What is the survival rate for 65 yr Male w/ squamous cell carcinoma

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!

Thank you for your encouraging words. He has a surgical biopsy next Tuesday 5/6/25 and then from there they will decide if he will have radiation and chemo.

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.

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

The speech pathologist will help with swallowing. I know it sounds strange, I thought so too but they give you exercises to do to help with this. Swallowing issues can be a big part of this whole process including long after it's over. I still do the recommended exercises everyday.
My feeding tube was placed at a local hospital, my main radiation oncologist recommended it and wrote a prescrition for it. BTW the process was easy but it did take ten days or so to heal up but after that it was no big deal and now I only have a very small scar to show it was ever there. I only lost my hair in the back of my head about three inches up but it's long since grown back. Lost my facial hair but that's come back too.
I could not even drink liquids from about half way thru treatment until a month or so after treatment but I know everyone's experience is different and many in this forum were able to so you may be able to have a liquid diet of Ensure or similar hi calorie supplement.
I survived on Kate Farms formula put into my feeding tube four times a day. Very easy and I had zero nutritional issues.

So basically you do have a diagnosis but awaiting biopsy results as to type and panel screen. Some SSC’s are relatively simple to combat whilst others require Chemo. Once the biopsy results are known, then you will know your path to addressing the cancer. Until then, we could tell you fifty different approaches you could expect.
I know you are scared. If you have surgery then you will have to heal a while prior to radiation and/or Chemo or other non-Chemo approaches. Best thing to do while you wait is to learn as much about these cancers as possible. Make some life plans such as work, obligations, finances, etc.
The experience of waiting can be brutal for many. I for one presented by hemorrhage of a tonsil pillar, which resulted in emergency surgery, which resulted in mass removal and a biopsy within hours. By the time I woke up in hospital I was told the facts and prognosis. I went from daily life to cancer treatment in a very short timeframe.

@sapooh as for dental: my oncologist had me see an oral surgeon prior to any treatment beginning.
All dental issues need to be addressed to avoid very expensive dental procedures post radiation!!!
I had to get my wisdom teeth as well as 2 molars with crowns and 2 molars with fillings extracted. Then, you have to wait a minimum of 21 days for the gums to heal before any radiation can begin….time is of the essence for sure…get to a dentist ASAP. He will also need a dental tray so he can treat his teeth with fluoride paste.
As for showering: my oncologist recommended Nuetrogena (fragrance free, non allergenic) for face and neck or whole body. Costco is the cheapest!
Also the oncology nurse should keep you stocked with the cream to use; follow directions to a Tee! Never apply before treatment time and always apply shortly after treatment. You will definitely see what happens to the necks of the people not using proper products!!!

MOJO