#93199 04-04-2009 01:06 PM | Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 9 Member | OP  Member
Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 9 | Good afternoon, all -
I'm new to this website, and am glad to have found a place where so many have so much in common. My husband, Russ, is 51 and was diagnosed with Stage IV, present in the floor of the mouth, his tongue, and the left side of his jawbone. He had 3 rounds of chemo, and 7 weeks of radiation, finishing just before Thanksgiving last year, and appeared to have done "okay." In mid-December, he developed infections from the necrotic bone and tissue, and we were in and out of hospitals from January through mid-March. Late January, a surgeon attempted a mandibular resection to remove the necrotic bone, but found a large tumor that had been hiding behind the infection, despite having had a CT scan, PT scan, and MRI. At that point, we were told that we had 3 options: do nothing, have chemo every 3 weeks until it stops working, or go to the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN, and consult with a specialist in the field. As my husband is only 51, option 3 seemed to be the only one that gave us an option. During the 10 days at IUMC, he had a tracheotomy in preparation, and the next step was to have a carotid artery occlusion test, but discovered prior to that was that the tumor was wrapped around the carotid artery, making surgery impossible. At that point, it was basically "get your affairs in order" and he was given 3-6 months. He's now in hospice care, and I while have some idea what of what to expect, I was hoping others had been through this and could 'talk' me through the progression.
The cancer has permeated the skin, and he's developed huge ulcers on his chin that are open all the way through to the inside of the mouth, and they're getting larger by the day. He's pretty much lost the use of his left arm, and speculation is that the tumor had invaded the nerves that control it. His oxygen levels are hovering around 90-91, where 3 weeks ago they were a steady 99. His BP is all over the board.
Any info would be very much appreciated....
Wife of Russ, 51, who was diagnosed with Stage IV 4cm tumor in mouth floor, jawbone, and tongue in June, 2008. Had aggressive chemo & radiation. Tried & failed to have a resection in March, 2009. Was in hospice care from March 13 until he left this earth on April 10, 2009.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Judy,
My heart and prayers go out to you and Russ and your family. I hope that he is not suffering and that he has enough pain meds.
I'm sure that you will be hearing from some caregivers who have been down this terrible road. The weekends are slow on the forum, but by Monday, you will have some advice, I'm sure.
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: Jan 2009 Posts: 476 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 476 | Judy, I cry as I read this. I am so, so sorry. I just want to let you know that you, Russ and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. This has been a pretty rough week for me but nothing compared to what you are going through. Hugs, Wanda
Wanda (47) caregiver to husband John (56) age at diag.(2009)
1-13-09 diagnosed Stage IV BOT SCC (HPV+)
2-12-09 PEG placed, 7-6-09 removed
Cisplatin 7 weeks, 7 weeks (35) IMRT
4-15-09 - treatment completed
8-09,12-09-CT Scans clear, 4-10,6-11-PET Scans clear
4-2013 - HBO (30 dives) tooth extraction
10-2019 - tooth extraction, HBO (10 dives)
11-2019 - Left lateral tongue SCC - Stage 2
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 706 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 706 | Judy- My husband was diagnosed with about the same thing as your husband. He had the jawbone removed during his first surgery and replace with leg bone and tissue. Unfortunately chemo, radiation, more surgery, and still more chemo did not work. His tumor had wrapped around his carotid also and he had metastasis to his lungs. He ended up in Hospice after the last round of chemo made him so sick that he decided he'd had enough. He passed away 6 weeks later at the age of 48. They made him as comfortable as they could but he was a fighter and held on to the very end. Please send me a pm if you really want details as they are too disturbing to post. My prayers are with you, I know what you are going through.
Sue
cg to husband, 48 Stage 1V head and neck SCC. First surgery 9/07. Radiation and several rounds of chemo followed. Mets to chest and lungs. "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." Went home to God on February 22, 2009.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 9 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 9 | Thank you all for your kind wishes and responses to my post. Just knowing there are others who are or have gone through this makes me feel much less alone and frightened.
Wife of Russ, 51, who was diagnosed with Stage IV 4cm tumor in mouth floor, jawbone, and tongue in June, 2008. Had aggressive chemo & radiation. Tried & failed to have a resection in March, 2009. Was in hospice care from March 13 until he left this earth on April 10, 2009.
| | | | | 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 | Welcome to OCF Judy. Im so sorry you are going thru such a difficult time with your husband Russ. Its a very sad time for you and yoru family. You will find lots of support to help you. There are several members who are in similar circumstances and some who have recently lost their loved ones to this awful disease. Again, I want to say how sorry I am you are going thru this.
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: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Judy, I like the others in our home want to wish you all of the best for your family and have you in our prayers daily. This reminds me of a few others that have gone thru the same things. It's tough for both of you , just stand tall and fight back as best you can. I would bet Liz will be posting.
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: 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 | Judy,
Lets hope Hospice can make him as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately we have seen far to many get to this stage and there are many current posters that have endured what you are going through so lets hope they read this post.
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: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 | Hi Judy
my husbands secondary tumour burst through the skin of his jaw,face and neck in a series of holes that eventually joined up into one large area.If you would like an idea of what it is to come over the next few weeks ,my blog of the three weeks rob was in hospice can be found on the ocf forum blogs titled "walking towards the light"
liz xx
Liz in the UK
Husband Robin aged 44 years Dx 8th Dec 2006 poorly differentiated SCC tongue with met to neck T1N2cM0 Surgery and Radiation.Finished TX April 2007
Recurrence June/07 died July 29th/07.
Never take your eye off the ball, it may just smack you in the mouth.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 9 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 9 | Hi Liz -
I read your blog, and I'm in awe at the courage it must have taken to write it. Russ has been in a skilled nursing facility for 3 weeks now. Week one was pretty much working out the pain control issues, and I have to say that they've been doing a fantastic job of controlling it. He was highly agitated, and sleepless, getting up and pacing and literally trying to rearrange his room several times a day. When I'd leave for a time, I'd come back to play "where're the clothes" and would find them stuffed everywhere in his room, and he'd have no memory of doing so. He's already on 200mg of Fentanyl, and is receiving liquid morphine through his PEG tube evey 2 hours, with oxycodone for breakthrough. Week 2 started with the development of the ulcerations, and now they are as described in your blog, except that they're still confined above the jawbone, though they extend to both sides of the face, and are joining into one big one that requires huge dressings. What breaks my heart is that he cannot talk because there's so much involvement in the inside of the mouth that his tongue is useless. Coupled with the tracheotomy, all I can hear Like your husband, he has a huge problem with drainage, and receives all nourishment and fluids through his PEG. These past several days, he's been sleeping more and more, though it's a more of a fitful, twitchy doze, and he's perspiring a lot because of the morphine. He's so out of it most of the time that I wonder if he realizes I'm there, and he hallucinates a lot.
Wife of Russ, 51, who was diagnosed with Stage IV 4cm tumor in mouth floor, jawbone, and tongue in June, 2008. Had aggressive chemo & radiation. Tried & failed to have a resection in March, 2009. Was in hospice care from March 13 until he left this earth on April 10, 2009.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 216 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 216 | Judy, I am so sorry. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Your fellow Hoosier,
Cheryl
CG to H with SCC BOT T4N2cM0 dx 12/19/08, teeth removed pre-tx; Erbitux & RT-done 3/12/09, PEG 2/9/09-7/14/09; ND 6/16. Pet 6/12-no mets except lymph node in neck removed on 6/16. Chyle leak,2nd surg to repair. Dilate esophagus 4/15/10. Clear PET 12/17/10
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 | Welcome to the group Judy. I will keep you, you husband, and your family in my prayers. I pray for your strength and your husband's peace.
Donna
Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 756 Likes: 1 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 756 Likes: 1 | Judy,
I too will keep you, your husband, and your family in my prayers.
Susan
SCC R-Lateral tongue, T1N0M0
Age 47 at Dx, non-smoker, casual drinker, HPV-
Surgery: June 2005
RT: Feb-Apr 2006
HBOT: 45 in 2008; 30 in 2013; 30 in 2022 -> Total 105!
Recurrence/Surgeries: Jan & Apr 2010
Biopsy 2/2011: Moderate dysplasia
Surgery 4/2011: Mild dysplasia
Dental issues: 2013-2022 (ORN)
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 | Hi Judy
any questions don't be afraid to ask or pm me if you prefer.i pray for your strength and his peace
love liz
Liz in the UK
Husband Robin aged 44 years Dx 8th Dec 2006 poorly differentiated SCC tongue with met to neck T1N2cM0 Surgery and Radiation.Finished TX April 2007
Recurrence June/07 died July 29th/07.
Never take your eye off the ball, it may just smack you in the mouth.
| | | | | 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 knew Liz would step up to bat for you Judy. She's been thru it and is very intelligent with her words.
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: Apr 2009 Posts: 22 Member | | Member
Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 22 | As a nurse and an oral cancer patient your journey has touched me but it also scares me as to what one day I may face. You will be in my prayers for without those I could not even have survived the surgery and recovery to return to work 7 weeks after my 12 hours or surgery and 4 days in ICU.
T2N1M0 Stage IV SSC right lower alveolar ridge with fibula free flap, Peg, trach, selective neck dissection,one node positive. No Chemo or radiation.Surgery 3/08.Cancer free for 2 years as of March 13.
Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things and no good thing ever dies.
| | | | | Joined: May 2008 Posts: 357 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: May 2008 Posts: 357 | Hello, Judy -
You are in my prayers.
Marlene
Marginal mandibulectomy 6/17/08 resulted in DX of Stage I SCC - gingiva (3 mm) right mandible, buccal side. Clear margins. Occasional social drinker. Smoked last cigarette in 1979. Clear pet: 12/08; 7/20/09. Yay!
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 794 | Judy....I don't come to the Forum often these days, but I am moved to add my name to those who wish you well and promise prayers for your and your husband's strength and comfort in the coming days.
Colleen
Colleen--T-2N0M0 SCC dx'd 12/28/05...Hemi-maxillectomy, partial palatectomy, neck dissection 1/4/06....clear margins, neg. nodes....no radiation, no chemo....Cancer-free at 4 years!
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 9 Member | | OP Member
Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 9 | It is with unbelievable sadness that I write that my husband, Russ, passed from this earth early Friday morning. The hospice center had called me Thursday morning to tell me to 'get there.' We spent the day with many friends and relatives, and he was somewhat aware, and knew that they were all there. Late that night, everyone had left the room, and around 2:00 a.m. he very quietly left us. It was peaceful and without fear. From the look in his eyes, he had seen someone coming for him, and he just relaxed, smiled just a bit, and just....left. So he is at peace, and without pain, and is now in some very good company...probably fishing with my dad by now, or playing guitar with his brother.
I had been praying for a peaceful transition for him, as had all of our family and friends, and I am so grateful that our prayers were answered.
For all of you kind folks out there who have given me so many words of comfort and support - thank you from the very depths of my heart.
Wife of Russ, 51, who was diagnosed with Stage IV 4cm tumor in mouth floor, jawbone, and tongue in June, 2008. Had aggressive chemo & radiation. Tried & failed to have a resection in March, 2009. Was in hospice care from March 13 until he left this earth on April 10, 2009.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Judy, it is with great pain but still glad it's over for Russ's suffering and the pain it caused you. He is in a much better world than our physical one and if you are lucky, you will meet up with Russ someday in the future. You and your family are in my prayers and get the best wishes and prayers possible.
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: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Both my mother and my youngest brother passed on Easter morning. Both Easters were sad for the family but I have a feeling that becuse it was Easter, it took some of the sting out of the bite.
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: Jul 2006 Posts: 388 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 388 | Judy, we cry with you. I too remember "that look" in my Dad's eyes when he passed - he was looking at someone who had come to accompany him. Hugs and sympathy.........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: 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 | Judy
Im very sorry for the loss of your husband.
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: Jul 2007 Posts: 939 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 939 | My dad was seeing something "really beautiful" as well....I know he was seeing heaven.
We are so sad for you and your family,
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 2008 Posts: 475 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2008 Posts: 475 | I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He is no longer suffering and is out of pain.
Susan Lauria - OCF Director of Events - Always looking for volunteers to help spread the word about early detection! Contact me if you can help!
*Brother passed away from tongue cancer in 2006 at age 47, was co-caregiver, he was non-smoker/casual drinker
LETS MAKE ORAL CANCER HISTORY!
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 | Hi Judy,
I am just seeing your post and I'm so sorry for your loss. We are all here to support you and listen to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm happy that your prayers were answered and your husband passed in peace.
xoxo
Suzanne
***********
T1 SCC on right side of tongue
Age 31...27 when diagnosed
4 partial glossectomies
No chemo or radiation
Biopsy on 2/2/10-Clear
Surgery needed again...no later than April 2011
Loving life and just became a mother on 11/25/10
It's not what we CAN'T do..it's what we CAN do:)
| | | | | 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 | So sorry for your loss Judy but glad that this cancer can't cause Russ any more pain.
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: Jul 2007 Posts: 211 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 211 | Judy,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad that Russ' passing was so peaceful. Even though you have joined this forum recently, I hope that you will continue to find support here as you begin this next phase of your life.
Warmly, Sophie
Sophie T.
CG to husband: SCC Stage 4, T4, N1, M0; non-smoker and very light social drinker; HPV+
induction chemo begun 7/07; chemo/radiation ended 10/10, first cat scan clear; scan on 5/9/08 clear, scan on 10/08 clear; scan 1/09 clear; scan 1/10 clear; passed away July 2, 2016
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Judy,
I wish you the strength to get through these difficult times.
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: Jan 2009 Posts: 476 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2009 Posts: 476 | Judy, my heart aches for you but take comfort knowing Russ is in a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wanda
Wanda (47) caregiver to husband John (56) age at diag.(2009)
1-13-09 diagnosed Stage IV BOT SCC (HPV+)
2-12-09 PEG placed, 7-6-09 removed
Cisplatin 7 weeks, 7 weeks (35) IMRT
4-15-09 - treatment completed
8-09,12-09-CT Scans clear, 4-10,6-11-PET Scans clear
4-2013 - HBO (30 dives) tooth extraction
10-2019 - tooth extraction, HBO (10 dives)
11-2019 - Left lateral tongue SCC - Stage 2
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 | I am very sorry for yours and your family's loss. It truly sounds like an inspirational and peaceful passing, and thank you for your wonderful description. Stay strong, but don't forget to take care of you.
Donna
Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 130 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2008 Posts: 130 | Judy,
You and your family are in my prays.
Amy
40 yr old. Stage IV SCC found left tonsil. PET/CT shows cancer on base of tongue, floor of mouth, lymph nodes on both sides. HPV 16 pos. 6 weeks of cisplatin, 43 days of radiation. 73gy on each side.
ND March 2, 2009
reoccurance dx'd Aug 19, 2009
| | | | | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Judy,
I am so sorry for your loss, but Russ is at peace and no longer in pain. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Take care,
Eileen
----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 706 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 706 | Judy-My deepest sympathy goes out to you. I'm so glad Russ had a peaceful transition. Take care of yourself as the true shock will not have set in yet.
Sue
cg to husband, 48 Stage 1V head and neck SCC. First surgery 9/07. Radiation and several rounds of chemo followed. Mets to chest and lungs. "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." Went home to God on February 22, 2009.
| | | | | Joined: May 2008 Posts: 357 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: May 2008 Posts: 357 | Hello, Judy -
I'm so sorry for your loss. Facing life without your husband will be difficult, but with the support of family and friends, you can work through your grief --- it is hard work, though. Please let us know how you are doing.
Marlene
Marginal mandibulectomy 6/17/08 resulted in DX of Stage I SCC - gingiva (3 mm) right mandible, buccal side. Clear margins. Occasional social drinker. Smoked last cigarette in 1979. Clear pet: 12/08; 7/20/09. Yay!
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