Newly diagnosed and scared

Posted by Julie H @jkhagen1, Dec 20, 2024

Hi folx, my "Thanksgiving Eve" tongue biopsy revealed stage 1 HPV squamous cell carcinoma. I understand it's treatable and the 7 weeks of chemo/radiation sounds really scary. How did you cope? I am confident I have a great care team, just want to hear from real people who might have some wisdom to share. Peace be with you.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Head & Neck Cancer Support Group.

Hi Julie. I am really bad with all of this posting, etc.
I think I replied to you on the wrong message. 4dogsrental is my name on this site, but I have no idea how I got that name.
Basically, I wrote posts about my 7 weeks of treatment experience for the same type of cancer that you have, apparently. I hope the information is helpful to you.

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Thank you so much for sharing your story and the week by week details. Yes, I am stage 1 and my treatment begins Tuesday. Same chemo/radiation schedule. I value this community - I'm learning so much and that was/is what I am seeking. It's the little things... like yes, you have to eat and drink, but it's okay to take one little swallow, rest, and do it again. The "how to eat an elephant" metaphor in real life!

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Hi Julie,

The Mayo Head & Neck Support Group (which meets once a month) and Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) were helpful support groups during my journey. It was nice to share with others who understood my situation during my treatments and recovery.

Best of Luck!
Eric

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@4dogsrental

Hi Julie. I am really bad with all of this posting, etc.
I think I replied to you on the wrong message. 4dogsrental is my name on this site, but I have no idea how I got that name.
Basically, I wrote posts about my 7 weeks of treatment experience for the same type of cancer that you have, apparently. I hope the information is helpful to you.

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@4dogsrental, if you would like me to change your username, send me a note using this form https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/

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@jkhagen1.I have posted this a number of times, but folks seem to feel it is of value. So here it is again.

I had SCC on the base of my tongue and a couple of lymph nodes in the fall of 2020. I had chemo and proton radiation, since have had multiple cleans scans.

I wrote a blog during my experience (non-revenue generating) if you would like to review it, the link/URL is below. My wife, Suzy, wrote a wonderfully insightful post called lists and non-advice advice.
https://stevefleurysblog.com/2021/01/05/lists-and-non-advice-advice/
You can read the entire blog at:
https://stevefleurysblog.com/2020/10/29/part-1-the-beginning/

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@stephenrfleury Thanks so much for sharing. Very good "non-advice" advice. Some I'd heard, much I hadn't. Peace be with you.

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@jkhagen1

@stephenrfleury Thanks so much for sharing. Very good "non-advice" advice. Some I'd heard, much I hadn't. Peace be with you.

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How are you doing so far? I’ll be keeping you in my prayers tonight. Kick cancer’s ass!!!!!!!

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Meh. Getting used to the routine and the side effects. One day at a time! (5 more infusions and 31 more radiation treatments) but who's counting? 😀

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@jkhagen1

Meh. Getting used to the routine and the side effects. One day at a time! (5 more infusions and 31 more radiation treatments) but who's counting? 😀

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Meh indeed. In the coming weeks it may be a little more bothersome. On a scale of one to Adele, in the coming weeks you might be approaching the Adele sadness level. But fear not, we gotcha. Whine if you want to. Scream if you need to. Look forward to Spring.

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@jkhagen1

Meh. Getting used to the routine and the side effects. One day at a time! (5 more infusions and 31 more radiation treatments) but who's counting? 😀

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Hi. I am going through a similar protocol for thyroid cancer, left behind on my trachea. 6 weeks radiation. 1 day a week, chemo. I am in week 2. So far ok.
Thankful we have a way to kill cancer.

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