| | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 14 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 14 | They did the neck dissection at Emory Adventist Hospital in Smyrna, GA and biopsied at the same time. There were 2 specimens: 1 involving the node which measured 3.1 x 2.1 x 1.8 cm and the other was from the throat consisting of multiple fragments with the largest measuring 1 cm. The pathologist originally had his dx down as nasopharyngeal, but the oncologist changed his diagnosis (and rec'd confirmation from the Mayo Clinic just yesterday) to oropharyngeal. He is being treated by GA Cancer Specialists (Dr. Bruce Goldsweig) and Radiation Oncology Services (Dr. Laura Allen). They both are at Wellstar Cobb Hospital.
age 35 at DX,EBV-, HPV+,stage 4a oropharyngeal BOT rt side 1 node+/15 nodes - rt side of neck, non-smoker/drinker, induction therapy to begin 9/18/08 cisplatin,5FU,taxotere 2X, radiation to follow for 7 wks, radiation completed 1/21/09
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 199 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 199 | Terry - it sounds like you are feeling OK with the treatment plan and doctors, but have you thought about getting a second opinion at a comprehensive cancer center (Emory University is one place in Alanta), just to make sure they agree with the treatment, etc?
Ginny M. SCC of Left lateral tongue Dx 04/06,Surgery MDACC 05/11/06: Partial glossectomy with selective neck dissection. T1N0M0 - no radiation. Phase III clinical trial ("EPOC" trial)04/07 thru 04/08 because tests showed a 65% chance of recurrence. 10 Year Survivor!
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 14 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 14 | Our doctors sent all the reports to the Mayo Clinic for a second opinion. We are in the process of getting one from the eCleveland Clinic as well.
age 35 at DX,EBV-, HPV+,stage 4a oropharyngeal BOT rt side 1 node+/15 nodes - rt side of neck, non-smoker/drinker, induction therapy to begin 9/18/08 cisplatin,5FU,taxotere 2X, radiation to follow for 7 wks, radiation completed 1/21/09
| | | | | 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 | Sounds like you are being very proactive and that's a good thing. Don't be afraid to question anything and make sure the answer makes sense to you. If it doesn't say, please explain.
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.
| | | | | Joined: May 2004 Posts: 218 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: May 2004 Posts: 218 | I had the exact treatment at University of Chicago 5 years ago.
Nothing really to induction as I recall. Just two IV's on Thursdays. Took about 4 hours. I did not get sick but my hair fell out. I had a bad reaction to the Taxol as well. I remember being upset because they were talking about stopping induction and I really wanted to go all the way through if you know what I mean.
Anyway they gave me steroids and the reactions stopped. So, it all worked out.
Overall, the treatment was a little on the rough side towards the end, but a small price to pay for 5 more years with my wife and kids:)
Good luck. Fight Fight Fight.
Drop me a line if you need anything.
Robert Hamilton & Family
Last edited by Robr; 09-18-2008 07:07 PM.
SCC 1.6cm Right Tonsil 10/3/03, 1 Node 3cm, T1N2AM0, Tonsil Removed, Selective Neck Disection, 4 Wks Induction Chemo (Taxol,Cisplatin), 8 Weeks Chemo/Radiation (5FU,Hydroxyurea,Iressa), IMRT x 40, Treatment Complete 2/13/04.
41 Years Old At Diagnosis
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