#6480 11-11-2005 01:55 AM | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 150 Gold Member (100+ posts) | OP  Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 150 | Wow, wow, wow. First, I have to thank you individuals who came through for my dad and I at the last minute, sending little angel messages, he LOVED it and I was just thrilled and warmed by him telling me he received the messages-he said he will get back to you.
So, obviously the selective, modified neck dissection went awesome. Those of you who have had them know that this a rather standard procedure. My dad was the first case of the day and our ENT told us that they will first scope and biopsy. If anything was malignant they would NOT move forward. So, he went back and my hubby and I did the whole waiting thing. As an hour approached I began to wonder what the results were. Just when my anxiety began the phone rang and the OR RN told me that they were moving forward with the procedure. The doc anticipated that it would take 3 hours. He came out and reported that there were no surprises and everything went as expected!! I gave him a huge hug and he told me not to do that until after 5 years-what a dork! (laugh)
I was very scared about how my dad would look-they don't let family go to the PACU (post anesthesia care unit). I ran to buy 6 dozen long stem roses to fill my hero's room. He came rolling down the hall with a huge smile on his face and his alien tubes sticking out of his neck (for newbies-the stick vacuum tubes in to remove the fluid accumulation from the neck.)
He is so happy-we walked around all night-he's eating as normal and thoroughly enjoying the percocet. He has no pain right now and loves his franken-neck.
Man, what a journey. My faith tells me that anxiety is a wasted emotion. I can't believe the head games that exist. I'm sure fear will come and go with the appts for ever--all we can do is pray for peace in our hearts.
You are all wonderful--please call on us if you need ANYTHING AT ALL.
Dad Treated for T2N1M0 Tonsil Cancer August 2005. 35 IMRT radiation, 3 doses Cisplatin. Selective Modified Neck Dissection November.
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#6481 11-11-2005 03:13 AM | Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 325 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 325 | What a Happy Day! Best wishes for a quick, smooth recovery and a worry-free happily-ever-after!!
Andrea
SCC L lat tongue,Dx 9/15/05 T1N0MX L MND and L lateral hemiglossectomy 10/03/05. Recurrence 11/15/06 2nd surgery 12/04/06 hemiglossectomy 3rd surgery 01/15/07 tonsillectomy Radiation 01/25/07 to 03/08/07 3-D/CRT X 30
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#6482 11-11-2005 03:21 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 | That is great news Shawna!
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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#6483 11-11-2005 03:21 AM | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 207 Platinum Member (200+ posts) | | Platinum Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 207 | Hi Shawna,
Very happy that your Dad's surgery went well. You should have the path report in a day or so. Now he has to regain his strenght. It will take a while, but he will come around.
Steve Daib
SCC, base of tongue, 2 lymph nodes, stage 3/4. 35 X's IMRT radiation, chemo: Cisplatin x 2, 5FU x2, & Taxol x2. Hooray, after 3 years I'm in still in remission.
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#6484 11-11-2005 08:57 AM | Joined: May 2003 Posts: 928 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: May 2003 Posts: 928 | Congratulations Shawna and Dad!
Marica
Caregiver to husband Pete, Dx 4/03 SCC Base of Tongue Stage IV. Chemo /Rad no surgery. Treatment finished 8/03. Doing great!
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#6485 11-11-2005 09:02 AM | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,116 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,116 | Shawna....wonderful news about your Dad, thanks so much for sharing!!!! Carol
Diagnosed May 2002 with Stage IV tongue cancer, two lymph nodes positive. Surgery to remove 1/2 tongue, neck dissection, 35 radiation treatments. 11/2007, diagnosed with cancer of soft palate, surgery 12/14/07, jaw split. 3/24/10, cancer on tongue behind flap, need petscan, surgery scheduled 4/16/10
---update passed away 8-27-11---
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#6486 11-11-2005 10:06 AM | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 528 "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 528 | What a wonderful post. You have made my day Shawna and Pat.
Love and light from Helen
RHTonsil SCC Stage IV tx completed May 03
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#6487 11-11-2005 10:53 AM | Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 158 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 158 | There can be no better start to a long weekend than great news! Thank you for sharing it with us Shawna. Good luck to your dad as he progresses through the healing process.
Bill
No love, no friendship can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever. - Francois Mauriac
Thank you for leaving your mark.
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#6488 11-11-2005 01:37 PM | Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 45 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2002 Posts: 45 | Shawna,
Great news! I saw Dr. A two weeks ago for my 5 year checkup and he said he won't see me again unless I happen to bump into him on Sanibel Island. (I think he has a winter home there) Your dad will continue his recovery too, each passing year is always a joy. My best to you, your family and your dad.
Stage I diagnosed 9/18/2000
Dave
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#6489 11-11-2005 03:46 PM | Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 122 Gold Member (100+ posts) | | Gold Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 122 | Great news, Shawna. Your dad can wear his frankenscar as a badge of courage, that is what I consider mine! (but it really isn't bad)
Mark,
I noticed in your tag line you are at 4 years 8 months.... any special plans for the big 5?
Best to all in our various stages of healing and living.
Lisa
SCC Tongue T1N0M0\Dx 3-10-03
Hemiglossectomy, alloderm graft, modified neck dissectomy 4-14-03
3 Year Survivor!
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