My husband, Joe was diagnosed with SCC of the left buccal mucosa (cheek) on 06/01/06. It was T2-N0-M0 after clinical eval, but the PET showed some uptake in the lymph node, so T2-N1-M0. He had surgery on 6/15 to remove the tumor, but no nodes, since he'd have radation. He started concurrent IMRT radiation (33) and chemo (cisplatin - 3x) mid August, completing treatment on 9/30. He's seen the surgeon/ENT monthly since and one FU visit with MO on Nov 1. The radiated area has been slow to heal and the doc has taken 2 biopsys that came back neg.

Late in January, Joe strained his back lifting weights, and had a persistent pain under his right shoulder blade. He went to the massage therapist first, then chiropractor. After the chiro couldn't figure it out, he ordered an MRI. In the interim, he got in contact with oncology, who ordered a bone scan. That showed 2 areas of metabolism on the right 4 rib. that prompted further xrays and the scheduling of a PET scan. The MRI showed a bump on or by the rib. The tech said it looked like a cyst in passing, but qualified the statment with the "i'm no doctor." PET was last week, and here we are today, waiting for the results. The nurse at onc left a babbling message on our v-mail saying that she got the results and had an opening today to see the doc. Of course, no one ever wants you to come in to give you great news. We are on pins and needles, hoping and praying for the best, but can't help but think of the worse.

Also, 3/16 was FU with ENT. There was a node on the back of his neck that was swollen (left side), so he did a needle biopsy of that.

Joe was doing so well, now all of this hits us like a ton of bricks. I have been one of those forum members who lurk in the background until now. Today, I'm hoping to get some positive ju-ju from you all before we go in for that appointment!

My prayers are with you that you find out that all of these areas have perfectly simple, logical, benign explanations!!!

Let us know the results and until then we pray for the best.

Thinking of you.
I think one of the hardest things about this cancer is always waiting for the test results.

A few days can seem like a week or more, even when it is good news. It sounds like Joe has been through a lot. Will pray for the best also.

Take care
Diane

Thank you for all your kind words and prayers. It is so touching to know that you're thinking of us.

We didn't receive the news that we'd hoped for: the pet showed multiple spots on his lungs in addition to the node in question, by the rib and something in the gluteal muscle. The MO (our first meeting with him) said that he thought it was malignant but said that it didn't have the characteristics of anything metastatic. We were shocked because there was nothing even close to this on his pet back in June 06. The doc didn't want to draw any conclusions until he saw the results of the node biopsy. So here we are waiting again until labs come back tomorrow afternoon. In the meantime, I'm trying to get him a second opinion referral for Seattle Cancer Care Alliance since we live in Oly. It seems to me that they would have more in their arsenal to attack what ever may be there. What do you guys think?

Dear jm-cm, Here's hoping his labs come back with good news rather than bad, but if that doesn't happen It would be good for you all to go to the most advanced Cancer Center in your vacinity- or even further for that matter. Since you already have some experience, you know the importance of seeking out the best possible Docs. Wishing you good news. Amy in the Oz.

Dear jm-cm,
I would definitely recommend that you contact the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for a second opinion. You can reach them at 206-288-7222. And here is the info from their site on second opinions.
http://www.seattlecca.org/patientsandfamilies/becomingPatient/secondOpinion.htm

They may refer you directly to the UW Medical Center Head and Neck people. The patient care coordinator there is Barb Geng, phone 206-598-4023.

I believe the trip from Olympia to Seattle would be well worth it to get input from the whole team of docs at SCCA. They have more experience with these types of cancers than anyone else in the state. You will want their expertise in reading the films and planning the next step.

Good luck to you and Joe. Know that I am thinking of you both. -Tricia

Thanks for the advice and contact information. I will follow up. I am working with our current docs to get a referral for the second opinion. The onc nurse seems reluctant to start working the referral until they know what they are dealing with. In the meantime, we got news back today that the needle biopsy of the neck node was inconclusive. Joe is having it removed tomorrow by the same surgeon (ENT who did surgical residency at UW Medical but now with our hmo) for further investigation. We are still praying that there is nothing in the node and took today's biopsy result as a good sign.

Chris

Jm-CM,

I had all my work done at UW. I am very happy I did. They have a great Cancer team of Dr's. there. I recommend it highly. The Head & Neck surgeon is wonderful.

Take care,
Thinking of you
Diane