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What is the survival rate for 65 yr Male w/ squamous cell carcinoma
My husband was diagnosed in November of 2022 with left tongue squamous cell carcinoma. He had a partial glossectomy. He was doing great then in last of March he had a lump on his neck and had a PET scan and they discovered the following:
There is a
2.2 cm hypermetabolic lesion in the. left lateral neck at the level of C1-C2 on
image 59 with SUV 5.9. Exact measurement of the lesion is difficult due to
continuity with the surrounding musculature. No additional cervical sites of
increased FDG activity. Postsurgical changes of prior left neck dissection are
noted.
Now we are waiting to find out if they are going to do a surgical biopsy or radiation. What should I be asking and or advocating for my husband. We have been told to try ivermectin as a treatment for cancer, is this a viable solution?
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The hemorrhage must have been terrifying. Glad you’re still doing well.
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1 ReactionAs for me no matter how sick and weak I was I made sure I showered daily, brushed my teeth morning noon and night, got dressed into at least clean sweatsuit but other than getting out for my daily treatment I pretty much stayed home. I never drove a motor vehicle while I was on any pain management!
At one point I secluded myself for a couple weeks because I had doubts that I would pull through. I felt ashamed to let our son and his wife see me this way too. But my wife put her foot down and insisted that I get out of that room and sit with her because I couldn’t die on her. That kind of snapped me out of my slump but I still didn’t get out much.
I was a Deputy Sheriff K-9 handler/trainer so I did get outside to spend time with my K-9 partner daily, he missed me for sure. Due to me sleeping in a spare room during treatments (because I was in the bathroom so much to pee) my wife insisted that I bring my dog Drago(Belgian Malinois) inside with me at night….this was against our department policy but since I was forced into disability I figured what the heck!
Drago was so excited to come into our house but the first night I woke up to a white room; I turned on the light to see why it was white and found a room full of feathers from the remains of a king size feather pillow 🪿🪽🪽🪽🪽lol.
My parents were staying with us from out of state and they were a huge help which also allowed my wife to continue working.
Each night at 7:00 sharp Drago would begin a low drawn out howl. That was my cue to put our pets to bed with my wife, I would head to bed while my dad went out to get Drago. Drago would pee, head to the door, run in full speed, jump into bed, lick my face off, tuck his head under my arm and stay there all night if I didn’t move…I’m crying right now 😢🐕. My department eventually came and took Drago from me which is another sad story.
Anyway, sorry for the long story but that was my experience.
MOJO
Thanks Jody! I was afraid that this is what is in store for me, but appreciate you giving me the, heads-up, cause doctors won't I go for biopsy and measurements(possible robotic surgery) on Thursday, and then radiologist 5 days later. I assume that the radiation/chem will then follow. So, it kinda looks like the tough parts will begin in July and early August and last until around the first of the year??? I live alone and have no family, so it's just my dog and me. I am 80, looks like 2025 is not going to be my best year
I truly appreciate your sharing, sometimes its the doubt that worries me the most.
I will do my best to follow your suggestions. I have already ordered the mouthwash, soft tooth brush, etc. I will make sure that radiologist sets me up with a feeding tube, etc
Thank you so very much!
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1 ReactionGive Drago my best regards, he sounds like my kinda pup!
You definitely need someone to take you to treatment, you will most likely be on pain medication and it is unlawful to drive under the influence of pain medication…it’s the same as a DUI!!!
Most treatment centers have donations that can help you with gas, hotel, transportation etc, reach out to them for assistance….don’t do it alone!
Yes get the feeding tube and the port you will be glad you did! Also have your dentist examine your teeth. If you have any bad teeth, wisdoms or crowns in the radiation impact area they need to be extracted and you need to heal a minimum of 21 days prior to radiation.
MOJO
Drago was taken from me and given to another handler and mysteriously got a bowel obstruction and died!…I was not very happy about that news! 😢
Honestly, my memory of that time is veiled in a cloud of haze. I was heavily medicated with Morphine and oxycodone to ease the pain. I was off work for three months for radiation and chemo, then another two months after surgery. I didn't get much of anything done during that time except watching a lot of movies I can't remember having seen. A journalist wrote of his experience, opting out of pain meds and feeding tube so that he could write an article about it. He said it was uncomfortable, but tolerable. I couldn't vouch for that.
Bupster those are the same questions I was asking before my ordeal so along with the others I'm happy to share...
I guess you could say it was one day at a time. I was able to continue to go to work through at least half of the treatments and then worked from home when necessary throughout the entire treatment and recovery.
I would go to radiation in the morning and then go right to work. On chemo days (once a week) it was a bit more challenging because I would be somewhat nauseous but was still able to do it. As the treatment progressed I would go straight home and sit in my recliner and rest and "eat" through the feeding tube four times a day. I was able to shower and take walks throught the entire process but I have heard of some who were not, so everyone is different.
I also, on the advice of my doctors made sure to 'exercise' daily and I use the term very loosely. Essentially anything to get out of the chair and move a little, stretch etc. but I forced myslef to do something every day even though many days I just wanted to rest. I believe it helped in my recovery.
I did not visit friends or go to the grocery but friends and family came by to visit me. My wife or others would get what I needed (which wasn't much). I rarely left home from about week five of treatment through maybe six weeks post treatment.
Having said all this I'm mindful that everyone's experience is different but this was mine. This forum helped me tremendously from diagnosis right thru to present day and hopefully its doing the same for you.
All the best, you got this!
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4 ReactionsThank you to all, and to Drago especially! I really appreciate the advise, wisdom, and council. I guess that my journey will begin next week, and this year Christmas won't come early enough!
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2 ReactionsHave faith in your care team, family, friends, and especially yourself. Stay positive and strong and you will pull through this. My faith guided me and still does today. Stay as active as your mind and body allow, that will help. One day at a time. May God bless you! You got this my friend!
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