#76227 06-27-2008 04:39 PM | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 46 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | OP  Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 46 | I just wanted to share with everyone that my treatments are finally done. I finished my radiation and chemo this week. As you all know, it has been a very hard long road. I am excited that I can get on with getting better and recovering from the Radiation. My tongue hurts badly right now from the Rad burning me there, but I hope in 2 weeks that subsides. I have heard that the hair may or may not grow back, either way, I would gladly trade all my hair for the ability to eat a steak or pizza again and be able to taste it.  During the whole time, you all here have been very supportive and I really thank you all who have offered your help, support and advise. John
Stage 4A SSC Left Tonsil, back of tongue and Lymph nodes on left side. Tonsil removed, Chemo and Radiation treatments completed on June 26, 2008.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 939 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 939 | Congrats John,
It is a great day when you walk out of the RO's office for the last time. Stay strong as you recover...the next few weeks could be rough.
You will remember today for a long time. Deb
Deb..caregiver to husband, age 63 at diagnosis, former smoker who quit in 1997.
DIAGNOSIS: 6/26/07 SCC right tonsil/BOT T4N0M0
TREATMENT START: 8/9/07 cisplatin/taxol X 7..IMRT twice daily X 31.5.
TREATMENT END: 10/1/07
PEG OUT: 1/08
PORT OUT: 4/09
FOLLOWUP: Now only annual exams. ALL CLEAR!
Passed away 1/7/17 RIP Bill
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 |
John:
Congrats on finishing your treatments. Its a huge relief to be done with that.
Get lots of rest and dont forget to keep your nutrition and hydration up during the next few weeks. This is the roughest time of the treatments, hang in there and it will be over soon.
Christine
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive  | | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Hi John,
I knew you could it. Congratulations.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 595 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 595 | John, Great job in this war of yours, now keep this enemy in full retreat with good nutrition and drink plenty of water. Stay in a recon and survelliance mode. Be safe! Bob
Bob age 57, non smoker,non drinker, ended treatment on 11 Nov 2007 and started back to work on 29 Nov 2007. Veterans Day 2012 the Battle was lowered, folded, Taps was played and the Flag buried as I am know a 5 year survivor. Semper-FI !!!
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 163 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 163 | Wonderful news John... remember that it will take you a while to get over the treatment. But it must feel great to know you are seeing the end of the tunnel.
Take Care
Marica
Caregiver to husband (Pete) Stage IV Base of Tongue. Dx 04 2003 Chemo/Radiation no surgery.. doing great!
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 598 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 598 | John -- Congratulations!! It is a great feeling to be done. You will require some more time to start really feeling better, but each day is a little victory.
Beware of the post-treatment let down -- depression is frequently seen in the aftermath of treatment, when we finally let ourselves take a deep breath. Lots of good posts here on it. Nothing dire, but good to be aware of the possibility.
Congrats again!!
Jeff
SCC Right BOT Dx 3/28/2007
T2N2a M0G1,Stage IVa
Bilateral Neck Dissection 4/11/2007
39 x IMRT, 8 x Cisplatin Ended 7/11/07
Complete response to treatment so far!!
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | John, Congratulations. It may take a few weeks to start feeling better,since radiation is the gift that keeps on giving, but it sure is nice to see the last of that mask, isn't it?
Nelie
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 67 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2008 Posts: 67 | I concur with Nelie. It was very nice to see the last of that &@!! mask. At my last treatment session they asked me if I wanted to keep it as a momento. I politely declined.
Congratulations on completing treatment John. I remember walking out of the basement of Stanford for the last time. I haven't been back to the basement since May 7th and I can't say that I miss it at all.
I took my wife to dinner tonight (almost 2 months after treatment) and had the seafood risotto and could taste it. I also had a bite of my wife's filet mignon and could taste it as well. It is exciting to be returning to the world of the eating. Hang in there John, you'll get there as well.
Frank
SCC Right Tonsil Dx 2/25/2008 at age 43
T1N2B M0,Stage IVa
8mm primary removed 3/5/08
4cm lymph node removed 2/22/08
2 additional sub cm nodes
Tx at Stanford: 30 x IMRT, 2 x Cisplatin,
Started radiation 3/27/08, Completed 5/7/08
p16+, HPV 16+
2 Year Post-TX PET CT 5/10 - CLEAR
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | John,
The hair on the back of your neck will grow back but I still don't have to shave under my chin and probably will never have to again.
This recovery period is going to be just as rough or rougher in it's own way than the Tx if you let it get to you. The recovery is soooooo slow and the improvements are sooooo small that it will drive you crazy. Remember it's not like recovering from the flu which takes days. This recovery takes years.
Hang tough and ask and share your thoughts as you now can help the ones yet to come.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | |
| Forums23 Topics18,259 Posts197,166 Members13,350 | | Most Online1,788
Jan 23rd, 2025 | | |
|
