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What is the survival rate for 65 yr Male w/ squamous cell carcinoma
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: May 9 12:02pm | Replies (41)Comment receiving replies
Hello @bupster I'm a 64 year old male. Had 7 weeks (35 sessions) radiation and 6 sessions of chemo. If you've read through this forum you already know that it will be challenging for sure. But I'm here to tell you it's absolutely survivable and there IS life after this ordeal. Brief summary of my experience: First few weeks of radiation were easy but gradually became more difficult, very painful to swallow and by the end I could not even swallow a drop of water. Also had a neck burn for the last two weeks or so of radiation that took a few weeks after treatment to heal. I had a feeding tube placed before I started treatment which was a blessing and allowed me to maintain my nutritional needs and weight during treatment but more importantly throughout the full recovery process. The chemo (cysplatin) made me nauseous and tired for a few days after each treatment but never to the point of vomiting.
The post treatment recovery is slow but eventually it does happen. I'm presently ten months post treatment and so much better. I can eat almost anything (nothing spicy) but need to wash everything down with water. Not unusual. Other lingering effects include fibrosis of the neck (stiff & painfull to turn) and mild lymphedema under my chin but it's much better than it was. My advice if you need this treatment, do everything your doctors tell you to. See a speech pathologist before treatment. Ask about a feeding tube.
Most importantly I'm cancer free! It was a journey for sure but feeling good and enjoying life once again. You can do this!
Replies to "Hello @bupster I'm a 64 year old male. Had 7 weeks (35 sessions) radiation and 6..."
Thanks John! your advise and experience is just what I was looking for, so Thank you. Does not sound like a fun time, but as you say it is survivable ! Question: How do I get this feeding tube? Were able to drink? Is a liquid diet feasible ? Did you lose your hair? A speech pathologist to regain speech? Oh I see, the pathologist will help with the tube, I got it
I think the feeding tube is important. I lost 40 lbs. even with it, as the pain of swallowing was substantial. All the pain and discomfort are in the distant past. Three weeks in and the receptionist became suspicious of my condition. I thought it was the medication given to protect my saliva glands, to little avail, but it turned out I had pneumonia. They all were great at getting me through it. Follow-up PT is crucial, otherwise the deficiencies will be long lasting. Something I know from experience. There is life after, so do what you have to do to survive.
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Thank you so much for sharing your experience, my husband is a pastor and he is concerned he will be able to continue to preach and fulfill his pastoral duties during this process. He has a surgical biopsy on 5/6/25 and after that they will decide if he will need the radiation and chemo. I am so happy you are cancer free and will pray you continue to be so. Life is precious and every breath is a gift.