#87707 01-09-2009 03:23 PM | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | OP  Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | One of the worst and most shocking days Ive ever gone thru was June 15, 2007. That was the day my oral surgeon told me I had cancer. It wasnt any easier the second time I heard the news on April 4, 2008.
After one clear PET scan Jan 2008 I thought I was home free. Then after my second round of OC, thought the worst is finally over.
My PET scan from July 2008 came back questionable. Several areas lit up and gave me reason to worry. Even the doctors couldnt tell me if I was successfully treated. After having several lengthy discussions with all my doctors, I stored it away in the back of my mind and made the best of everyday. Although everyday it snuck back into my mind, thinking the "what if". Then, it sunk in, I finally understood the meaning of life in my own little opinion. Make the most of the hand you are dealt and see the good in things no matter how awful they get, try to find the positive in everything.
Well on Tuesday I went back for another PET scan. I was of course very concerned as I have several upcoming things dependant on having a clear scan. Today my oncologist proudly told me, its clear!!!!! She said its amazing the differences between previous scans and the latest one. So now I finally feel that I can call myself a survivor.
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: Feb 2007 Posts: 790 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 790 | CONGRATULATIONS! What a relief huh? Go celebrate and enjoy the weekend. I know how much of a relief this must be!!!
KATE
Tongue Cancer T2 N0 M0 /
Total Glossectomy Due to Location of Tumor
Finished all treatments May 25 2007
Surviving!!!
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 716 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 716 |
7-16-08 age 37@Dx, T3N0M0 SCC 4.778cm tumor, left side of oral tongue, non smoker, casual drinker, I am the 4th in my family to have H&N cancer
8-13-08 left neck dissection and 40% of tongue removed, submandibular salivary gland & 14 nodes clean, no chemo, IMRTx35
11-4-08 Recovering & feeling better
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 388 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 388 | Christine! I'm doing the Snoopy HAPPY DANCE for you! You must be on cloud 9! (wherever that is...lol). Keep the good news coming! Warmly, JaneP
Husband: 3 SCC gum and cheek cancers 2002, 2005, 2006: surgery only. Scans clear after removal of small, well differentiated, non-invasive cancers. No radiation. 4th SCC lip diagnosed 4/13/07 - in situ, removed in biopsy. More lip removed 2/8/08 - dysplasia. 2 Biopsies 3/17/09 no cancer (lichenoids)
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 489 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 489 | Christine - Congratulations, Way to Go!!!! I am sure that you are so relieved and happy. Have a great weekend. Patty
Last edited by Good1; 01-09-2009 03:41 PM. Reason: typo again
48
SCC Floor of Mouth 7/06
9/06 Surgery, bilateral neck dissection, 58 nodes clear PT2pN0pMx
35 rad 2006
Recurred 6/08, 1 Carboplatin, 1 Cisplatin
Surgery 9/08 - Total glossectomy, free flap from pectoral muscle, left mandible replaced using fibula
35 IMRT & Erbitux 11/08
4/15/09 recurrence
6/1/09 passed away, rest in peace
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 | That's FANTASTIC news Christine! I'm so happy for you! Enjoy your weekend!
Joy
CG to Father, 75 yo with SCC of the mouth; upper maxillectomy and neck diss. performed on 5/23/07. Father also suffered heart attack during surgery and now has CHF. RT complete on 8/28/07. Cancer back 11/27/07. RT and Chemo to start on 12/17. Cancer back 6/17/08. Finally at rest 08/08/08.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 531 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 531 | Man if anybody deserves this news it is someone as kind, generous, caring and supportive as you. Well come to think of it we all deserve this new. I really can feel your relief in this news. You never gave up hope man you are one strong cookie...What ever you are doing it is working!!! We can only hope and pray that we will all be making the same announcement some day!!! Congrats and please celebrate and do something that will truly reflect the miracle that you have received...I know you will go for it...and ENJOY!!!
Dianne..treatment at cc at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario...insulin dependant, Surgery Sept 8/08 Tracheotomy,composite resection and bilateral neck dissection, left radial forearm free flap... T2N0 squamous cell carcinoma. No radiation A little over 2 yrs clear YAY
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | I'll just do the boogalooshingling for you. Join in if you can catch up to this older guy. Congrats and I know how good you just have to be feeling. Keep up the good work. Darkeyes, you hit the nail square on the head, we do all deserve this kind of news. Good luck all.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 20 Member | | Member
Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 20 | Wonderful, wonderful news!!!! Congratulations and lots of hugs!
Be sure and put it in your signature so we can smile every time we see it!!
Kat
59 yr old female Rad Tech T2N0M0 lt tonsil
IMRT x 35, no surg, no chemo.
Last treatment 11/18/08. Dealing with L'Hermittes sign presently.
Oct 2010 swollen nodes on rt. side. Biopsy: positive SCC
Jan.20,2011 radical neck dissection(6 hrs.) tonsillectomy on rt. finished 30 treatments Apr.27,2011.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Christine,
My dear friend, I am so thrilled for you. You have made my day with your wondeful news.
Tomorrow you can celebrate by making snow angels in all that pretty white stuff that's coming your way.
As I head up to Blue Mountain on Monday, I'll be yelling hello to you.
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"
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