#93241 04-05-2009 07:19 AM | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 214 Gold Member (200+ posts) | OP  Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 214 |
I am 22 months out from completeing radiation treatment.
Three weeks ago my lower left jaw felt sore as if someone had punched me, and I noticed there was some swelling at the jawline. I saw my primary care doctor, and he said my lymph nodes along my jaw were swollen and I must have an infection somewhere. I was not sick, and I didn't have a sore tooth. He prescribed 10 days of penicillin, and didn't seem concerned.
The pain and swelling are gone now, but I can't help but wonder if this could possibly be the signs of something more serious. I have a history of being misdiagnosed.
Any input appreciated, thanks!
Left tonsil SCC, HPV+. T2N0M0. Tonsillectomy 3-07, bilateral radiation, cisplatin 3x, Tx completed 6-06. Clear PET 4-01-2008.
Thyroidectomy 5-9-08, resulting in permanent surgically-induced hypoparathyroidism and adrenal problems. Bummer.
| | | | | 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 | Teresa
Sorry, didnt see your post. Hope you are feeling better and it was just an infection which has cleared. Sorry but dont know about the swollen lymph nodes, never had those involved with either of my cancers.
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: 214 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | OP Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 214 | Thanks, Christine.
I guess I was just wondering if it could possibly be a sign of a bad tooth(or worse). My PCP didn't seem concerned at all, but I don't think he was thinking about my cancer treatment, and I didn't bring it up.
I also have hypoparathyroidism---I don't have the ability to process calcium properly(thank you, thyroidectomy), so I wonder what effects that will have on my jawbone long-term. Curious as to whether that could weaken the bone or make it more susceptible to infection.
Seems like everytime I have a health issue, diagnosis is delayed, or just plain misdiagnosed.
The swelling is down, snd there is only an intermittent dull ache. Guess I'll just go about my business!
Left tonsil SCC, HPV+. T2N0M0. Tonsillectomy 3-07, bilateral radiation, cisplatin 3x, Tx completed 6-06. Clear PET 4-01-2008.
Thyroidectomy 5-9-08, resulting in permanent surgically-induced hypoparathyroidism and adrenal problems. Bummer.
| | | | | 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 | Teresa, its nice to see you post even if it is for a problem. Glad to hear the swellign isdown. What you wrote makes alot of sense, at least to me. I would also think that not being able to process calcium would eventually affect your bones.
Did you go to the dentist? Might just be a cavity that got out of control. That happened to me years ago, my whole face swelled up over a cavity.
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 | Geez Christine,. she sounds like us, a toothache and no teeth in our mouths. Girlcat, wishing you the best and put your mind to work on fun things that take you away from all of this.
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: 214 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | OP Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 214 | Thanks, Christine and Jim.
I have a dental cleaning in May, so I will bring it up at my cleaning. My hygenist seems very familiar with radiation patients--but not hypocalcemic patients. I am probably the only hypocalcemic patient they will ever see.
I see my oncologist in two weeks, so I will tell him about the swollen lymph nodes, too.
Left tonsil SCC, HPV+. T2N0M0. Tonsillectomy 3-07, bilateral radiation, cisplatin 3x, Tx completed 6-06. Clear PET 4-01-2008.
Thyroidectomy 5-9-08, resulting in permanent surgically-induced hypoparathyroidism and adrenal problems. Bummer.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 1,004 | I would definitly ask your dentist about it, especially if you don't think your pcp was thinking about the cancer.
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:)
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