California (if you NEED one).
Personally I would make my choice on whether they have a proven track record at a comprehensive cancer center (of which California has several).
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)
________________________________________________________
"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
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#5605 06-25-2005 03:17 PM | Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,163 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,163 | Hello Wendy,
Welcome to The Oral Cancer Foundation. I wanted to wish you good luck on your biospy on Monday. Most of us have learned about treatment options after we have been treated. We have to make decisions based on the mri's, cat and pet scans in a rather short time. Hopefully you won't have to make those decisions.
"It ain't cancer til the pathlogy report says so"
If it is SSC take Garys advice and go to someone
who sees alot of head & neck cancers. Being from CA you will have a few excellant ones to chose from.
I didn't answer your question but I wanted to let you know that you have found the best website on oral cancer on the web.
I hope you post soon with the biospy report and it is negative for ssc. If not feel free to post any question you have, someone with similier treatment will respond.
Best Wishes, Danny Boy
Daniel Bogan DX 7/16/03 Right tonsil,SCC T4NOMO. right side neck disection, IMRT Radiation x 33.
Recurrance in June 05 in right tonsil area. Now receiving palliative chemo (Erbitux) starting 3/9/06
Our good friend and loved member of the forum has passed away RIP Dannyboy 7-16-2006
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#5606 06-25-2005 03:44 PM | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,918 Likes: 65 OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | OCF Founder Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 4,918 Likes: 65 | If it is something bad, and we all hope for you that it is not... you need to be thinking about what
Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
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#5607 07-06-2005 10:58 AM | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 12 Member | | Member
Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 12 | Wendy, How did the biopsy go? I've had follow-up care at USC and am beginning at UCLA. Let me know if you need any Dr. tips. 
ACC of soft palate diag. '90; neck resection '93,removal of soft palate, nodes, eustachian tube, rebuilt palate with arm tissue; 9 wks radiation; lung mets and positive nodes '05, no treatment possible.
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#5608 07-06-2005 05:15 PM | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 6 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 6 | Biopsy was cancerous- see my posting under symptoms board - a little panicked. Though I am doing better now- the more info I get the more I can start to plan the next step. Thanks!
~wen
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